Christology 2: The Pre-Incarnate Christ
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This lecture answers the questions: "Where was Jesus Christ before He was born of Mary?" and, "What was Jesus Christ before He came into this world?" Although He did not possess a physical, material body prior to the incarnation, the scriptures are clear that the Son was eternally pre-existent, co-existent, co-essential, and co-equal with God the Father and God the Holy Ghost.
This lecture answers the questions: "Where was Jesus Christ before He was born of Mary?" and, "What was Jesus Christ before He came into this world?" Although He did not possess a physical, material body prior to the incarnation, the scriptures are clear that the Son was eternally pre-existent, co-existent, co-essential, and co-equal with God the Father and God the Holy Ghost.
I. Scriptural Proofs for the Pre-Existence of Christ.
I. Scriptural Proofs for the Pre-Existence of Christ.
A. John 1:1 — "In the beginning was the Word..." (cf. Genesis 1:1.)
A. John 1:1 — "In the beginning was the Word..." (cf. Genesis 1:1.)
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
B. John 8:58 - "Before Abraham was, I AM." (cf. Exodus 3:14.)
B. John 8:58 - "Before Abraham was, I AM." (cf. Exodus 3:14.)
58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
C. John 17:5,24 - "...which I had with thee before the world was."
C. John 17:5,24 - "...which I had with thee before the world was."
5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
D. Philippians 2:6 — "Who, being in the form of God..."
D. Philippians 2:6 — "Who, being in the form of God..."
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
E. Colossians 1:16,17 — "For by him were all things created..."
E. Colossians 1:16,17 — "For by him were all things created..."
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
F. Revelation 1:8 - "I am Alpha and Omega..."
F. Revelation 1:8 - "I am Alpha and Omega..."
8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
G. Isaiah 9:6 — the "everlasting Father..."”
G. Isaiah 9:6 — the "everlasting Father..."”
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: And the government shall be upon his shoulder: And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
II. The Pre-Incarnate Relationship between God the Father and God the Son.
II. The Pre-Incarnate Relationship between God the Father and God the Son.
A.Eternal Sonship or Incarnational Sonship.
A.Eternal Sonship or Incarnational Sonship.
There are those who teach what may be termed the "Incarnational Sonship" of Jesus Christ — that He became the Son of God only at the time of His birth into this world:
There are those who teach what may be termed the "Incarnational Sonship" of Jesus Christ — that He became the Son of God only at the time of His birth into this world:
"Christ is and always has been the second member of the Trinity but only became a Son in His incarnation... The term Son, then, refers only to Christ's incarnation." “He became a Son by His virgin birth and was affirmed a Son again at the resurrection." "From eternity He has been the second Person of the Trinity. He assumed the role of a Son in His incarnation."
"Christ is and always has been the second member of the Trinity but only became a Son in His incarnation... The term Son, then, refers only to Christ's incarnation." “He became a Son by His virgin birth and was affirmed a Son again at the resurrection." "From eternity He has been the second Person of the Trinity. He assumed the role of a Son in His incarnation."
The text most used to support this theory is Luke 1:35:
35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
Note: Some who hold this view (e.g. Oneness Pentecostals) also teach the Oneness of God error - a form of modalism that teaches there is only one God Who has manifested Himself in different modes (Father, Son, Holy Spirit at different times. Therefore, Jesus became the Son of God — either at His birth, His baptism, or His triumph. There was never a coexistent Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Note: Some who hold this view (e.g. Oneness Pentecostals) also teach the Oneness of God error - a form of modalism that teaches there is only one God Who has manifested Himself in different modes (Father, Son, Holy Spirit at different times. Therefore, Jesus became the Son of God — either at His birth, His baptism, or His triumph. There was never a coexistent Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
B. The Eternal Sonship of Christ Demonstrated,
B. The Eternal Sonship of Christ Demonstrated,
Opposed to these false concepts is the Biblical declaration of the eternal Sonship of Jesus Christ — the fact that He has always been the Son of God from eternity past. A number of scriptures teach or imply this:
Opposed to these false concepts is the Biblical declaration of the eternal Sonship of Jesus Christ — the fact that He has always been the Son of God from eternity past. A number of scriptures teach or imply this:
1. Psalm 2:7 & Hebrews 1:5,6.
1. Psalm 2:7 & Hebrews 1:5,6.
7 I will declare the decree: The Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; This day have I begotten thee.
5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?
6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
Although Psalm 2 is a "Messianic Psalm" in that it refers directly to Jesus Christ, the tense of verse 7 is present rather than future. It cannot be argued that the tense is present only in a prophetic sense, because Hebrews 1:6 states that God brought His "firstbegotten [Son] into the world...— i.e. Jesus was already the begotten Son before His incarnation.
Although Psalm 2 is a "Messianic Psalm" in that it refers directly to Jesus Christ, the tense of verse 7 is present rather than future. It cannot be argued that the tense is present only in a prophetic sense, because Hebrews 1:6 states that God brought His "firstbegotten [Son] into the world...— i.e. Jesus was already the begotten Son before His incarnation.
2. The Father Sent The Son.
2. The Father Sent The Son.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
i John 4:14
14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
These verses do not say the Father sent the second Person of the Godhead into the world (to become the Son) — they declare He sent His Son!
These verses do not say the Father sent the second Person of the Godhead into the world (to become the Son) — they declare He sent His Son!
3. Colossians 1:13-20
3. Colossians 1:13-20
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
"We note that all the fifteen pronouns in verses 15 to 20 inclusive are in apposition with the noun, Son, [of) verse 13. Each dependent sentence, therefore, declares some fresh glory of THE SON, to Whom they all relate, and in Whom they all combine with a transcendent harmony."
"We note that all the fifteen pronouns in verses 15 to 20 inclusive are in apposition with the noun, Son, [of) verse 13. Each dependent sentence, therefore, declares some fresh glory of THE SON, to Whom they all relate, and in Whom they all combine with a transcendent harmony."
Thus it is clear that the SON was the Creator of the universe, not just “The Word" or the "Second Person" of the Trinity. See also: Hebrews 1:2.
Thus it is clear that the SON was the Creator of the universe, not just “The Word" or the "Second Person" of the Trinity. See also: Hebrews 1:2.
2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
4. John 1:18
4. John 1:18
18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
We know that Jesus Christ declared the Father during His earthly ministry (e.g. John 14:8,9; 17:6,8,14,26). This means that the Lord Jesus Christ must have been the "only begotten Son... in the bosom of the Father" before His incarnation!
5. Matthew 21:37
5. Matthew 21:37
37 But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.
The son in this parable was clearly a son before he was sent on his mission.
The son in this parable was clearly a son before he was sent on his mission.
6. Romans 1:3-4
6. Romans 1:3-4
3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
These verses are very clear: verse 3 states that the [eternal] Son was made of the seed of David according to the flesh" — a reference to the incarnation and Christ's humanity; verse 4 states Christ was "declared to be the Son of God with power" — meaning that His eternal Sonship was demonstrated by His resurrection (Acts 13:33). They do not teach that Christ was made the Son of God. Just as the (eternal) Word was made flesh (John 1:14) so the eternal Son was made flesh.
These verses are very clear: verse 3 states that the [eternal] Son was made of the seed of David according to the flesh" — a reference to the incarnation and Christ's humanity; verse 4 states Christ was "declared to be the Son of God with power" — meaning that His eternal Sonship was demonstrated by His resurrection (Acts 13:33). They do not teach that Christ was made the Son of God. Just as the (eternal) Word was made flesh (John 1:14) so the eternal Son was made flesh.
33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
7. Proverbs 30:4 - a Son in eternity past.
"
7. Proverbs 30:4 - a Son in eternity past.
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4 Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? Who hath gathered the wind in his fists? Who hath bound the waters in a garment? Who hath established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son’s name, if thou canst tell?
8. Isaiah 9:6
8. Isaiah 9:6
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: And the government shall be upon his shoulder: And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
9. Hebrews 5:8
9. Hebrews 5:8
8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
This scripture teaches that the Son became a servant (Philippians 2:7,8). It does not say he became a Son — he WAS a Son!
This scripture teaches that the Son became a servant (Philippians 2:7,8). It does not say he became a Son — he WAS a Son!
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
The term "Son" implies equality, not subordination (see: John 5:18;10:30,33).
The term "Son" implies equality, not subordination (see: John 5:18;10:30,33).
10. The Son Of God In The Furnace - Daniel 3:25.
10. The Son Of God In The Furnace - Daniel 3:25.
25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
Jesus is called the Son of God some 580 years before His incarnation.
Jesus is called the Son of God some 580 years before His incarnation.
How did a pagan king know it was Christ? No doubt through the personal witness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego (verse 17) and the witness of the Word of God (Isaiah 43:2).
How did a pagan king know it was Christ? No doubt through the personal witness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego (verse 17) and the witness of the Word of God (Isaiah 43:2).
2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: When thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; Neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
C. The Incarnational Sonship of Christ Refuted.
C. The Incarnational Sonship of Christ Refuted.
For many, this issue may seem to be simply a matter of semantics. Even though many of those holding to the incarnational Sonship theory do not deny the deity of Christ nor the Trinity, there are several implications involved in its acceptance, however. For example:
For many, this issue may seem to be simply a matter of semantics. Even though many of those holding to the incarnational Sonship theory do not deny the deity of Christ nor the Trinity, there are several implications involved in its acceptance, however. For example:
1. This View Denies The Eternal Father
1. This View Denies The Eternal Father
Sonship implies (and requires) Fatherhood. Therefore, if Christ was not the Son of God before His incarnation then there was no Father before that time,
Sonship implies (and requires) Fatherhood. Therefore, if Christ was not the Son of God before His incarnation then there was no Father before that time,
2. This View Denies The Actual Relationship Between God And Jesus.
2. This View Denies The Actual Relationship Between God And Jesus.
The term "Son of God" becomes a title assumed by Christ, and has Him 'playing' the rôle of a Son during His earthly ministry. In actual fact, the term "only begotten Son" declares the intimate, eternal relationship between the Father and The Son - John 1:18; 17:5.
The term "Son of God" becomes a title assumed by Christ, and has Him 'playing' the rôle of a Son during His earthly ministry. In actual fact, the term "only begotten Son" declares the intimate, eternal relationship between the Father and The Son - John 1:18; 17:5.
18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
3. The Bible Never Says Christ Became The Son Of God.
3. The Bible Never Says Christ Became The Son Of God.
Luke 1:35 does not say Mary's child would become the Son of God, but that Christ would be called [by men] the Son of God. The Bible does teach, however, that He became the Son of Man.
Luke 1:35 does not say Mary's child would become the Son of God, but that Christ would be called [by men] the Son of God. The Bible does teach, however, that He became the Son of Man.
35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
4. Christ Is The Son Of God From Eternity Past.
4. Christ Is The Son Of God From Eternity Past.
Both Acts 13:33 and Hebrews 1:5 quote Psalm 2:7. If the "this day" refers to a point in time, then Hebrews 1:5 places that point at the incarnation, whereas Acts 13:33 would have Christ becoming the Son of God at His resurrection. That's absurd! He was clearly the Son of God before His resurrection, so it makes sense that he was also the Son of God before His incarnation.
Both Acts 13:33 and Hebrews 1:5 quote Psalm 2:7. If the "this day" refers to a point in time, then Hebrews 1:5 places that point at the incarnation, whereas Acts 13:33 would have Christ becoming the Son of God at His resurrection. That's absurd! He was clearly the Son of God before His resurrection, so it makes sense that he was also the Son of God before His incarnation.
33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?
7 I will declare the decree: The Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; This day have I begotten thee.
5. This View Means God Has Changed
5. This View Means God Has Changed
If Jesus wasn't the Son and now is the Son, there has been a fundamental change in the Godhead. cf. Malachi 3:6a.
If Jesus wasn't the Son and now is the Son, there has been a fundamental change in the Godhead. cf. Malachi 3:6a.
6 For I am the Lord, I change not; Therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
III. The Pre-Incarnate Works of Christ.
III. The Pre-Incarnate Works of Christ.
The scriptures teach that the Son was active in the creation of the universe:
The scriptures teach that the Son was active in the creation of the universe:
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:
IV. The Pre-Incarnate Appeareance of Christ.
IV. The Pre-Incarnate Appeareance of Christ.
In the Old Testament, a Personage called "The Angel of the LORD" from time to time appears on the scene. It is evident from a close study of such accounts that this Angel is a "pre-incarnate manifestation of deity" - undoubtedly the Lord Jesus Christ in angelic form. See: Genesis 17:1; 18:1,2.
In the Old Testament, a Personage called "The Angel of the LORD" from time to time appears on the scene. It is evident from a close study of such accounts that this Angel is a "pre-incarnate manifestation of deity" - undoubtedly the Lord Jesus Christ in angelic form. See: Genesis 17:1; 18:1,2.
1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
1 And the Lord appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;
2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
The word "angel" means a 'messenger.'
The word "angel" means a 'messenger.'
The theological expression for these appearances is a "theophany" - from “theos" = 'God,' and "phainein" = 'to show.'
The theological expression for these appearances is a "theophany" - from “theos" = 'God,' and "phainein" = 'to show.'
A. The Angel of the Lord is identified as God.
A. The Angel of the Lord is identified as God.
3 And Sarai Abram’s wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife.
11 And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.
12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
11 And the angel of God spake unto me in a dream, saying, Jacob: And I said, Here am I.
13 I am the God of Beth-el, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.
B. The Angel of the Lord is Worshipped.
B. The Angel of the Lord is Worshipped.
1 And the Lord appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;
2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
C. The Angel of the Lord displays omniscience.
C. The Angel of the Lord displays omniscience.
13 And the Lord said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?
15 Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.
D. The Angel of the Lord displays Omnipotent Judgement.
D. The Angel of the Lord displays Omnipotent Judgement.
24 Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven;
E. The Angel of the Lord makes promises and gives prophecies.
E. The Angel of the Lord makes promises and gives prophecies.
10 And the angel of the Lord said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.
12 And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man’s hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.
F. The Angel of the Lord Redeems and Saves.
F. The Angel of the Lord Redeems and Saves.
15 And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day,
16 The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.
9 In all their affliction he was afflicted, And the angel of his presence saved them: In his love and in his pity he redeemed them; And he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.
Note: Jesus Christ is not an angel.
Note: Jesus Christ is not an angel.
The Jehovah's Witness cult teaches that the Lord Jesus Christ is the archangel Michael, effectively denying the deity of Christ by making Him a created being - which John 1:3 and Colossians 1:16 refute. I Thessalonians 4:16 and Jude 9 differentiate Michael and the Lord.
The Jehovah's Witness cult teaches that the Lord Jesus Christ is the archangel Michael, effectively denying the deity of Christ by making Him a created being - which John 1:3 and Colossians 1:16 refute. I Thessalonians 4:16 and Jude 9 differentiate Michael and the Lord.
Note: Appearances of the Lord Jesus Christ after His resurrection and ascension (Revelation 1:10-20) are referred to as "Christophanies."
Note: Appearances of the Lord Jesus Christ after His resurrection and ascension (Revelation 1:10-20) are referred to as "Christophanies."
