PRE-EXISTENCE OF JESUS
Yahweh’s House of God Oakland California
The idea of a pre-existent Jesus is easily seen as a biblical concept. (Isa. 48:16; Dan. 7: 13 & 14; Mic. 5:2; Jon. 8:58, 17:5; Rev. 1:8, 18) What is at question is the nature of his pre-existence. Some see Jesus as existing prior to creation, equal to and co-existing with God the Father. Others see him existing only in the mind of God, or in Godís plan for salvation. Still others see him as a pre-mortal being; existing along with many other pre-mortal souls. I suppose there is no numbering of the many variant and opposing views on the nature of the pre-existent Jesus. I contend, however, it is not as great a mystery as the self aggrandizing theologians and philosophers have invented. I believe the answer lay in one simple statement of faith; Jesus is God and God is Jesus. In the words of Paul to Festus, ìthis thing was not done in a cornerî. (Acts 26:25 & 26)
One of the primary tenants of Hebrew Pentecostal faith is one true God. (Jon. 17:3) There is one God the creator and father of us all. (1Cor. 8:6) We do not divide him into different pieces or components he is one complete and indivisible being. Our monotheistic, beliefs come directly from the scripture. (Isa. 43:10) There is but one God then and now; from everlasting to everlasting. (Isa. 44:6) This same God manifested himself in flesh and lived among us as Jesus; whom we call Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, and The Prince of Peace. (Isa. 9:6) This of course is a stumbling block to many. (Isa. 8:14; 1Pet. 2:6 ñ 8) Isaiah is very clear in proclaiming the universe and everything in it was created by God. (Isa. 45:5 ñ 7) He was just as clear when he declared God himself formed the earth. (Isa 45:18) So there could be no misunderstandings or misgivings God himself spoke saying, ìTell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? Who hath told it from that time? Have not I the Lord? And there is no God else beside me; and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.î (Isa. 25:21 ñ 23) Paul understood these to be the words of the Pre-existent Jesus. (Rom. 14:10 ñ 12; Phi. 2:6 ñ 11))
Although the pre-existence of Jesus as God is a stumbling stone to some, it is no mystery. God through his holy prophets declared he would leave us a sign. ìTherefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.î (Isa. 7:14, Mat. 1:22 & 23) ìGod is with usî, despite this clear and simple statement of biblical truth many reject the idea of God walking among us as Jesus. It is true the Jews who looked forward to the coming Messiah were looking for a man, but not God himself incarnated as a man. (Jon. 1:1; Phil. 2:6 & 7) It is obvious Jesus was aware of how the Jews felt by his vivid comparison of his death on the cross with that of Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness. (Jon. 3:14 ñ 16) God commanded Moses to do what would seem to be contrary to the law; i.e. is to make a graven image and have the people look up on it. Jesus too was lifted up on a pole and we are commanded to look to him for life eternal. (Num. 21: 8 & 9) The devil tempted Jesus, saying, ìIf though therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.î (Lk. 4:7) Jesus knowing the scripture quickly replied, ìAnd Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me Satan: for it is written thou shalt worship the Lord thy God. and him only shalt thy serve.î (Lk. 4:8) The scripture echoes the sentiments of Jesus, stating God is the only being we should worship. (Ex. 20:5) To the Jew it is an idolatrous act to represent God in any physical form. Therefore Jews are obligated to reject Jesus as God. The rejection of Jesus pre-existence as God by many others is simply because they cannot reconcile and correctly separate his two roles. They have been blinded by their preconceived notions of what God can and cannot do. Peter had the same problem when it came to recognizing Godís call of the Gentiles. Although Godís request of Peter ran contrary to everything Peter had been taught, Peter was rebuked for questioning what God had done. (Acts 10:14 & 15)
Although there are numerous scriptures which acknowledges Jesus pre-existence as God, many find it hard to except this miraculous concept. Even the words of Jesus do not resonate with some; it does not suffice. (Jon. 8:26 ñ 28) Although he plainly said to Philip when you see me you have seen the father. (Jon. 14:9) We conclude with the words of Micah; ìBut thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.î (Mic. 5:2) Truly Jesus pre-existed as God so we believe and teach others to believe.