Was Jesus A Real Man

This is a very good question and legitimate question. It is neither complicated to understand or explain. (See also: The Humanity Of Christ )

At first, we may not think of man as a spirit being because we are most familiar with our present appearance which we call flesh; all flesh returns back to the dust of the earth, from which it was made, following death (decomposition process begins).

Man is considered to be flesh (of dust) but he is given spirit, which we all receive from God, in cluding Jesus. Without this spirit, our existence as living flesh (life as we know it on earth-it’s functioning/breathing/living) will cease (die).

There is a spirit that lives within us, even though we cannot physically see it. It is not flesh yet it is who we are. It does not control us, in the sense that we have been given free will. We (our spirit) belong to God, who is the Father of all spirits of man. There is an appointed time for this spirit to depart from us (our flesh) and will return to God, and at some later point in time, we will all give an account for the things done in our earthly bodies. (Acts 17:30-31;  2Cor 5:10)

Numbers 16: 22           God of the spirits of all flesh

Numbers 27: 16           God of the spirits of all flesh.

1 Kings 17: 21             let this child’s soul come into him again.

Job 32: 8                    there is a spirit in man.

Ecclesiastes 12: 7       spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

Isaiah 42: 5               he that giveth breath unto the people… and spirit to them that walk therein:

Zechariah 12:1           and formeth the spirit of man within him.

Matthew 26: 41           spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Mark 14: 38               spirit indeed is ready, but the flesh is weak.

1 Corinthians 2: 11     save the spirit of man which is in him?

1 Corinthians 6: 20     glorify God in your body, and in your spirit.

Hebrews 12: 9            subjection unto the Father of spirits.

James 2: 26              body without the spirit is dead.

Jesus The Man

Since the humanity of Jesus Christ is fundamental to every Christian doctrine we should first be able to prove that Jesus was indeed human, thus you need to make sure that you really understand exactly what constitutes a man as being “totally human”. This is a very important matter because in order to prove who Jesus is (or who he is not) we need to be able to do two things:

1. Distinguish the difference between being “totally human” from that of being “totally God”; and

2. Distinguish the difference between having the “Spirit of God” from the “spirit of man”; that which makes man human and separates him (his humanity) from being God.

Now in order for Jesus to be a man (a true human being) he would have had two (2) attributes:

1. He would have been limited in some aspect of his life (able to die, etc…); and

2. He would have had his own separate spirit having the independent will to obey God as do all men.

The scriptures indicate that Jesus did have these attributes. Thus his humanity is confirmed.

(John 12:27) “Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.”

(Luke 23:46) “And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.”

(Acts 2:31-32) “He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up”

Note: These verses are always shunned. Now how do we honestly explain Jesus being raised by God then try to assert that JESUS ONLY HAD ONE SPIRIT! Unless we are somehow trying to claim that Jesus only had the spirit of God, then, in that case, Jesus was not truly “totally human” (man).

Separating The Truth From The Tradition

Q1. Have you ever wondered how Jesus could actually be BOTH (totally Man) and (totally God) “literally” as we claim without being contradictory?

The Issue The Church Didn’t Explain To You:

We say Jesus had a dual nature, which is true, Jesus had flesh (Luke 24:39) and a spirit (that which comes from God) and gives life to the flesh of all men (humans) (Ecc 12:7; Numbers 16:22; Isa 42:5; Zec 12:1 ). We say Jesus and God are “literally” one and the same person, however, no church (Apostolic/Oneness/Trinitarian/ etc.) has ever explained what happened to Jesus’ human soul, that part of his “totally” human nature, if what they claim is the truth. Not surprisingly this is a very unwelcomed topic for those church leaders who have incorporated this manmade “incarnation” concept as part of their religious doctrine.

Now in order for Jesus to be a man (a true human being) he would have had at least two (2) attributes:

1. He would have been “limited” in some aspect of his life (able to die, suffer, hunger, etc…); and
2. He would have had a “human spirit/soul” thus having the independent will to choose whether or not to obey God, as do all humans.

Unless we say Jesus only had God’s spirit, in which case Jesus would not have been “totally” human, what happened to his human spirit/soul?

Q2. Can anyone explain: If (Jesus is totally God) then how is (God totally man)? Are you confused? You should be and here is why.

The Issue The Church Didn’t Explain To You:

Unfortunately, the totally God-man theory is impossible to explain truthfully. This is because this theory has its own, self-contained contradictory clause built-in; hence to be the “totality” of anything leaves NO ROOM to be anything else!

Therefore whatever the one is, the other he is NOT! (Numbers 23:19 (NLT), 23:19(KJV); Hosea 11:9; John 5:37 (NLT), 5:37(KJV))

Distinguishing A Fact From A Paradox:

The Bible’s definition of God is not disputed: God is an invisible/all-powerful/immortal spirit.

The Bible’s definition of man is not disputed: Man is a visible/not all powerful/mortal flesh

What is true by definition will always remain true unless we start redefining things. For example 2+2=4. This equation will always remain true. The only way this can ever become false is if we decide to change the definitions of the component parts.

The “attributes” of a Spirit

A Spirit is regarded as supernatural and is separate from matter. Matter is whatever occupies space and is perceptible to the senses – (man is an example of matter)

Jesus confirms this definition to be true: “God is a Spirit” and “a spirit hath not flesh and bones” (John 4:24, Luke 24:39)

Supernatural is not explainable by the known forces or laws of nature; specific, of or involving God, ghosts, spirits, etc.

The definition of the word spirit does not provide information as to what it looks like. If a spirit is a supernatural being (something not explainable by the known forces of the laws of nature) then it is possible that a spirit can live inside a human being and not have the physical form of a human being. (John 1:18; John 5:37; 1 John 4:12)

Therefore if a spirit is something that is “not explainable by known forces of the laws of nature” that means a spirit can be in anything and anywhere because it is not bound by the laws of nature.

This is NOT the “attributes” of a man.

* To be man means to be limited: (lacking in knowledge, prone to mistakes, imperfect, flesh)

* To be God means just the opposite: (all powerful/knowledge, immortal, perfect, spirit)

Now, by definition, a thing cannot be the opposite of itself. A thing cannot be “limited” and “unlimited” at the same time. The presence of one of these qualities implies the absence of the other. Jesus was either one or the other. He cannot logically be both.

To say someone is limited and unlimited is like saying that you saw a square circle. This is an impossibility. Are you saying the circle was not round, in which case it was not a circle? Or are you saying the square was circular? This is not a paradox; this is meaningless nonsense, however imaginative it might be.

To say that someone is limited and unlimited at the same time is to say that “X” and “not-X” can both be true. This is either to abandon the meaning of these words or else to abandon logic and in either case, this means we are speaking nonsense that can have no meaning for us.

The orthodox say that Jesus was imperfect with regards to his human nature but perfect with regards to his divine nature. The problem with this position is that it implies the existence of two persons occupying the one body of Jesus. You need for this two minds, two wills, two characters.

But the “Jesus is God” creed does not allow this necessary conclusion and insists that Jesus was not two persons but one only. Now, this one person had to be either perfect or not, infallible or not, unlimited in knowledge or not.

Now a paradox is something that seems impossible but can be demonstrated to be true. On the other hand, the creedal statement may seem true to some people but logic demonstrates it to be false.

The TRUTHFULNESS of this matter is something that can be easily PROVEN.

Q3. Either Jesus COULD sin or Jesus COULD NOT sin; WHICH IS IT?

Note: (Having the “ability” to commit sin (or disobey God) is different than putting that ability into practice).

If Jesus was NOT “capable” of sinning he would indeed be totally GOD!!!!

The Issue The Church Didn’t Explain To You:

If Jesus was “capable” of committing sin he would be human (or not “totally” God), because all humans are capable of committing a sin against (or disobeying) God. It is this aspect of Jesus total obedience to God (John 8:29-30, Romans 5:19) that was remarkable. God’s plan, even before the foundation of the world, was for Jesus to be our savior and redeemer. (1 John 4:14-15; Galatians 4:4-8; 1 Peter 1:19-21)

If Jesus was “totally” God it would be impossible for God to sin because God has no one to whom he must obey, Jesus would have never “truly” overcame the world as our example of being sinless flesh by surrendered will to another.

God’s Spirit (divinity) indwelling the human body of Jesus (humanity) demonstrated two different types of spirits in one body. This is why Jesus said the words he spoke were not his, but that of his Father [God] (John 12:49-50; John 14:24)

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Pregnant Without Human Sperm?

First, if we say that the Bible is our guided source for confirmation of that which is true as it pertains to God and the creation of his creatures (man) then the claim that “Only a human sperm could produce a 100% human” is not a true statement. This is not biblical, but rather a man-made opinion (or theory) which relies solely on the natural abilities of man and omits the supernatural abilities of God. However, that is not to say that it could not happen in this manner, but that the Bible does not make this statement nor provide any examples supporting this theory. Let me provide two Biblical examples that clearly refute this claim.

The First Two Examples are:

1) Adam -No one claims Adam to be less than 100% human (or part human).
2) Eve – No one claims Eve to be less than 100% human (or part human).

Neither, Adan or Eve was created by God applying Human “sperm” from some other “human”.
In addition, Eve was created from the rib of Adam, not from the “sperm” of Adam. In addition we have to be mindful that although the Bible does not actually say Eve was made from dirt, but from Adam’s rib, it can be concluded that if the rib came from Adam, who came from dirt, her fundamental nature also, as with all humans, would still be that of dirt and able to experience death (Job 34:15; Ps 104:29; Ecc 3:20, 12:7).

So as we can see from these examples above, the essence of someone being called “human” (or man) is not necessarily determined by it having received human sperm. (Ref: Jesus & Other Supernatural Births)

Of course after Adam and Eve were first “formed” (and then given “life”) and then “punished” for their disobedience, God did institute a process (the means) in which children (their offspring) would be brought forth (born/begotten) into this world (Gen 3:16). Notably, all human children come through the vessel of a woman. This aspect alone is generally not disputed. Jesus likewise was also birthed in this manner, in a vessel of a woman.

Furthermore, what human logic would we then claim made Adam totally 100% Human? There is no Biblical mention of human sperm being used to create his existence? Adam is “The Father” of all humans (which means the “beginning” in this case). So we can see the same “Divine Spirit” intervention” come into play when we speak of the birth of Jesus.

This process does not make Jesus half divine, at least not in the sense that Jesus inherently had the same nature and makeup that God possesses making Jesus ½ God from his Heavenly Father’s side & ½ Human from his Earthly Mother’s side (See: The Humanity Of Christ).

There are several facts we should consider pursuant to what qualifies something as being “totally human.”

Fact 1: The Woman Does Not Create Life

There is not one human who is able to “create life” (create a child) without God’s intervention. It is “the spirit” that gives man life (Isaiah 42:5; John 6:63) (Ref: G2227 = quickeneth = gives life). And all spirits are from God (What Is A Genuine Human?).

1: Humans are not capable of giving life to anything, although we use the terminology “birth” to say that we gave life to our children. In actuality, humans are ONLY “VESSELS” constructed by God for his purpose (1Cor 3:16, 6:19-20; Eph 2:22), and women, as vessels, are specifically constructed for, but not limited to, the following:

a.) carrying the formation of a child;

Consider the following Scriptures:

Jer 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee, and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Isa 44:24 Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;

Isa 49:5 And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength.

b.) and the woman is the means by which “a child” is brought forth into this world (giving birth). As you recall from Genesis, it was the WOMAN, not the man, whom God chose as the “VESSEL” used for BIRTH!!

NOTE: The formation of life once it has been “birthed” (and breathing – thus “living”) is at this point called a “living soul.” (Job 33:4; Acts 17:25)

Fact 2: The “Process” By Which A Woman Can Give “Birth” Was Not Limited

There is not one Biblical mention anywhere “limiting” the means (or the process) by which a woman is capable of giving birth to a child. There is not one Biblical example reflecting that the only way for a woman to give birth to a child is that she must have had direct contact with a “human sperm” or had “sexual intercourse” as a prerequisite.

In fact, with the advent of today’s modern medical advancement, a woman can carry and give birth to another woman’s child; – So which woman is the mother? Now that is something to really think about.

Note: The surrogate is not biologically related to the fetus she’s carrying. The embryo is created with the intended mother’s egg or a donor egg plus the intended father’s sperm or donor sperm and then implanted into the surrogate.

Fact 3: The Process of “Birth” Is Not Restricted From God

In the Bible, Jesus is said to be “made of a woman” (Galatians 4:4) and Mary was the vessel God chose to use for the formation of this child named Jesus. (presumably 9 months)

Keep in mind that this word “Begotten” has several different ways in which it can be transliterated (worded) yet be describing the same incident or the same act committed by someone.

For Ex: In one passage Jesus was “begotten” by God (G1080) = means to “bring forth, make, etc..” In another passage, the same Greek word can mean “born”(G1080)

Heb 1:5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten^(G1080) thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?

Mat 1:16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born^(G1080) Jesus, who is called Christ.

1Jn 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born^(G1080) of God: and every one that loveth him that begat^(G1080) loveth him also that is begotten^(G1080) of him.

In the Bible, the “only begotten” (G3439) is used to convey an only child (and in this case, the only child born that was born in this unique manner) – by a woman who was also a “virgin” (Mat 1:18, 25).

Usage Notes:

English Words used in KJV:
only begotten 6
only 2
only child 1
[Total Count: 9]

from <G3441> (monos) and <G1096> (ginomai); only-born, i.e. sole :- only (begotten, child).
—Strong’s Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary

Note: So when the Bible reflects someone being begotten of God, it is usually in the context of “figurative speech” (in union/fellowship with God). In other words, the Bible does not reflect God literally going around having sexual relations with his created creatures (an earth woman), who was made from dirt. No, God made the woman for man!!
The woman was made for the man, not to satisfy God’s sexual desires – 1Cor 11:9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.

Fact 4: The Supernatural Promises (Prophecies) Of God Will Be Fulfilled

A woman was called a “virgin” because she, literally and physically had not known a man (was somebody who has never had sexual intercourse), which correctly applies to the Virgin Mary: (Luke 1:34) “Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” This text throws much light on the subject before us. The prophecy of Isaiah (Isaiah 7:14) implied what this very fact proved, that it was without human means the virgin conceived; and when she brought forth her son, she still remained a virgin (Mat 1:25). Here this supernatural event is accomplished, what power other than God could have brought it to pass? “The Lord himself will give you a sign.”

This is also in perfect agreement with the ancient prophecy found in Genesis 3:15, “The seed of the woman shall bruise the head of the serpent”; for the person who was to destroy the work of the devil was to be the progeny (offspring) of the woman, without any concurrence of the man. And, hence, the text of Genesis speaks (prophetically) of the virgin state of the person from whom Christ, according to the flesh, should come.

Note: According to the original promise, there was to be a seed, a human being, who should destroy sin; but this seed is noted as coming forth from the woman alone (Gen 3:15); and no woman alone could produce such a human being without the supernatural intervention of God.

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“Is Anything Too Hard For The LORD?”

(Genesis 18:14)

Throughout the Bible, there are cases where God supernaturally caused life to come into existence above what we would consider to be the “normal” physical way which He designed.

There were six women mentioned in the Bible who were described as being “barren.” By nature, women who were barren were not “physically” able to conceive, therefore they could not have children without direct intervention from God.

Women Who Were Barren – Yet Gave Birth

The Birth of Isaac

1. Sarai (renamed Sarah), the wife of Abram (renamed Abraham), was barren.

Genesis 11:30 But Sarai was barren; she had no child.

Genesis 17:15-16 And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be. 16 And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her.
Genesis 17:1-2, 5 And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken. 2 For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age… 5 And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him.

Note: Abraham was 100 years old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. We read that it had ceased to be with Sarah any longer after the manner of women. (Gen.18:11) She was past menopause. Physically she was not able to conceive children.<^<1>The biological formation of a child is not as straight forward as many of us may have been taught. The human development of a child normally includes the combination of the male sperm, the female egg but both its spirit, (which gives the child life), and its formation are said to be determined by God (See: Pregnant Without Human Sperm?).>

After menopause, a woman’s body no longer contains any eggs. Conception is then no longer possible. The Bible does not tell us how God did it. It only tells us that He did do it (“the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken“).

Romans 4:16-22 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, 17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,)…18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. 19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb: 20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

Hebrews 11:11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

The Birth of Jacob

2. Rebekah, the wife of Isaac, was barren.

Genesis 25:21 And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.
Rebekah’s barrenness was a test of faith, resolved by prayer. The promised seed was to come through Isaac and God intervened again and Rebekah conceived twins Esau and Jacob, one was faithless and sold his birthright for a meal of pottage, the other became faithful and inherited the promises.

The Birth of Joseph

3. Rachel, the younger wife of Jacob (renamed Israel), was barren.

Genesis 29:31 And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren.
As Jacob deceived Isaac to steal Esau’s blessing so Jacob was deceived by Laban into marriage with Leah when he had served for Rachel. Jacob then married Rachel but the marriage was marred because Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah and the strife degenerated into contest of conception.

In process of time (through her persistence in prayer) God causes Rachel to conceive.
Genesis 30:22 And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb. 23 And she conceived, and bare a son; and said, God hath taken away my reproach: 24 And she called his name Joseph; and said, The LORD shall add to me another son.

The Birth of Sampson

4. The unnamed wife of Manoah of the tribe of Dan, was barren.

Judges 13:2-3,24 And there was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren, and bare not. 3 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou art barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son… 24 And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson:

The Birth of Samuel

5. Hannah, the second wife of Elkanah, couldn’t conceive a child.

1 Samuel 1:2, 5 And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children… 5 But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb.

The shutting up of Hanna’s womb caused her to vow to lend her first son to God for life. When the son was born she fulfilled her vow.

1 Samuel 1:11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.
1 Samuel 1:19 And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her. 20 Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD.

1 Samuel 1:27-28 For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him: 28 Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.

The Birth of John

6. Elisabeth, the wife of Zacharias, cousin to Mary, was barren.

Luke 1:7 And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years…
Luke 1:13… the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. 14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. 15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. 16 And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. 17 And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

Once again this conception was a miracle performed by God to fulfil his purpose. John the Baptist was to prepare the way for Jesus.

The Birth of Jesus

7. Mary was a Virgin, Yet Gave Birth To a Child .

We have just read passages of how God caused six different Jewish boys to be miraculously conceived. But there was yet a seventh Jewish boy (Jesus) whose story is even more miraculous than all the others. His mother (Mary) was a “virgin” (one who has not had sexual intercourse) when she was conceived with child.

Matthew 1:25 But he [Joseph] had no union with her until she gave birth to a son [Jesus]. And he [Joseph] gave him the name Jesus.

Luk 1:34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
Luk 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

Thus we can see God intervening in each case of barrenness, and in this special case of a young virgin, all to bring into being the men who would fulfil his purpose.

In each case mentioned above, God took an otherwise humanly impossible situation and made “birth” possible. It would be pure speculation attempting to try and detail the process of how, because God did not provide us with that information. All we need to know is He is able. God is not limited in what he can create or how it is created.

The real lesson is that God works in the lives of those who have faith in his promises and live their lives accordingly.

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A good question… The answer is YES and here’s why. Having the “ability” to commit sin (or disobey God) is different than putting that ability into practice.

The TRUTHFULNESS of this matter is something that can be easily PROVEN.

Either Jesus COULD sin or Jesus COULD NOT sin; WHICH IS IT?

If Jesus was NOT “capable” of sinning he would indeed be totally GOD!!!!

However, the humanity of Jesus Christ is fundamental to every Christian doctrine so we should first prove if Jesus was indeed human, thus you need to make sure that you really understand exactly what constitutes a man as being “totally human”. This is a very important matter because in order to prove who Jesus is (or who he is not) and what he was “capable” of doing we need to be able to do two things:

1. distinguish the difference between being “totally human” from that of being “totally God”; and
2. distinguish the difference between having the “Spirit of God” from the “spirit of man”; that which makes man human and separates him (his humanity) from being God (1Cor 2:11).

Now in order for Jesus to be a man (a true human being) he would have had at least two (2) attributes:

1. He would have been “limited” in some aspect of his life (able to die, suffer, hunger, etc…); and
2. He would have had a “human spirit/soul” thus having independent will to choose whether or not to obey God, as do all humans.

Unless we say Jesus only had God’s spirit, in which case Jesus would not have been “totally” human, you then have to explain what happened to Jesus “human” spirit/soul.

The Issue The Church Didn’t Explain To You:

If Jesus was “capable” of committing sin he would be human (or not “totally” God), because all humans are capable of committing a sin against (or disobeying) God. It is this aspect of Jesus total obedience to God (John 8:29-30, Romans 5:19) that was remarkable. God’s plan, even before the foundation of the world, was for Jesus to be our savior and redeemer. (1 John 4:14-15; Galatians 4:4-8; 1 Peter 1:19-21)

If Jesus was “totally” God it would be impossible for God to sin because God has no one to whom he must obey, Jesus would have never “truly” overcame the world as our example of being sinless flesh by surrendered will to another.

God’s Spirit (divinity) indwelling the human body of Jesus (humanity) demonstrated two different types of spirits in one body; (the will/spirit of man (Jesus) surrendered to the will/Spirit of God. This is why Jesus said the words he spoke were not his, but that of his Father [God] (John 12:49-50; John 14:24).

(John 8:29) “And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone;…” [It is made clear that this man Jesus was not by himself (alone), nor did he send himself, nor was he referring to himself as the Father when Jesus said “he” that sent “me”]

(John 14:10) “I speak not of myself: but the father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works”

(2 Corinthians 5:19) “To wit that God was “in” Christ; < NOT > God was “incarnated as” the Christ.

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A Relationship with Christ means: (We are Brothers/Sisters with Christ)

 
We become brothers and sisters with Christ, NOT children of Christ (Matthew 12:50; Mark 3:35) we are therefore ONE with Christ, being adopted sons and joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17; Galatians 3:28-29; Galatians 4:4-7)

Note: Of course that is only those who have made Jesus Christ their Lord [master], to the glory of God the Father (Acts 2:36; Philippians 2:11).

Is Jesus The Father In Heaven?

There are three things that are fundamental to obtaining a correct understanding and proving it.

Step 1: IDENTIFY >

a. Who?: “My Father” (the title and relationship to whom Jesus speaks of); What Location? : “in Heaven” (his Father’s location)

b. Find (and list) all scriptures reflecting; “My Father” (which is in Heaven) = “9”

c. Find (and list) all scriptures where Jesus says; “I am the Father” (in Heaven) = “0”

Step 2: VERIFY >

a. The name of God (who is in heaven) is identified in the scriptures as “the LORD ^H3068, the God of heaven”

Gen 24:3 And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell:
Gen 24:7 The LORD God of heaven, which took me from my father’s house, and from the land of my kindred, and which spake unto me, and that sware unto me, saying, Unto thy seed will I give this land; he shall send his angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence.
2Ch 36:23 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the LORD God of heaven given me; and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? The LORD his God be with him, and let him go up.
Ezr 1:2 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.
Jon 1:9 And he said unto them, I am an Hebrew; and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land.

b. The Father is the “Lord of Heaven” (Mat 11:25; Luke 10:21) & the God of Heaven (Acts 17:24)

• It is important to note that when we speak of the Father (in most instances) we are speaking of God however there is one instance where “Father” does refer to our Lord Jesus (Isaiah 9:6 – The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father) with the understanding that the prophesy being mentioned is not proclaiming Jesus to be God (the Father).

c. Jesus never said “I am the Father” nor “I am God” and this important fact is almost always ignored. When we attach a man-made claim to identify Jesus we are going to end up making claims that are never stated as such in the Bible. They usually conflict or contradict those scriptures that are contained within the Bible.

Step 3: TEST IT >

* Not one time does Jesus speak to himself or refer to himself as “Father”.

My Father which is in heaven:

Spoken By Jesus 9 times

Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Mat 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

Mat 10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

Mat 12:50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

Mat 15:13 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.

Mat 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

Mat 18:10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

Mat 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

Mat 18:35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

My Father

(Matthew 20:23, 24:36, 25:34, 26:29, 42, 53; Luke 2:49, 10:22, 22:29, 24:49; John 2:16, 5:17, 43, 6:32, 65, 8:19, 49, 54, 10:17, 18, 12:26, 14:2, 7, 12, 21, 15:1, 8, 16:10, 18:11, 20: 21; Revelation 2:27, 3:5, 21)

Joh 8:28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.

Joh 8:38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.

Joh 10:25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me.

Joh 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.

Joh 10:30 I and my Father are one.

Joh 10:32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?

Joh 10:37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.

Joh 14:20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

Joh 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

Joh 14:28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.

Joh 20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

Jesus said….“Father”

Mat 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

Luk 10:21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

Luk 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

Luk 23:46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

Joh 5:19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.

Joh 6:32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.

Joh 11:41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.

Joh 17:1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:

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 God Shall Give Unto Him The Throne Of His Father David

Luke 1:32-33,

Luke 1:30-33 (KJV)  And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest (also called the Son of God): and the Lord God shall give unto him (Jesus) the throne of his father David (a man): 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Note: God is giving something to Jesus. (The earth is the Lords and the fullness thereof  – Psalms 24:1) God isn’t waiting to receive anything, Jesus, on the other hand, does have to wait! But most importantly God is giving Jesus the throne of his Father DAVID!

Jesus is not taking over God’s throne and clearly this statement indicates earthly ancestor (Father) which comes from the prophesy pertaining to King David.

So what does the Bible reveal about God’s Throne? Does The Throne Of God Belong To Christ?

What does Jesus say?

Rev 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

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Jesus Was Transfigured

(Matthew 17:1-13)

Reads as follows:

Matthew 17:1  And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into a high mountain apart:

Matthew 17:2  and he was transfigured (changed) before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his garments became white as the light.

Matthew 17:3  And behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elijah talking with him.

Matthew 17:4  And Peter answered, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, I will make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.

Matthew 17:5  While he was yet speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold, a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

Matthew 17:6  And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.

Matthew 17:7  And Jesus came and touched them and said, Arise, and be not afraid.

Matthew 17:8  And lifting up their eyes, they saw no one, save Jesus only.

Matthew 17:9  And as they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen from the dead.

Matthew 17:10  And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elijah must first come?

Matthew 17:11  And he answered and said, Elijah indeed cometh, and shall restore all things:

Matthew 17:12  but I say unto you, that Elijah is come already, and they knew him not, but did unto him whatsoever they listed. Even so shall the Son of man also suffer of them.

Matthew 17:13  Then understood the disciples that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.

Transfigured vs. Incarnated

REFERENCE SOURCES: Merriam-Webster (Wikipedia, Cambridge and other references reflect similarly)

Transfigured: Is to change the appearance of something or someone

Incarnated: Literally means embodied in flesh or taking on flesh. It refers to the conception and birth of a sentient (or intellectual) creature (generally a human) that is the material manifestation of an entity, god or force whose original nature is immaterial.

BIBLICAL SOURCES: (The Greek-Hebrew Lexicons: Strong’s, Brown-Driver-Briggs, etc.)

Incarnated: (This is not a Hebrew or Greek translated word, nor is it part of the Bible);

Transfigured: (Matthew 17:2;  Mark 9:2) (from <G3326> (meta) and <G3445> (morphoo); to transform (literal or figurative “metamorphose”) :- change, transfigure, transform. —Strong’s Greek & Hebrew Dictionary

How & Why Was Jesus Transfigured?

1. What actually happened to make Jesus’s appearance change?

a)  Did Jesus literally morph (transfigure) himself into a glowing being under his own power or did something else occur during this encounter?

b)  Was it the indwelling Spirit of God that was made visible to these three men (Peter, James, and John) in this spectacular manner (the glory of God’s presence)?

c)  Was this some sort of alien invasion that caused radiation poisoning that made Jesus glow in the dark?

Answer: We, with a high degree of biblical supporting evidence, can conclude that the answer is statement (b). In order to prove this position we must ask ourselves another question:

2. Why did this transfiguration occur in the first place?

Was the transfiguration made visible to these three men (Peter, James, and John) so they would believe Jesus was God? No, not according to these passages.

The transfiguration was made visible to these three men (Peter, James, and John)  so they would be witness able to confirm and convey to others:

1) Who and What Jesus was;

2) Who and What Jesus Father is;

3) Who they (Peter, James, and John) were to obey;

It was God, NOT Jesus, who performed these acts they witnessed:

1)  It was God, NOT Jesus, who spoke from a cloud and confirmed (told them – Peter, James, and John)  Jesus was HIS Son (Matthew 17:5) and he was indeed doing the will of God (with whom God was pleased); and

2)  It was God, NOT Jesus, who gave these three men (Peter, James, and John) a command (God told them what to do) saying “hear ye him” (or listen to Jesus), which means they were to obey God’s will, as conveyed by or through Jesus.

What else do we know?

• Jesus had witnesses to this transfiguration
• The transfiguration was temporary
• Two other men (Moses and Elijah), who had been physically dead for hundreds of years, appeared during this event talking to Jesus.

The word tells us to establish the facts via witnesses (2 Corinthians 13:1). This passage of scripture names the witnesses as Peter, James and John; but what exactly did they witness?

Apparently these two visitors (Moses and Elijah) looked like “real” “living” men (if holding a conversation with Jesus) but as soon as these witnesses (Peter, and James, and John) fell to the ground, Jesus told them to get up and the transfiguration was over and these visitors  (Moses and Elijah) Jesus had been with only moments before suddenly vanished (gone) and Jesus was alone. 

Numerous questions begin to surface as we read this passage of scripture. We know that ordinary human’s cannot just appear and then vanish at will in an instance. During the life of Jesus on earth, both Moses and Elijah had been dead for hundreds of years, yet here they were speaking to him in front of witnesses. Where exactly were they just prior to this appearance with Jesus? We have to consider that the word of God tells us that no man has ascended to Heaven. So we can safely say that they were not sitting around in heaven before they materialized in front of these witnesses. 

Jesus appearance also changed, so was he changed in his physical make-up or was it merely the spirit of God shining through him; as when God spoke through a burning bush or like when Moses shone when he came down from Mount Sinai. Exodus 34:29? 

If man can not cause, by his own might, such a personal transfiguration as that which occured with Jesus, then Jesus was transfigured by something other than his own humanity.

Could it be that it was God (or the indwelling of God’s Spirit., ie. the Holy Ghost, Acts 10:38) which cause this mystical transfiguration? Of course it could.

This was not an incarnation of God into Jesus, but a manifestation of God working through Jesus in a miraculous manner.

During this mountaintop transfiguration episode there are several other issues you are going to have to be able to explain.

Q1. Did they see the actual resurrected bodies of these two men (Moses and Elias)? Were these men’s (Moses and Elias) souls (their human soul/spirit) somehow reunited with their flesh (earthly dust) bodies, making them actual living beings again?

Q.2 Did these two men possibly come down from Heaven, possibly on their own accord just stopping by to have a chat with Jesus?

Therefore, if Moses and Elias are not indicated as coming down from heaven or being resurrected up from the ground (dead) then by what means created their appearance?

What these men actually witnessed was what the bible calls a “vision” that was created by God.

If you read this passage very carefully, the disciples never indicate that they actually heard any of these men (Moses and Elias) speaking to Jesus. Take note of (verse 3) and note the word “appeared“; what is indicated is that they were looking at what appeared to be a conversation taking place between Jesus, Moses and Elias.

The next voice that is reflected as being heard was that of God speaking from heaven (v5) and God told them “This is my beloved Son, (refering to Jesus) in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” Matthew 17:5 (KJV)

But it is verse nine in which Jesus himself confirms that what they witness was a vision.

Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead. Matt 17:9 (KJV)

In fact when  referring to Elias they realized that Jesus was actually speaking of John the Baptist. (Matthew 17:10 – 13)

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The Lineage Of Jesus

The lineage of Jesus can only be established through Scripture.

The Bible does not contain record of Jesus directly addressing Joseph as “father.” There are many passages however where Jesus spoke of God as “My Father,” but he also spoke to others about God being their Father, “your Father” (John 20:17; Mat 5:48, 23:9, etc.), which indicates that Christ considered God to be a Father to both Himself and others. This will be important later in helping us in distinguishing what terminology is literal vs. figurative (or metaphoric).

Since we do not have any direct DNA evidence needed to confirm (or refute) the genealogy of Jesus to Joseph (Jesus Father Joseph was the descendant of King David – Mat 1:6-16, The genealogy in Matthew indicates that it was through the line of Joseph that Jesus had the right to inherit the throne of David as the King of the Jews. Mat 27:11), we must take the scriptures to be true as written (Matthew 1:1; Luke 1:32, 18:38; John 7:42; 2 Timothy 2:8; Revelation 22:16). The only thing we can do is reason from the Word of God and consider how Joseph became the father of Jesus.

1) Jesus Is Called The “Son Of David”

Jesus is called the “son of David” in Matthew 1:1. A few verses later Joseph is called the “son of David” (Mat 1:20). However, we also know that Joseph, according to scripture, was not the actual biological father of Jesus (Mat 1:25). So what does this indicate?

Considering the facts and Jewish custom, it becomes clear that Joseph was Jesus’ legal father, which is probably better reflected in Luke, where we find Mary’s genealogy:

Luke 3:23 (KJV) “And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,”

The Greek word translated, “as was supposed” is nomizo and it also means “to do by law” or “to reckon by law.” So we understand this to say that Jesus was (by law) the adopted son of Joseph.

2) Jesus Was Called, “The Carpenter’s Son”

Jesus was called, “the carpenter’s son” (Matthew 13:55, Mark 6:3), a direct reference to others recognizing Joseph as his father.

3) Jesus Had Other Siblings

Jesus had other siblings.  It’s thought (but not certain) that there were seven children in the family of Mary and Joseph.  That’s based upon counting six siblings in this verse:

Mark 6:3  “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.”

We know there were four brother and at least two sisters.  If there were no more than two sisters, by including Jesus, that means the family had seven children–a number that signifies completion throughout the Bible.  That’s interesting and it sounds good, but remember we don’t know it to be a fact.  The point here is that all of the other children in the family would have called Joseph “father,” so it’s very likely Jesus did also.

4) Mary, The Mother Of Jesus, Referred To Joseph As Jesus’ Father

Luke 2:41-47  Now his parents [plural, Mary and Joseph] went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.  And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.  And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.  But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.  And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.  And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.  And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. (48)  And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

The Bible indicates that Jesus parents were Mary (his mother) and in verse 48 Mary referred to Joseph as Jesus’ father.

THE MEANING OF ADOPTION

To adopt means to accept. To adopt a child means to accept that child as one’s own. When we think of adoption we think of it as a legal action by which a person takes into his family a child not his own, and usually not even related to him, for the purpose of treating him as and giving him all the privileges of his own child. In other words it is action by which we take someone in, who is not part of our family, and grant them all the privileges of being our true child.

Adopted children are not connected by birth to their adopted parents. This is the very difference between an adopted child and a non-adopted child. The non-adopted child is connected by birth, by blood with his father and mother, while the adopted child by the act of adoption. This will also help us later to better understand the relationship between God and the terminology “sons of God.”

Note: That is why the scripture says that God would give Jesus the throne of his father David. Luke 1:32 “He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:”

The genealogy in Matthew indicates that it was through the line of Joseph that Jesus had the right to inherit the throne of David as the King of the Jews. The Davidic line was passed down through the sons of David, of which Joseph was a direct descendant through King Solomon. Therefore Jesus was also in the line of succession, with Joseph as his legal father.

However, Mary was also from the tribe of Judah, but her lineage was not in the line of succession through Solomon. She was a direct descendant through David’s second surviving son with Bathsheba, Nathan.

Clearly, Jesus was the actual “blood” descendant (seed) and rightful heir to the throne of King David.

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The Custom of Sacrifice

The scriptures provide no specific account as to its origin, but the custom of sacrifice (offering) is clearly one that had been approved by God. The first sacrifice offering is mentioned in the book of Genesis, by Cain and Abel unto the LORD (Gen 4:3-5).

The High Priest

The High Priest was considered the highest religious position of all those who served at the temple. Only the high priest was permitted to enter into what was called the “Holy of Holies“, which he did once a year, on the Day of Atonement, for “the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest” (Heb 9:8, 11, 12).

Aaron, the brother of Moses, was the first High Priest and was appointed by God (Ex. 28:2; 29:7; 30:23; Lev. 8:12). The office of high priest was to be held for life, and was hereditary in the family of Aaron (Num. 3:10).

For many years after the time of Moses the office of high priest was held based on heredity. In later times, however, civil authorities appropriated the right of appointment and filled the position based on their own religious and political considerations.

The book of Leviticus describes the required gifts and sacrifices the priests were to make on behalf of the people. There were burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings and trespass offerings, each sacrifice had specific guidelines and rituals required when making them. The priests were the only ones able to offer these gifts and sacrifices. It was their primary duty.

It is believed that there were approximately eighty-three high priests, beginning with Aaron (B.C. 1657) and ending with Phannias (A.D. 70).

Christ Qualifications As High Priest

In the same way, Jesus, our High Priest, was also required to offer both gifts and sacrifices. The difference is that Jesus’ gifts and His sacrifice were far superior to the gifts offered according to the law. He did not bring animals to sacrifice as a covering for sin. He presented His body, which was prepared and given for this very purpose (Hebrews 10:5-7). His sacrifice wiped away the curse of sin and its effects (II Corinthians 5:19, Hebrews 10:17-18, I John 2:2).

A. DIVINE APPOINTMENT (Heb 5:1, 4)

1. The work of the high priest involves “things pertaining to God” – (Heb 2:17)

2. Only God can rightfully select a high priest, even as God called Aaron – (Heb 2:17)

B. HUMAN CONDITION (Heb 5:1-3)

1. A high priest is selected “from among men” – (Heb 5:1)

Note: The high priest was to make a distinction between sins of ignorance and sins of presumption (In a presumptuous manner; arrogantly). Sacrifices were to be offered on behalf of “those who are ignorant and going astray“ – (Heb 5:2 ), but NOT for the presumptuous. – (Num 15:22-31)

2. For “he himself is subject to weakness” (Heb 5:2 ). And Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered (Heb 5:8 ).

“He learned obedience” – (There is a challenge of obedience in the midst of suffering, temptations, etc.) A high priest would be someone well acquainted with our “human challenges” (i.e., our struggles against temptation, etc…)(Heb 2:18; 4:15).

a) Jesus “offered prayers and supplications with vehement cries and tears” (Heb 5:7)

b) Jesus prayed “to Him who was able to save Him from death” (Heb 5:7)

c) Jesus was heard “because he feared” (Heb 5:7)

This also explains why the high priest in the O.T. offered sacrifices for himself (for his sins of ignorance), as well as for the sins of the people – (Lev 16:11)

The Better translation when compared to KJV

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When Did Jesus Become Divine?

When Did Christ Become Divine? Rev 1:18,  Act 13:37, 2Peter 1:4, Gal 6:8

I had been asked to address several questions pertaining to Christ and his being divine. When did Christ become divine?

Was Christ divine before his Birth, during his baptism, or at his resurrection, when God resurrected Christ from the dead?

The Divinity Of Christ: (According to Scripture)

(First, understand these 4 passages)

Rev 1:18 “I am he that liveth (is alive), and was dead (not alive); and, behold (but notice me now), I am alive for evermore (continual… ongoing… never ending… A Divine Nature)…”

Act 13:37 “But he (Jesus), whom God raised again, saw no corruption.”

2Pe 1:4 “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

Gal 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh (sin) shall of the flesh reap corruption (damnation); but he that soweth to the Spirit (of God) (as did Christ) shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting (A Divine Nature).

Was Christ Divine before His Birth?

In the Old Testament, there are no passages that make this claim pertaining to Jesus being divine (In Hebrew the word “divine” (H7080) is not a word used to describe God and it does not mean “godlike,” as it does (G2304) in the two N.T. passages where it is found mentioned (2 Peter 1:3-4)). Any argument about the divinity of Jesus stemming from the Old Testament is baseless and certainly not spoken of in the O.T. scriptures.

Note:

Many assume the words “Divine” and “Deity” are synonymous, they are not. We can say the angels are Divine, but they are not Deity.  Likewise, the partaking of a divine nature depends on our decision to live in obedience to God while we are here on Earth, just as Jesus did.

Was Christ Divine At His Baptism?

Some say Jesus became divine at His baptism (Mat 3:16, Mark 1:10, Luke 3:22, John 1:32). Apparently, they consider the act of the receiving the Holy Ghost as being divine, but this belief is not well taken. It would then stand to reason that everyone who receives the Holy Ghost would also be considered divine.

In order to address these questions fully and correctly, we need to first establish who Jesus actually was and define the word “divine” in contrast to the word “anointed.”

Who Was Jesus?

According to scripture (attached below), Jesus went by three (3) titles, titles BY WHICH “HE” declared himself to be. If we are to declare Jesus to be someone (or something) it should be one of these three titles as stated by Jesus in the BIBLE.

The 3 most common titles were: “Son of God” or “Son of man” or “Man” – Never did Jesus ever call himself God or proclaim himself to be the incarnated body of God himself.

So, if your understanding of the word divine is someone who is proclaiming themselves to be “God Almighty” or any other type of god (God the Son, etc.), then the answer is NO, Jesus was not divine, at least not in that sense.

But if you mean divine as those having a Heavenly nature, those who are able to reside up in Heaven above, such as would apply to God’s angels, God Himself and Jesus (Acts 7:55-56; Romans 8:34; Ephesians 1:20; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 1:3, Hebrews 8:1, Hebrews 10:12, Hebrews 12:2; 1 Peter 3:22), then yes Jesus was (is) both, (a man now with a divine nature) just as what you and I hope to be at His return.

2Pe 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

I have included a portion of the website ( https://www.theonenessofgod.org/jesus-then-and-now/ ) as follow.

Jesus Christ The Same Yesterday, Today and Forever

( Hebrews 13:8)

Jesus

On Earth & In Heaven

Being Divine Is A Semantic Issue

The word divine (G2304) is found in only 3 passages in the NT (Divine – Heb 9:1, 2Peter 1:3, 1:4)

Attempting to classify someone as being divine is actually more of a semantic issue.

When I speak (or think) of someone who is said to be divine, I tend to think of someone with supernatural abilities given them from God, which abilities they otherwise would not possess on his/her own power.

But this is probably not the best indication of someone who is said to be divine?

For example:

If we were to apply this criterion alone, then all of the OT Holy Prophets or the Apostles of the NT, could be called divine – in that the miracles they performed were done by the same power of God given them (as was given Jesus) through His Spirit (the Holy Ghost/the Spirit of God) (Ref: Miracles in the Old Testament), (Peter – Acts 3:7, 5:15-16, 9:34, 40) (Paul – Acts 19:11, Mark 6:5, Heb 2:4) (John 14:10-12)

Wonders – ( Acts 2:22– God did by Him, Mark 6:5) (Acts 2:43, 4:30, 5:12, 6:8, 14:3, Rom 15:19, 2Cor 12:12, Heb 2:4, ) Taking note that Jesus, however, was given “all power” Mat 28:18 (G1849 – indicating Jesus had more authority than others, which is the correct way to understand this meaning) in contrast to other humans (Eph 1:22, Heb 2:8, 1 Peter 3:22) but certainly not more authority, or power, than God himself (John 14:10, 28, 1Cor 15:27-28 NIV).

Jesus was First Anointed.

John 3:34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.

*Everyone else, therefore, had less ability (limited measure) than Christ.

Conclusion: Jesus Became Divine After Receiving Eternal Life

We know God is immortal (1Tim 1:17) therefore to be godlike (divine – G2304) one would also be immortal. Jesus did not truly become divine until God raised him from the DEAD and then he received ENTERAL LIFE!! To an inheritance in heaven that fadeth not away. (Ref. 1Peter 1:3-5)

Revelation 1:18 – “I am he that liveth (continual… ongoing), and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore (from now on).

* (Ref: Who Died Then Was Resurrected From The Dead, God Or Jesus?)

As stated above, when someone actually obtains what is called “eternal life” he or she truly becomes divine, possessing a divine nature (or godlike nature!!!) nonetheless, they do not become God or Almighty, just godlike!

2Pe 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

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He Is Antichrist, That Denieth The Father And The Son

Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning.

If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you,

ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.

(1 John 2:24)

He Is Antichrist, That Denieth The Father And The Son

And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.

(1 John 2:25)

1 John 2:22-23 (KJV)

Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. 23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.

Note: To deny the existence of both God and Jesus (Father and Son respectively), is “anti” (against) Christ. These “titles”, Father and Son, reflect the type of “relationship” God had with Christ (Ro 8:14), not in the sense of Jesus (the Son) literally being the physical (or genetic ) offspring of God the Father (Ga 4:4-7;  Heb 1:5 ), otherwise that would reflect the existence of multiple gods, which is contrary to scripture (Deuteronomy 4:35, 39, 6:4; Isaiah 45:5-6, 18, 22; Ephesians 4:6). This is further supported in verse 23; If you deny Jesus, you have not denied God the Father. But to acknowledge the existence of the “Son” by implication we acknowledge the Father also because to be a Son implies that a Father first existed.

John 5:19-23 (KJV)

Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. 20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. 21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. 22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: 23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

1 John 4:1-3 (KJV)

1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

Matt 4:3-4 (KJV)

And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Matt 4:10 (KJV)

Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Jesus answers the lawyer as to which is the first and greatest commandment

Matt 22:34-40 (KJV)

But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. 35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, 36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Mark 12:29 (KJV)

And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:

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Question:

When Jesus appeared to his disciples and others after his resurrection and he was a spirit, in that he walked thru the walls, yet was human in that they touched his hands and such. How was this possible?

(Act 2:32) This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. (Act 3:26)  Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

Answer:

That would indeed be a very challenging question to answer, considering how this question is being presented. It is presented with an assumption attached, in that it assumes that a specific act took place (Jesus walked through walls). When we are not presented with “all of the other relevant components ” concerning Jesus, we can not from this passage alone establish such a conclusion as being correct and true.

Yes, the doors were closed but it also does not say how Christ let himself in, the scriptures are silent on this matter. So great caution and careful study should be given to this matter. It is vitally important that we not read something into a passage as fact when it is neither fact or true but rather a speculative opinion (the omission of a fact does not mean something did or did not occur).

So let’s consider what we actually know about spirits and what the scripture provides us concerning this question.

1st  Review The Difference Between A Spirit Being vs. A Human Being

Understand the definition of what a spirit is and what flesh is: (Ref: 5. Frequently asked Questions About Spirits )

2nd  No Man Has Ever Seen God

Ref: ( The Difference Between Manifestation And Incarnation )

3rd  Jesus Always Appeared In The Flesh (Not In Spirit)

Act 1:3  To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene (1)

John 20:14  And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

John 20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

Jesus Appears to Many

1Co 15:6  After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
1Co 15:7  After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

Jesus Appears to the Disciples (2)

John 20:19  Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

John 20:20  And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.

Jesus Appears to His Disciples (As told by Luke)
Luke 24:36  And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
Luke 24:37  But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
Luke 24:38  And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
Luke 24:39  Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

Jesus Appears to the Disciples with Thomas (3)

John 20:26  And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.

John 20:27  Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

John 21:14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.

Note: To be risen means to be made alive from that which was dead and not necessarily someone who was transformed into a “spirit being.”

So without question, Jesus was brought back to life, in the “same body” that he died in.

But this should not be so mind boggling to us as experienced saints, because not only was Christ brought back to life, in the “same body” that he died in, but many others were brought back to life, with their “same bodies” that they died in during this same time.

Mat 27:50  Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.

Mat 27:51  And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;

Mat 27:52  And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,

Mat 27:53  And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.

Mat 27:54  Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

Note: After God resurrected Christ from the dead, there is no indication or mention that Jesus ever went to Heaven first and then returned and appeared before his disciples and the many other witnesses.

That would be a sign of the second coming of Christ (from heaven) for the saints, which has clearly not yet taken place.

First, and foremost, this is the body of a dead man (Jesus) whom God resurrected.

Acts 2:24  Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

Acts 2:32  This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

Acts 3:15  And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

Acts 3:26  Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.

Acts 4:10  Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

Acts 5:30  The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

Acts 10:40  Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;

Acts 13:23  Of this man’s seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:

Acts 13:30  But God raised him from the dead:

Acts 13:33  God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

Acts 13:37  But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.

Rom 7:4  Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

Rom 10:9  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

1Cor 6:14  And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.

1Cor 15:15  Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.

Gal 1:1  Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father,  who raised him from the dead😉

Col 2:12  Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

1Pe 1:21  Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

Note:  We cannot explain, all of the intricate chemistry behind, how God transformed dirt of the earth into a human being (man),  nor how Christ could materialize before his disciples (if that is what actually happened).

How that was actually accomplished would be pure speculation on my part but knowing the scriptures passages that are available to us, I do not ascribe to the belief that the resurrected body of Christ was spiritual and not the same physical flesh body Christ died with while on earth.

Mat 19:26  But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Mark 10:27  And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

Luke 1:37  For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Luke 18:27  And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

Luke 24:37  But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.

Luke 24:38  And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?

Luke 24:39  Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

Luke 24:45  Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

Luke 24:46  And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

Luke 24:47  And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Luke 24:48  And ye are witnesses of these things.

Luke 24:49  And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

The Actual Ascension

Luke 24:51  And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.

Mark 16:19  So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

ERV

(Easy To Read Version)

Act 1:1  Dear Theophilus, The first book I wrote was about everything Jesus did and taught from the beginning

Act 1:2  until the day he was carried up into heaven. Before he went, he talked to the apostles he had chosen. With the help of the Holy Spirit, he told them what they should do.

Act 1:3  This was after his death, but he showed them that he was alive, proving it to them in many ways. The apostles saw Jesus many times during the 40 days after he was raised from death. He spoke to them about God’s kingdom.

Act 1:4  One time when Jesus was eating with them, he told them not to leave Jerusalem. He said, “Wait here until you receive what the Father promised to send. Remember, I told you about it before.

Act 1:5  John baptized people with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

The Ascension

Act 1:6  The apostles were all together. They asked Jesus, “Lord, is this the time for you to give the people of Israel their kingdom again?”

Act 1:7  Jesus said to them, “The Father is the only one who has the authority to decide dates and times. They are not for you to know.

Act 1:8  But the Holy Spirit will come on you and give you power. You will be my witnesses. You will tell people everywhere about me—in Jerusalem, in the rest of Judea, in Samaria, and in every part of the world.”

Act 1:9  After Jesus said this, he was lifted up into the sky. While they were watching, he went into a cloud, and they could not see him.

Act 1:10  They were staring into the sky where he had gone. Suddenly two men wearing white clothes were standing beside them.

Act 1:11  They said, “Men from Galilee, why are you standing here looking into the sky? You saw Jesus carried away from you into heaven. He will come back in the same way you saw him go.”

* NOTE!!!!

Jesus is NEVER seen after he ascends up into heaven.

Jesus current state (which will be the same for all obedient Sons of God/Christians) is what the bible refers to as “glorified bodies,” or “changed” to immortality bodies.

Our final transformed appearance (our glorified bodies) yet remains to be revealed.

Scripture Verification

1John 3:2  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

1Cor 15:42  So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

1Cor 15:43  It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:

1Cor 15:44  It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

1Cor 15:45  And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.

1Cor 15:46  Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.

1Cor 15:47  The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.

1Cor 15:48  As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.

1Cor 15:49  And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

Mystery and Victory

1Cor 15:50  Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

1Cor 15:51  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

1Cor 15:52  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

In Conclusion:

Now that Christ has ascended up into Heaven, although he is a “man,” whatever state we classify the body of Christ, it is not classified as being “flesh.”

Jesus Is a Man

(1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 9:24, 10:12; Acts 17:30-31)

(Acts 17:29-31) Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. 30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent: 31 Because he [God] hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man [Jesus] whom he [God] hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him [Jesus] from the dead.