How did Christ become man according to traditional doctrine?

In traditional Christian doctrine, the belief that Christ became man centers around the concept of the Incarnation, which is articulated through the understanding that Jesus was conceived supernaturally by the Holy Spirit. This means that he was not merely born through natural procreation but was uniquely brought into existence by divine intervention.

This understanding emphasizes the dual nature of Christ as fully divine and fully human, affirming that His entrance into the world was not ordinary but rather extraordinary, involving a miraculous conception. This belief is reinforced by biblical texts, particularly the accounts in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, which narrate the Virgin Birth and the role of the Holy Spirit in the conception of Jesus.

The other options present interpretations that do not align with mainstream Christian teaching. The notion of divine revelation alone, taking on a physical body through human means, or merging with humanity do not adequately capture the distinctive belief in the supernatural conception that underscores the doctrine of the Incarnation. Thus, the correct understanding acknowledges the unique and divine act of conception that led to Christ’s manifestation as both God and man.