Christ's Identity and Attributes in Three Stages
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and reality. And we have beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten from the Father.
John 1:18 No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known.
Luke 1:35 The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, that holy thing to be born will be called the Son of God.”
Acts 13:33 God has fully fulfilled this to us, his children, in that he raised up Jesus, just as it is written in the second Psalm: “You are my Son, today I have begotten you.” 』
Hebrews 1:6 Furthermore, when God brings his firstborn Son into the world again, he says, “Let all the angels of God worship him.” 』
Ro 8:29 For those whom God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
|
Aspect |
Before Incarnation |
After Incarnation |
In Resurrection |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Identity |
The Only Begotten Son of God |
God-man (Son of God incarnated) |
The Firstborn Son of God |
|
Nature/Attributes |
Divine nature only |
- Divine nature (veiled in flesh) - Added human nature (unrelated to divinity) |
- Divine nature - Resurrected, transformed, uplifted, glorified human nature |
|
Significance |
Eternally the Son of God |
Word became flesh for redemption |
Designated as the Son of God with glorified humanity |
|
Reason |
Originally possessed complete divinity |
Needed human nature for redemption |
- Needed to uplift and sanctify humanity - Enable believers to be regenerated in His resurrection life |
|
Relationship with Other Stages |
- Preparation for incarnation - Divine foundation for later stages - Reveals God's original intention Scripture: - John 17:5 "before the world was" - John 1:18 "No one has seen God" - John 3:16 "only begotten Son" |
- Inherits previous divine nature - Prepares humanity for resurrection - Initiates redemption process Scripture: - John 1:14 "became flesh" - Luke 1:35 "born of you" - Rom 8:3 "likeness of sinful flesh" |
- Fulfills purpose of previous stages - Brings humanity into divine glory - Produces many sons Scripture: - Acts 13:33 "today I have begotten you" - Rom 8:29 "firstborn" - 1 Pet 1:3 "born again" |
|
Stage Characteristics |
- Pure divinity - Eternal sonship Scripture: - John 17:5 "glory" - John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word" |
- Divinity hidden in humanity - Acquired complete humanity Scripture: - Phil 2:7 "form of man" - Heb 2:14 "shared in flesh and blood" |
- Perfect union of divine and human natures - Glorified humanity Scripture: - Rom 1:3-4 "designated... according to Spirit" - Luke 24:26 "enter into His glory" |
|
Significance for Believers |
- Establishes divine origin Scripture: - John 1:18 "made Him known" - John 3:16 "whoever believes... eternal life" |
- Becomes foundation of redemption Scripture: - Heb 2:14-15 "through death... deliver" - Rom 8:3 "condemned sin" |
- Enables believers' regeneration - Conforms to Firstborn's image Scripture: - 1 Pet 1:3 "through resurrection" - Rom 8:29 "conformed to image" |
Overall Relationship of Three Stages
- 1. Continuous Development
- * From eternal divinity → Added humanity → Glorified humanity
- * Scripture: Phil 2:6-11 "emptied Himself... name above every name"
- 2. Complete Redemption Process
- * Divine foundation → Redemption accomplishment → Regeneration realization
- * Scripture: Heb 2:10 "bringing many sons to glory"
- 3. Full Identity Manifestation
- * Only Begotten Son → God-man → Firstborn among many brothers
- * Scripture: Rom 8:29-30 "predestined... also glorified"
- 4. Life Flow and Multiplication
- * Divine life → Redemptive life → Resurrection life
- * Scripture: John 12:24 "grain of wheat... bears much fruit"
*Please refer to the July 2024 Anaheim, California, USA training Experiencing, Enjoying and Manifesting Christ (II) Week 13 David’s descendants become the sons of God
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