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8/3/2019 Epic Sacrifice (The Incarnation Era)
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
In the body of Christ
I would like to thank all my precious friends who contributed to this study
even those of you I have not met in person. We may not see everything the
same way, yet thats ok. Uniformity does not mean conformity where we all
think or act the same way. We all uniquely differ and complement each other
in a unity not necessarily based on EXACT doctrinal conformity but a unity of
love, in worship, spirit, purpose and a passion for gospel truth in the body of
Christ. I am mindful and grateful of the way my friends within the body of
believers offered their thoughtful contributions, and sensitive and constructive
criticism to help complement this series of studies. Thank you. What I am
saying is that, in one sense, this series is the result of prayerful synergistic
shared thinking!
Acknowledgements: James Crider: You were the one who influenced me to
explore Revelations slain Lambs imagery a little further and decode Rev
5:6,7. Michael Delaney: You helped me understand some critical dynamics
surrounding Christs substitute death as us more fully. Frank Klin: In our
correspondence you placed a key in my hand that opened the Scriptural
passages that correlated and contrasted the seven-horned Lamb with the
antichrist more perfectly. Gary Hullquist: Appreciate your insights on John 10:
17,18 as presented in Theos Magazine. Corey McCain: Your thoughts on the
nature of the separation between the Father and Son at the cross were an
insightful and important contribution. Blair Andrews: Your blunt criticismenabled me to push the boundaries just that little bit more. I valued your
words of encouragement also! Carron Lake: The way you clarified Phil 2:6,7 by
greatly simplifying the difficult-to-explain concept of Christs self-emptying was
a Godsend. Adrian Ebens: Your sermons, DVDs, written articles and The
Return of Elijah helped me gain more appreciation for the universal channel of
blessing concept and how this is key to the blessing, security, success and
preservation of marriages, churches, families and society. And your burden for
Gods SDA church and your spirit and decision to follow your convictions at any
cost is inspirational. Terry Hill: Your thoroughness and scholarly depth in your
Biblical research is powerful and affirming reminding us to dig deep for
hidden treasure. David Clayton: Out of everything I have ever heard or readconcerning the vital/central subject of righteousness by faith, in connection
with the personality of God and Christ, few have presented it with such power,
clarity and depth that both stirs my heart and speaks to my heart as you have.
I could name 3 other very close friends who helped me see things clearer. One
person in fact who has helped more than any other by . . . countless editorial
comments and suggestions, and who will remain anonymous for personal
reasons, deserves my hearty thanks. Thank you ______ I am grateful for the
many opportunities to connect with all these, and other, beautiful people in the
body of Christ. May the Father bless you all! I really appreciate your input
every one of you! J
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__________________________________________________________________
Study1:FamilyAttack
___________________________________________________
Study2:
Christ Our EverlastingFather_____________________________________________
Study3:
EpicSacrifice
______________________________________________
Study4:Omni Paradox
____________________________________________
Study5:
The Great Arian
Controversy
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KingofGlorySeriesCovering 5 Expansive Eras
Series OutlineStudy 1: Family Attack (Eternal Ages In the beginning Era)A study of heavens family dispute as echoed in the life of Joseph.We will explore the universal principle of submission and how it wasreflected and demonstrated in the life of Joseph and more importantly the life of Jesus. We will see how this principle is vitally necessary for thesuccess and happiness of individuals, families, churches and society.
Study 2: Christ Our Everlasting Father (Pre-Creation to the Incarnation Era)Features the Pre-existent Son and the significance of His many givennames and family names as related to His nature and character.The controversy concerning the identity of Gods Son is considered.
-------4: The 3-Fold Omni Paradox (Pentecostal Era)Features the glorification of Christ as our anointed everlasting priest andhow this was connected to Pentecost and relates to us today
--------5: The Great Arian Controversy (Dark Ages Era to Our Day)A study concerning the 3rdcentury identity war over the Father and Sonand how this was associated with the abomination of desolation whichseems to be repeated in our day
Truth Looses Nothing By Investigation
[email protected] revision 08/12/2011
-------3: Epic Sacrifice (The Cross Era)Exploring the incarnation and infinite sacrifice of Christ and how
the inestimable value of this sacrifice is proportional to His divineidentity. This pivotal study directly interconnects with the two studiesbefore and after it
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TABLEOFCONTENTS
Introduction p. 6
TwoLovedKingsWhoLaidAsideTheirRobesandCrowns
p. 7
Emptied Himself.Laid Aside exactlywhat?
p. 12
1. Laid down His majestic glory p. 18
Christs divinity is the result of His inheritance asthe Son of God
p. 23
2. Calvary: When the Son of God laid aside His
immortal life
p. 26
The Infinite Sacrifice: Tasting death for every man p. 30
What Death Does the Son of God Save Us From? p. 33
Three reasons Jesus was crucified and not stoned p. 34
Epic Sacrifice p. 41
Epic Counterfeit p. 44.
___________________________
Epic Proportion is a revised version of Power Laid Down
by Jeff Wilson. June & September, November 2011
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Introduction
This exploration study features the divine nature, humanity, the gift of Christs sacrificial
death of epic proportion and His resurrected glorified life.
It is the Fathers gift of His only begotten eternal Son (John 3:16), which shows the
extent of His love for us. This was prefigured to the world in how Abraham was willing to
give up his only begotten son Isaac.
It is often the case that when studying this topic that questions come to mind such as,
what specific attributes did the Son of God originally possess in heaven long before His
incarnation? What, among these, did He retain during the incarnation? And what
attributes did He possess after His death, burial, resurrection and glorification upon His
ascension to heaven? And probably the most important question, what does that mean
for us and what is the practical life-application today? For the most part, we will critically
and carefully examine what attributes the Son of God laid aside prior to His incarnation
and mull over the unique unusual expression emptied Himself (Phil 2:7, HNV) in
relation to Him being made in the likeness of men (Phil 2:7 KJV). We will see that this
expression is suggestive of mysteriously pouring Himself out from the majestic being
Michael, in order to be impregnated into a tiny embryo within Marys womb!.
There are some difficult areas we need to consider and in order to come to a correct and
accurate conclusion, it is imperative we examine it AS A WHOLE and not in isolated
segments. In doing so, it is not wise to carelessly rationalize or justify personal biases
that lack Scriptural consistency. A number of difficult passages of Scripture need to be
examined and placed in their proper context. On the surface, they may seem
contradictory, but are in reality paradoxes and when understood, reveal great truths.
Finally, this in depth exploratory study looks at the events approaching and surrounding
the passion of Christ and the underlying reasons WHY He died. This is a foundation for
the follow-up study of the incarnation addressing questions in relation to the omnis.
FOLLOW-UP STUDY: The 3-Fold Omni Paradox
The sequel exploratory study The 3-Fold Omni Paradox, featuring Rev 5:6, explores the
unique heaven-originating attributes of Christ. Did the son of man (incarnated Son of
God) relinquish His omniscience (all knowledge), omnipotence (all power) and
omnipresence (the ability to be everywhere present)? Or did He lay some or all of these
divine attributes aside? Is it that black and white or is there something else that is too
often overlooked that must be factored into this topic? These questions demand answers
if we are to avoid forming erroneous opinions and ever going to appreciate the divine and
human nature of Christ to a fuller extent. We will see what was needed in order for the
Son of God not only to qualify as our perfect example, but to manifest His Fathers
character and become our Savior, our substitute in death, our righteousness and glorified
High Priest.
________________________________________________________
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Two Loved Kings Who Laid Aside Their
Robes and Crowns
Recently I read a short story written by Frank R Stockton entitled A Jerseyman And His
Royal Crown. While reading, I began to see some striking parallels and contrasts between
Stocktons account, and a story we are well familiar of - the Story of Redemption. There is one
intriguing correlation I want to highlight. From Stocktons dissertation similarities can be seen
between two kings of different eras, which left their royal estates, yet, they remained very rich,
and rich in a VERY different way. Here is an adaptation of some of Stocktons composition, which
will help set the tone for the entire Epic Sacrifice study.
It begins with a royal robed lord who wore a crown heavy with diamonds and precious stones who
lived in a rather unlikely place for a king. His estate was located in a cleared space amidst a hill
thick with woods in Point Breeze, Bordentown New Jersey. The exalted personage was not
officially a king when he lived in New Jersey, but he had been a king. He was Joseph Bonaparte,
lawyer, diplomat, soldier and the eldest brother of French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.
After conquering many nations of Europe, Napoleon replaced its former kings with new sovereigns
from his own family and Joseph was one of them.
Josephs history as a king was not always a favorable one. He first took up a throne in Naples of
Italy. Under his brothers orders He lived and reigned in Naples as king for some time but to no
success; he knew the people did not want him as their monarch. Then Napoleon sent him to
Spain. But again he encountered equal failure; the people of Spain did not welcome this new king
and rose up in rebellion against him causing him to take flight from Spain. These along with a few
untimely adventures in France and Switzerland did not make for a good start for his attempted
regal occupation. At that point he had no desire to ever again live and rule as king in the samemanner as he did before.
In time, Napoleons reign came to an end. To escape being exiled to a most undesirable place
such as Elba (an island of Italy) like his brother Napoleon, Joseph determined to get to America.
Under disguise he voyaged thousands of miles across the turbulent and tempestuous Atlantic in a
small two hundred-tone vessel. Even the captain did not recognize him.
Before leaving, his wife fell ill. Under the orders of physicians she was advised to stay back in
Italy. His two daughters however, accompanied him and stayed with him for some time in his new
home in New Jersey. Before his flight, he also stashed away the crown of Spain and the regal
robes of Italy and brought them with him.
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Now that he was well out of Europe, Joseph Bonaparte gave up all idea of returning, and in
deciding to settle here it was not surprising that he chose to make his home in New Jersey. He
bought a place near Bordentown, on a high wooded hilland built a house. It had grand
halls and staircases and banquet halls His estate, which covered more than a thousand
acres, was beautifully laid out in drives and gardens and lawnsthe place was arranged in a
style of beauty and grandeur..he lived in ex-regal style. - Frank R Stockton, A Jerseyman
And His Royal Crown
Jewels, gold, crowns. Are the things generally associated with royalty: but what about
Joseph Bonapartes character? It was not perfect. Yet there are however, marked parallels
between the story of the ex- Spanish, ex-Italian king who for a time laid aside his royal robe and
glorious crown and another man two thousand years ago who laid aside His even more exalted
royal robe and glorious crown.
Here are some examples. J. Bonaparte(J.B.)loved children.Hewould allow them to run around
on his estate and often serve them drinks and give them special treats. In winter they would
skate on his frozen ponds and always have surprises for them. Jesus also was a lover of children.
He gave time and devotion to them.
J.B. came close to people. Kings have a habit of distancing themselves from commoners but ex-
king J.B. was hospitable to his neighbors, sending flowers and fruits from his garden and in this
way won their hearts and affections. It was not until he stepped down to their level and walked in
their shoes that he was accepted and loved by them.
Heavens majestic king was thoughtful, courteous and kind in His Galilean neighborhood. He
graced the tables of social gatherings mingling freely with the people. Through friendship and
loving interest and by UNCOMPROMISINGLY stepping down to their level and walking in their
shoes Heavens ex-commander and highly honored King won the love, affection and trust of
many. And this is the very correlation I want to emphasize There is no record of Jesus plucking
orchid fruits or flowers from His garden and sending them to His neighbors, as did J.B., but being
a carpenter He may have given furniture to the needy. As a river or fountain of life receives from
a larger source and flows out again, the Son of God took to give. Whatever He received from His
Father, He gave - which was far more than something His rugged hands had carefully crafted from
prize timber in His humble little workshop, and yet something far more than J.B. could ever
possibly give.
J.B. drew people to him through his association, thoughtfulness and kindness. The Son of Goddrew people to Him through the cords of love.
WhatdidtheSonofmangive?Hegavelove,forgiveness,liberty,life,joy,emotional
healing/securityandphysicalhealthtotheailing.Foroneexample,inpreventingthe
embarrassmentoftheweddinghost,Heturnedwaterintothebestwine(Isa65:8).ItwasinloveandrespecttoHismotherthatHeprovidedthisunfermentedsparkling
crimson beverage for the continued refreshment for the guests. On occasions He
provided nourishment for the hungry, He taught, He preached, He forgave, He
exposedbutHeblessed,Heliberated,Heinspired,Heencouraged,Hepickedupthe
downcast, lifted up the downtrodden, released the oppressed or possessed,
transformedheartsandrevolutionizedlives.HegaveofHimself.
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For whatever reason, J.B. was rejected as king in both Madrid and Naples. Despite all the good
that Jesus did, He was despised and rejected of men - forsaken by His own people. (A prophet
is not honored in his own country Matt 13:57.) The ex-Spanish and ex-Italian king in voyaging
from Europe to America did not do so in regal majesty, and splendor but at a calculated risk of
losing his life by sea or by sword. He left in disguise. At the time when God sent His only begotten
into the world, the eternal Son of God bid farewell good-bye to His Father and angel friends at
heavens royal palace. In the event of descending to earth He voyaged across the dark stormy
seas in His turbulent life at the risk of losing far, far more than Bonaparte could ever possibly
loose. In His humanity, Christs glory was veiled; He disguised Himself in the likeness of men. As
the captain of the boat did not recognize the royal brother of Napoleon, the Jewish leaders did not
recognize, at least outside of the mock trial before the cross, heavens royal dignity that once
shared His Almighty Fathers scepter and throne (Phil 2:7; John 1:10-11). As J.B. was once
rejected as king, the Son of God was once shamefully mocked, scourged and spat upon. and
rejected as King.
These are a few less than perfect parallels between the two monarchs: Now, from the words of
Stockton, here is an obvious contrast that sets Jesus apart from J.B.
It generally happens, when a sovereign is obliged to abdicate and to fly from his kingdom,that he arranges matters so that he shall not become a pauper when he arrives at the place
of refuge. If he is not able to carry away anything more than a valise, he is much more likely
to put his royal jewels into it than to fill it up with night clothes and hairbrushes; so when
Bonaparte came to New Jersey, he came as a very rich man. - Frank R Stockton, A
Jerseyman And His Royal Crown
This is exactly what Joseph did. Moreover, when the building of his mansion was complete, he
arranged for beautiful paintings of high value and costly sculptures to be shipped from Europe.
This would further add to the wealth of his American estate.
Christ came with nothing but possessed everything. Prior to entering our fallen world, the Father
did not assign angels to somehow prevent Jesus poverty. They did not prearrange and pack a
treasure chest with gold, silver and most costly jewels and secretly stash it in the earth in a
secluded place near Galilee for Jesus to simply uncover and draw from in difficult times of need.
Otherwise it may be said Jesus had privileges the poor didnt have and therefore would have failed
as a perfect example. Jesus willingly chose to endure hardship, poverty, trial and difficulty during
the days of His flesh. He came with nothing, He owned next to nothing. He was the son of poor
Galilean parents.
Upon his birth, instead of bringing a lamb for sacrifice, Joseph and Mary could barely afford two
turtle doves for an offering according to the law of the Lord (Lev 14:22; Luke 2:24). As it turned
out, unlike J.B. who lived in a New Jersey mansion estate, Jesus had no permanent dwelling. In
coming to our world, in His youth He learned the humble trade of carpentry and he didnt own
much. On the other hand, when J.B. came to New Jersey, he came a very rich man - with
immense wealth to spare. But get this. After Jesus betrayal, infamous trial and death, and
resurrection, a company of angels escorted Him back to the indescribable Paradise Palace to be
reunited with His Father. He also took a multitude of released captives as trophies with Him.
These were the firstfruits of them that slept (1 Cor 15:20,23), they are His peculiar treasure,
His precious jewels, raised by His resurrection power awakened from their long sleep in their
graves (Mal 3:17; Prov 7:20; Psm 135:4). In this sense when Jesus entered, not New Jersey, but
New Jerusalem, the city of the great King, He entered as the King of Kings and Lord of lords. In
other words, He moved into the glorious and eternal New Jerusalem as a very rich man (Rev21:7; 21:10-25).
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Furthermore, significantly different to J.B., He NOW has immense unfading wealth to share. While
on earth, Jesus did not seek security by living in ease in an immaculate guarded estate or seek
value from earthly kingdoms and treasure. For Him, knowing He was His Fathers beloved Son
was enough. His value was invested in His Fathers kingdom consisting of a relational economy - a
kingdom founded upon the principles of other-centered love, love expressed in moral character (1
Cor 13). His joy was in imparting heavens incorruptible currency - the gold of faith and love tried
in the fire, and in redeeming fallen sons and daughters of Adam and restoring them back into
Gods image for the eternal kingdom of Glory.
A king is the lawmaker. Every kingdom has a king and a law. The kings role is to make law and
enforce justice and to judge and make decisions between right and wrong. No other king in
history demonstrated the principles of his government as well as Gods Son. The Son of God, the
giver of the law to Moses at Sinai, when He was made flesh mercifully lived and breathed the law.
He, the law personified was, and indeed still is, the walking, feeling, living, hearing, seeing, law of
God showing us how to live successfully and happily.
Jesus is willing to share His heavenly treasure.
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet foryour sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. 2
Cor 8:9
Unlike most monarchs who avoid mingling with common folk, J.B. was remembered as a king who
stepped down to their level. And although, understandably, with no religious profession, he was
not always the most moral person in the world, he was certainly generous. Jesus said
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much
more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Matt 7:11
Interestingly, as it turned out the life of J.B. came to an end at age 76 in July of 1844. It so
happens that this was the very year the Judgment ministry of Christ - the believers great judge
priest-king - began. He entered into the Holy of Holies to receive a kingdom commencing the
great work of investigative judgment (Dan 7:13,14; Matt 22:1-14; 1 Pet 4:17). While one king
l(J.B.) laid aside his royal robe and crown entering the dusty prison to join the dead, the other -
Christ the anointed eternal Priest-King-Judge, laid aside his plain linen dress for the first
apartment ministration. Around 1800 years later He then took up His most glorious kingly crown
and donned on His golden priestly garments to enter the final ministration of the Most Holy Place
to judge the living and the dead! (See the shadowy types in Ex 28:4-43; 1 Chron 6:49; Acts
10:42)
In remarkable humiliation and clothed in sackcloth, the king of Nineveh laid his [royal] robe
aside, and along with the Ninevites repented at the preaching of Jonah. In view of the
investigative judgment, and in view of other approaching judgments, we are moved by the
convicting Spirit to humble repentance. Then we can rise in newness of life, clothed in His rich
robes of righteousness to proclaim the message of His eternal kingdom.
Prior to the incarnation, in other-centered love for humanity, the Son of God laid aside His
majestic garments in order to tabernacle among men. He later laid aside His plain outer
garments (John 13:4,5) to wash the disciples feet thus they had a visual demonstration of
humility. In coming down to our level His purpose is to save and serve. Likewise by being filledwith the spirit of Christs other-centered love and humility we have the honor to daily lay aside
our garments, garments of pride and exclusivity in order to seek, save and serve according to
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our God-given ability IN HIS POWER and grace. This is our high calling. This is our entrusted
commission. Then it can be said of us,
Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people;
that we should show forth the praises of him who hath called[us] out of darkness
into his marvellous light 1 Pet 2:9.
Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I
will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Matt
25:23
Emptied Himself. Laid Aside - exactly what?In writing to the Philippians the apostle Paul in the original Greek translation made a profound
statement referring to the incarnation. This is how TheNew King James Version renders Phil 2:5-
11.
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of
God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself [literallyemptied Himself] of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming
in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbledHimself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the
cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is
above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those inheaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue
should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Phil 2:5-
11 (Bracketed comments added)
Well now briefly examine two Greek words contained in those passages. So please hang in therebecause this little exercise in Greek wont take long!
MADE = Emptied: In the Strongs Concordance (Hebrew and Greek dictionary) the word made comes from a Greek word meaning to empty or make empty. A number oftranslations more accurately render the word for made in Phil 2:7 as emptied as does the
Hebrew Names Version. It reads,
Have this in your mind, which was also in Messiah Yeshua, who, existing in the form
of God, didn't consider it robbery to be equal with God, but emptied himself... Phil 2:6-7 Hebrew Names Version
HUMBLED: The other word in the passage that is also significant revealing the kind of attitude
the son of man possessed is humbled. The Concordance lists definitions for the original Greek
word for humbledin verse 8 as follows
to make low, bring low;
to level, reduce to a plain
metaph. to bring into a humble condition, reduce to meaner circumstances
to assign a lower rank or place to; 2) to abase
to be ranked below others who are honoured or rewarded
to humble or abase myself by humble living
to lower, depress of one's soul bring down one's pride
to have a modest opinion of one's self
to behave in an unassuming manner.
devoid of all haughtiness
We recognize the son of mans life was characterized by these traits. They were the EXACT
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opposite in character to the proud self-centered character of Satan, and, the correspondingcharacteristics of his apostate followers. In covetousness and selfish pride, Satan, and many
church leaders, magnify and exalt themselves in a desire to ascends while Christ on the other
hand, emptied Himself, and in humility condescends!!! Christ then poured out, or emptiedHimself of everything that would prevent him from doing all those things that are
necessary for accomplishing the plan of salvation. (See Isa 14:12-14; Rev 18:7; 2 Thess2:4; Dan 8:10,11,25; 9:26)
From Michael to Marys womb
From King to servantFrom Savior to Sacrifice:
Lets consider this word emptied. To empty something infers a transfer. Similarly, when Christ
emptied Himself, He essentially went from one place to another. (From heaven to our world.)
Even more specifically, He mysteriously relocated from one habitation, as glorious Michael, toanother habitation, and to the amazement and astonishment of angels, that place was a tiny
embryo located in Marys womb! He, the sinless one, poured Himself out of His heavenly existence
into a body that His Father chose and prepared for Him. And get this. It was a body from thegreat web of fallen humanity! He was made of a woman, made under the law of fallen heredity.
(See Gal 4:4; Heb 10:5; Rom 1:3,4; 8:3; Heb 2:14-18). It was the spiritualaspect of Michael(the mind, character, divinity, identity) that was transferred and impregnated into Mary.
The divine sinless one clothed His divinity with humanity. The two natures were mysteriouslyblended. So the Father gave His only begotten eternal Son to us as heavens greatest gift. And
not only that, throughout boyhood and manhood Jesus, lived to bless others. He poured out grace
into their hearts. This is illustrated in the parable Jesus presented of the Good Samaritan thatactually represents Himself! (Luke 10: 29-35). As far as we know, from the context of the whole
story, there was no limit to the degree of help the Good Samaritan was willing to give to help the
beaten up man (v.35). When Jesus saw the beaten abused and neglected man He was touchedwith sympathy and knew what it would have felt like to be in his shoes. He came down to his
level, laying aside His robe and bound up his wounds pouring in oil and wine
Binding up the wounds signifies His work of binding up the broken hearted. (Isa 61:1-3). Pouring
in oil signifies the impartation of the Holy Spirit (His spiritual life) to the spiritually wounded (Luke10:34) Scripture seems to indicate that the unfermented wine represents both the pure
doctrinal truth (which Christ pours into our soul) and life and forgiveness through His New
Covenant cleansing blood for the remission of sins (Song 5:1; 8:2; Joel 2:19,24; 3:18; Isa29:9,10; 55:1; Matt 26:26-28; Gen 35:14; Ex 29:40). And this is where our focus in this study
will be. Christ in you the hope of glory. Christ, represented here as the Good Samaritan, pours His
life and truth into our dependent fallen nature. He dwelt among men demonstrating how to liveand the kind of mind/attitude we should cultivate. As the good Samaritan paid the Innkeeper to
take care of the wounded beaten up man, whatever it cost, Christ has entrusted His church asInnkeepers to care for the spiritually wounded and beaten, while He heals and restores.
Heres a quote a friend shared with me that further illustrates this.
For Eternal Life is Knowing The ONLY TRUE GOD and Jesus Christ, Whom HE has sent.
And the best way to give His Gift of Eternal Life, The Word of Life, is through The Gift ofgiving Himself, or pouring out and emptying Himself into those, who would receive Him.
He gave Himself also to those, who would mishandle Him, to the point of death (to
themselves), even the death on the cross that all, who choose to receive Him, might beraised up with Him at His second coming. personal email dialogue, 2011
Christ emptied Himself or you could say poured Himself (His mind, divine identity and Spirit)into the flesh of men. Phil 2:7 indicates how Christ laid aside His visible divine splendor and
majesty IN THIS PROCESS of the incarnation. He humbled Himself. And this is the mind WE are tosink ourselves into and cultivate! Christ received to give. Each evening or morning His humanity
was recharged with the vital current of Heaven, daily He communed with His Father and received
a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In addition to this He was touched and refreshed by the littlecourtesies and favors done to Him by His friends.
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Good Samaritan
Rich in grace, not earthly gold,A monarch rejected, but truth is now told,A man full of love, what glory and grace to beholdHeavens King and commander from the thrones aboveIs kind to the ones needing to be lovedIncluding the wounded, the broken and oppressedTo give them hope and a future with the faithful and blessed.
The sovereign of heaven left His throne and crownRisking His life for those of little renown.Heres one example of His love divineWhere His heart on earth was bound with yours and mine.
This heaven-borne Samaritan the Jews despisedCouldnt leave to perish the man misfortune placed before their eyesYet in strange indifference they passed by on the other sideTo the watching angels wonder and surprise.
But another stooping low on the path they crossed,Drew a little closer to the man suffering lossHe saw He discerned His pain and shockInto the wounds He poured oil and wine,Not for one moment thinking t was a waste of time,Sealing with oil and the other combinedHe knew after a while hed recover and revive
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Tenderly placing him on his nearby beastThat could sense and feel this mans relief.He carried him on under the dim-lit moonTo the city in the dark that they would meet very soon.
When to the safety of an Inn they arrived,
Approaching the Innkeeper with pleading eyes,The Good Samaritan said; Take care of him, provide his meals,His comfort and lodging until he is healed.
No matter kind friend whatever it costsIll gladly repay your expenses youll suffer no loss.
You see I am a king although dressed as any manWith a heart that feels and caring hands.
I am on a journey and giving you a gentle commandBut you are free to reject or follow my stand.But I tell you my friend, when I return, abundantly Ill repay,Well done faithful servant gladly Ill say.
We are the city; we are the Innkeepers for the wounded outsideWith the reflection of the Good King in our hearts and eyes.We care for the needy, the broken the lost,The despised and rejected whatever the cost.Love pure and divine, strong and true,
Our King has revealed the work for me and you,That angels in our place would long do.
Jef f Wi lson
In following Christs example we ALSO are commissioned and privileged to empty ourselves, pour
out and give of ourselves to others, to esteem [them] better than ourselves and to put
ourselves in other peoples shoes. (Phil 2:3; Jer 48:11) Because to love God with all our soul,mind and strength AND our neighbor (anyone we come in contact with) as ourselves is the
fulfilling of the law of Christ (James 2:8; Gal 6:2; Luke 10:27). In giving we must also receive.Our spiritual and emotional love tank is to be refilled with the Holy presence of the divine
Comforter each day. We need each other to love and be loved also.
An informed and intelligent comprehension of the cross actually empowers and transforms the
truly converted born again believer to NATURALLY love and serve (2 Cor. 3:18; 5:14, 2 Cor. 4: 7-
12, See COL 312). The apostle Paul admonishes us, let this mind be in you as was also inChrist Jesus who being in the form of God [in mind, heart, character, purpose and nature]
emptied Himself even [to] the death of the cross How? By walking in our shoes and
becoming a humble servant to humanity! As Christ the last Adam empties His divine spiritual lifeinto consecrated born again believers through the Holy Spirit (2 Pet 1:4; 1 Cor 15:45), we
although not exactly the same way, are to empty ourselves into the needs of humanity in service,love and kindness and Jesus says, give [of yourselves] and it shall be given unto you in a
good measure! With Christ dwelling inside us we (His church-body) are the light of the world,
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cities in the worlds dark night (the church is a beacon of truth throwing light against falsehoodand error), the salt of the earth and rooted and grounded in love we are fruit bearing trees of
righteousness for the blessing of humanity. (1 Tim 3:16; 2 Cor 4:11; Jer 48:11; Luke 6:38; Matt
5:14; Isa 61:1-3)
Firstly, Christ poured Himself out from the heavenly body of visibly majestic Michael into babyJesus. Secondly He poured out His love, compassion and healing grace into the lives of men and
women. He was a servant of servants. This was illustrated during His few remaining days on
earth while He was with His disciples celebrating the Passover. While they were contending for the
highest place, to their wonder and surprise, He laid aside His outer garments, and in lovestooped down low and performing the task of a servant, began to wash their feet (Matt 18:1-5).
Thirdly, His ultimate self-emptying was at the cross. Here He poured Himself out completely. Theprophet Isaiah wrote the astonishing words that He poured out His soul [life] unto death!!!! (Isa
53:12) The drink offerings in the Hebrew sacrificial economy were faint shadows of the self-
emptying principle. In realization and expectation of Christs approaching death, Mary poured outher precious ointment upon Christs head and hair (Matt 26:7). The broken alabaster box was a
token of Christs brokenness in death, which Mary believed would come about and in tears and
whole-hearted love and devotion, she couldnt hold back in anointing His body beforehand prior toHis burial (Matt 26:12). There is another lesson to be learned with the broken alabaster box,
As the alabasterbox was broken, and filled the whole house with its fragrance, so
Christ was to die, His body was to be broken; but He was to rise from the tomb, and thefragrance of His life was to fill the earth. Christ "hath loved us, and hath given Himselffor us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor." Eph. 5:2, DA p 563
The act of Christ in laying aside His outer garments and pouring out His fragrant lovedemonstrated to others the man that He really was. Compassionate. Thoughtful. Giving. And this
natural character of self-emptying was carried on well after His death. And after Christs
resurrection He kept self-giving. Instead of taking celestial flight back to the security and glory ofheaven, He lingered around for forty days ministering and speaking of things pertaining to the
kingdom of God. (See Acts 1:3) After His final ascension, glorification and coronation in heaven,when the [fiftieth] day of Pentecost had fully come, He poured out the Holy Spirit (His Spiritual
life/breath) without measure symbolized by fire as His crowning gift upon His church-bride. (John
20:22; John 14:18,23, 28; Matt 28:18,20; 1 Cor 15:45; John 6:63; Acts 2:1-4,17,18; 10:45;Prov 1:23; Isa 43:3; 45:8; Zec 12:10. Comp. Job 29:6 with Zec 4:11,12)
So far we have considered what Christs manifold self-emptying means. Now in our study we wantto move on and differentiate between the divine prerogatives Christ gave up (if we believe there
were some He did give up) and the ones He retained during the days of His flesh.
In view of a few Bible texts there are some that hold the position that in addition to laying asideHis former (visible) glory, royal majesty, and splendor, that Christ in assuming our human nature
laid aside ALL His natural divine attributes and only retained His divine character. Is that true? Itis thought that He laid aside His divinely inherited omniscience (all knowingness), omnipotence
(all powerfulness) omnipresence (ability to be everywhere present) and original un-borrowed
divine immortal life. But did He? According to Scripture and inspiration, aside from what happenedat Calvary, there are very strong indications that there was only one of these 4 attributes that the
Son of God laid aside - and that was only TEMPORARILY and only by default! That attribute was
omnipresence. For example: encumbered about with the personality of humanity, Christ couldnot possibly have been in Galilee, England, Switzerland, Germany, China, Australia, New Zealand
and America, as it then was, at the same time. At least there is no record in Scripture.
Otherwise how could He be our example? We need to remember,
Jesus revealed no qualities, and exercised no powers, [in His own behalf See quote
below] that men may not have through faith in Him. His perfect humanity is that whichall His followers may possess, ifthey will be in subjection to God as He was. DA p.664
(Bracketed comments and emphasis added)
He endured every trial to which we are subject. And He exercised in His own behalfno
power that is not freely offered to us. As man, He met temptation, and overcame in thestrength given Him from God. DA 24 (Emphasis added)
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And this statement would not hold true if He had omnipresent ability WHILE on earth. This will bediscussed a lot further in the 3-fold Omni Paradox study. Therefore in this respect, there was a
tremendous degree of limitation that the son of man subjected Himself to in assuming our
human nature.
But it is important we dont take things further here. You will see that Christ laid aside by veilingHis former indescribable splendor, majesty and relinquished His omnipresence but as we will
explore from this study and the following one, there seems to be evidence from both Scripture
and the S.O.P. that He did not give up His other three divine attributes (omniscience,
omnipotence and immortality) exclusively unique to Him. Yet He still perfectly qualified as our fairexample. At the cross, and not before, Christ willingly gave up His immortal original un-borrowed
life, which had it not been for the resurrection, would have also meant automatically giving up(loosing) the other two divine attributes.
To many minds the death of Christ is a mystery. But does it have to be? Either Jesus diedcompletely or He did not die. Therefore, note carefully; given the fact in order to qualify as our
Savior and substitute, ample evidence indicates He must, and did, completely die like others that
have died before Him. Therefore any Scripture, or inspired quotation that APPEARS to suggest theSon of God did not truly die, needs further exploration and prayerful review.
Before we move on and ponder the question of Christs omnis and more details regarding the
nature of the Son of Gods death, we need paint a general background by taking our minds way,way back to what Christ originally possessed in a world of indescribable glory (STC p.13). Thenin looking at this broader picture on this canvass, we can consider what Christ laid aside in
relation to His incarnation, life and ministry and eventual death. Like a precious jewel in its
golden setting, Christs Sacrifice of epic proportion will become the focal point of the overallredemptive picture and something of beautiful mysterious attraction. We will behold Christs
incarnation, selfless life, self-sacrifice and triumph in death, mans salvation and the Son of Gods
glorification.
Who is Wisdom?
Few Christians would argue that before the incarnation the heavenly pre-existent Christ
(symbolically named Michael (One like God) the Prince of life, the prince of the kings of theearth Dan 10:21; Acts 3:15; Rev 1:5) possessed divine immortal life, glory, honor, power andmajesty long before the creation of the universe. He was the brightness [splendor] of [the
Fathers] glory and the express image (Heb 1:3) of His personality (Heb 1:3). The Father and
beloved Son were two in individuality, yet little short of being identical (YI December 16, 1897,par. 5.) Solomon describes the relationship between Michael/Wisdom/the Son of God and His
Father long ago. (Micah 5:2; Dan 3:25; Prov 30:4; Matt 22:45; John 8:57,58; John 1:1-8; Heb
1:1-3)
Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength
[Wisdom is one of the names given to the pre-existent Son of God, see Matt11:19.b; 1 Cor 1:24, 30] The LORD possessedme [Wisdom] in the beginning of
his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, orever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there wereno fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills
was I brought forth: While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the
highest part of the dust of the world. When he prepared the heavens, I was there:when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: When he established the clouds
above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: When he gave to the sea his
decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed thefoundations of the earth: Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was
daily his delight, rejoicing always before him. Prov 8: 14, 22 30 (Bracketedcomments supplied. See the first chapter of P.P.)
The pre-existent Son of God was the closest friend to His Father. The Father possessedwisdom from the beginning. In the Strong's Hebrew and Greek dictionary the word possessed
matches the Hebrew (qanah) literally meaning bought buy purchasedand interestingly
gotten. The word gotten is used in Gen 4:1 when Eve begat her first son. Although the Father
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possessed wisdom He did notpossess (own/control) a Son. Rather, He begat or brought forth aSon from the days of eternity (Greek family origin Micah 5:2) so far back beyond any human
computation before the world was formed. Everyday His only begotten Son was the Fathers
daily delight.
Among other names, the divine Son is named Wisdom because He possessed His Fatherscharacter. He was brimming with absolute counsel, wisdom, knowledge understanding,
((omniscience), 1 Chron 16:9; Prov 15:3), and strength (omnipotence), was everywhere present
(omnipresence); see Gen 1:2; Psm 139:1-13; Isa 63:9; 2 Cor 3:17; John 4:24; 2 Pet 1:21.
Moreover, He possessed immortal life. All these attributes were inherited from the Father (John5:26). As was said and as we will explore further on in this study in more detail, at the cross, and
NOT BEFORE, the Son of God had to lay down His immortality for a very specific reason - to dieAS US and in our place. (2 Cor 5:14, 21)
Now we will contemplate the two monumental attributes the Son of God laid aside inmysteriously blending the divine nature with the human one of these attributes sooner, the
other later in His life. We will discover four (4) divine attributes the Son of God retained and yet
for the most part of His life kept veiled/hidden. This was until He was anointed with power forministry (Isa 60:1-4; Matt 3:16-17). It was then that He naturally and easily employed those
miraculous powers for specific purposes like in dealing with sin and hypocrisy, ministering tohuman needs and relieving suffering, which gave evidence of His divinity as the Son of God. (See
Matt 9:8).
1.Laid Aside His Outward Majestic Glory(Poured Out From Majest ic Heavenly Michael Into theEmbryo in a womb of a young Israel i te named Mary! )
From the comprehensive quote above, we can see Christ laid aside His glorious garments(pontifical robes, reflective of His majesty and splendor Phil 2:5-7) He spiritually poured Himself
out from majestic Michael into fallen humanity and officiated as a sympathetic human/divinepriest (Phil 2:6,7) and offered Himself a sacrifice. He ascended to do His priestly work in the first
apartment (Dan 12:5-7) until 1844 when He entered the Holiest of all. After Christ finishes
performing His service in the Holy of Holies He will come a second time in glorious kinglygarments of whitest white, (signifying His incorruptible reinstated divine-human form) and in His
own glory, AND the glory of His Father, as King of kings and Lord of lords (See Heb 9:28; Rev
19:12,16)
It must have been a very severe ordeal for our Saviour to layaside His royalrobe, His kingly crown, [He left] His high command and clothed His divinitywith humanity that He might meet man where he was and for our salvation
As the high priest laid aside his pontifical dress, and
officiated in the white linen dress of a common priest, so
Christ emptied Himself, and took the form of a servant, andoffered sacrifice, Himself the priest, Himself the victim. As
the high priest, after performing his service in the holy of
holies, came forth to the waiting congregation in his
pontifical robes, so Christ will come the second time clothed
in glorious garments of the whitest white, "such as no fuller
on earth can whiten them." He will come in His own glory,
and in the glory of His Father, as King of kings and Lord of
lords, and all the angelic host will escort Him on His
way {1BC 1111.5}.
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*assumed human nature. - {Synthesized from: The Watchmen; SW, September 24,1907 pa. 2}; 1 SM 243 and {RH, September 26, 1907 par. 6} (*assumed = take
on, adopt)
Although we are not going to give attention to the Holy angels in this study, it might be
worth briefly noting the fact that Gods Son somewhat resembled them. Thats why He is
referred to a number of times in Old Testament Scripture as the angel [messenger] of
the Lord and the archangel (chief among the angels [messengers].) However, unlike
the angels Christ was not created. In fact, He created them! Scripture presents manyexamples of where Christ appeared to patriarchs and prophets in the form of a man or
angel. For example: the accounts of Abraham and Sarah, Hagar, Jacob, Moses, Balaam,
Gideon, Manoah, David, Joshua, and others (See: Gen. 16:7-9; 22:11,15; Ex. 3:2; Num.
22:32; Judges 6:12,21-22; 13:15-21; Zech. 3:1-7; etc.). The encounters Abraham,
Jacob, Moses, and Joshua had with the angel of the Lord are worth noticing.
Christ was the angel of His [Fathers] presence that saved them (Isa 63:9.) (Compare
with Psm 139:7,8 and Psm 51:11). The following is Daniels description of the pre-
existent Christ. (Compare it with Johns similar description in Rev 1:12-17)
And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the greatriver, which is Hiddekel; Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain
man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: His body also
was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of *lightning, and his eyes aslamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice
of his words like the voice of a multitude. And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the
men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so thatthey fled to hide themselves. Dan 10:4-7 (*Note: Angels are often described as of
lightening appearance. (Eze 1:14; Matt 28:3. Comp Matt 24:27 with 25:31)
So this gives us a window into the nature of the glory Christ before He pitched His
tabernacle among men. Similar to the angels, Christs appearance was bright, majestic
and exceedingly beautiful. Lucifer the leading angel, was originally created and given an
exalted position as: -
the sharer of God's glory in heaven, and second to Jesus in power and majesty.
In the words of inspiration he is described as the one who "sealest up the sum, full of
wisdom, andperfect in beauty." (Bible Echo; November 1, 1892; par. 3).
"Had not the Lord made the covering cherub so beautiful,so closely resembling his
own image; had not God awarded him special honor; had anything been leftundone in the gift ofbeauty and power and honor, then Satan might have had
some excuse." (General Conference Daily Bulletins; March 2, 1897; par.34)
Yet we need to recognize the Son of God gave up more than His inherited splendor and beauty. He
gave up His royal majesty and kingly throne!!! He -
laid aside the heavenly honor and glory. He laid off His glorious diadem androyal robe, and left the royal courts, in order that He might come to earth to save
fallen man - RH Nov 26th 1895
Christ, the loved Commander in the heavenly courts, stooped from His high estate,
laid aside the glory that He had with the Father, in order to save the one lostworld. For this He left the sinless worlds on high, the ninety and nine that loved Him,
and came to this earth, to be "wounded for our transgressions" and "bruised for our
iniquities." (Isa. 53:5.) God gave Himself in His Son that He might have the joy ofreceiving back the sheep that was lost. COL 191
He was all the while as God, but He did not appear as God. He veiled thedemonstrations of Deity, which had commanded the homage, and called forth the
admiration, of the universe of God. He was God while upon earth, but He divested
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Himself of the form of God, and in its stead took the form and fashion of a man. Hewalked the earth as a man. For our sakes He became poor, that we through His
poverty might be made rich. He laid aside His glory and His majesty. He was
God, but the glories of the form of God He for a while relinquished. {5BC1126.8}
There was another reason why the Son of God veiled His outward visible majestic
glory. He could not display His heavenly glory on earth because when Jesus came to our
lost world He and His Father well understood that there needed to be a veiling. They
knew that He could not come like an angel of light. Therefore,
That we might behold it and not be destroyed, the manifestation of His glory was
shrouded. His divinity was veiled with humanity, -- theinvisible glory in the visiblehuman form. {DA 23.1}
Scripture reveals that the brightness of one angel at the empty tomb of Christ was so
intense that the Roman guard fell powerless to the ground. (Matt 28:1-4). Fallen beings
cannot endure the glory of undisguised/unveiled heavenly angels and neither could they
have endured to look upon the Son of the living God had He come in the glory of an
angel. The contrast would be too painful; mortals would be overwhelmed and
extinguished by the brightness.
That is why when the Son of God appeared to Moses at Sinai, Moses could not directly look upon
Him. Thou canst not see my face and live referring to the majesty and glory of the Son of Gods
presence (See Ex 33:18-23)
WhatdidChristLayAside?In connection with a half a dozen misunderstood texts, it appearsmany read Phil 2:7 and assumeChrist emptied Himself of His omnipotence, omniscience and His original, immortal, un-borrowed
divine (begotten) life. Is this true? With Phil 2:7 in mind, notice what the Spirit of Prophecy says
regarding the nature of Christs self-emptying. And if you follow closely the quotes suggest that it
was not scaling down in the personage, character, divine power, uniqueness or other personalqualities that consisted in Christs self-emptying experience. Rather it was purely a change of
location, a change of habitation which nevertheless was a monumental change.
He emptied Himself of His high prerogatives, left His mansions of glory, His
throne and high command, and became poor that we through His poverty mightbe made rich - April 22nd 1897
Jesus emptied Himself, and in all that He did self did not appear...Humannature is ever struggling for expression, ready for contest; but he who learns of
Christ is emptied of self, of pride, of love of supremacy, and there is silence in the
soul. {MYP 162.2}
For our sake Jesus emptied Himself of His glory; He clothed [veiled] His divinity
with humanity that He might touch humanity (ST April 18, 1892). {7BC927.1} Bracketed comment added
The whole world was His, but so completely did He empty Himself that during
His ministry He declared, "Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests;
but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head" [Heb. 2:14-18 quoted] (MS 76,1903). {7BC 904.7}
In summary: The Son of God (Michael) gave up His throne. He left behind His former positionof indescribable glory in self-emptying by pouring His mind, Spirit, divinity and identity into a
body of flesh. He poured Himself out from heaven into a tiny baby under the care of a lower-class
family to later become a despised, rejected, accused, persecuted and derided homeless man. Hewho jointly owned the riches of heaven and created and jointly owned other worlds, self-emptied
of the right to occupy even a humble earthlyabode!!!
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Christs glorious exalted position among the angels and royal estate in heaven is what Ellen White
refers to as His divine prerogatives which, in love for man, He left behind and risked losing for
eternity. In becoming incarnate He simply could not bring those things into the world with Him. ToHim, His relationship and friendship with His Father, His glory and the salvation of precious souls
were more important than this heavenly wealth, mansions and privileges. As our example, theSon of God WAS indeed ALREADY completely emptied of self. There is a subtle difference.
However it is important to note that it was not at all necessary for Him to empty Himself of what
He was not naturally part of His nature or character. Not for one moment did self (selfishness)
exist in Him. (John 8:46). There was no place for pride and neither did he contend for His rights.Thats why He could say, The prince of this world cometh and hath NOTHING [no sel f ishness, nopr ide or cher ished s in etc. ] in me (John 14:30).Ultimately trough the divine gospel seed we are to let this mind/attitude transform us by
beholding Christ and in submission to Him allowing our mind to be blended with His mind, our
heart to be merged with His heart, and His will to be united with His will for a sanctified life ofself-giving and self-emptying.
From the following verse in John some mistakenly assume that Christ was
powerless to perform divine miracles for the glory of God
Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall yeknow that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught
me, I speak these things. - John 8:28
"I do nothing of Myself," said Christ; "the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by
the Father." "I seek not Mine own glory," but the glory of Him that sent Me.John 8:28; 6:57; 8:50; 7:18. In these words is set forth the great principle which is
the law of lifefor the universe. All things Christ received from God, but He took to
give. So in the heavenly courts, in His ministry for all created beings: through thebeloved Son, the Father's life flows out to all; through the Son it returns, in
praise and joyous service, a tide of love, to the great Source of all. And thus throughChrist the circuit of beneficence is complete, representing the character of the great
Giver, the law of life. {DA 21.2}
By not yielding or indulging His own human will, by doing nothing of self-interest the
Christ demonstrated the great law of life principle for the universe.
It is in neglecting to follow the exact directions of the word of God that many err. They
turn away from God's plans, to follow their own ideas. Christ himself declared, "The
Son of Man can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do; for whatthings soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise." So utterly was he
emptied of selfthat he made no plans for himself. He accepted God's plan for him, and
day-by-day the Father unfolded his plans. If Jesus was so wholly dependent, declaring,"I do nothing of myself...{ST, November 21, 1892 par. 2}
In relation to John 5:30, some translations say the Son of God did nothing on His own.
The greatest battle man will ever engage in is the battle against self and pride. And in
taking on humanity although He was sinless and undefiled Jesus was not exempt from
this battle either. Thats why He didnt follow the inclination of His own human will.
Everything He did was with the Father by His side.
Taking On Humanity: In taking on our human nature He was on probation. He did not
follow His own inclinations and seek or follow His own will. He underwent an astounding
change experiencing tremendous risk factors. God cannot be tempted . Michael in
the heavenly courts could not be tempted either, yet condescending as the Son of man
He certainly could. This is one reason He constantly depended upon His Father for grace
and guidance!
"If Christ had been deceived by Satan's temptations and exercised His miraculous
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power to relieve Himself from difficulty he would have broken the contract made withHis Father to be a probationer in behalf of the race" - RH April 1, 1875 (emphasis
added)
The Son of Gods Dependence on the Father
I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just;
because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. - John
5:30
The following quotation shows to what extent the Son of God would go in emptying
Himself
"For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a
commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his
commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Fathersaid unto me, so I speak." - John 7:49,50.
Here we see the Son of God fully emptied Himself fully into His Fathers will
CHRISTSDIVINITY:THERESULTOFHISINHERITENCEAS
THEONLYETERNALSONOFGODFor in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form Col 2:9 NAS
Satan had questioned whether Jesus was the Son of God. In hissummary dismissal he had proof that he could not gainsay [argue with].
Divinity [brightness, splendor, glory] flashed through suffering humanity.
Satan had no power to resist the command. Writhing with humiliation andrage, he was forced to withdraw from the presence of the world's
Redeemer. {DA 130.3} (bracketed comments added)
Christ had not exchanged his divinity for humanity; but he had clothed his
divinity in humanity, and he gave Satan the evidence for which he hadasked,-- showed him that he was the Son of God. Divinity flashed
through humanity, and the evil one could not resist the authority of the
divine voice {RH, October 29, 1895 par. 6}
The law of God is set aside, the Spirit of grace despised, the blood
of the covenant counted an unholy thing. The spirits deny thedivinity of Christ, and place even the Creator on a level with
themselves. {GC88 552.2}
While upon this earth, the Son of God was the Son of man; yet
there were times when His divinity flashed forth. Thus it was whenHe said to the paralytic: "Be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven
thee." Matthew 9:2. {8T 202.1}
CHRISTS DIVINITY CAN ALSO REFER TO HIS SINLESS CHARACTER (Heb 7:26; 1 Pet
2:22; Luke 23:4)
At times Christs divinity flashed through humanity, and He stoodforth as the Son of God, His veil of flesh too transparent to hide His
majesty RH March 26, 1901
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In summary: The Son of God made no plans for Himself. He did not follow His own ideas. He didnothing independent of His Fathers will. When the Son of God said, I can do nothing of myself
He was referring to the fact that He was not in a position to do anything to attract attention to
Himself or to promote His own glory. His object on earth was to do the will of Him that sentHim. He was in continual submission to His Father.
So far we have discussed the first example of contrast between the Son of God in heaven and the
Son of God incarnate. As we continue, a 3-part pattern will begin to emerge consisting of what He
was, what He left behind and humbly took upon Himself at great risk and what He took up again.
(See Matt 4:1-6; Heb 4:15; Mark 14:36; 5 BC 1128.) We first need to understand how divinityrelates to Christs Sonship with the Father as as can be seen from the quotations following on
from here.
THEMORALCHARACTER-HOLYSPIRIT-DIVINITYCONNECTION If you were to do a word search for divinity and character or divinity and the Holy
Spirit with Ellen Whites writings you would find dozens more references indicating the
three words are closely associated and often used interchangeably. Here are a couple of
examples
Hid within Himself thoseall powerful attributes which belonged to Him as one equal
with God. At times His divine character flashed forth with such wonderful power thatall who were capable of discerning spiritual things pronounced Him the Son of God- 3
SP p. 259
In contrast to the evil Satanic treatment of Christ, His character (meekness and
patience) and His identity as the Son of God was the substance of His divinity in contrast
to mans evil. Notice when the wise men came into the house they
saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and *worshipped Him.
(Matt 2:11. *See Matt 8:2; 9:18; 15:25)
Beneath the lowly guise of Jesus, they [the wise men] recognized the presence ofDivinity DA 63.2 (See Matt 2:11)
Christ's enemies had demanded a miracle as evidence of His divinity. They hadevidence far greater than any they had sought. His meekness and patience
[divine character] exalt Jesus above humanity, and prove His kinship to God. D. A.
p. 734.
In His humanity, perfected by a life of constant resistance of evil, the Saviour showed
that through co-operation with Divinity, human beings may in this life attain toperfection ofcharacter. AA p. 531
Man with his human nature becomes a partaker ofdivinity. Christ is honored in
excellence and perfection ofcharacter. COL p. 102
The humanity of Christ has touched our humanity, and our humanity has touched
divinity. Thus through the agency of the HolySpirit man becomes a partaker ofthe divine nature [divine character] He is accepted in the Beloved. DA 675
(bracketed comments added)
Christ's humanity was united with divinity; He was fitted for the conflict by the
indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And He came to make us partakers of the divinenature. So long as we are united to Him by faith, sin has no more dominion over us.
God reaches for the hand of faith in us to direct it to lay fast hold upon the divinity of
Christ, that we may attain to perfection ofcharacter. DA 123
Jesus is the outshining [brightness KJV] of the Father's glory, "and the express image [Greek:(charaktr] of His person" - Hebrews 1:3 See ED 132. The Greek word for express image only
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used once in the entire Bible literally meanscharacter.
The Son of God was the brightness of His Fathers glory. The Greek word for brightness
apaugasma is also used only once in the in the entire Bible and means, 1) reflected
brightness a) of Christ in that he perfectly reflects the majesty of God. 2) effulgence a)
shining forth, of a light coming from a luminous body b) out-raying. So much so that
Christ and His Father, although two separate individuals, were almost identical in
character.
From eternity there was a complete unity between the Father and the Son. They were
two, yet little short of being identical; two in individuality, yet one in spirit, in heart
and character YI December 16, 1897, par. 5.
Now we will ponder the event of Christs self-abnegating love in light of His cross.
In summary: We have seen that prior to His incarnation the Son of God possessed great
indescribable glory, splendor and majesty, was highly honored by His Father and exalted
by the angels. In taking human nature He laid this aside, yet His divinity and deity was
veiled under His common humanity. His perfect sinless character and full divinity gave
evidence He was the Son of God. His divinity is our life (Col 3:4; 2 Tim 1:10) poured out
into us through His Spirit. Through His Holy Spirit we become partakers of the divine
nature. (2 Pet 1:4). We in turn become channels of blessing where living water flows
forth.
The diagram below presents the order of the 3 distinct and divine dispensations that
provide a window to the plan of salvation, Christs divinity and glorification.
______________________________________________________________________________
1.MICHAELTHEPRE-EXISTENTSONINTHEHEAVENLYCOURTS:InheritedDivineImmortalOriginalLife,PossessedMajesticBrightnessandSplendor.Received
Exaltation,Honor,GloryandPraise
_____________________________________________________________________
2.JESUSVOLUNTARYINCARNATIONONEARTHLaid aside His former glory, exaltation, praise, splendor, honor and majesty. Veiled His all-
powerfuldivineattributesofomniscienceandomnipotenceselflesslyemployingthemONLYon
behalf of others for the glory of God and for the purpose of the kingdom. He naturally
possesseddivineimmortaloriginallifethroughHisrelationshiptotheFatherbutlaiditdownat
thecross!!!
_____________________________________________________
3.POST-DEATH/RESURRECTION/CHRISTGLORIFIED:
Christs divine immortal life, power, glory and omniscience. Omnipresence, was
reinstatedtoHimafterHisresurrection.InadditionHeisgivenahighlyexalted name
[God]aboveeveryname.
_____________________________________________________
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2. Calvary: When The Son of God LaidDown His immorta l l i fe As in Holy Scripture there are a number of quotations in the Spirit of Prophecy that seem
contradictory. Consider for example Ellen G. Whites 1 SM 301.1 statement "divinity did
not die". On a surface level, when compared to some of her other quotations, this one
APPEARS contradictory. But quotes like these, and other difficult Bible texts, are more
like paradoxes than contradictions, and when understood correctly they reveal great
hidden truth. So what did Ellen White mean when she said concerning the Son of Gods
death, divinity did not die? Did she mean, because Jesus possessed divinity, He couldnot completely die? And if thats the case, did Jesus merely undergo a pseudo (make-
believe) death experience, where His physical body expired in death while His soul
mysteriously lived to wing its way back to heaven? IF we take that position, then are we
in danger of compromising our firmly held-to protestant belief of the non-immortality of
the soul that rightly proposes when our body dies we die? (i.e. like an extended sleep).
In taking the position that Christs death was only physical, is it possible we are
inadvertently spiritualizing away truth? Do we take the Bible for what it reads by
carefully comparing Scripture with Scripture? Firstly, in view of the word divinity that is
key to this study, maybe we need to back up a little and ask what is divinity? According
to the Strongs Concordance Hebrew and Jewish Dictionary divinity means godlike,divine, godhead, supreme, greatness, and, majesty.
Lets think now about the association between Christs divinity and His death. Divine
immortal life was bestowed back to Gods only begotten Son AFTER His death
immediately AT His resurrection (Phil 3:21; 1 Cor 15:44,45.) In consistency as our
example, before the cross Christ never worked a miracle on His own behalf. At the cross
He proved that He had loved righteousness and hated iniquity (Heb 1:9). Thats when
His victorious life was perfected (Luke 13:32). Now He could say, just as He prophesied
earlier, Therefore does my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take
it again. No man takes it from me, but I lay I it down of myself. I have power [from
my Father] to lay it down, and I have power to take it [receive it] again. Thiscommandment have I received of my Father. John 10:17,18. (Bracketed comment
added). We need to pause here for a moment to determine exactly what Jesus was
Jesus birth was different to any other birthWho among us has a heavenly pre-existence and was expressly
born of the Holy Ghost?
Jesus life was different to any other life
Who among us has inherited the nature and name God, beenworshiped and adored by angels and lived 100% pure without sin?
Jesus death was different to any other deathWho among us or has power to lay down their life and take it
up again?
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saying here. Therefore we need to understand what He meant by take it again because
our understanding of these words will determine our understanding of this key text.
The word take has two Greek forms in this text. When Jesus says No man takes itfrom me the Greek word is Strong's #142 airo which is translated take up or take
away. It is a unilateral action; a removal by one party without any associated
transfer from another party.
But when He says He will take it again John uses a different Greek word, Strong's
#2983 labo, labein, elabon. Various forms of lambano which is translated as eithertake or receive because it is a reciprocal action. There is a transfer of something
from a giver to a receiver. (Gary Hullquist, Theos Magazine Vol 2 p 12.)
In other words when Christ said I take it [my life] again He took back as He received it
from His Father. The two unusual divine events concerning Christ in laying down His life
and taking it again were nothing less than miraculous. His life was not merely a life
that was taken but a life that was given. the good shepherd giveth his life for the
sheep(see John 10:11). His was no ordinary death. Men could destroy His human body
but no man could destroy His divinity. Only the Son Himself of His own will had power
[from His Father] to lay it down and power to take [labo receive] it again. But
notice, according to verse 18, this miracle was not independent of the Father. It wasONLY because of the Fathers re-bestowal of life to the Son after He had been
dead in the tomb, that the Son of God could say, I have power to take it again.
I am the resurrection, and the life (John 11:25). He who had said, I lay down my
life, that I might take it again (John 10:17), came forth from the grave to life thatwas in Himself. Humanity died; divinity did not die. In His divinity, Christ
possessed the power to break the bonds of death. He declares that He has lifein Himself to quicken whom He will. {1SM 301.1}
After He cried with a loud voice, commended His spirit to His Father, He gave up the
ghost. He slept unconsciously in Josephs tomb. Divinity did not die [the second eternal
death], in the sense that the spirit of Jesus slept in the tomb with His body. - SPVol 3 pp. 203,204. His sleeping form simply had to be reactivated and called forth from
the tomb by His Father.
When the voice of the mighty angel was heard at Christ's tomb, saying, ThyFather calls Thee, the Saviour came forth from the grave by the life that was in
Himself. Now was proved the truth of His words, "I lay down My life, that I
might take it [receive it again] again. . . . I have power to lay it down, and Ihave power to take it again." Now was fulfilled the prophecy He had spoken to the
priests and rulers, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." John10:17, 18; 2:19. {DA 785.2} (Bracketed comment added)
Remember: Jesus was GIVEN all power from His Father Mat 28:18. The Son of God bythe power of choice could lay down His life. But an important point needs to be made
right here. We need to recognize that this was by no means an easy task. It was not a
matter of waving a mystical wand and suddenly collapsing in some kind of charade-like
death; it was not a sudden death like that of Ananias and Sapphira experienced. (Acts
5:5). It was not like an elderly person who lies down to sleep in a soft bed at night never
to rise again until the resurrection. Laying down His life involved a tremendous struggle
involving extreme mental and emotional suffering. This fact is indicated in the Garden of
Gethsemane which we will revisit later.
Over the rent sepulcher of Joseph, Christ had proclaimed in triumph, "I am theresurrection, and the life." These words could be spoken only by the Deity. All
created beings live by the will and power of God. They are dependent recipients of
the life of God. From the highest seraph to the humblest animate being, all arereplenished from the Source of life. Only He who is one with God could say, I
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have power to lay down My life, and I have power to take it again. In Hisdivinity, Christ possessed the power to break the bonds of death. {DA
785.3}
It was only in His divinity as the Son of God that Christ possessed the power to break the
bonds of death. Christ, the eternal only begotten of the Father, directly inherited and
possessed life and power more completely than any other creature. Apart from the
preservation of Christs character and identity, if we hold that the Son of God did not
FULLY AND COMPLETELY die at Calvary, but that it was only a human sacrifice like the
martyrs, then we will have trouble trying to harmonize the above quotations with the
following one.
Remember that Christ risked all; "tempted like as we are," he staked [risked]
even his own eternal existenceupon the issue of the conflict. Heaven itself
was imperiled for our redemption. At the foot of the cross, remembering that forone sinner Jesus would have yielded up his life, we may estimate the value of a
soul. {GCB, December 1, 1895 par. 22} (Emphasis added)
Christs divinity (character/identity) did not die the second death. It slept [indicating the 1st death] in
the tomb with His dead body.
"When He (Jesus) closed His eyes in death upon the cross, the soul of Christ did notgo . . . to heaven. . . . The spirit of Jesus slept in the tomb with His body, and
did not wing its way to heaven, there to maintain a separate existence, and tolook down upon the mourning disciples embalming the body from which it had taken
flight. All that comprised the life and intelligence of Jesus remained with Hisbody in the sepulchre; and when He came forth it was as a whole being; He
did not have to summon His spirit from heaven. He had power to lay down His
life and to take it up again.... It was no marvel to the heavenly host that He whocontrolled the power of death, and had life in Himself, should awaken from the sleep
of the grave. But it was a marvel to them that their loved Commander should die for
rebellious men." SP Vol 3 pp. 203,204 (emphasis added)
IMMORTALITYVERSUSANINFINATESACRFICE
They (Jewish priests) were not conscious that type had met anti-type, that an
infinite sacrifice had been made for the sins of the world. D.A, p. 774.
When Christ laid down His precious life He not only laid down his human life but His
divine life. He died not only as the son of man but He died as the only begotten Son of
God! This is why Christs death is referred to by inspiration as an infinite sacrifice
the Lord of glory was dying, a ransom for the race. On yielding up His
precious life, Christ was not upheld by triumphant joy. All was oppressive gloom The Saviour could not see through the portals of the tomb. Hope did not
present to Him His coming forth from the grave a conqueror, or tell Him of theFather's acceptance of the sacrifice. He feared that sin was so offensive toGod that their separation was to be eternal. D. A. p. 753.
C.S. Longacre points out
If it were true as some believe that Christs divinity was not surrendered and laid
on the altar of sacrifice, and that He did not give His life back to God who gave
Him life when He was begotten in the beginning, then Christs fears were entirelyungrounded, when he feared that sin was so offensive to God that their
separation was to be eternal. C.S. Longacre 1947, p. 7, The Deity of Christ
If Christ failed to endure the test before Him, if He had yielded to the tempters subtlety
and constant assaults by retaliation or escape, then He risked nothing but His humanityand could have ascended back to His glorious former estate as the exalted majesty in
heaven with the Father. But the Spirit of Prophecy states,
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Remember that Christ risked all. For our redemption; heaven itself was
imperiled. - C. O. L. p. 198.
Christ risked all with the chance of eternal separation from the long intimate and strong
relationship with the Father. This was not the kind of death that involved merely a loss of
one less person to the sinful race. Christ risked all and all implies a lot more than His
human nature. Not only Christs eternal nature would be lost, but the entire human race
would be at stake! Heaven itself was imperiled in our redemption!!!!! An unusualdarkness enveloped the cross. At the end of three hours while experiencing mentally and
physically excruciating pain, the worst was yet to come the Son of God cried out in
horror and despair "My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me," Dying hanging there on the
cross the Son of God was unaware of the Fathers presence. While the divine Son was
still alive, a light signifying His Fathers presence encircled the cross.
When Christ said: "Father into Thy hands I commend My spirit," "a light encircled
the cross, and the face of the Saviour shone With a glory like the sun. He thenbowed His head upon His breast and died." - DA p. 756.
The Father and the Holy angels had left the courts of heaven during the monumental
Sacrifice of the Son of God. While He, and the whole earth, were enveloped in darkness
for three hours, the Father was close by. Therefore the Son of God did not send
His Spirit to heaven. His immortal life, His Deity, His divinity, which He inherited
from the Father was committed back to Him. The Father did not take that life back
to heaven. He left it in the tomb with His Sons dead form as indicated in the following
inspired quotation
"When He (Jesus) closed His eyes in death upon the cross, the soul of Christ did notgo . . . to heaven. . . . The spirit of Jesus slept in the tomb with His body, and
did not wing its way to heaven, there to maintain a separate existence, and to
look down upon the mourning disciples embalming the body from which it had taken
flight. All that comprised the life and intelligence of Jesus remained with Hisbody in the sepulchre; and when He came forth it was as a whole being; He
did not have to summon His spirit from heaven." SP Vol 3 pp. 203,204
From the above quote we see clearly the Son of God had no consciousness in death.
Jesus retained the general attributes of divinity and absolute sinlessness in CHARACTER
(Heb 7:26). Yet should be understood He needed to satisfy "Justice" and qualify not only
as our Savior but as our substitute. According to Heb 2:9 He chose to taste death for
every man by dying AS US(2 Cor 5:14, 21; 1 Cor 15:3) and AS WE DESERVE, to deliver
us from an eternal death/separation from God! (See Isa 53:10-12; Heb 2:14,15). The
son of man laid down His immortal life at the appointed time (Heb 9:26; Dan 9:26). Heneeded to lay aside His naturally INHERITED immortal life (John 5:26), which He also
previously possessed in the heavenly courts.
TheInfiniteSacrifice:Tasting death for every man
In taking upon human nature, by the grace of God, Jesus would taste death for every
man (Heb 2:9). He suffered the worst kind of pre-death experience imaginable He
tasted the second death, which is eternal separation from His Father and closest
companion!!!! That is why even in the garden of Gethsemane, before any cruel hand or
blow came down upon Him, before any weapon of affliction or instrument of torture was
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used against Him, under extreme mental anguish He sweated great drops of blood!!
(Luke 22:44).
He asked the Father to take away this cup of extreme psychological and emotional
suffering (separation from God by becoming sin for us something His sinless soul
recoiled from, and, up until then, had never experienced before!).
What kind of death did the divine
Son of God suffer?
Christ was suffering the death that was pronounced upon the transgressors
of God's law. -- Manuscript 35, 1895. {7ABC 463.3}
So Jesus wondered if the bitter cup of suffering could ever possibly pass from Him and if
there was any other way out. Andthere wasnt!!! (Mark 14:36; Heb 2:14-17; Isa
53:10-12; Psm. 88:6,7, Lam 1:12.) The solemn tone of Rev 14:10 indicates that the
undiluted wrath of God equates to eternal separation from God (the second death.)
Was Christ drinking from this cup of separation? Yes indeed!! Christ suffered in mans
place. In Gethsemane, He staggered under the terrible horror of the guilt of sin (7ABC
463.2). The Redeemer drains the mysterious cup [of suffering] even to its dregs
(Testimony for the Church Vol. 2, p 211).
In the following boxed text are excerpts from Testimonies to the church volume 2 that
present some powerful insights of what took place at the cross.
He was overwhelmed withhorror at the fearful work that
sin had wrought. His burdenof guilt, because of man's
transgression of the Father's
law, was so great that humannature was inadequate to
bear it. The sufferings of
martyrs can bear nocomparison with the agony of
Christ. The divine presence
was with them in their
sufferings; but the Father'sface was hidden from His dearSon.-- Ibid. {7ABC 463.1}
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Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by? behold, and
see if there be any sorrow like unto my sorrow,
which is done unto me, wherewith the LORD hath
afflicted me in the day of his fierce anger (Lam 1:12)
His The sins of a lost world were upon Him and overwhelmingHim. It was a sense of His Father's frown, in consequence of sin,which rent His heart with such piercing agony and forced from Hisbrow great drops of blood, which, rolling down His pale cheeks, fellto the ground, moist