What does the term 'incarnation' refer to in Christianity?

The term 'incarnation' in Christianity specifically refers to the belief that Jesus is God made flesh. This concept is foundational to Christian theology, illustrating the moment when the divine Word (Logos) became human in the person of Jesus Christ. In this belief, Jesus embodies both full divinity and full humanity, signifying God's intimate relationship with humanity. The incarnation emphasizes how God entered into the human experience to redeem and restore creation.

The other options relate to important Christian beliefs but do not define 'incarnation.' Life after death pertains to eschatological beliefs and differing views on what happens beyond this life. The resurrection focuses specifically on Jesus' return to life after his crucifixion, an event that is significant but distinct from the idea of incarnation. The creation of the world by God speaks to the act of God bringing the universe into existence, which is a separate theological concept from the incarnation. Each of these themes plays a role in the broader narrative of Christian theology, but the specific term 'incarnation' is best captured by the idea of God becoming flesh in Jesus Christ.