Deity of Christ
Muslims argue that the Hebrew Bible states God is not a man and therefore cannot become one.
Quick answer
The Christian response emphasizes that while the Hebrew Bible asserts God's nature is unlike man, it does not preclude God from taking on human form. The texts cited can be understood in the context of God's unchanging nature while still allowing for divine incarnation.
Full argument
The Hebrew Bible indeed emphasizes that God is unlike man, particularly in terms of reliability and consistency. Verses such as Numbers 23:19 and 1 Samuel 15:29 highlight that God does not lie or repent like humans do. However, these statements about God's nature do not inherently negate the possibility of God choosing to become man. The key is understanding that God's essence remains unchanged even if He chooses to reveal Himself in different forms. Furthermore, the Hebrew Scriptures contain instances where God appears in a form that can be perceived by humans, such as during the Exodus. This suggests that God can manifest in ways that are comprehensible to humanity without compromising His divine nature. Therefore, the assertion that God cannot become man is not supported by a comprehensive reading of the Hebrew Bible.
Key verses
Numbers 23:19bible
God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should repent.
1 Samuel 15:29bible
And also the Glory of Israel will not lie or repent; for he is not a man, that he should repent.
Hosea 11:9bible
For I am God and not man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come to destroy.
John 1:14bible
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us...
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