Pre-existence and Deity of Christ

The following approach is an attempt to order a discussion on the relationship of Jesus to his Father:

1. Jesus Christ cannot be "Very God" (i.e., of "one person" with the Father) since statements about Jesus Christ are contradictions of statements about God, his Father. Consider the following:
   1. Jesus Christ was tempted (Heb. 2:18) but God (his Father) cannot be tempted with evil (James 1:13)
   2. Jesus Christ died (Rev. 1:18) but God (his Father) cannot die (1 Tim. 6:16)
   3. Jesus Christ was seen by men but God (his Father) cannot be seen by men (1 Tim. 6:16)

2. Jesus Christ is a separate person from his Father. This is further indicated by the following references:
   1. Jesus ascended to his Father and his God. (John 20:17). Since Jesus after his resurrection ascended to his God,¹ then clearly he was not himself "Very God".
   2. He prayed to his Father indicating a distinction and independence of wills. "Not as I will, but as thou wilt." (Matt. 26:39).
   3. He is referred to as a man after his ascension into heaven. (1 Tim. 2:5)

3. Jesus is not co-equal with his Father. This is indicated by the following passages:
   1. God is the head of Christ. (1 Cor. 11:3).
   2. Christ is approved by God - the greater. (Acts 2.22).
   3. Christ himself states that his Father is greater. (John 14:28).
   4. Christ is to be subject to the Father. (1 Cor. 15:28). This passage is often the single most effective quotation in setting forth the relationship of Jesus to God. It shows his position of delegated authority in the kingdom (vs. 27) and subsequent subjection to the Father. (vs. 28). Can one person in the God-head be subject to another and yet all persons be co-equal?
   5. See also Mark 10:18 and John 5:19, 30.

1. See also Luke 6:12; Ephesians. 1:17; 1 Peter 1:3. Since Jesus has a God, he is not himself "Very God". Return