Family

Attack
Of Celestial Origin
(Study 1 of The King of Glory Series. Featuring Satans relentless war against the heavenly family-kingdom and Gods Eternal Son

By Jeff Wilson
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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!
(Specific acknowledgments are given in study 2)

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The cover illustration is from a spontaneous sketch I did inspired from Desire of Ages p. 21 and 25 through the beloved Son, the Fathers 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 through Christ the circuit of beneficence is complete representing the great Giver, the law of life. (D.A. p. 21) Christ took the form of a servant, and offered sacrifice, Himself the priest, Himself the victim. as illustrated by the lamb and portrait to the right (DA 25)

The King of Glory Series

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Study 1:
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Family Attack

Study 2:
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Christ Our Everlasting Father

Study 3:
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Epic Sacrifice

Study 4:
Omni Paradox
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Study 5:
The Great Arian Controversy

King of Glory Series

Covering 5 Expansive Eras
Series Overview

Study 1: Family Attack (Eternal ages Era) A study of heavens family dispute as prefigured in the life of Joseph. We will explore the universal principle of submission and how it was reflected and demonstrated in the life of Joseph and more importantly the life of Jesus. We will see how this principle is vitally necessary for the success and happiness of individuals, families, churches and society.

Study 2: Christ the Everlasting Father (Pre-creation to the Incarnation) Features the Pre-existent Son and the significance of His many given names and family names as related to His nature and character. The controversy concerning the identity of Gods Son is considered. ------3: Epic Sacrifice (The Incarnation Era) Exploring the incarnation and infinite sacrifice of Christ and how the inestimable value of this sacrifice is proportional to His divine identity. This study directly interconnects with the two studies before and after it -------4: The 3-Fold Omni Paradox (Pentecostal Era) Features the glorification of Christ as our anointed everlasting priest and how 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 3rd century identity war over the Father and Son and how this was associated with the abomination of desolation which seems to be repeated in our day

Truth Looses Nothing By Investigation

Cover illustration/Graphic Design: Jeff Wilson.

jeffmurraywilson@gmail.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction.
27 Correlations between Joseph and Christ

5 6 12 14 16 21
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The Fathers associate Co-worker. Christ The Great I Am.. The Love-Based Submission Principle The word beginning.. Michaels family of origin... Unlikelihood of Pure Coincidence (The true meaning of Monogenes)

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Introduction
In this first study of the King of Glory series, we will explore the everlasting covenant/gospel ministry of God the Father and His eternal only begotten Son. We will also review the evil afflicted upon Gods Son as prefigured in the life of Joseph. Like Christ, Israels greatly loved son Joseph was separated from his Father to endure many trials and unexpected temptations. Yet he overcame, was released from prison, forgave his brothers, saved nations, was reconciled to his father and made second in charge as ruler of the kingdom. Far predating this we will consider the very first family attack that actually began in heaven with a highly honored anointed cherub named Lucifer. Lucifer was a beautiful gifted musician choir leader, chief among the angels, perfect in all [his] ways from the day [he] was created and yet, despite all this, iniquity was found in him. Selfish thoughts of envy and jealousy were entertained against Gods only begotten Son. Gods Son Michael was in fact Gods closest highly honored friend, the channel of life and blessing, and the co-creator of the angels and the universe. As brought out in detail in the Jesus the Everlasting Father study, this original rebellion was followed, several millennia later, by yet another epic rebellion during the divine/human incarnation of Michael. Satans attack grew with intensity beginning with Christs 3-year ministry up until the cross. Today, some two thousand years on, the same identity attack upon the Son of God has continued. Only this time the attack is of a subtle and misleading theological nature that presumes to distort the divine identity of Christ our everlasting Father and His Father- the supreme sovereign of the universe. Jesus overcame demonstrating the importance of submission and faith. Before we look at some of these aspects we will begin by reviewing a famous ancient story of another remarkable man who demonstrated submission and faithfulness. That man is Joseph. The following two pages contain no less than a very significant 27 tabulated and correlations between Joseph and Gods Son in the family context of two fathers and their beloved sons.

Israel and Joseph

Israel and Joseph

The Father and Son

Israel [formerly Jacob] loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: [firstborn of Rachel] and he made him a coat of many colours (pieces) -Gen 37:3; 30:22-24 (This garment was a symbol of his fathers bestowed honor)

The Father and Son

The Father loved His Son above all the heavenly host because He was His only begotten Son

the firstborn above all creation (Col 1:15) from the days of eternity (Micah 5:2) therefore especially favored. The anointed majestic and blessed Son was crowned with glory and honor and robed in garments of power and majesty the glory of the eternal, self-existent One encircled both (Heb. 2:9; Psm. 93:1; 104:1, 2; PP p. 35)
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Were loved by their Fathers which excited jealousy

Joseph
[W]hen the brethren saw that their father loved Joseph more than all his brethren, they secretly hated him, and could not speak peaceably concerning Him (Gen 37:4)

Jesus - Son of God

When Lucifer and his followers (unsettled family members of Michaels heavenly home) saw that the Sovereign Father of the universe especially loved His Son placing Him in a ruling position above them, they secretly hated Him and could not speak peaceably concerning Him. This jealousy and envy (Isa 14:12-15) was repeated in the hearts of the religious leaders during Christs incarnation. (Luke 19:14) __________________________________________________________________________________

Were Revered
Joseph
The sun (Josephs father Israel), the moon (his mother Rachel) and the eleven stars (his brethren) would show him reverence (Gen 37:10; 42:6,8,9) Note: This type does not match perfectly with Christ. However, in the judgment God will make certain Jews that lived a lie, to come and worship before the *Philadelphian believers feet and to know that God loves them. (Rev 3:9).

Jesus Son of God

The Sun (*His Father), the moon (the prophets (John the Baptist, Moses, Elijah . .) and the stars (the angels) would either invite the worship of Christ or worship Him directly (Phil 2:9,10)
1 APPLICATION:
st

2nd APPLICATION: The sun (His non-biological father Joseph), the moon (His mother Mary) and the stars (His brethren) would show Him reverence. God made them know that He loved Him. (Luke 1:46,47) *Philadelphia means brotherly love. Joseph truly had a Philadelphian spirit toward his brothers 6

Servant Rulers Joseph

Josephs future as a ruler was revealed to him. It was shown in a dream that one day he would rule over his 11 brethren, who would show great reverence to him. However, years before this occurred, when they perceived that he was to reign over them and have dominion over them, they hated him yet more for his dreams, and for his words (Gen 37:8)

Jesus Son of God

The Son of Gods future was revealed to Him before the foundation of the world. He would rule in divine authority over His 11 brethren plus His betrayer. They would all show Him reverence. Just before the Passover, when the Father had GIVEN ALL things into [Christs] hands, the devil entered into the heart of Judas Iscariot to betray Him. (John 13:1-3, 27). Judas hated this meek and lowly servant/ruler yet the more for His words and revelations concerning the kingdom.

Given Supernatural Abilities Joseph

Joseph was both GIVEN dreams and the supernatural ability to interpret dreams (Gen 37:5-9; 40:8-23; 25-32, 39). The LORD was with Joseph (Gen 39:2) he was a man in whom the Spirit of God dwelt (Gen 41: 38) and whose constant dependence and loyalty was in his infinite Father God (41:15,16),

The Son of God

The Son of God was a prophet who taught in parables. In His pre-existence He was GIVEN the supernatural ability to bestow and interpret visions and dreams. (Dan 2: 22,23,26,28) God was with Him (Acts 10: 38). In Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily (Isa 61:1-3; John 3:34) Christs continual dependence, submission, faith/trust and loyalty were in His Father God.
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Sent Away From Their Homes Joseph

Israel sent Joseph away from his distant home to his brethren. Although he came to them in innocence, they plotted to slay him but Reuben delivered him out of their hands (Gen 37:22). However, he was stripped of his garment, cast into a pit, and for 20 pieces of silver, sold to the Midianites as a slave. The separation of Joseph from his father was to be most painful to them both.

Jesus:
The Father sent His Son away from His distant home to His brethren (the Jewish nation) who planned to kill Him before His appointed time (Passover). But He was delivered out of their hands by angels (Luke 4:29,30; John 8:59). He was betrayed by Judas for 30 pieces of silver He was then shamefully mistreated, stripped of His garment and handed over to the Romans and treated as a slave to sin for US!!! (Matt 27:3; 26:15; 2 Cor. 5:21). The separation sin had made between the Father and Son was INDESCRIBABLY painful to them both. (Matt 27:47; Lam 1:12). 7

Entrusted with all, Tempted, Accused Joseph

Young Joseph was carried away to Egypt, sold to Potiphar an officer of Pharaoh to serve in Pharaohs house. He found grace in his masters sight, and served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. Joseph was a great channel of life and blessing (Gen 39:2-5). Yet Joseph suffered many trials and temptations. He was stripped of His garment and falsely accused by a woman who was the governors wife (Gen 39:7-15). He was unjustly sentenced to imprisonment but bore all the unfairness patiently. And he submitted to God and overcame (Gen 39:9)

Jesus
The eternal Son of God was carried away by His parents to Egypt and escaped an early death. (Matt 2:13) He also lived in a world of sin - (spiritual Egypt: a symbol of bondage Rev 11:8). Jesus found grace in His Fathers sight and He served Him. The Father made Him overseer over the house of Israel and ALL things [were] delivered into His hands. (Matt 10:25; 13:57; Mark 13:35; John 5:36; Matt 11:27). He lived to serve and bless others yet He suffered many trials, insults and temptations. He was stripped of His garment by the governors soldiers and falsely accused by a woman (the Jewish church leaders) of many things (Mar. 15:3). Like Joseph Jesus overcame through submission and faith. ________________________________________________________________________________

Forgave, Saved, Reconciled! Joseph

He was later released by his master and prospered as governor of Egypt, later saving the surrounding nations from perishing away from the seven years of famine by organizing the vast storage of grain. Pharaoh, the supreme ruler of Egypt, clothed Joseph with royal vesture of fine linen and gold (like a kind of priest-king) and placed him in a position second to himself and all bowed the knee to him. Pharaoh gave him Asenath a priests daughter as his wife (Gen 41:42-5). Josephs father and brethren came to live in Egypt. He was reconciled to his father and brethren, forgiving his brothers for mistreating him.

Jesus
Christs Master (His Father) soon released Him from the prison house of the grave. Jesus advised his listeners to secure heavenly grain for years of spiritual famine and oil for the time of spiritual darkness. (Matt 25: 1-13) He was reunited with His Father (John 20:17). Upon His ascension and welcome into the heavenly courts, the whole heavenly host bowed the knee to Him and gave Him glory (Phil 2:9,10). The infinite Father of the universe highly exalted Him gave Him a position on His throne second (equal) to Himself, crowned Him with honor, and clothed Him in linen and gold as a priest forever who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses. (Psm. 24:1-10; Heb. 7:17; Dan 12:7; Rev 1:1315;Heb. 4:15) The Father gave Him the New Jerusalem and its subjects (Gods glorious church) as His spiritual bride the Lambs wife. (Eph. 5:24-27;Rev 21:9,10). So it turned out that at the end of His trial Jesus endured the death of the cross. Victorious and triumphant, in glory He overcame. He became the Savior of all men forgiving those who mistreated Him, (Luke 23:34; Col 2:13) and now, reunited to His Father, He reconciled our lost world from perishing in sin (2 Cor. 5:14,18,19) and gives eternal life to who ever will repent and come to Him. At the end of the spiritual famine the Father and the heavenly host will come and make their home on earth! 8

Tabulated Summary: -

Joseph
Was loved by Israel [formerly Jacob] who made him a coat of many colours Was hated by his brethren who could not speak peaceably concerning Him (Note: The attack was upon Joseph not on the father) Would rule over his 11 brethren,

Jesus
Was loved by His Father who robed Him in garments of power and majesty Was hated by some of His brethren who could not speak peaceably concerning Him (Note: The attack was upon Gods Son and not upon the Father.) Would rule over his 11 brethren, including His betrayer 1st APPLICATION: The Sun (*His Father), the moon (the prophets (John the Baptist, Moses, Elijah . . . . ) and the stars (the angels) would *command worship or worship Him (Phil 2:9,10)

The sun (his father Israel), the moon (his mother Rachel) and the eleven stars (his brethren) would show him reverence (Gen
37:10; 42:6,8,9)

Joseph was both GIVEN dreams and the supernatural ability to interpret them Was a man in whom the Spirit of God dwelt His dependence and loyalty was in his infinite Father God Sent by Israel far away from his distant home to see if his brethren were ok Although he came to his brethren in innocence, they plotted to slay him but Reuben prevented this and delivered him out of their hands

Jesus was GIVEN parables an prophecies and the supernatural ability to interpret dreams Is a man in whom the Spirit of God dwelt

His dependence and loyalty was in his infinite Father God Was sent away by His Father from His distant home to be with His brethren His brethren (the Jewish nation) planned to kill Him before His appointed time (Passover). But He was delivered out of their hands by angels

Was stripped of his garment, cast into a pit, and for 20 pieces of silver, sold to the Midianites as a slave. Was separated from His Father - which was painful to them both. Eventually ended up in Egypt to serve in Pharaohs house. He found grace in his masters sight, and served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand

Was stripped of His garment and handed over to the Romans, betrayed by Judas for 30 pieces of silver the price of a slave. Was separated from His Father - which was INDESCRIBABLY painful to them both. The eternal Son of God lived in a world of sin (spiritual Egypt). Jesus found grace in His Fathers sight and He served Him. The Father made Him overseer over the house of Israel and ALL things [were] delivered into His hands. Lived to serve and bless others, was the Fathers channel of blessing yet suffering many trials, insults and temptations. Was stripped of His garment by the governors soldiers and falsely accused by an unfaithful woman (the compromising Jewish church leaders) of many things. He endured and overcame. His Master (Father) soon released by Him from the prison house of the grave. Jesus advised his listeners to secure heavenly grain for years of spiritual famine and oil for the time of spiritual darkness. Was reunited with His Father. The heavenly host bowed the knee to Him. The infinite Father of the universe highly exalted Him gave Him a position on His throne second (equal) to Himself. The Father and the heavenly host will come and make their home on earth. Was given the New Jerusalem and its subjects (glorified church) as His spiritual bride the Lambs wife. So it turned out that Jesus became the Savior of all men forgiving those who mistreated Him
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Was a great channel of the Father Gods blessing yet suffered many trials, accusations and temptations. Was stripped of His garment and falsely accused by an unfaithful woman who was the governors wife He was unjustly sentenced to imprisonment but bore it all this unfairness patiently. And he overcame. Was later released by his master and prospered as governor of Egypt, later saving the surrounding nations from perishing away from the seven years of famine by organizing the vast storage of grain. Was clothed by Pharaoh, the supreme ruler of Egypt, with royal vesture of fine linen and gold (like a kind of priest-king) and placed him in a position second to himself and all bowed the knee to him. Josephs father and brethren came to live in Egypt to be reunited with him. Was given Asenath a priests daughter as his wife from Pharaoh. He was reconciled to his father and brethren, forgiving his brothers for mistreating him and all that they had done to him.

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Now we will mostly consider the life of the very creator and sustainer of Joseph himself Gods only begotten Son who at one point long before Joseph, was also treated cruelly and unfairly. The following 3 quotations from Patriarchs and Prophets give context and to the rest of the study

The associate Co-worker

The history of the great conflict between good and evil, from the time it first began in heaven to the final overthrow of rebellion and the total eradication of sin, is also a demonstration of God's unchanging love. The Sovereign of the universe was not alone in His work of beneficence. He had an associate--a co-worker who could appreciate His purposes, and could share His joy in giving happiness to created beings. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God." John 1:1,2. Christ, the Word, the only begotten of God, was one with the eternal Father--one in nature, in character, in purpose-the only being that could enter into all the counsels and purposes of God. Not content with his position, though honored above the heavenly host, he ventured to covet homage due alone to the Creator. Instead of seeking to make God supreme in the affections and allegiance of all created beings, it was his endeavor to secure their service and loyalty to himself. And coveting the glory with which the infinite Father had invested His Son, this prince of angels aspired to power that was the prerogative of Christ alone. PP 34

Here we see the Father and His Son are one in nature, character and in purpose but not identity. The Father invested glory in His Son, which Lucifer resented. Joseph was hated by his brethren who could not speak peaceably concerning Him Jesus was resented by one of the angelic brethren who could not speak peaceably concerning Him

Of course Josephs identity was not disputed and He didnt occupy a position or nature like the Son of God, however, he was the firstborn (of Rachel), favored and honored by his father and hated by his brothers. To dispute the supremacy of the Son of God, thus impeaching the wisdom and love of the Creator, had become the purpose of this prince of angels. . . . . To this object he was about to bend the energies of that mastermind, which, next to Christ's, was first among the hosts of God. PP 36

Clearly we see here the real nature of the conflict. The political dispute was over the highly exalted and honored supremacy of Michael.
The King of the universe summoned the heavenly hosts before Him, that in their presence He might set forth the true position of His Son and show the relation He sustained to all created beings. The Son of God shared the Father's throne, and the glory of the eternal, self-existent One encircled both. About the throne gathered the holy angels, a vast, unnumbered throng--"ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands" (Revelation 5:11.), the most exalted angels, as ministers and subjects, rejoicing in the light that fell upon them from the presence of the Deity. Before the assembled inhabitants of heaven the King declared that none but Christ, the Only Begotten of God, could fully enter into His purposes, and to Him it was committed to execute the mighty counsels of His will. The Son of God had wrought the Father's will in the creation of all the hosts of heaven; and to Him, as well as to God, their homage and allegiance were due. Christ was still to exercise divine power, in the creation of the earth and its inhabitants. But in all this He would not seek power or exaltation for Himself contrary to God's plan, but would exalt the Father's glory and execute His purposes of beneficence and love. PP 36,37

The Father is referred to the self-existent one and His eternal glory encircled Michael.

Worshipped by the heavenly host

The angels joyfully acknowledged the supremacy of Christ, and, . . . . . poured out their love and adoration. Lucifer bowed with them, but in his heart there was a strange, fierce conflict.

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Truth, justice, and loyalty were struggling against envy and jealousy. The influence of the holy angels seemed for a time to carry him with them. As songs of praise ascended in melodious strains, swelled by thousands of glad voices, the spirit of evil seemed vanquished; unutterable love thrilled his entire being; his soul went out, in harmony with the sinless worshippers, in love to the Father and the Son. But again he was filled with pride in his own glory. His desire for supremacy returned, and envy of Christ was once more indulged. The high honors conferred upon Lucifer were not appreciated as God's special gift, and therefore, called forth no gratitude to his Creator. He glorified in his brightness and exaltation and aspired to be equal with God. He was beloved and reverenced by the heavenly host, angels delighted to execute his commands, and he was clothed with wisdom and glory above them all. Yet the Son of God was exalted above him, as one in power and authority with the Father. He shared the Father's counsels, while Lucifer did not thus enter into the purposes of God. "Why," questioned this mighty angel, "should Christ have the supremacy? Why is He honored above Lucifer?" -PP 37, 38

Unlike Joseph, Christ and His Father alone are worthy to receive praise and worship. The life of Joseph, and the envy and jealousy of his brothers, however does provide a window into what took place with Christ long ago that disrupted the peace of the heavenly family. Its easy to overlook the fact that Lucifer once bowed in love adoration and reverence to the Father and Son. Yet a spiritual conflict developed in his heart and he was filled with pride and the secret desire for worship and selfexaltation.
The exaltation of the Son of God as equal with the Father was represented as an injustice to Lucifer, who, it was claimed, was also entitled to reverence and honor. Christ was the Son of God; He had been one with Him before the angels were called into existence. He had ever stood at the right hand of the Father; His supremacy, so full of blessing to all who came under its benignant control, had not heretofore been questioned. - PP 38 39

The Son did nothing in secret yet

All his [Lucifers] acts were so clothed with mystery that it was difficult to disclose to the angels the true nature of his work. Until fully developed, it could not be made to appear the evil thing it was; his disaffection would not be seen to be rebellion. Even the loyal angels could not fully discern his character or see to what his work was leading. - PP 38 39

Satan carries on his strategies today influencing theologians with popularized misrepresentations concerning the identities of Father, the Son. In heaven his attack was political in nature, on earth today it can only be theological in nature. And what one believes has a corresponding effect on ones Christian experience. It is written, In whom the god of this world [Satan] hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them - 2 Cor. 4:4. So we are counseled in Scripture to: Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. - Col 2:8

Not only does Satan blind mens minds to the truth, he leads them to deny, or through numerous false religions to totally eclipse, the Father-Son relationship.
Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: [but] he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. - 1 John 2:22, 23 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. - 1 John 1:3

See Appendix A (p. 33) for more details on HOW popularized theology can influence people to inadvertently deny the Father-Son relationship. 13

The Great I Am and Fountain of Life

It is interesting to note that Christ referred to Himself as both the Son of God and the I AM which appears to be another Scriptural paradox. This can be resolved when we recognize Joseph inherited the nature of his father Jacob/Israel. We inherited the nature of our father and thus received a particular family name. So Jesus inherited all things from His Father including His family name I Am and other names as was brought out in the first of The King of Glory series. With solemn dignity Jesus answered, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I Am." Silence fell upon the vast assembly. The name of God, given to Moses to express the idea of the eternal presence, had been claimed as His own by this Galilean Rabbi. He had announced Himself to be the self-existent One, He who had been promised to Israel, "whose goings forth have been from of old, from the days of eternity." Micah 5:2, margin. Again the priests and rabbis cried out against Jesus as a blasphemer. His claim to be one with God had before stirred them to take His life . . . . Because He was, and avowed Himself to be, the Son of God, they were bent on destroying Him. -- DA 470 Note: The controversy was over Christs Sonship and pre-existence not whether or not He was inherently coeternal. Eventually He was handed over to the Romans by the Jews to be killed

For more details in relation to Christs claim of I AM see appendix B p. 34

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. John 1:3-4

There is no question Jesus possessed life, yet John 1: 3,4 does not tell us whether or not Jesus inherently possessed this life or whether He received it from the Father. However, John 5:26 seems to indicate: For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath
given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. - John 5:26, 27

Christ had life in Himself. It appears from Col 1:15, John 5:26, Isa 43:10,11 that this original immortal life was His from the very moment He was begotten of the Father. (No child originates its own life. It is in one sense inherited from its father and all fathers received their life from the great sustainer and supreme sovereign ruler of the universe.) Christ was dependent on the Father for this life. Notice Jesus statement in John 10: 17,18 referring to this. Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No man taketh it [my life] from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up [literally receive it] again. [Note: Once again, In this case the expression take it again in the Greek, literally means receive it back again. It is one thing to take something and it is another to receive something. The later indicates a bestowal from one Being to the other]. Christ went on to say This command have I received from My Father. Jesus life was from the Father who is the Great source of all (DA 21.) This is plainly what He said in John 5:26 (See Acts 17: 24-27). Through submission to the Father Jesus is a life-giving fountain and channel for His Fathers life, blessing and power.
All things Christ received from God . . . the Fathers life flows out to all . . . the open fountain of life for the worldthe great Source of all [life] -DA p.21

Truehearted born again Christians also have original, unborrowed and underived life, however, in our case this life is conditional. He that hath the Son hath life The Divine eternal sonship of Christ is the believers assurance of eternal life. We have passed from death to life - John 5:24 (See Col 2:12; Rom 6:5,10). The complete quotation in 1 Selected Messages pp. 296, 297 indicates that any repentant believer can also receive this eternal life as a gift (John 17:3 quoted.)
For the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God. I came forth from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world and go to the Father." His disciples said to Him, "See, now You are speaking plainly, and using no figure of speech! Now we are sure that You know all things, and have no need that anyone should question You. By this we believe that You came forth from God. John 16:27-30 NKJV

Eve was Adams second self she was another manifestation, or in one sense, an extension of him. 14

Christ the image of the invisible God was the Fathers second self (John 14:9). In Genesis God is implied by two beings. That is why when He said Let us [the Father and Son through their Holy Spirit] make man in our image, after our likeness (Gen 1:26; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2) He actually made two beings not one. So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created He them (Gen. 1:27). Gods image (man or mankind) is reflected in two distinct yet harmonious human beings Adam and Eve, both exemplifying particular attributes of the Father and Son. Obviously Christ is masculine, yet, in a spiritual sense, He possesses certain feminine qualities as a mother naturally possesses. (After all, it was not just the original man that was made in HIS own image AND likeness but the woman also!) But as a women nurtures and lovingly and tenderly cares for and protects her children, and as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, so Christ nurtures and cares for His children of redemption (See Isa. 49:15; Rev. 1:13). Perhaps thats why in Proverbs wisdom, a description of the pre-existent Christ, is figuratively described as a woman (Prov. 7:4; 8:1; 9:1) and in Prov. 8:5 it comes from a Hebrew word (Strongs # 6195 and # 6193) with a feminine gender. This is not to imply in any way that Christ was effeminate or less male than He is. Rather, it is to show He is the divine originator and source of all good natural male and female traits and to provide a model of submission and relational equality. In the table below you will see 7 significant correlations between Adam and Eve and the Father and Son. Notice how Adam and Eve reflect the beautiful submissive relationship between the Father and Son.

7 Correlations
Father and Son
Son comes forth from the Father (Prov.
8:22 - 30; John 8:42 16:27, 28; 17:8).

Adam and Eve

Eve comes forth from Adam inheriting his very human nature (Gen 2:21-23). Eve was a helper and companion to Adam comparable to him. All she had was inherited from Adam (Gen 2:20-24). Man is the head of the woman (1Cor 11:3). Eve was equal to Adam through relationship. They were one flesh (Gen 2: 24). Adams seed (life) was nurtured by Eve and from Eve came the whole human race (Gen 4:1; Gen 5:3).

Christ was a co-worker and companion to the Father, inheriting everything from Him (Heb.1:2-4; 2 Cor4:4; Col 1:15; John1:18) Father is the head of Christ (1 Cor. 11:3). Relational Equality: Christ is equal to the Father through relationship (John 5:18; Phil 2:6). Father made all things through Christ. The Fathers life source was channelled (nurtured) and from Christ came the whole universe (1 Cor. 8:6; Col 1:17). Christ feeds and nurtures His newborn babes with the sincere milk of [His] Word, and like a mother over her child, His gaze is kept upon us (1 Pet. 2:2) TWO in individuality but ONE in spirit, heart and character (John 17: 5-26; 8 T p.269; YI Dec 16 1897).

Eve provided milk for her newborn babes and nurtured them. Her gaze was ever kept upon them until they had grown

Adam and Eve were TWO in personality but ONE in unity, purpose, mind and character (Gen 2:23, 24.)

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Obviously there are some major differences between the Father and Adam and the Son and Eve. Unlike Adam, the Father never had a beginning whereas Adam did. Unlike Eve, Christ was God/Divine by very nature; Eve was not. Unlike Eve, or Adam, Christ was invested with the Creative life-giving ability; Adam and Eve were not. Unlike the holy pair, Christ was ordained and equal with God, possessing His Fathers very nature and was Invested with His Fathers authority but would do nothing of Himself alone (1 SP p. 17, 18.) He both existed before all living things, and, He made all living things
Who is the image of the unseen God coming into existence before all living things; For by him all things were made, in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, authorities, lords, rulers, and powers; all things were made by him and for him - Col 1: 15,16 Basic English Translation

And even yet clearer

Through him [the Son] God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without him. John 1:3

Love-based submission
Indeed Christ does have the power to create but the original source of that creative power is from His Father. Did Christ create the worlds, or anything else independent from the Father? It says in Hebrews 1:1,2 the worlds were made through Him. Does Christ redeem without the cooperative role with His Father? On earth He said I of myself can do nothing (He chose not to act independently of the Father). He is STILL subject to the Father as Eve was subject to Adam. (1 Cor. 8:6; 11:3). Jesus divine attributes were simply the result of His connection and unique willing submissive relationship to His Father. And there is a good reason for this. THE GOD WE SERVE DEMONSTRATES HOW WIVES ARE TO (*CAN WILLINGLY) SUBMIT TO THEIR OWN HUSBANDS, *CHILDREN ARE TO SUBMIT TO THEIR PARENTS DUAL AUTHORITY AND WE ARE TO SUBMIT TO THE DUAL AUTHORITIES WITHIN THE GODHEAD. *It should be noted here that Christ- based submission is very different to worldly, or even religious cult type, submission which is very often an abuse of power and tainted with the desire of egocentric control and domination. By no means does submission deny, justify, tolerate or excuse emotional abuse/weapons contrary to Gods other-centered love/life-principles of His New Covenant-Kingdom. In these very unfortunate sometimes-inescapable situations (emotionally toxic marriages etc.) the wife, for example, cannot be expected to submit in heart to the iron will of her husband when it conflicts with Gods principles of love. The wifes first priority is to submit to God through her spiritual husband Christ the second Adam (Isa 54:5; 2 Cor. 11:2; Rom 5:8-21; 6:1-14; 7:1-6). When it is possible, without violating their consciences, through love and patient loyal submission, mistreated or abused wives can, after time, sometimes soften and influence their husbands hearts. And if any [husbands] do not obey the Word, they also without the word may be won by the conversation [godly conduct] of the wives (1 Pet 3:1) (Bracketed comments supplied) Aside from this, the God-ordained submission channel of blessing principle, if followed, would preserve the blessing of God within the universe. Submission does not diminish or violate our worth and value as individuals it empowers and establishes it! Christs submission to His Father does not diminish His identity or lessen His equality with the Father it too establishes it. (This equality is not performance or power-based but relational). On the following three pages we will examine why and the submission principle is applied to four areas of the Christians life-experience for a number of very good reasons. ______________________________________________________________________
This love-based submission principle is the heart of the Elijah [family kingdom] message to be proclaimed before the great and terrible day of the Lord (Mal 4:4,5). Without it the stability of families, churches and society is ruined.

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1) The Infinite Father and Son

2) Husbands and Wives

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3)

Christ and His Church

4) Parents and Children

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Altogether these make up families, churches, communities and nations

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The Everlasting Father

Turning the hearts of the Fathers [God and Christ] to the children (See Mal. 4:5)

1) God: The Infinite Father/Sovereign of the universe/ Head of Christ (1 Cor. 8:6; 11:3; 15:28) 2) Christ: Head of the church - Father to the inhabitants Jerusalem, Redemptive Head/Father to the children God has given Him (Eph. 5:23; Isa 8:18; 9:6; 22:21,22). Divine Purpose: In submission to His infinite Father, Christ the second Adam modeled the divine submission principle both in childhood and adulthood (Luke 2:51). Even today, He demonstrates His submission and love for Father and His church.

Church Commission: First and foremost we are called to submit ourselves to the dual authorities of the Infinite Father and His eternal Son (James 4:7; Rom 10:3; Heb. 2:8,12:9; Eph. 1:22; 1 Cor. 15:27,28). Secondly, Scripture also refers to a mutual submission principle (1 Pet 5:5). We are to submit ourselves one to another in the fear of the Lord This includes rulers, magistrates, employers etc. (Eph. 5:21; Titus 2:9, 3:1; 1 Pet 2: 13,18; Rom 13:1). 20

Thirdly, Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor [high value and respect] unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered (1 Pet 3:7). Husbands are to love and honor their wives the way Christ loves the church and THEN wives will find it easy, or at least easier, to submit to [their] own husbands, as unto the Lord in everything and to be obedient to them that the Word of God be not blasphemed! (Eph. 5:21,24; 1 Pet 3:1,5; Titus 2:5). And lastly parents are to love their children and children are to submit to their parents. Christ also loves the church and gave Himself for it therefore church members are to submit to Him. The universal, unselfish other-centered principle of submission is the key to unity, peace, emotional and family security, divine protection, healthy self-worth, feeling of belonging and being valued, unity (Us-ness) success and blessing (Eph. 6:1; Col 3:20). The first family attack in heaven was the result of one being that refused to submit in loyalty and love to the supreme creator and sovereign of the universe and chaos and unrest was the result breaking up the angelic home in heaven. When the principle of submission is ignored church families and our own families fall apart. The Elijah message is to restore this brokenness that touches so many lives. The entire king of glory series highlights the fact that the eternal Son is in a position of loyal submission to his Father and we are to follow this pattern in submission to Christ. The final part of this study we will consider a few Biblical concepts such as the beginning and the days of eternity what these terms mean in a Biblical context and how they are associated with the heavenly family-based Godhead

The word beginning

Beginning # 1: In the beginning was the Word. The Word (Christ) was in the bosom [heart] of the Father. Christ as the only begotten of the Father had a pre-existent beginning yet has no end (Col 1:15; Prov. 8:22-30; John 1:1-3; 18). Whatever we choose to believe concerning these mysteries, we need to recognize that it is His literal Sonship that in no way diminishes or disqualifies His divinity or equality with the Father but - to the contrary - it actually establishes it. (Col 1:15; Micah 5:2. John 1:1) Beginning # 2: Earths creation. (Has an ending)
In the beginning (ray-sheeth) God created the heavens and the earth Gen 1:1. And Thou, Lord, in the beginning (arche) hast laid the foundation of the earth . . . Heb 1:10, 11.

Two things can be noted here. 1. The Earth as we know it now, prior to its extreme makeover, has a beginning and it has an end. 2. Yet The Father and His assistant Co-Creator Son, have an eternal nature. Beginning # 3: The rise of evil. Temporary (Will come to an end.)
He that commits sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning (arche). For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy (bring an end to) the works of the devil - 1 John 3:8. You [hardhearted Jews] are of your father the devilhe was a murderer from the beginning (arche) (The Satans existence will come to an end) - John 8:44

Beginning # 4: The beginning of Eternal life This begins after the new birth. The beginning of eternal life is available NOW to those who surrender their hearts and lives to Jesus. Eternal life is the pledge of security promising life beyond the prison house of the grave (John 1:3; Heb. 1:10, 11). However, it can be forfeited or rejected (John 17:3; 3:16; 36; 5: 24; Rev 3:21). Eternity can refer to the beginning of paradise in the completely new earth (Matt 25: 31-34.) Earth recreated under Gods never ending kingdom (Dan. 2:44) 21

In the beginning [arche] was the Word

The word beginning as used in John 1:1 is sometimes drawn upon by some to imply Christ was NOT begotten from the Father. Yet when the word beginning is studied closer we come to a number of different conclusions that refutes this disclaimer. The Greek word for beginning is #746 arche meaning commencement or beginning of something. In John 1:1 beginning actually has the same meaning for that word used in John 8:44, 15:27; 16:4 and 1 John 2:7,8 to name a few, which really raises some problems for those proposing the Co-eternal self-originating/unbegotten concept. Lets consider these
But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning. - John 15: 26, 27 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you. - John 16:4

Obviously these verses are not suggesting the disciples of Christ were with Him and the Father before the creation of the world.
Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning. Again, a new commandment I write unto you.because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. - 1 John 2:7,8

Obviously the word beginning has no significance at all in relation to eternity but is simply referring to a particular time and place.

Michaels family of origin

If a true-hearted Trinity believer were to pick a text from Scripture to back up the claim that Christ is co-eternal and without beginning then Micah 5:2 would likely be one such text. Yet interestingly when this text is examined it actually does not infer Christs supposedly self-originating Co-eternal nature.
But 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. - Micah 5:2

Firstly, consider the words goings forth and their Hebrew meaning. In the Strongs concordance the original Hebrew word is # 4163 Mowtsaah Which is in the feminine gender and means a family decent. So the word has a parental quality! It speaks more in favor of the inherent relational dynamic between the Father and the Son than an indivisible Trinity. This is reflected in no less than 10 different Bible translations. Here are 3 examples
But you, Beit-Lechem near Efrat, so small among the clans of Y'hudah, out of you will come forth to me the future ruler of Isra'el, whose origins are far in the past, back in ancient times. Micah 5:2 CJB Complete Jewish Bible The Lord says, "Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are one of the smallest towns in Judah, but out of you I will bring a ruler for Israel, whose family line goes back to ancient times. - Micah 5:2 GNT Good News Translation You, Bethlehem Ephrathah, are too small to be included among Judah's cities. Yet, from you Israel's future ruler will come for me. His origins go back to the distant past, to days long ago - Micah 5:2 GW

The RSV renders the words goings forth . . . from the days of eternity: ancient days The NLT; from distant past NIV; from ancient times NIRV; family line . . . .way back to days long ago NCV; very old times CJB; origins are far in the past, back in ancient times the CSB says; 22

His origin is antiquity And the MSG says; - family tree Interestingly in the Desire of Ages Ellen White indicates the family relationships we experience on earth are reflective of the family relationships in heaven. She wrote
In Christ the family of earth and the family of heaven are bound together. Christ glorified is our brother. Heaven is enshrined in humanity, and humanity is enfolded in the bosom of Infinite Love DA 26

Even more profound and astonishing we read: The heart of the human father yearns over his son. He looks into the face of his little child, and trembles at the thought of life's peril. He longs to shield his dear one from Satan's power, to hold him back from temptation and conflict. To meet a bitterer conflict and a more fearful risk, God [the heavenly Father] gave His only-begotten Son, that the path of life might be made sure for our little ones. "Herein is love." Wonder, O heavens! and be astonished, O earth! - DA 49

Did you catch that? The Spirit of Prophecy correlates a human father and the risk factors his newborn son is destined to face in this world, with the Heavenly Father and His only begotten Son and the risk factors involved in giving Him to this world. In His manhood, Jesus knew of the tender relational identity of the Father and He often spoke of Him in a personal way. Notice They could understand His words, and their hearts were warmed and comforted. He spoke of God, not as an avenging judge, but as a tender father, and He revealed the image of God as mirrored in Himself. His words were like balm to the wounded spirit. - DA 205

The Name of Two

And there is more! We saw the word Mowtsaah for goings forth in Micah 5:2 is translated in a number of Bibles to denote a beautiful parental quality within the Godhead. In fact Mowtsaah has a Greek equivalent # 4162 and 4161 Mowtsa meaning - the name of two. The name of two! That is highly significant. One cant help but wonder is this referring to the two Supreme Beings of the Father and Son? The other meaning associated with Mowtsa is the rising of the sun, [from the east], exportation utterance, a gate, and a fountain. This reminds us of Christ the Sun of righteousness, the divine channel of His Fathers life and blessing, the great fountain of life. (Mal 4:2; Zec. 13:1; John 1:4; 7:3739.) It reminds us also of a passage quoted earlier: [T]he glory of the eternal, self-existent One encircled both PP 35 The closely associated word to goings forth in Micah 5:2 that might be worth considering is everlasting.

From Everlasting: - Olam

Finally, the word Everlasting comes from the Hebrew word Olam. It extends way back beyond the beginning and has a number of uses such as, concealed, vanishing point, out of mind (beyond our computation), past or future, eternity, a long time. And we saw from a number of translations that the word eternity does not always mean without beginning but rather way long ago, from antiquity, far, far back etc. The good old KJV renders Micah 5:2 in the following way.
Whose family or origin has been of old, from the days of eternity Micah 5: 2

Notice, however how the GW version more accurately renders Micah 5:2
Yet, from you Israel's future ruler will come for me. His [family] origins go back to the distant past, to days long ago - Micah 5:2 GW

This should suffice to cover some difficult areas relating to this topic. Hopefully the reader will see that the Godhead is indeed highly relational in nature. The heart of the Elijah message is to invite and empower all of us to follow the example of humble loved-based willing submission we see in Christ to His Father. Then Gods power and blessing can flow through us just as it flowed through Christ 23

when he demonstrated this unique Christian principle two thousand years ago. In conclusion it is important to recognize that just because Christ existed way so far back in time beyond our finite computation this doesnt negate the plain fact in Scripture that indicates He was begotten of the Father. (Some people confuse the principle of pre-existence with co-eternity.) What makes Christ worthy of worship and adoration is His infinitely good and pure divinely inherited nature/relationship - not His age (whether He was coeternal or not). The Bible gives far more emphasis to Christs nature and relationship to His Father than to His pre-existent age.

Unlikelihood of Pure Coincidence

People often accuse non-Trinity believers of placing too much weight on the writings of the Pioneers. (I once accused non Trinitarians of doing this.) Even though for the most part I avoided quoting from the writings of the pioneers, I will remind our readers that Ellen White INCLUDED the pioneers of the Advent movement with her self in building the foundation of our church. Upon this foundation we have been building for the past fifty years. Do you wonder that when I see the beginning of a work that would remove some of the pillars of our faith, I have something to say? (1 SM 207, 208) Plant your feet firmly on the platform [foundation] of eternal truth. Reject every phase of error, even though it is covered with a semblance of reality, which denies the personality of Christ (EGW, RH, Aug 31, 1905) Clearly Ellen White said we not I have been building this foundation. And what is inferred by the foundation? Answer: eternal truth including the personality of God and of Christ. Consider the following quote of one such foundation builder. Christ is the express image of the Fathers person Heb. 1:3. As the Son of the selfexistent God, He has by nature all the attributes of Deity. It is true that there are many sons of God, and therefore the son of God is in a sense in which no other being ever was or ever can be. The angels are sons by creation, Christians are sons by adoption (Rom 8: 14,15), but Christ is the Son of God by birth. (E.J. Waggoner 1890 Christ and His Righteousness.) Five years latter Ellen White wrote: A complete offering has been made; for God so loved the world, that He gave His onlybegotten Son not a Son by creation, as were the angels, nor a son by adoption, as is the forgiven sinner, but a Son begotten in the Express image of the Fathers person. (EG White ST, May 30, 1895) Did you notice the similarities? Compare the two strikingly similar quotes in the following table

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E.J. Waggoner:

..

1890
the express image of the Fathers person angels are sons by creation
Christians are sons by adoption but Christ is the Son of God by birth

E. G. White:

1895
in the express image of the Fathers person

not a son by creation as the angels

nor a son by adoption as the forgiven sinner

but a Son begotten

*****

Q: Are the above parallels purely coincidental or is it because Ellen White fully endorsed Jones and Waggoners 1888 message? Any honest person could see that the above similarities would have very unlikely occurred by chance or accident. Instead of Ellen White strongly refuting Waggoners beliefs on the personality of God as she did on a number of occasions with Kellogg and others she actually affirmed Waggoners position and five years afterwards virtually wrote the same thing! Clearly it can be seen she was endorsing the Biblical concept of begotten.

On this account then the Jews were all the more eager to put Him to death -- because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also spoke of God as being in a special sense His Father, thus putting Himself on a level with God. (John 5:18 Weymouth translation) therefore the Jews were the more eager to kill him, because he had not only violated the sabbath, but likewise, because he had said that God was his proper father, making himself equal with God. (John 5:18 Daniel Mace translation.) Not only did E.J. Waggoner believe in Christs divine pre-existent Sonship here are some others. Joseph Bates from 1820-1889, W.W. Prescott during 1896, James White 1821-1881, A.T. Jones 1850-1923, Uriah Smith from 1832-1903, J.N. Andrews from 1829-1833, J.N. Haskell during 1905, and J.N. 25

Loughborough 1832-1928, but from what was presented in the first study of the series, and the quotation above, Ellen White believed Jesus was Gods Son in the highest sense (DA 208) and even the very highest sense (Ellen G. White, Review and Herald 5th March 1901, Lessons from the Christ-Life). And the prominent SDAs just mentioned all believed in Christs literal Sonship. The whole nation of the Jews called God their Father, therefore they would not have been so enraged if Christ had represented Himself as standing in the same relation to God. But they accused Him of blasphemy, showing that they understood Him as making this claim in the highest sense. (DA 208) As mentioned in Christ Our Mighty God and Everlasting Father, and it bears repeating, three years later when commenting again on this same event (DA quote above), Ellen White phrased her words a little bit differently. This time she said

The whole nation called God their Father, and if Jesus had done this in the same sense in which they did, the Pharisees would not have been so enraged. But they accused Jesus of blasphemy, showing that they understood that Christ claimed God as His Father in the very highest sense. (Ellen G. White, Review and Herald 5th March 1901, Lessons from the Christ-Life)

Another point that is highly significant that only once did Ellen White refer to Jesus becoming or being made the Son of God. Yet, on the other hand equally significant she stated a number of times that Jesus was made the Son of man. (See Appendix C p. 35 or S.O.P. statements)

The true meaning of mono-genes

Sweeping aside tradition and error to behold our extraordinary relational God and His gospel
Recently a photocopied article on the subject of begotten and firstborn was handed to me. It was written by a highly regarded SDA theologian who strongly holds to the Trinity belief. After reading through the eight pages twice I found it to be very misleading, There is a strong tradition among Adventists that places a false construct upon the Greek word mono-genes and this was reflected in the study. Jesus said beware of the leaven of the Pharisees. It is the little twisting of truth here and a little distortion there that can make a huge difference to the meaning of texts. Consider the Greek word mono-genes. Consider the first part mono. As a teen I remember some of my friends and I learned to doing something called monos, otherwise known as wheelies. It consisted of pedalling along on a bicycle and raising the handlebars and maintaining a balance on one [the rear] wheel hence the name mono or one. As a former art professional with experience in design, in my work I would sometime utilise a full colour palate or on other occasions simply produce a monochrome painting or design that consisted of a range of tones from one (mono) single colour. The second part of the word is genes. In a general English dictionary it means genetic factor, inheritable factor, basic unit of heredity. According to the Greek Concordance mono-genes means only begotten, referring to only born children. This is how early church translators of the New Testament understood the word. On nine occasions the Bible translators employed the specific word mono-genes.

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Five of the nine verses containing mono-genes refer to Jesus as Gods only begotten Son. Here again, if we take the Bible as it reads, we have further support for a purely relational gospel. Theologians deleted the words only begotten from a number of modern translations of the Bible (NIV, RSV, NASB etc.). They placed their own construction on mono-genes to unique or one of a kind. Why they did this is beyond me. Very few SDAs would argue Jesus uniqueness. Yet in saying Jesus is unique is a gross understatement. Theres no being in the entire universe apart from God who is quite like Him or ever can be like Him. His divine identity is like no other; His birth was like no other birth; His life was/is like no other life; and His death was like no other death. However, applying unique to the nine texts we are about to consider is not a proper usage of mono-genes. (Ask anyone of Greek descent). If the theologians are going to attempt to persuade others that mono-genes means unique, then in order for them to be consistent, they will need to apply their definition to all nine texts. And aside from the other reason, this is where their theory topples over!

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 (Luke 1:35). While the Son of a human being, He became the Son of God in a new sense. (1 SM p. 226,227)

24 Elders bowing down before the throne of the Infinite One

Carefully consider and reflect for a few moments on the nine texts in the table below and ask yourself honestly if they are relational in context or merely pertain to uniqueness?

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Four only born children

Luke 7:12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold there was a dead man carried out, the only (monogenes) son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. Luke 8: 42 For he had only (monogenes) one daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay dying. But as He went the people thronged him Luke 9: 38 And behold a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech Thee, look upon my son: for he is my only (monogenes) child Heb 11:17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that received the promises offered up his only begotten (monogenes) son (Abraham offered up his only promised and legitimate miracle son. Isaac, and not his other sons, was a type of Christ)

Jesus: Gods only begotten (Monogenes)

John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:18 He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 1 John 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.

You might want to ask yourself, what is so unique about the death of a widows only (monogenes) son? (Jesus said Many widows were in Israel during the time of Elijah . . . . Luke 4:25): Whats so unique about the rulers only daughter that so happened to die, or a mans only son that needed deliverance by Jesus? It has been said many times There are two certainties in life: death and taxes There is nothing unique or unusual about these human experiences at all, even though some of these children died rather prematurely. Experience has taught me sometimes its best to set aside the advice of theologians and go to the Book of books that is its own dictionary and its own expositor! The Bible itself provides the real contextual meaning. 28

Abraham: Child of Promise (the promised seed) Jesus/Messiah: Child of Promise (the ULTIMATE promised seed) *Although Abraham had other children beside Isaac, Isaac was his only legitimate child who could qualify as a figurative type of Christ. (Moreover, Isaac was the child of promise who, along with his father, became a father of a great multitude as the stars of heaven and the sand of the sea (Gen 28:13-15; Ex 32:13). In our previous study Christ Our Mighty God and Everlasting Father (Abrahams ULTIMATE promised seed), we saw that Christ became the redemptive Father of, the children [that] God [His Father] hath GIVEN [Him]. (Isa 8:18; 9:6; 22:21,22; Heb. 2:13; 1 Cor. 15:45-49; John 6:37-39; 10:29; 17:11, 24,25). Christ also became a Father of great multitudes as the sands of the sea and He was the ONLY legitimate one of heaven who could qualify for our redemption). But that was Isaac a type of Christ. What about the other three children? Do they have anything in common with Jesus extraordinary uniqueness? As far as we know, zero. They do however illustrate the paternal principle of identity and RELATIONSHIP (literally begotten of their parents) and they illustrate how valuable and PRECIOUS they were to them. Notice the 5 correlations in the table below between the monogenes children and the monogenes Christ:

Children
All four children were their parents daily delight being brought up beside them. All four children were greatly missed after their death (Luke 7:13, 8:41; 9:38)

Jesus the eternal Son

Jesus was greatly loved and upon leaving the heavenly courts no doubt missed. He was His Fathers daily delight as one brought up with Him beside Him rejoicing in His ways & always before Him (Prov. 8:30: John 17:24.)

From what we know all four were the only begotten (born) of their parents.

Jesus was Gods only begotten Son (God did not have another) (John 3:16.)

All four children were either dead or on the verge of death. (Luke 8:42)

Jesus also experienced death - He tasted [the second] death for every man Heb. 2: 9, 14.

All four children were saved resurrected from the first death.

OR

Jesus was resurrected from the first death. (1 Cor. 15: 20, 23; Rom.6: 4, 5)

All four three boys and one twelve year old girl of their parents only begotten children were singled out from the crowd as the object of Christs compassion and healing power.

In the heavenly courts Jesus - Gods only begotten Son - was especially favoured of God (crowned with glory and honour). Unlike the angels who were created, He was chosen to be the Saviour of humanity. (Heb.2: 9, 14.)

What can we learn from this? Jesus was highly valued by His heavenly Father because He was His only begotten Son. All four children were precious and greatly loved by their distressed parents because they were their (only) children. Monogenes is not so much in the context of uniqueness but relationship. It points to Jesus Sonship. Now we will consider another word, the word firstborn. Firstborn, First-begotten: Prototokos firstborn. It has a number of applications both semi metaphoric and literal. It can mean priority or pre-eminence over, chief, first in superiority or rank, 29

or just as the word implies firstborn as generated. Unfortunately it seems to me the literal application is sometimes played down by theologians while the symbolic usage is emphasised. Symbolic usage: Church of the firstborn Heb 12:23 Israel is My firstborn (as a people) Ex. 4:22. Jesus the Firstborn of the dead (First-fruits of them that slept) Col 1:18. Jesus the First begotten of the dead Rev 1:5. David is said to be the firstborn yet he is the youngest of Jesse. (Pslm. 89: 20 27). Its the same with Jacob. Gen 27: 19; 29: 33- 37. Literal usage: The firstborn males of the Egyptians and Hebrews. Heb 11:28 The baby Jesus in Bethlehem. And brought forth her firstborn son and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and lay Him in a manger. Luke 2:7. He (Jesus) the firstborn above every created thing. Col 1:15.

So backing up a little, neither David nor Jacob were the oldest of the siblings, yet were said to be the firstborn. So firstborn teaches value and honour are the result of character or the bestowal of position and rank according to Gods choosing. This teaches an important lesson. Someones age is not the criteria for superiority and honour. (Is the value we place on our Saviour based upon His age (co-eternity) or the fact that He is Gods highly exalted only begotten Son?). In a literal sense firstborn as does monogenes - relates to birth or origin. Jesus takes on the literal and symbolic attributes of firstborn. Not only does He possess superiority in relationship; pre-eminence, sovereignty, priesthood, name, inheritance, and in this respect is as others say unique, but unlike the angels who were created, Jesus was begotten. He is the firstborn above all creation. Col 1: 15. As Gods monogenes, no being in heaven or on earth existed before Him. Jesus is unique, but more importantly He is Gods only begotten. The three fathers, and the widow all loved their precious children; Jesus loves His precious children too, and the Father loves both Jesus and us. Hopefully now you see monogenes is not about the obvious the unique attributes of Christ - but rather about Gods heritage, and about two Divine Beings who are absolutely loving and incredibly relational. Lets be careful not to loose the simplicity of the remarkably personal, empowering relational gospel that even a child can understand.

Summary
Up to here we have resolved a number of things concerning the pre-existence of Christ in relation to eternity, we have determined that the word beginning mentioned in John 1:1 etc. can have a number of applications. It cannot be used to defend the orthodox Trinity. It might be argued that the words days of eternity or everlasting in Micah 5:2 contextually and grammatically refer to two supreme beings in a divine family context more than a strict orthodox Trinity context that denies Christs Sonship. We have also seen how the relationship of Joseph to his father reflected the life of Jesus and His Father and how evil forces in both cases attempted to shatter those relationships. We saw the forgiveness, grace and mercy exercised by both Joseph and Jesus toward their brethren. We saw they were instrumental in saving multitudes from perishing and were reconciled to their Fathers and their brethren. We considered how the very first dispute and rebellious attack in heaven was against the God-bestowed supremacy and identity of Michael. Lucifer not only made war against 30

Michael in heaven but as Satan clothed as an angel of light, he aimed his cruel psychological blows against Michael incarnate on earth. We learned that while it is impossible for Satan to war directly against the glorified eternal Son of God priest-king or His life giving Spirit today, he attacks indirectly by theological arguments distortions and misrepresentations of the Father and Son as well as their character, government and true divine identities. We saw how important the universal divinely inspired submission principle, as seen in the Elijah message, is to the peace, strength, stability, success and happiness ALL Christians in relation to God, Family, Church and government. We saw how it was demonstrated even within the Godhead through Christs submission to His Father. We noted through the Greek and Hebrew language that the families of earth, with the parent-child relationship actually reflect the family in heaven DA 26,49, Micah 5:2 We noted that the Greek word for begotten (monogenes) has more of a relational meaning rather than the popularized assumption of uniqueness and we saw what astonishing lengths Christ was prepared to go to in order to link earth with heaven. In heaven Lucifers family attack was aimed at Michael through lies and misrepresentations. Yet this attack continued on earth. When the spirit of Michael (Christ the Word) was impregnated in the womb of a teenager and afterward was made flesh He faced continuous opposition through Satanic agencies. Here is a profound quotation from the pen of inspiration correlating the struggle of a human father feels about the thought of his sons vulnerability and the risk God faced in sending His only begotten into the world.
The heart of the human father yearns over his son. He looks into the face of his little child, and trembles at the thought of life's peril. He longs to shield his dear one from Satan's power, to hold him back from temptation and conflict . . . To meet a bitterer conflict and a more fearful risk, God gave His only-begotten Son, that the path of life might be made sure for our little ones. "Herein is love." Wonder, O heavens! and be astonished, O earth! - DA 49 Yet how thankful we can be for the outcome!!!! Through Christs epic/infinite sacrifice and monumental victory over sin and the grave we have the assurance of eternal life. Through adoption, redemption and the infinite grace of the glorified Christ our brother, Christians have been inducted back into the heavenly family. In fact Christ bridges the gap between the two great families of the universe. In Christ the family of earth and the family of heaven are bound together. Christ glorified is our brother. Heaven isenshrined in humanity, and humanity is enfolded in the bosom of Infinite Love -- DA p. 25, 26

And in view of all this we could not think or desire anything more than Christ our brother and everlasting Father of redemption and adoption. And now in view of all this the words of the apostle John take on new significance for us because we know and experience in our hearts that: Truly our fellowship is with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ - 1 John 1: 3. AMEN!

My prayer for you is that: the God of hope [would] fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. (Rom 15:13) And may . . . The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them. (Numbers 6:25-27)
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The heart of the father . . . . .

Acknowledgments: My wonderful father

This booklet is dedicated in honor to my non-churched father. Although he never professed to be a Christian or anything, He gave me his time, provided for my needs, and gave me a sense of purpose, belonging, care, and value and brought peace and happiness to our home. Thus, to me, in a practical heart-felt way, he unconsciously demonstrated Gods undying unselfish love. Furthermore, through a chain of providential circumstances, He was actually very instrumental in the event of my mother, my eldest sister and I in becoming a Seventh-day Adventists! (An example of how God sometimes works in mysterious and surprising ways!)

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Appendix A
Seven popularized objections:
What seems to be unbeknown to a number of SDAs today, is that the issues concerning the Godhead and how one perceives its divine identities, invariably involves the orthodox Trinity. (This is not to say there are not three divine powers within the Godhead there certainly are!) Faithful truehearted Trinity believing SDAs may not be fully conscious of the underlying reason for their acceptance and defense of the typical (traditional) Trinity concept. More often than not it seems the reason is usually the result of their perception of any or all of about 7 Bible passages referring to the identities of the three powers within the Godhead. These frequently quoted defense passages are 1 John 5:7-8 relating to the three that bare witness in heaven Matt 3: 17 relating to the baptism of Christ and the dove descending upon Him Matt 28:19 relating to the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit Isaiah 9:6 relating to Christ as the everlasting Father John 1: 1-3 relating to In the beginning was the Word John 8:58 relating to Christ as the I Am John14: 16; 16: 1- 14 relating to Christ sending the Comforter

From my own experience over the years, it seems these are the most quoted texts used in defense of the popularized orthodox Trinity and yet, at the same time, it seems as though they are also the most misunderstood texts! A real paradox of beliefs. It seems the reason for the misunderstanding is due to traditional theological influence in connection with insufficient PERSONAL prayerful study. (I know deep in my heart for a long time my own personal bias was one factor preventing me from properly comprehending the true import of these texts.) If I was challenged back then with questions such as, Are you SURE the above verses mean what you think they mean? or Have you done a careful and thorough contextual study on those texts? or Have you PERSONALLY employed the Spirit of Prophecy in helping you arrive at your conclusions? I would honestly have to say no! One day, to my surprise and conviction, I came to discover some of the above texts meant the exact opposite to what I was conditioned for years to believe! Without going into detail, for example, the three that bare witness in heaven are not referring to a Trinity at all but three witnessing entities (the Father, the Son and His apostles) that testified Jesus was (and will always be) the Son of God. The baptism of Christ is not proof for the orthodox Trinity but that Jesus was declared by His Father to be His only begotten Son as signified by the dove. Christs commission to the disciples in Matt 28 does not prove the orthodox Trinity to be true but refers to the bestowed Spiritual life of the Father through the Son that was to empower the disciples for witnessing. Jesus statement that He is the I Am does not prove that He is God the Sovereign of the universe/ the infinite Almighty Father but rather that He was filled with all the fullness of the Godhead (Fathers spirit, character, and glory) and is a continuous revelation of Him. The same principle applies to Johns description in Rev 22:13 of Jesus as the Alpha and Omega. John uses this name interchangeably in describing the Father AND the Son. It was a name, like many other names of God that Jesus inherited from His Father. (This is presented in more detail in the Jesus the Everlasting Father and His other Given Names study.) The fact that Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit as another Comforter after His ascension does not prove that the Holy Spirit is a separate God-being, (god-being) as implicated in the Trinity doctrine. In His physical form, Christ was the first Comforter during His first advent. Yet after His victorious return to Heaven He could not be physically with them therefore He promised to come to His church-body in another form. Christ referred to His non-physical spiritual presence as another Comforter - not to imply some strange identity other than Himself. The Holy Spirit-related manifestations of Pentecost was a token that Christ was exalted, crowned and glorified as a priest forever. He was now in a position where He could bestow His non-physical comforting, and convicting and empowering presence upon His truehearted believers (See John 7:39, 1 Cor. 15:45: These were two texts among others that, as a former strong and sincere Trinity advocate, I usually had great difficulty comprehending.) 33

APPENDIX B
It will be worthwhile doing a little reading exercise from a relevant section in the Desire of Ages. Notice Christs claim as the Great I AM.
By His humanity, Christ touched humanity; by His divinity, He lays hold upon the throne of God. As the Son of man, He gave us an example of obedience; as the Son of God, He gives us power to obey. It was Christ who from the bush on Mount Horeb spoke to Moses saying, "I Am That I Am. . . . Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you." Ex. 3:14. This was the pledge of Israel's deliverance. So when He came "in the likeness of men," He declared Himself the I Am. The Child of Bethlehem, the meek and lowly Saviour, is God "manifest in the flesh." 1 Tim. 3:16. And to us He says: "I Am the Good Shepherd." "I Am the living Bread." "I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth." John 10:11; 6:51; 14:6; Matt. 28:18. I Am the assurance of every promise. I Am; be not afraid. "God with us" is the surety of our deliverance from sin, the assurance of our power to obey the law of heaven. - DA 25

According to Strongs concordance, this expression I AM (Heb. hayah) means to be or to come to be (come to pass or become). In the latter sense, it is used extensively. For examples of its usage see Genesis 2:7 (became), 3:22 (become), 4:14 (come, as in come to pass), Genesis 11:3 (had), Genesis 13:3 (been) and Genesis 15:1 (came) etc. Very interesting and very significant is that instead of the words I AM THAT I AM, some Bibles have I will be what I will be, either that or they say that the latter interpretation is a valid alternative. Take for example the Complete Jewish Bible. It says in its translation of Exodus 3:14 In the Miles Coverdale translation (the very first printed English translation of the complete Bible) it says in 16 century English language
th

God saide vnto Moses: I wyl be what I wyll be. And he sayde: Thus shalt thou saye vnto ye children of Israel: I wyl he hath sent me vnto you. - Exodus 3:14 Miles Coverdale translation.

Using 21 century English we would say God said unto Moses: I will be what I will be. And he said: thus shalt thou say unto the children if Israel: I will he hath sent me unto you.
st

In other words when Jesus stated I am that I am, He was simply implying that He was an ongoing revelation and unfolding of the Fathers character. The italicized section above was adapted from an I AM article by Terry Hill.

APPENDIX C
He clothed His divinity with humanity and thus became the Son of man, a Savior and a redeemer RH March 8, 1881 . . . .by partaking of our nature He became the Son of man, the Son of Adam, a brother to every fallen son and daughter of our race MS 58, 1896, p. 4, 17 MR p. 25 In the depths of omnipotent wisdom and mercy the Father took the work of salvation into His own hand. He sent His only begotten Son into the world to live the law of Jehovah Bible Echo, Nov 20, 1899. Angels were expelled from heaven because they would not work in harmony with God . . . . This fact, the angels would obscure, that Christ was the only begotten Son of God Letter 42, April 29, 1910 to D.L. Parsons, in This Day with God p. 128 34

The Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of the Father is truly God in infinity but not in personality The Upward Look p. 367 God is the Father of Christ; Christ is the Son of God. To Christ has been given an exalted position. He has been made equal with the Father 8T p. 268, 1909

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