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[MORMONISM. The Faith of the Twenty-first Century. Volume 1. Edward K. Watson. (Liahona Publications. Copyright © 1998 Edward K. Watson.) pp. 245-268. MORMONISM: Section 2, Part 2, Chapter 1. All rights reserved.]
CHAPTER 1
Scriptural Passages That Describe Jesus as “God”
HOLY BIBLE:
(1) Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be on his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.
(2) Mic 5:2 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.
(3) John 1:1 ( 1-14) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
(4) Phil 2:5-11 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
(5) Heb 1:2-3 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of [his] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.
(6) Heb 2:14-18 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
(7) 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.
(8) Gal 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.
(9) Rom 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.
(10) 2 Cor 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
(11) John 17:4-5 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
(12) Heb 1:8-10 But unto the Son he saith, thy throne o God is forever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands.(Isa 45:12).
(13) Job 38:1-4 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. Where was thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if thou hast understanding.
(14) Rev 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
(15) Heb 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.
(16) Eph 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ.
(17) 1 Cor 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
(18) John 1:3,10,14 All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made ... He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not ... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
(19) Heb 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
(20) Rev 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God.
(21) Col 1:13-17 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
(22) Heb 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
(23) Rom 11:32-36 For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, [are] all things: to whom [be] glory for ever. Amen.
(24) Heb 12:23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect.
(25) Matt 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
(26) Matt 4:7 Jesus saith unto him, It is written again, thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. [Luke 4:12].
(27) John 20:28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, my Lord and my God.
(28) Acts 7:59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
(29) John 5:17-18 But Jesus answered them, my Father worketh hitherto, and I work. Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
(30) John 10:33 The Jews answered him saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou being a man, makest thyself God.
(31) Jude 1:25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
(32) Tit 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared.
(33) Tit 2:10,13-14 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things ... Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
(34) 2 Pet 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.
(35) Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
(36) 1 Tim 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
(37) Col 2:8-9 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. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
(38) Rev 22:6,16 And he said unto me, These sayings [are] faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done ... I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning star. (Matt 13:41).
(39) John 14:16 (also John 16:26; 17:9,15,20) And I will pray the Father and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever.
(40) Rom 9:5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
(41) Heb 5:8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered.
(42) 1 Jn 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, [even] in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
(43) Jas 2:1 MY brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, [the Lord] of glory, with respect of persons.
(44) John 5:23 That all [men] should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
(45) 1 Cor 16:22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
(46) Rev 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
(47) Matt 2:2,11 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him ... And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
(48) Matt 8:2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
(49) Matt 9:18 While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him. saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
(50) Matt 14:33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
(51) Matt 15:25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.
(52) Matt 20:20 Then came to him the mother of Zebedee's children with her sons, worshipping [him], and desiring a certain thing of him.
(53) Matt 28:9,17 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him ... And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
(54) Mark 5:6 But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him.
(55) Luke 24:52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.
(56) John 9:38 And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.
(57) Heb 1:6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
(58) Rev 5:8-14 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four [and] twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, [be] unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four [and] twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
(59) John 8:23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
(60) John 18:36-37 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
(61) Matt 5:48; Heb 2:10; 5:9; 7:28.
LATTER-DAY SCRIPTURES:
(1) BM. Title Page ... And also to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God.
(2) 2 Ne 9:20-21 O how great the holiness of our God! For he knoweth all things, and there is not anything save he knows it. And he cometh into the world that he may save all men if they will hearken unto his voice; for behold, he suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of Adam.
(3) 2 Ne 11:7 For if there be no Christ there be no God: and if there be no God we are not, for there could have been no creation. But there is a God, and he is Christ, and he cometh in the fullness of his own time.
(4) 2 Ne 26:12 And as I spake concerning the convincing of the Jews, that Jesus is the very Christ, it must needs be that the Gentiles be convinced also that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God.
(5) Mosi 3:5-8 For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases. And he shall cast out devils, or the evil spirits which dwell in the hearts of the children of men. And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and abominations of his people. And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the creator of all things from the beginning; and his mother shall be called Mary.
(6) Mosi 5:15 Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen.
(7) Mosi 7:27 And because he said unto them that Christ was the God, the Father of all things, and said that he should take upon him the image of man, and it should be the image after which man was created in the beginning; or in other words, he said that man was created after the image of God, and that God should come down among the children of men, and take upon him flesh and blood, and go forth upon the face of the earth.
(8) Mosi 26:23,26 For it is I that taketh upon me the sins of the world; for it is I that hath created them; and it is I that granteth unto him that believeth unto the end a place at my right hand ... And then shall they know that I am the Lord their God, that I am their Redeemer; but they would not be redeemed.
(9) Mosi 27:30-31 I rejected my Redeemer, and denied that which had been spoken of by our fathers; but now that they may foresee that he will come, and that he remembereth every creature of his creating, he will make himself manifest unto all. Yea, every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess before him. Yea, even at the last day, when all men shall stand to be judged of him, then shall they confess that he is God; then shall they confess, who live without God in the world, that the judgment of an everlasting punishment is just upon them; and they shall quake, and tremble, and shrink beneath the glance of his all-searching eye.
(10) Alma 42:15 And now the plan of mercy could not be brought about except an atonement should be made; therefore God himself atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also.
(11) Hela 8:22-23 Our father Lehi was driven out of Jerusalem because he testified of these things, and also almost all of our fathers, even down to this time; yea, they have testified of the coming of Christ, and have looked forward, and have rejoiced in his day which is to come. And behold, he is God, and he is with them, and he did manifest himself unto them, that they were redeemed by him; and they gave unto him glory, because of that which is to come.
(12) 3 Ne 9:15 Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. I was with the Father from the beginning. I am in the Father, and the Father in me; and in me hath the Father glorified his name.
(13) 3 Ne 11:14 Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.
(14) 3 Ne 19:18 And behold, they began to pray; and they did pray unto Jesus, calling him their Lord and their God.
(15) Morm 3:21 And also that ye may believe the gospel of Jesus Christ, which ye shall have among you; and also that the Jews, the covenant people of the Lord, shall have other witness besides him whom they saw and heard, that Jesus, whom they slew, was the very Christ and the very God.
(16)Eth 2:12 Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ, who hath been manifested by the things which we have written.
(17) D&C 18:33 And I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, have spoken it.
(18) D&C 19:1,4,15-20 I am Alpha and Omega, Christ the Lord; yea, even I am he, the beginning and the end, the Redeemer of the world ... And surely every man must repent or suffer, for I, God, am endless ... Therefore I command you to repent - repent, lest I smite you by the rod of my mouth, and by my wrath, and by my anger, and your suffering be sore - how sore you know not, how exquisite you know not, yea, how hard to bear you know not. For behold, I, God have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; Which sufferings caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit - and would that I might not drink the bitter cup and shrink - Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men. Wherefore, I command you again to repent, lest I humble you with my almighty power; and that you confess your sins, lest you suffer these punishments of which I have spoken, of which in the smallest, yea, even in the least degree you have tasted at the time I withdrew my spirit.
(19) D&C 34:1 My son Orson, hearken and hear and behold what I, the Lord God, shall say unto you, even Jesus Christ your Redeemer.
(20) D&C 35:1-2,8 Listen to the voice of the Lord your God, even Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, whose course is one eternal round, the same today as yesterday, and forever. I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was crucified for the sins of the world, even as many as will believe on my name, that they may become the sons of God, even one in me as I am one in the Father, as the Father is one in me, that we may be one ... For I am God, and mine arm is not shortened; and I will show miracles, signs, and wonders, unto all those who believe on my name.
(21) D&C 38:1,3 Thus saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, the Great I AM, Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the same which looked upon the wide expanse of eternity, and all the seraphic hosts of heaven, before the world was made ... The same which knoweth all things, for all things are present before mine eyes; I am the same which spake, and the world was made, and all things came by me.
(22) D&C 45:1-3 Hearken, O ye people of my church, to whom the kingdom has been given; hearken ye and give ear to him who laid the foundation of the earth, who made the heavens and all the hosts thereof, and by whom all things were made which live, and move, and have a being. And again I say, hearken unto my voice, lest death shall overtake you; in an hour when ye think not the summer shall be past, and the harvest ended, and your souls not saved. Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him-
(23) D&C 66:13 Verily, thus saith the Lord your God, your Redeemer, even Jesus Christ. Amen.
(24) D&C 93:10 The worlds were made by him; men were made by him; all things were made by him, and through him, and of him.
(1) Isa 9:6 Jesus is called the Mighty God and the Everlasting Father (by his status as God and Creator). Who is the “Mighty God”? Jehovah, the God of the universe (Gen 49:24; Deut 7:21; Ps 50:1; 132:2,5; Isa 10:21; Jer 32:18; Hab 1:12; 2 Ne 6:17; 20:21; D&C 109:68)! Jehovah will be born as a male child.
(2) Mic 5:2 He who is “from everlasting” was to be born out of Bethlehem (the LXX says, “his goings forth were from the beginning, even from eternity”). Who is “from everlasting”? Jehovah, the God of Israel and of all creation (Ps 41:13; 90:2; 93:2; 106:48; Isa 63:16; Hab 1:12; Moro 7:22; D&C 20:17; 61:1; 109:77)!1
(3) John 1:1:
In the beginning was the Word.
And the Word was with God
And the Word was God.
The Word was God (in Greek: kai theos en ho logos). He made all things, took on flesh, dwelt among us and will be known as the Only Begotten of the Father. The language used in the AV may confuse the separateness of persons. Other translations are too weak like the Moffatt and Goodspeed (American Translation) where they say “the Word is divine.” This verse in Greek doesn't say the Word is God, (if it is understood that the Word was the same being as “God” mentioned in the second line) neither does it say the Word is divine (if divine is understood to mean a man being “godlike” or holy). It especially doesn't say the Word is “a god” (if it is understood to mean inferior or a lesser deity). What it does say is the nature and being of the Word is the same as God. Basically, what it means is:
The Word was whatever God was.
If the Father is “God,” and the Son belongs to the same class of the Father, then Jesus is “God” as well (same nature not the same being).
Here's a contrast for the correct understanding of John 1:1:
In the garden of Eden was the woman.
And the woman was with man.
And the woman was man.
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The name of our primordial male ancestor was “ Adam” and means “man”2 just as “ Eve” means “life.”3 Our nature/spe cies/being identifies us as members of “mankind/the human race/Homo Sapiens” or “man” nature as opposed to “cat, dog, apple, etc.” Both genders belong to “mankind” since the word “man” isn't only applicable to the male members of our species but to the females as well (Gen 5:2; 1:26-27; 2:5,7; 3:22,24).
The word “man” in the second line that says, “And the woman was with man” has reference to a specific person, namely, Adam. This means the woman was with “man” [Adam] making the woman a separate person from “man.”
The word “man” in the third line that says, “And the woman was man” has reference to the nature of the woman, meaning, the woman had the “man” nature [she was human by belonging to mankind/the human race].4
The word “man” is used in two separate senses (1) specific person [other than the woman] and (2) nature [which the woman belongs to].
Going back to John 1:1:
In the beginning was the Word.
And the Word was with God
And the Word was God.
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In the beginning was Jesus.
And Jesus was with God.
And Jesus was God.
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Jesus was with a specific person known as “God.” Jesus was separate from a being who is known as “God.”5
Jesus was God. Jesus had the “God” nature. He belonged to the “God” race just as the woman belonged to the “man” race.
The word “God” is used in John 1:1 in two different senses: (1) specific person [other than Jesus] and (2) nature [which Jesus belongs to].
If God who is called “God” in the second line is fully “God” and has the nature of being God; Jesus has to be exactly like him by virtue of having the same nature. It isn't possible for Jesus to be an inferior being to the “God” mentioned in the second line since he is treated as having the same nature. Whatever nature Heavenly Father has; Jesus has as well. If the Father is “God” so is Jesus!
(4) Phil 2:5-11 This passage mentions the two natures Jesus possesses (God & Man). Phil 2:5-11 is a psalm or hymn about Jesus and what it's saying shows very clearly Paul viewed Jesus to be God as well as a man. The fifth verse identifies the setting as being focused on Jesus Christ with the psalm comprising vv. 6-11:
Have the same attitude [have humility just as] Jesus Christ had:
“Despite having the same nature of God, he didn't think his equality with God was to be forcefully clung to but emptied himself and took upon himself the nature of a slave and became like mortal man. Appearing as a man, he humbled himself and was obedient unto stooping to die the death on the cross. This is why God elevated him higher than anything possible and gave him a name more exalted than any other name so that every knee in heaven, on earth and in the underworld will bend in adoration of the name of Jesus and everyone will acknowledge Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Although Jesus was equal to the Father by having the same nature as God the Father, he “emptied” himself (he divested himself of his glory, rights and privileges due to his divine status but kept his divinity)6 and made himself a humble, oppressed slave to atone for the sins of mankind. The most glorious being imaginable willingly reduced himself to the lowest of humanity (Isa 52:13-14; Matt 11:29; Mark 10:45; John 13:4-17; D&C 88:6; 122:8), to suffer in an unimaginable fashion for our sakes by “stooping” to die a criminal's death on the cross,7 the most painful and demeaning death possible,8 being “cursed” (Deut 21:22-23; Isa 53:12; Luke 22:37; Gal 3:13; Heb 12:2).9 The most glorious being imaginable to the most degraded possible.10 From the highest to the lowest. He who is above all became the least of all. This shows the paradox of the Atonement. The greatest of all needed to suffer worse than all and receive the most despised death possible.
Jesus didn't think he needed to cling to his equality with God [by virtue of having the same nature] but gave it all up to become human. This is incredibly remarkable:
Jesus gave up his equality with God the Father to become human.
His equality was returned after he was resurrected. Could a being who willingly gave up his equality with God the Father to become human be solely a man? The two natures of Jesus are clearly described in Phil 2:5-11. He has a “God” nature and a “Man” nature.11
(5) Heb 1:3 Jesus is the exact duplicate [charakt‘r] (5481/5917) of Heavenly Father's being/nature/essence/make up. If Heavenly Father has a “God” nature; so does Jesus Christ.
Heb 1:3 also mentions “he sustains all things by the word of his power.” Who? According to Ps 148:5-6, God does. Who then is Jesus? God.
(6) Heb 2:14-18; (7) John 3:16; (8) Gal 4:4; & (9) Rom 8:3 Jesus became human/flesh and blood (Heb 2:14-18) to relate to humanity, for humanity to triumph over sin and death (Acts 17:31; Rom 8:3; 1 Cor 15:21). Heavenly Father sent his Son to earth (John 3:16 cf. Rom 8:32) to be “made” from a female descendant of David (Gal 4:4; Rom 1:3-6) in the likeness of sinful flesh (Rom 8:3). He became the sin (2 Cor 5:21) and propitiation for us (Heb 2:17).12
Jesus was already God's Son prior to being born of Mary.
Because we are human, Jesus decided to become human. He didn't take upon himself the nature of angels but became identical with the rest of humanity (Heb 2:14-18).
How can an ordinary human decide to assume the nature of a mortal human instead of the nature of angels if he is merely a mortal human? This is only possible if Jesus was ontologically different than mortal humans and angels. Then and only then is it possible for him to decide if he wanted to receive the nature of angels or mortal humans. What was the nature of Jesus which was different than angels and mortal humans to make this passage intelligible? The only possibility is “God” which is repeatedly supported by the Bible.
(10) 2 Cor 8:9 Jesus was rich and became poor for our sakes. Rich = God, poor = man. Jesus was God, who became man for our sakes so that through him we may become “rich” (the doctrine of exaltation which is clearly taught in this passage is examined in MORMONISM: Section 5).
(11) John 17:4-5 Jesus is praying to Heavenly Father and is asking for the return of his glory which he had with the Father before the earth was even created. What could this “glory” be? When the other passages are examined, (which are identified in this chapter), we understand Jesus has the same “God” nature the Father has and is fully “God” as well as fully “human.”
(12) Heb 1:8-10
Heb 1:8-9 But unto the Son he saith, thy throne o God is forever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
Ps 45:6-7 Thy throne, O God, [is] for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom [is] a right sceptre. Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
Heb 1:10-12 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.
Ps 102:24-27 I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years [are] throughout all generations. Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens [are] the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed But thou [art] the same, and thy years shall have no end.
These passages are addressed to God in the OT but are addressed to Jesus in the NT by Heavenly Father. Heavenly Father calls Jesus, “God.”
Some people who disbelieve Jesus is God claim that this is a mistranslation. They use the Moffatt & Cassirer (God's New Covenant) translations of Heb 1:8 which translated the pertinent Greek passage to mean, “God is your throne” instead of “Thy throne O God.” Heb 1:8 is originally based on Ps 45:6 which says “Thy throne O God.” The great majority of biblical versions I examined (38 out of 40), understood the primary meaning of Heb 1:8 to mean “Thy throne, O God” while acknowledging the possibility that the secondary meaning could be “God is your throne.”
Doesn't it seem odd that the great majority of biblical versions understand Heb 1:8 to read, “Thy throne, O God ... ?” Why? Because they realize that in the context the verse is given, this praise refers to Jesus since the book [Hebrews] repeatedly quotes OT passages that are in reference to God and applies them to the person of Jesus,13 making Jesus, “God” and “Jehovah” [YHWH] (e.g., Heb 1:2-3,6,10-12; etc.). It also differentiates Jesus from the angels (Heb 1:4-8,13-14), and shows his superiority over them (also see Eph 1:21; Col 2:15; 1 Pet 3:22).
The Hebraist repeatedly emphasizes the divinity of Jesus Christ. This may indicate the book was written to the Jews to persuade them of the divinity of Jesus or to strengthen the faith of Jewish-Christians who were under pressure to return to Judaism.14
The original saying in Ps 45:6-7 referred to God and the same expression was used by the writer of Hebrews to refer to Jesus. In Heb 1:2, we find that God the Father commanded Jesus to make the worlds (what does one call a being that makes worlds-a man, or a God?). God the Father called Jesus “Lord” in Heb 1:10, and mentions to Jesus he (Jesus) laid the foundation of this earth. He (Jesus) also created the heavens.
It is obvious that Jesus existed before the earth was created since he was the one who made it. It is also obvious that the writer of Hebrews was referring to Jesus as God in distinction to the Father regardless if Ps 45:6 may say “God is your throne” despite most translations understand it to mean “thy throne O God.” The biblical translators also know that the NT writers deliberately modified OT passages to mean something different from what the OT writers meant.15
There are many instances where the NT writers changed the original quotations to suit what they were trying to say. For example: the “testimony” quotation of Matt 1:21,23 from Isa 7:14 LXX ( from the oft-quoted Isa 6:1-9:7 block).16 The LXX has “You (i.e. King Ahaz) shall call his name Emmanuel” but since Matt 1:21 already has the angel telling Joseph, “You shall call his name Jesus,” Matthew modified 1:23 from the original to say, “they (i.e., the people he shall save from their sins-v. 21) shall call his name Emmanuel.”17 It is obvious that Matthew modified the original quotation to emphasize the subject he was talking about. A comparison of Acts 7:3 with Gen 12:1 shows the author of Acts omitted “out of the house of thy Father.” A comparison of Acts 7:6-7 with Gen 15:13-14 shows the author of Acts modifying the second portion of Gen 15:14 to read, “and (they) serve me in this place” whereas the original stated “(they shall leave) with great substance.” Heb 9:20 quotes from Ex 24:8 but omits “concerning all these words.” Gal 4:30 replaced Gen 21:10's “my son Isaac” with “the son of the freewoman.” Many more can be seen with comparative study.
Another fact that must be pointed out is the NT writers usually used the LXX OT (more than half of all OT quotations are from the LXX),18 which contains a lot of discrepancies with the MT. This is important to remember because an OT quotation in the NT does not have to follow the rendering found in the MT. (see Ps 44:6 LXX).
Why would Heavenly Father call Jesus, “God” (Heb 1:8) if he wasn't? Why would the Father called Jesus, “Lord,” and state “he [Jesus] laid the foundation of the earth and also created the heavens (v. 10)”19 if Jesus wasn't “God”? It's obvious that Heb 1:8-10 describes Jesus to be “God.”
(13) Job 38:1-4 The LORD told Job he laid the foundation of the world. From what we've seen in Heb 1:10 that being was Jesus Christ. Therefore, Job was talking to the pre-mortal Christ.
(14) Rev 1:6 This verse mentions God and his Father. Who is the father of God? Obviously, the God referred to is Jesus Christ. This passage is commonly understood to be, “God, his Father” but can be understood to mean “God and his Father.”
(15) Heb 1:2 & (16) Eph 3:9 These state God the Father created all things (the universe-system of things) by Jesus Christ. Here's the scenario. God the Father commands his Son Jesus Christ to make the worlds and Jesus Christ obeys and does it (Eph 3:9- variant reading).
We can easily understand the creation by making an illustration. An architect creates a blueprint for a house down to the smallest detail and then hands it to a builder. The builder then builds the house according to the plan of the architect.
Who created the house? The Architect? The Builder? Was it just one or both? It's easily seen both did. The architect was the creator in the sense that it was his plans and the builder did what he was ordered to do. The builder was the creator in the sense that he and his crew did the actual construction.
(17) 1 Cor 8:6 Heavenly Father is the Architect (the Originator-of whom [ex hou] are all things) who commanded Jesus Christ, the Builder (the Creator-by whom [di hou] are all things) to make this earth.
(18) John 1:3,10,14 Jesus created all things, including this earth. No object in the universe exists that wasn't ultimately created by him . This incredible being who is responsible for the creation of the entire universe became human and was born on this tiny, insignificant world. He is known as the “Word” and the “Only Begotten of the Father.”
(19) Heb 11:3 A comparison with Rev 19:13-15 shows one of Christ's names is the Word of God. These passages say that the worlds were made by Jesus Christ. (Also see John 1:1-3,10). The Word of God which created all things isn't an audible voice (through a vacuum?) but a personage. God directed (architect) and Jesus followed the directions laid out by the Father (engineer).
(20) Rev 3:14 Jesus is the beginning [arch‘] of God's creation. The Greek word “arch‘” (746/794) means “source, starting-point, origin, point of origin, beginning, first cause, primacy.”20 This passage most probably means Jesus is the source of the universe (he created the universe) which is identical with John 1:1-3,10; Heb 1:2; Eph 3:9; 1 Cor 8:6; and Heb 11:3; or it could mean Jesus is the ruler of the universe. Either interpretation shows Jesus is much more than a mere human.
(21) Col 1:13-17 This passage merges into a psalm or song about Jesus (Col 1:15-20):
[God] has rescued us from the power of darkness and relocated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. We have been redeemed through his blood, and received the forgiveness of our sins:
“He is the image of the unseen God, the firstborn of all creation. All things were created by him, whether in heaven or on earth, seen or unseen, whether they are thrones, dominions, principalities or powers: all things were created by him and for him. He existed before all things and sustains all things. He is also the head of the body, [which is] the church. He is the source of all things, the first [to be resurrected] from the dead, so that he might have supremacy over all things. It pleased the Father that all the fulness should dwell in him and he reconciled all things to himself by his sacrifice on the cross.”
Jesus Christ created all things (ta panta) in heaven and the earth and were it not for him, none of these things would exist. “All things” refers to the universe. Jesus is said to have created the universe (cf. Mosi 5:15; 7:27; 3 Ne 9:15; D&C 38:1,3; 45:1-3; 93:10) and had to exist prior to the creation or else he would be included in “all things.” It isn't possible for Jesus to be “before all things” if he wasn't in existence before “all things.” He is the “firstborn of every creature” and firstborn means either priority (existed before) or supremacy (sovereignty over). He existed before all creatures. He rules over all creatures. All things are his. He is called “God” who has mercy upon us. “For of him, through him and to him, all things owe their existence.” Who made all things (Heb 3:4)? Who is this being according to 1 Cor 8:6; Col 1 and Heb 2? Jesus Christ. Is he only a man?
(22) Heb 2:10 & (23) Rom 11:32-36 All things were created by Jesus Christ. These mean everything in the universe was created by Jesus under direction from Heavenly Father.
(24) Heb 12:23 This verse mentions God is supposed to be the judge of all mankind and according to John 5:22 this being is Jesus Christ. (25) Matt 1:23 Emmanuel means “ God with us” and is from Isa 7:14; 8:8,10.21 Who was with them in the person of Jesus? God. Could Jesus only be a man? (26) Matt 4:7 (and Luke 4:12) Jesus is quoting Deut 6:16 and saying “thou shall not tempt the Lord thy God.” Who was Satan tempting, the Father or the Son? He was tempting Jesus Christ! Why would Christ quote that passage if he wasn't God? This shows Jesus was referring to himself as God.
(27) John 20:28 Thomas called Jesus his “ Lord and God.”22 If Jesus wasn't God, he surely would have corrected Thomas - he didn't. Jesus Christ's inaction is very serious since if he wasn't God, Thomas committed serious blasphemy punishable by death for addressing a human as God.23
(28) Acts 7:59 Stephen's martyrdom has him calling God and he addresses his prayer to the “Lord Jesus.” Was Stephen mistaken in viewing Jesus as God? Why did he pray to him if Jesus wasn't God?
(29) John 5:17-18 & (30) John 10:33 The Jews were so infuriated at Jesus that they wanted to kill him. They understood what he was saying, “thou, being a man, maketh thyself God!” The Savior never denied the accusation because it was true!
This reaction of the Jews may seem puzzling to some because both passages do not have Jesus saying he is God. All they say is Jesus claimed that God was his Father,24 he is exempt from observing the Sabbath, God was his Father and he was “one” with God (John 5:17-18; 10:25,29-36).
The Jews' reaction becomes intelligible when one realizes that in Hebrew and Aramaic, the term, “son of” is commonly used to mean “member of the class of.”25 In other words, “Son of God” usually means “God” or the “sons of men” (or the “children of men”) usually means “men.”26
Furthermore, in the Hebrew culture of the first century, the firstborn son's relationship with his father was the strongest bond and conferred equality upon the son. The son inherited the name (Yeshua-ben-Yosef, Yeshua-ben-Pantera, Yeshua-ben-El, Yeshua-ben-Adam) and honor of his father, making any honor due the father to apply in equal measure to the son. To refer to God as “my Father”[ Abba]27 (never “our Father”)28 implied an intimate relationship,29 the Jews found impudent.
Jesus claimed he worked just as the Father worked even though it was on the Sabbath. His exempting himself from following the rules of the Sabbath signifies his belief in his divinity since only God was exempt from Sabbath observance.30
To these Jews, Jesus was a man who claimed to be one with God which caused him in effect to be saying he was [like] God. They correctly perceived him claiming to be God. His quoting “ye are gods” (Ps 82:6) shows it was a valid defense since the Jews didn't stone him. This shows it wasn't blasphemy for Jesus to claim equality and oneness with God. He does what his Father [God] does (John 5:19) even though no human can (Ex 15:11; Deut 33:29; Ps 35:10; 71:19; 86:8; 89:8; Isa 46:5; Jer 10:7; Mic 7:18). What could he be?
(31) Jude 1:25 & (32) Tit 3:4 These say God is our only Savior but the Scriptures repeatedly mention Jesus is our only Savior (Luke 2:11; Acts 4:10-12; 1 Jn 4:14-15; etc.) which make Jesus and God the same being (Jude 1:25- variant reading).
(33) Tit 2:10,13-14 & (34) 2 Pet 1:1 These passages mention the same thing Jude 1:25 and Tit 3:4 do about “God our Savior” and Paul advocates the members to live righteously and look forward to the Second Coming of our Lord. The word “appearing” [epiphaneia] (2015/2211) in the NT is only used in reference to Jesus Christ (2 Th 2:8; 1 Tim 6:14; 2 Tim 1:10; 4:1,8; Tit 2:13).31 At the Second Coming, who is going to appear - just Jesus Christ, or will the Father also appear? It is Jesus Christ and not the Father, who will appear in shining glory at the Second Coming (1 Cor 16:22; Rev 22:20).32 He will destroy the wicked with the breath of his mouth (2 Th 2:8).33 Tit 2:14 has the works of Jesus being the works of YHWH or God. Consequently, the term, “Great God and Savior” refers to Jesus Christ. Paul called him “our Great God and Savior.”
The Granville Sharp rule states that when two nouns of the same gender, case and number are linked together by a “kai” (“and”) and the second noun doesn't have an article, both nouns combine and refer to the same concept.34
This is why Tit 2:13's “great God and Savior” can only refer to Jesus Christ.
This can also be seen in 2 Pet 1:1 where Jesus is referred to as our “God and Savior.” 2 Pet 1:1 and 1:11 are virtually identical. If “Lord and Savior” refers to Jesus Christ in v. 11; “ God and Savior” in v. 1 also refers to Jesus Christ (also see Granville Sharp's Rule in 2 Pet 2:20; 3:2,18).
(35) Acts 20:28 The church of God/the Lord was purchased with his own blood. The term, “church of God” signifies ownership. Who owns the church? God. How was the church “owned”? By having it bought with his blood. When did Heavenly Father shed his own blood? Whose blood was “spent”? Jesus Christ's. Who then bought the church with his spilt blood? Jesus Christ (Rom 5:9; 1 Cor 6:20; 7:23; 2 Pet 2:1; 1 Jn 1:7; Rev 5:9). He “owns” the church and consequently, the word “God” has reference to Jesus Christ.35
(36) 1 Tim 3:16 “He was manifest in the flesh.” This passage means “God was seen in the flesh” or it can mean “Jesus looks like God.”36 Either meaning has numerous biblical passages for support.37
“He” clearly refers to Jesus Christ. “God was manifest/seen/revealed [phaneroÇ] (5319/5746) in the flesh.” Who was preached to the Gentiles? Who was received up into glory? Was it Heavenly Father or Jesus Christ? It was Jesus and not God the Father. Jesus is the “God” Paul was talking about. It was his flesh that was seen and those who saw him were seeing God.
(37) Col 2:8-9 In Jesus the fullness of God dwelt bodily (cf. Col 1:19). The totality of God was present within Jesus. All that makes God “God” was in Jesus. Was he only a mere man or was he literally “God” on earth?
(38) Rev 22:6,16 The Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel. Ten verses later we find, “I Jesus have sent mine angel.” Consequently, Jesus is viewed as the “Lord God” who was the God of the prophets who sends angels (Matt 13:41). Do mere humans send angels to earth?
(39) John 14:16 The word “pray” in our AV means “petition, ask, beg, beseech.” There are two corresponding Greek words that are translated as such: “erotao” (2065/2263) & “aiteo” (154/160).
“Aiteo more frequently suggests the attitude of the suppliant, the petition of one who is lesser in position than he to whom the petition is made ... Erotao more frequently suggests that the petitioner is on a footing of equality or familiarity with the person whom he requests ... In this respect it is significant that the Lord Jesus never used aiteo in the matter of making request to the Father ... It is always erotao, an asking, that is, on equal terms, never aiteo that he uses.”38
I find it extremely suggestive that Jesus always used erotao, never aiteo, thereby showing his belief of his equality to the Father. Aiteo is used when the petitioner is in a lesser position than the person being asked (i.e., a student to a teacher, captain to general, man to God); and erotao is used when the petitioner is on an equal footing to the person being asked (i.e., captain to captain, student to student, God to God). He would never use that word if he wasn't “God.” He is not a lesser God, but has the same “God” nature the Father has or else he would've used the word, “aiteo.”
(40) Rom 9:5 Many versions translate this passage along the lines of, “Jesus, who is God, who rules over all is blessed forever”39 instead of saying “Jesus is blessed before God forever or even “Christ is over all, God be blessed forevermore.” Any of these translations can be supported by other passages in the Scriptures but I included Rom 9:5 here since it shows the possibility of teaching the deity of Jesus.
(41) Heb 5:8 Jesus learned obedience because of his suffering. Why? What could Jesus possibly be prior to being mortal if he didn't know obedience? All things know obedience to God's will. Even the angels know obedience. Only God doesn't know obedience since there is nothing that can command him. Consequently, the pre-mortal Jesus had to be God. Does this mean Heavenly Father never commanded Jesus prior to mortality? No, Jesus obeyed Heavenly Father when he was directed to create the universe and this earth but his will was always identical with the Father's. The obedience this passage is mentioning is an obedience to something Jesus wasn't looking forward to experiencing (Matt 26:38-39,42; Luke 22:42-44) and needed an angel to strengthen him (Luke 22:43). He never knew obedience until becoming mortal and going through the atonement (Phil 2:8).
(42) 1 Jn 5:20 Some understand the term, “This is the true God” to be in reference to “his Son Jesus Christ” which is immediately before it. (43) Jas 2:1 Mentions Jesus is the “ Lord of Glory” but there is only one Lord or King of glory, and that is God (Ps 24:7-10) which makes Jesus, “God.”
(44) John 5:23 This says all men must honor Jesus just as they honor the Father. He who doesn't honor Jesus in the same way he honors the Father isn't really honoring the Father. If we view Jesus to be inferior to the Father, we aren't honoring the Father. If the Father is “God,” he must then be viewed and honored as “God.” We must also view and honor Jesus as “God” or else we aren't honoring the Father. This verse denies any perceived ontological inferiority of Jesus to the Father.
(45) 1 Cor 16:22 & (46) Rev 22:20 These are interesting passages since they are addressed to Jesus, imploring him to come back (the Aramaic “ Maranatha” from either “Maran atha” or “Marana tha”).40 One does not pray to a deceased man, asking him to return to the earth. “Come Lord!”41
(47) Matt 2:2,11; (48) Matt 8:2; (49) Matt 9:18; (50) Matt 14:33; (51) Matt 15:25; (52) Matt 20:20; (53) Matt 28:9,17; (54) Mark 5:6; (55) Luke 24:52; (56) John 9:38; (57) Heb 1:6 & (58) Rev 5:8-14 (also see Acts 7:55-60; 14:14-17; Rom 10:13; 1 Cor 1:1-2; 2 Ne 25:29; 3 Ne 11:17; 19:18; D&C 76:21) These mention Jesus Christ was worshiped [proskyneÇ] (4352/4686)42 by people and angels and he never prevented them from doing so unlike the apostles and angels when placed in similar situations (Acts 10:25-26; Rev 19:10; 22:8-9). In fact the angel John tried to worship (twice!) insisted that it is only God who must be worshiped. God the Father explicitly commanded the angels to worship Jesus (Heb 1:6). This is taken from Deut 32:43 LXX (also see Ps 97:7 LXX; Ex 20:3-5; 34:14; Deut 8:19; 11:16; 30:17; Luke 4:8). This form of worship can't be given to any being aside from God. It isn't a simple obeisance or respect given to a human ruler. Rev 5:13-14 has these twenty-four elders in heaven worshiping he who “liveth for ever and ever” (i.e., Jesus cf. Rev 1:18). Isa 42:8 & 48:11 say God won't share his glory with anyone else. Who were they worshiping?
If God is the only being who deserves to be worshiped and Jesus Christ was worshiped; it then stands to reason that Jesus also has to be “God.” This doesn't mean there are two Gods, there is “one God” because numerous beings can go under the singular designation “God” if having complete unity with one another (See MORMONISM: Section 4 & 5).
(59) John 8:23 Jesus says, “Ye are from beneath; I am from above. Ye are of this world; I am not of this world.” What an odd thing to say if he was only human just as the rest of mankind. (60) John 18:36-37 Jesus Christ's kingdom isn't of this world unlike all the other monarchs. Jesus came into the world. Where was he from? This language is identical with Rom 8:3; 2 Cor 5:21; Gal 4:4; Heb 2:14-18 which show Jesus came from Heavenly Father's presence in heaven. What could he be? Could he be an ordinary human?
(61) Matt 5:48 Heavenly Father is perfect and Heb 2:10; 5:9; 7:28 state the Son is perfect as well (cf. 3 Ne 12:48). If the Father is perfect, and “God” and the Son is also perfect, they must be in a state of equality (since nothing is better than that which is perfect), which means the Son is also “God.”
Despite many of these passages are astonishingly clear, there are many who profess to believe the NT but dismiss Jesus as a mere man. By carefully examining the Holy Bible, we find that there are over sixty instances where the divinity of Christ is mentioned. What would a person call a being who created numerous planets by his will while being immortal and all-knowing? (No, not Q). Jesus Christ certainly qualifies as being called “God.” In addition, a sincere prayer will also give confirmation of Jesus' legitimacy by the power of the Holy Ghost (Moro 10:7).
As can be seen in the above quotations, the Latter-day Scriptures repeatedly and clearly teach Jesus is fully God as well as fully human which is identical with what the Bible teaches about Jesus.
[ENDNOTES]:
1.Also see Tg-Mic. 5:1-3.
2.ABD. 1:62; ISBE. Anthropology, Biblical View; DPL. p. 9; HGR. p. 9; MDB. p. 9; NBD. p. 13; NIDNTT. 1:84; SBD. p. 18.
3.Gen 3:21 LXX; HGR. pp. 276-277; MDB. p. 274. The name itself is uncertain. Its sound is very similar to how the Hebrew word “life” is pronounced. The fact she is supposed to be the mother of all living added to this similar sound, explains why the LXX has her name to mean “Life.”
4.We don't call humanity, “humankind” or females “womankind” since “mankind” covers both genders.
5.JFB. p. 1026 `[Jesus had] a conscious personal existence distinct from God (as one is from the person he is “with”).' (Italics in the original).
6.EDBW. p. 250.
7.DJG. p. 148; SBD. p. 128.
8.EHB. p. 513; NIDB. p. 242; SBD. P. 130 “A death by crucifixion seems to include all that pain and death can have of the horrible and ghastly, - dizziness, cramp, thirst, starvation, sleeplessness, traumatic fever, tetanus, publicity of shame, long continuance of torment, horror of anticipation, mortification of untended wounds, all intensified just up to the point at which they can be endured at all, but all stopping just short of the point which would give to the sufferer the relief of unconsciousness. The unnatural position made every movement painful; the lacerated veins and crushed tendons throbbed with incessant anguish; the wounds, inflamed by exposure, gradually gangrened; the arteries, especially the head and stomach, became swollen and oppressed with surcharged blood; and, while each variety of misery went on gradually increasing, there was added to them the intolerable pang of a burning and raging thirst.” (Farrar)
9.Josephus. War. 7:203; 11Q Temple. The Temple Scroll. 64:6-13; 4Q 169 PsNah. 1.17-18; Apoc. Jam. 13:23-25; 2 Ap. Jam.. 47:24-25; HCNT. 761,762,763; NHL. pp. 35,250; ABD. 1:1207-1210; JBC. 49:22 (13); DJG. pp. 148,853-854; MDB. pp. 185-186; NIBD. Crucifixion of Christ; EDBW. p. 204; ADB. pp. 154-155; SBD. p. 129; IBD. pp. 342-344. The mere threat of crucifixion conjured an image so awful that Cicero argued the mere word “cross” shouldn't even be mentioned in a trial of a Roman citizen (Cicero. In Defense of Rabirius. 5.15-16. Cited from HCNT. 208. Also see ABD. 1:1208); t. Sanh. 9:7.
10.JBC. 50:19 (8).
11.MH. Phil 2:5-6.
12.EBC. Heb 2:17 `The word hilaskesthai [“reconciliation” in AV] means “to propitiate,” not “to make atonement,” and relates to putting away the divine wrath (NIV mg.). When people sin, they arouse the wrath of God (Rom 1:18); they become enemies of God (Rom 5:10). One aspect of salvation deals with this wrath, and it is to this the author is directing attention at this point. Christ saves us in a way that takes account of the divine wrath against every evil thing. Hilaskesthai (“make atonement”) is followed here by the accusative case of “sins” (tas hamartias), an unusual construction that means “to make propitiation with respect to the sins of the people.”'
13.Just like other NT passages. “The Gospels speak of Jesus as the Old Testament speaks of God.” (Morton Smith). From HCNT. 283; also see UDNT. p. 52; IBC. p. 1063.
14.Others think it was addressed to Gentile converts who were in danger of falling into paganism. TCERK. p. 497.
15.PHEC. pp. 147-152; TEBD. p. 40.
16.PHEC. p. 151.
17.OC. p. 31.
18.PHEC. pp. 147,173; NWNTI. pp. 2,73-74; NTGED. p. 14.
19.This is from Ps 102:25-27 which attributed this “LORD” to Jehovah.
20.BAGD. pp. 111-112; SECB-G. p. 16b; GELNT-SD. 89.16; FALGNT. 782; CGEDNT. 894; ATGL. G746; TDNT. 1:479-481; 6:375f; EDNT. 1:161-163; NIDNTT. 1:164-169.
21.Matthew understands the “Emmanuel” passages quite differently from the Hebrew and follows the LXX.
22.This may be a reaction to Emperor Domitian's habit of naming himself “our Lord and God.” DJG. p.488; NIDNTT. 2:81-82, 514; also TLNT. 2:350.
23.EBC. John 20:28 `For a Jew to call another human associate "my Lord and my God" would be almost incredible. The Jewish law was strictly monotheistic; so the deification of any man would be regarded as blasphemy (10:33). Thomas, in the light of the Resurrection, applied to Jesus the titles of Lord (kyrios) and God (theos), both of which were titles of deity.'
24.Also see Wis 2:16.
25.ABD. 6:156; IBD. p. 1474; NSBD. p. 862.
26.JM. p.101; ABD. 6:156; NIB. 4:347; NSBD. p. 862; IBD. p. 1474.
27.UDNT. p. 187. “Abba was the language of family intimacy: it was a word with which children, including tiny children, addressed their fathers- a word therefore of courtesy and respect, but also of warm intimacy and trust ... it was hardly used by Jesus' contemporaries in their prayers if at all-presumably because it was too intimate, too lacking in reverence and awe before the exalted and holy One.”
28.His statement of “Our Father” (Matt 6:9; Luke 11:2) was the pattern of prayer his disciples among themselves were supposed to follow. DJG. p. 772.
29.DJG. pp. 276,772; EDBW. p. 269.
30.For Example: Jub 50:7-13; Philo. De Vit. Mos. 2:22; HCNT. 87; OTP. 2:142; WP. p. 493.
31.BAGD. 304; GELNT-SD. 24.21; FALGNT. 2117; CGEDNT. 2531; TDNT. 9:1-10; EDNT. 2:44; NIDNTT. 3:317-320; GECNT. 2211.
32.TLNT. 2:67.
33.4 Ez 13:10-11,35-37. HCNT. 184,603; OTP. 1:551-552. Also see The Oracle of Hystaspes. Cited in Lactantius. The Divine Institutes. 17.9; 18.1. From HCNT. 602.
34.Bible Works for Windows Mini-Manual. (Bushell). p. 53.
35.JFB. p. 1124 “`His own' is emphatic: `That glorified Lord who from the right hand of power in the heavens is gathering and ruling the Church, and by His Spirit, through human agency, hath set you over it, cannot be indifferent to its welfare in your hands, seeing He hath given for it His own most precious blood, thus making it His own by the dearest of all ties. The transcendent sacredness of the Church of Christ is thus made to rest on the dignity of its Lord and the consequent preciousness of that blood which he shed for it.”
36.This interpretation is examined in MORMONISM: Section 1.
37.I'll assume the first understanding is correct in this Section.
38.VEDBW-NT. p.40.
39.See NIDNTT's commentary on it in 2:80.
40.NIDNTT. 2:895; EDNT. 2:385; TCERK. p. 700; Did 10:6.
41.”Maranatha” can only mean, “Come Lord,” never “Come Teacher.” See UDNT. p. 393,e.40.
42.This form of worship is identical with the worship that should only be given to God (Matt 4:10; Luke 4:8; John 4:20-24; Acts 8:27; 24:11; 1 Cor 14:25; Heb 11:21; Rev 4:10; 5:14; 7:11; 11:1,16; 14:7; 15:4; 19:4). This doesn't refer to a simple obeisance given to human rulers or righteous men.
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