2nd Corinthians 5,19

​

19 (...) that GOD was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not counting people’s sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

​

There are several Bible passages that speak of GOD being in Christ (John 14,10 / 2nd Corinthians 5,19). Elsewhere, it says that Christ dwells in believers (Galatians 2,20 / Colossians 1,27). The mutual indwelling (a Semitic expression) between GOD and Jesus, or between Jesus and believers, expresses a spiritual unity based on faithfulness and obedience. To be in Christ means to keep GOD's commandments and to live as Jesus lived. Because Jesus obeyed the Father's commandments, he was in the Father and the Father in him; that is, they were united (John 15,9 f.). When we obey Jesus' commandments, we also remain in him and he in us; that is, we remain united (John 15,7 / 1st John 2,3-6). In this way, we can enter into an intimate relationship with GOD and Jesus, as if we were living together in the same house and sharing a common life (John 14,23). To be in Christ does not mean that we are GOD or Christ. The fact that GOD was in Christ and Christ is in us does not mean that Jesus is GOD; especially since Jesus spoke even before his glorification of his disciples remaining in him and he in his disciples (John 15,1-8). Therefore, this cannot be taken literally. It is said that in Adam all die (1st Corinthians 15,22). No one would therefore claim that Adam is not human. Paul explains that Christ dwells in our hearts through faith (Ephesians 3,17). To be in Christ means to fully identify with Jesus, or to become one with him, as if Jesus himself were acting through us; just as Jesus became one with the Father, as if the Father himself were acting through Christ (2nd Corinthians 5,20). The goal of faith is complete spiritual unity between GOD, Jesus, and all Christians (John 17,21 + 26).​

​​

​​

​​

____________________________________

​

2nd Corinthians 12,7-10

​​

7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

​

In this passage, Paul explains that a thorn was placed in his flesh so that, despite the great revelations, he would remain humble and not become arrogant. The context makes it clear that Paul is referring to the persecutions and mistreatment (verse 10) that he regularly experienced during his missionary ministry (2nd Corinthians 11,16-33). Jesus showed Ananias that Paul would suffer for his name (Acts 9,16). Apparently, the Lord announced this to the apostle beforehand through dreams or visions, while simultaneously encouraging him to persevere and rely on his grace (Acts 18,9 f. / Acts 20,22-25). The fact that Paul begged (Old Greek: parakaleō) the Lord Jesus should not be confused with worship directed solely to GOD the Father, as Jesus taught his disciples (Matthew 6,9-13). Jesus is the Anointed One of GOD and the head of His church. Just as a servant may ask his master for help, we too can call on Jesus at any time and ask him for support in times of distress and need (John 14,14). For all blessings, our thanks belong to the heavenly Father. The power of Christ does not refer to Jesus' own strength, but to the power of GOD, which unfolds in humility and obedience, just as Jesus exemplified (2nd Corinthians 13,4 / Philippians 2,1-11). Christians, too, can experience this power in times of trial if they live godly lives like Jesus.

 

 

 

____________________________________

 

​

 

2nd Corinthians 13,14

​​

14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of GOD, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

​

This final verse is a solemn exclamation and a typical conclusion to the Pauline letters. Galatians, Philippians and both letters to the Thessalonians close with the words: the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. In verse 14 three different things are mentioned, but it is not said that they are “one” or “of one substance” or that they form “one GOD”. Similar to Matthew 28,19, this is not a Trinitarian formula. Peter, James and John are also often mentioned together, as are Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. There is not a single verse in the entire Bible that states that the Father, Jesus, and the Spirit are “one GOD". This is about the fellowship that Christians have with one another because the Holy Spirit of the Father is present in each of them. The expression fellowship of the Spirit also occurs in Philippians 2,1. There is no mention of a third divine person here. Nowhere else is the Holy Spirit mentioned in a greeting or a farewell word. The Holy Spirit is the power and gift of GOD that connects all believers together.

​

​

​

____________________________________

​

Galatians 1,1 + 11 f.

​

1 Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and GOD the Father, who raised him from the dead— (...) 11 I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. 12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

​

This statement points to the divine authorship of the gospel. Paul does not claim that Jesus is anything other than a human being, especially since he explicitly describes Jesus as a human being in several places in his letters (1st Corinthians 15,21 / 1st Timothy 2,5). Rather, Paul wants to make it clear that his authority as an apostle does not come from an earthly authority, but from heaven, i.e. from GOD, the Most High, and Jesus Christ, whom GOD has made Lord over all (Acts 2,36 / 1 Corinthians 15,28). This is what Paul means when he writes that the gospel is not of human origin. This in turn is a significant aspect in the dispute with the Judaizers, who confused believers with their human teachings, for example by demanding that they be circumcised and observe the Mosaic Law in order to be saved. This was contrary to the message of the gospel, which states that a person is saved by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul explains that he received the gospel he proclaimed by revelation from the highest authority. At the same time, Paul distances himself from the teachings of the Judaizers, who, in contrast, spread a false gospel.

​

John introduces the book of Revelation with similar words (Revelation 1,1). It says: Revelation of Jesus Christ, which GOD gave him. Here too, GOD and Jesus are clearly distinguished. GOD taught Jesus and Jesus passed the teaching on to John through an angel. Paul was instructed directly by GOD through Jesus. From this it is clear that GOD is the (non-human) origin of the gospel and Jesus Christ is the (human) mediator through whom GOD conveys his message. Jesus is fully human. But Jesus' authority is not human, i.e. not given by humans, but divine or given by GOD. After all, Jesus was not made Lord and Messiah by humans, but by GOD the Father. It is He who gives Jesus His glory and gives Him power and authority over the universe. An analogous translation could be:

​

1 Paul, an apostle, not by earthly/human authority, but by Jesus Christ and GOD the Father, who raised him from the dead (...) 11 For I make known to you, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preach is not of human origin. 12 For I did not receive it or learn it from ordinary man, but by a heavenly revelation from Jesus Christ.

​

​

​

​

____________________________________

​

Ephesians 3,9

​

9 ...and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in GOD, who created all things through Jesus Christ (…).

​

This translation gives the impression that Jesus is the one who created everything. However, this contradicts many statements in which GOD, the Father, is called the Creator without any connection to Jesus (Matthew 11,25 / Hebrews 11,1 / Revelation 4,11 / Revelation 14,7). The addition "through Jesus Christ" does not appear in the original text. The following translation translates this verse correctly and unambiguously:

​

9 ...and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in GOD, who created all things.​​

​

​

​

____________________________________

​

Ephesians 4,8-10

Psalm 68,18

​

8 This is why it says, “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.” 9 What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.

​

The original Hebrew quotation from Psalm 68,18 refers to Yahweh, while the same verse in the Greek Septuagint, from which Paul quotes in Ephesians, refers to a human being—in this case, Moses. Moses, in turn, as a prophet, is the model for Christ (Deuteronomy 18,15 / Acts 3,22 f.). Therefore, this text in no way proves that Jesus is GOD. Furthermore,These verses speak of Jesus' death and ascension; not about incarnation. Jesus died and was buried. On the third day he was resurrected by GOD and taken into heaven. The Messiah first had to suffer and then be glorified in order to fulfill all the prophecies of Scripture. The expression lower, earthly regions is at this point a euphemism for the realm of the dead, Hades. In Romans 10,7 the same word for descending (Old Greek: katabainō) is used in connection with the death and resurrection of Jesus.

 

​

​

____________________________________

​​

Ephesians 5,13 f.

Isaiah 60,1

​

 

13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

 

​​

The context of this passage is about a holy life in the light, to which all believers are called (1st Peter 1,14-17), and whose fruit is all goodness, righteousness, and truth (Ephesians 5,8 f.). Paul quotes a verse from the Old Testament that speaks of the glory of Yahweh and relates it to Jesus. Paul does not mean to suggest that Jesus is GOD. Like all of Paul's statements related to Jesus, this one too must be understood in the context of Jesus' mediatory role. GOD sent the Messiah as a light for humanity (John 12,47). As the image of GOD, Jesus reflects in his behavior the glory and holiness holiness of GOD, which humanity has lost through sin (Romans 3,23 / 2nd Corinthians 4,6). Jesus is thus the example for all Christians. When we act like Jesus, we walk in the light. In this way we reflect the glory of Jesus and thus the glory of GOD, for which every human being was originally created (2nd Corinthians 3,18).

​

​

​

____________________________________

​

Philippians 2,5-11

​

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of GOD, did not consider equality with GOD something to be grasped; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9 Therefore GOD exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of GOD the Father.

​

​

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

The context of Philippians 2 is about the disposition or mental attitude that believers should have; not about the incarnation of a divine being. Nor is it a confession of faith, as is often claimed. Paul wants to lead believers to serve one another with humility. Jesus is the example. Paul does not require believers to change their nature, but rather that they imitate the humble spirit of Jesus. The basic principle with GOD is that whoever exalts himself will be humbled by GOD, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted by GOD (Matthew 23,12). Paul illustrates this principle using the example of the man Jesus. Essentially, it's about Jesus' complete self-denial in order to show us humans the way to GOD through his life example and to fulfill GOD's plan to save humanity through his death. Paul writes about himself that he has made himself a servant of all (1st Corinthians 9,19). At the same time, Paul encourages believers to use him as an example, just as he uses Christ as an example (1st Corinthians 11,1). This passage is neither about a “pre-existence” nor about an “incarnation” of Jesus.

​

6 Who, being in the form of GOD,

The Greek word morphē, which in English is translated as form, refers to the external appearance or manifestation; not on the inner nature of a person. Having the form of someone does not mean being that person or having their nature, but rather visibly behaving like that person. When speaking of nature or essence in Greek, the words ousia or physis are used. From secular writings we learn that the Greeks used the word morphē to describe when “gods” changed their appearance; such as Aphrodite, Demeter and Dionysus. This idea was widespread in pagan mythology. This is clearly about a change in appearance and not in inner nature. Josephus, a contemporary of the apostles, used morphē to describe the shape of statues. The Gospel of Mark contains a brief reference to the well-known story in the Gospel of Luke, where Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus in a different form (morphē), which is why they did not immediately recognize him. It is clear that Jesus did not change his nature, but merely his physical appearance. In addition, the verb in verse 6 is in the present tense and not in the past tense as rendered in many Bibles. This means that Jesus is GOD’s form, not "was".

 

Morphē is the root word of many New Testament words and is also used in compound words. The Bible speaks of evil people who have a form (morphosis) of godliness (2nd Timothy 3,5). Their inner nature was evil, but outwardly they gave the appearance of being divine. On the Mount of Transfiguration, Christ was transformed (metamorphoomai) before the disciples (Matthew 17,2 / Mark 9,2). They did not see that Christ received a new nature, but rather that his external form visibly changed. Similarly, Christians also need to be transformed (metamorphoomai) by having their thinking renewed on the basis of the Bible. You don't get a new nature. It's more about a change in attitude that outsiders can recognize and experience. In addition, Christians should be transformed into the image of Christ (metamorphoomai). The fact that they are transformed into an image shows that the change is something that is visible from the outside.

​

A literal translation of verse 6 would read that Jesus has the appearance of GOD. Since GOD is invisible and has no physical form, this cannot refer to GOD's outward appearance. Therefore, having the form or appearance of GOD means behaving visibly like GOD. GOD created man in His image; that is, as the reflection of His glory (Genesis 1,27 / 1st Corinthians 11,7). This means that GOD's personality, which is love, should be reflected in man's thoughts and actions. Through the Fall, man lost GOD's glory (Romans 3,23) because sin corrupted his character. Since then, pride, greed, and selfishness have dominated his life. Jesus, on the other hand, is the perfect image of GOD (Colossians 1,15) because he perfectly represents GOD the Father through his behavior. Jesus always acted as GOD would act. In this way, Jesus, as a human being, reflects the glory of GOD. (Hebrews 1,3). His character is so in keeping with that of his Creator that Jesus could say that everyone who sees him sees the Father (John 14,9). If Paul wanted to say that Jesus is GOD, he would have written it so clearly and unambiguously. Because Jesus is a perfect human being, we can identify with him. This is not possible with a GOD-man.​

​

...did not consider equality with GOD something to be grasped;

As a result of a lie from Satan, Adam and Eve violated GOD'S commandment by eating the forbidden fruit. Their hope was to become like GOD. But their pride brought them death. In the heart of Jesus, however, there was no trace of pride or self-interest. Quite the opposite: He did not consider (Old Greek: hēgeomai) being equal to GOD as something to be grasped (Old Greek: harpagmos). That is, Jesus resolutely resisted the temptation to equalize himself with GOD, even though Jesus' high position as king and the extraordinary power that GOD gave to His Messiah could easily have tempted him to do so. Jesus gave GOD glory in everything, because he knew that he was dependent on the Father and owed everything to Him. The translation that Jesus did not “hold on to” his divinity is false and tendentious. “To hold on” is not one of the meanings of hēgeomai.

​​

7 ...rather, he made himself nothing by taking the form of a servant. And in human likeness

8 and being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!

Jesus emptied himself (Old Greek: kenoō) and took the form (morphē) of a servant/slave. These verses do not say that Jesus became a man or took on the nature of a slave. Jesus emptied himself, not as GOD, but as man and king, of all that he had and all that was his in order to fulfill his mission. As the LORD's anointed, Jesus was endowed with great authority. As king, Jesus had the right to sit on the throne of David and rule over GOD's people. But although he could have enjoyed a comfortable and prosperous life like kings, Jesus voluntarily gave it up in order to serve people in love like a slave (Mark 10,45 / 2nd Corinthians 8,9). Jesus' humiliation is shown, among other things, in the fact that he washed the feet of his disciples; an activity usually performed by slaves. After all, Jesus was even prepared to die ignominiously on the cross for all people. Isaiah prophesied about Christ's suffering that on the cross his face would be more disfigured than that of any other man (Isaiah 52,14). This progressive humiliation of himself to the point of death occurred during his life and death, not at Jesus' birth.

​

Verse 7 uses the Greek word schema for appearance. Unlike morphē, it does not refer to external appearance, but to who or what something is, including the functional aspect of something or someone. The fact that he was like a human in equality (homoiōma) and appearance (schema) does not mean that Jesus only appeared as a human, although in reality he was GOD. The Bible testifies that Jesus is a real human being. In contrast, Gnostics claimed that Christ had an illusory human body. The emphasis in this verse is on the fact that Jesus was fully human like us. Even though his position and authority as Messiah distinguished him from other people, Jesus always behaved modestly and unobtrusively like other (normal) people rather than like an exalted ruler. In this respect Jesus became (Old Greek: ginomai) similar/equal to humans. Paul is talking about Jesus' behavior here; not of his nature. Verse 8 says that Jesus became (ginomai) obedient. In this case too, Jesus' behavior is meant. But Jesus' outward appearance - as a man with a linen robe instead of as a king with a purple cloak, crown and scepter - did not suggest that Jesus was anyone special.

​

9 Therefore GOD exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,

10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of GOD the Father.

The two crucial words in these verses are therefore (Old Greek: dio) and exalted (Old Greek: huperupsoō). They prove that the exaltation of the Messiah above all measure and name has nothing to do with his alleged divinity, but is the reward for voluntary self-abasement up to death on the cross. For his absolute obedience, which sets him apart from all other people, Jesus was given the highest honor: the place at the right hand of GOD. If Jesus had already had this position before, one could not speak of an exaltation. The formulation on GOD's right hand would also be misleading, since GOD is not enthroned at GOD'S side. It is clear from these and other scriptures that it was GOD the Father who exalted Jesus; not himself.

​

In this case, the name that Jesus inherited does not refer to a proper or personal name, but rather to his reputation or title as Lord over all men and angels (Acts 2,36). At the same time, GOD gave Jesus all power in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28,18). This makes Jesus the most powerful and influential person in the universe right after GOD. The fact that every knee will bow to Jesus also has nothing to do with Jesus being GOD, but with his position as GOD'S judge. Bending the knees is a visible act of respect. By bowing their knees to Jesus, people acknowledge His divine authority as judge. At the same time, they also show honor and recognition to GOD, the Father, who exalted Jesus and gave him this position. What matters is that Jesus' honor comes from GOD. Joseph and Daniel were also honored and exalted by GOD in a special way because they remained faithful to His commandments and gave GOD glory before their enemies. Even the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar - the most powerful ruler of his time - had to bow his knee to Daniel and offered sacrifices to Daniel and his companions (Daniel 2,46 f.). With this humble gesture he showed that he recognized GOD as supreme ruler and Daniel as His human representative. An analogous translation could be:

​​​​

5 Have the same (humble) attitude that Christ Jesus had: 6 He, who has GOD's character, did not seek equality with GOD as something to be stolen (as Adam and Eve did). 7 On the contrary, he even voluntarily renounced his glory (as a king) and instead become like a slave, outwardly appearing like any (ordinary) person, 8 humbling himself and remaining obedient until his death on a cross. 9 For this obedience GOD exalted him and gave him the highest honor above all other creatures, 10 so that all might submit to his authority, 11 and everyone might confess that Jesus Christ is the supreme ruler, to the glory of (the one) GOD the Father.

​

​

​​​​​

____________________________________

 

 

Colossians 1,15-20

​

15 He is the image of the invisible GOD, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For GOD was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

​

​

15 He is the image of the invisible GOD, the firstborn of all creation.

That Jesus is in the image of GOD means that Jesus has the personality/character of GOD. The first human Adam was also created in the image or likeness (eikon) of GOD (Septuagint: Genesis 1,27), just like every other human being (James 3,9). This does not mean that a person has GOD'S nature. The word eikon occurs a total of 23 times in the New Testament. It is used, among other things, for the image of Caesar on a coin (Matthew 22,20), for idols that are man-made images of gods (Romans 1,23), for things from the Old Testament that were only a reflection of today's reality, and for the image of the beast (Revelation 13,15). Christians are to be transformed into the image of the Lord, reflecting His glory (2nd Corinthians 3,18). It is said that the man is the image and glory of GOD (1st Corinthians 11,7). In all examples, eikon is used in the usual sense of the word. It means: having a representation that is separate from the original or resemblance to something or someone. The difference between Jesus and us is that we humans are tainted by sin and therefore do not reflect the glory of GOD as Jesus did (2nd Corinthians 4,6). So being in the image of GOD does not mean being GOD. Furthermore, in the same verse Paul explains that GOD is invisible. Jesus, on the other hand, had and has a visible form.

​

The fact that Jesus is called the firstborn (Old Greek: prōtotokos) has nothing to do with Jesus' nature or his alleged pre-existence. Throughout the Bible, this term is used to describe people. Besides Jesus, Israel (Genesis 4,22), King David (Psalm 89,27) and all believers (James 1,18 / Hebrews 12,23 / Revelation 14,4) are called GOD's firstborn. The firstborn of a family had the privilege of inheriting before all other children. He enjoyed a higher position than his siblings and precedence over them. The firstborn son of a king was considered the heir to the throne. GOD made Jesus the supreme king on earth. It is Jesus' position as the highest human ruler and his pioneering role (Romans 8,29) that distinguishes him from his brothers; not his nature. That Jesus is the firstborn of all creation clearly expresses that Jesus himself is part of creation. Furthermore, the word prōtotokos implies a beginning. This contradicts the idea that Jesus existed before he was conceived by the Father. The word "over" (all creation), as some Bibles translate, does not appear in the original text. If Jesus were GOD, there would be no need to emphasize that he existed over all creation.​

 

​​​​​​​

 

 

​