"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 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 humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death on the cross." Philippians 2:5-8
The Concordant Literal New Testament adds a word with great significance to verse 6. It reads "Who, being 'inherently' in the form of God..." This word means the same as belong, and comes from the Greek word - (h)up arch' o, which means to "originate" under.
Form is another important word to this text, meaning to take the visible shape of, coming from the Greek word - morph e' How can Jesus take the shape of God who has no shape? Think about that.
"Philippians 2:5-8 is one of the strongest assertions in the NT of the Deity of Jesus Christ." (Scofield's Commentary) It also gives us clues as to who Jesus really was and what was His relationship to the Father? We must not however take this passage out of context with the rest of scripture (i.e. John 1:1-2 In the beginning was the Word, ...and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. How can these two thoughts exist together? ) Scripture has not made the relationship between God and Jesus very clear to our minds, our understanding not able to wrap itself around this concept of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Does that make it any less truthful? Have we done an injustice by describing it as the Trinity? Are we locking into this 3 in 1 idea and consequently blinding ourselves to a better understanding? Are we limiting what God can do, being a spirit being? Consider these three passages: Ephesians 4:5-6 "one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in all." 1 Corinthians 11:12 "...but all things are from God." Genesis 1:26 "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness;" I believe it is absolutely possible to put God on the cross without putting God on the cross. Confused? You're not alone.
If God is spirit, can we really limit what He is capable of doing and being, by putting Him in a Trinitarian box? I'm curious to hear some of your comments about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, and how they relate to each other.
Grace, MB
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i.e. John 1:1-2 In the beginning was the Word, ...and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. How can these two thoughts exist together? AAAAhHHHHH! My mind is going to explode! I can't wrap my head around it.
AND THIS...THIS IS FREAKING ME OUT..
Genesis 1:26 "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness;"
I didn't believe you Matt, I went and looked it up and now....now....I have goose bumps..there's so many nookes and crannies....I'LL NEVER KNOW IT ALL....lol
I think of it this way...in my head..There is the Father who has all the power and then the son,( who is the son) and also has the same power and the helper ( holy spirit) who also has the same power. They are three different people with three different jobs but all have the exact same powers...No never mind..I think God the father has the most power and makes it all happen but If the other two want it God will make it happen for them as well...I DON'T KNOW! DON'T MAKE ME THINK ABOUT IT!!!!!LOL IT JUST IS..I KNOW BECAUSE I KNOW THAT I KNOW....OK?LOL
Oh one more thing..God is the father, Jesus is the son...why are they all men...the Holy Spirit is the teacher, comforter, convictor, the guide.....I think the holy spirit is the mother, those qualities sound like a mother to me....or at least a woman...is there any where that says the Holy Spirit is a guy? Think about that? Bite that off and chew it..lol
In the book "The Shack" the author has a very interesting perspective on the trinity. Papa is God and is a black women, the Holy Spirit is female like you said, and she is glorious in splendor and almost undescribable, and Jesus is a man in overalls, a carpenter, and the easy to relate to, someone you would feel really comfortable around. It's a good book, and it helps you think outside the box. Great comments Lori...
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