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
o
From eternal divinity → Added humanity → Glorified humanity
o
Scripture: Phil 2:6-11 "emptied Himself... name above every name"
2.
Complete
Redemption Process
o
Divine foundation → Redemption accomplishment
→ Regeneration realization
o
Scripture: Heb 2:10 "bringing many sons to glory"
3.
Full Identity
Manifestation
o
Only Begotten Son → God-man → Firstborn among many brothers
o
Scripture: Rom 8:29-30 "predestined... also glorified"
4.
Life Flow and
Multiplication
o
Divine life → Redemptive life → Resurrection life
o
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
