SONSHIP: THE ETERNAL WORD REVEALS GOD’S LOVE

Micah 5:2 (KJV) summarizes the article’s concept: “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.”

ABSTRACT

This article explores the eternal pre-existence and divinity of Jesus Christ, His unity with the Father, the significance of His incarnation in revealing God’s love, and the human response of faith, obedience, and reflecting that love to others, drawing from Scripture and the writings of Ellen G. White to strengthen faith and inspire worship.

DIVINE ORIGINS UNLEASHED!

Jesus Christ existed before His incarnation as the eternal Word, fully divine and unified with God. Scripture and Spirit of Prophecy illuminate this truth, revealing His purpose and role in redemption. Unity with God shines through in verses like John 8:58 (KJV), where Jesus declares, “Before Abraham was, I am,” and Colossians 1:17 (KJV), “And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” Ellen G. White affirms this eternal existence: “The Lord Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, existed from eternity, a distinct person, yet one with the Father” (Selected Messages, book 1, p. 247, 1958). She further explains, “Before men or angels were created, the Word was with God, and was God” (The Truth About Angels, p. 9, 1996). Understanding Christ’s pre-existence strengthens faith and inspires worship. But how does this eternal presence manifest from the very beginning?

From the beginning, Jesus existed with God, displaying divine unity and purpose. John 1:1-2 (KJV) declares, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This passage asserts Christ’s eternal presence and unity with the Father. Ellen G. White supports this view: “From the days of eternity the Lord Jesus Christ was one with the Father; He was ‘the image of God,’ the image of His greatness and majesty, ‘the outshining of His glory.’ It was to manifest this glory that He came to our world” (Desire of Ages, p. 19, 1898). She further states, “From all eternity Christ was united with the Father” (Selected Messages, book 1, p. 228, 1958). Such unity emphasizes His divine authority and role as Creator and Redeemer. Scripture further illustrates this with Philippians 2:6 (KJV), “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God,” and Proverbs 8:22-23 (KJV), “The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.” Ellen G. White elaborates, “The Eternal Father, the unchangeable one, gave his only begotten Son, tore from his bosom Him who was made in the express image of his person, and sent him down to earth to reveal how greatly he loved mankind” (Review and Herald, July 9, 1895). She also states, “The world was made by Him, ‘and without Him was not anything made that was made.’ If Christ made all things, He existed before all things” (Signs of the Times, February 22, 1899). Recognizing Christ’s eternal nature strengthens our faith in His redemptive mission and reinforces His divinity. How does this shared divine counsel deepen our understanding of His role?

As the eternal Word, Jesus shared divine counsel with the Father. Sr. White describes Him as “the only being that could enter into all the counsels and purposes of God” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 34, 1890). This truth reveals Christ’s active role in creation and governance, affirming His divine wisdom and authority. Furthermore, “Christ was God essentially, and in the highest sense. He was with God from all eternity, God over all, blessed forevermore” (Selected Messages, book 1, p. 228, 1958). His unity with God underscores the depth of divine love demonstrated in His incarnation. Scripture further supports this truth with Isaiah 9:6 (KJV), “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace,” and Hebrews 1:2 (KJV), “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.” Sr. White elaborates, “There is light and glory in the truth that Christ was One with the Father before the foundation of the world was laid” (Review and Herald, April 5, 1906). She also states, “From everlasting He was the Mediator of the covenant, the one in whom all nations of the earth, both Jews and Gentiles, if they accepted Him, were to be blessed” (Selected Messages, book 1, p. 247, 1958). Reflecting on Christ’s position inspires awe and encourages reverence for God’s sovereignty. Yet, did the incarnation alter this divine connection?

INCARNATION’S MIGHTY LEAP!

The incarnation did not separate Jesus from divinity but revealed God’s love through humanity. Sr. White explains, “He came to reveal the light of God’s love—to be ‘God with us’” Therefore it was prophesied of Him, ‘His name shall be called Immanuel (Desire of Ages, p. 19, 1898). This statement highlights Christ’s mission to restore humanity by bridging the gap between divinity and humanity. Jesus demonstrated mercy, grace, and sacrifice as the embodiment of God’s love. Scripture further illustrates this with Matthew 1:23 (KJV), “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,” and 1 Timothy 3:16 (KJV), “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.” Sr. White elaborates, “To this sin-darkened earth He came to reveal the light of God’s love,—to be ‘God with us’” (Desire of Ages, p. 19, 1898). She also states, “The study of the incarnation of Christ is a fruitful field, which will repay the searcher who digs deep for hidden truth” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 6, p. 27, 1903). His life offers a model for selflessness, urging us to reflect God’s character in our relationships. But does this mean His divinity was compromised?

While some argue that Christ’s incarnation compromised His divinity, Scripture and Spirit of Prophecy refute this claim. John 1:14 (KJV) states, “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,” emphasizing His dual nature. Sr. White confirms, “When He took upon Himself human nature, He was still one with God. He is the link that unites God with humanity” (Selected Messages, book 1, p. 228, 1958). This union preserved Christ’s divine authority, enabling Him to redeem humanity without losing His connection to the Father. Scripture further supports this truth with Philippians 2:7-8 (KJV), “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,” and Hebrews 2:14 (KJV), “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.” Sr. White elaborates, “Divinity and humanity were mysteriously combined, and man and God became one” (Signs of the Times, February 22, 1899). She also states, “Christ was God essentially, and in the highest sense. He was with God from all eternity, God over all, blessed forevermore” (Review and Herald, April 5, 1906). Such truths deepen our gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice and challenge us to honor Him through obedience. How does this eternal nature reveal God’s personal love?

GOD’S LOVE EXPLODES!

The eternal nature of Christ reveals God’s love as both personal and sacrificial. “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 3:16, KJV). This act of giving demonstrates the depth of God’s love. Sr. White writes, “Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves. He was condemned for our sins, in which He had no share, that we might be justified by His righteousness” (Desire of Ages, p. 25, 1898). God’s willingness to send His Son reflects His commitment to restore broken relationships with humanity. Scripture further illustrates this with Romans 5:8 (KJV), “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,” and Ephesians 2:4-5 (KJV), “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;).” Sr. White elaborates, “It is through the gift of Christ that we receive every blessing” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 424, 1905). She also states, “The revelation of God’s love to man centers in the cross. Its full significance tongue cannot utter, pen cannot portray, the mind of man cannot comprehend” (Steps to Christ, p. 13, 1892). As we grasp this sacrifice, we are moved to love and serve Him wholeheartedly. What response does this divine authority demand from us?

We owe God faith, obedience, and worship in response to Christ’s divine authority. Ecclesiastes 12:13 (KJV) states, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” Sr. White adds, “The law of God is an expression of His very nature; it is an embodiment of the great principle of love, and hence is the foundation of His government in heaven and earth” (Steps to Christ, p. 60, 1892). By obeying God’s commandments, we reflect our gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice and align our lives with His will. Scripture further supports this truth with John 14:15 (KJV), “If ye love me, keep my commandments,” and James 2:26 (KJV), “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” Sr. White elaborates, “Obedience—the service and allegiance of love—is the true sign of discipleship” (Steps to Christ, p. 60, 1892). She also states, “All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ” (Desire of Ages, p. 668, 1898). This obedience fosters a deeper relationship with Him, honoring His holiness. How do we bear this responsibility in daily life?

We bear the responsibility to respond to Christ’s divine authority with faith and obedience. Jesus’s example calls us to live humbly, trusting God’s plan and demonstrating love to others. As Sr. White notes, “Christ was sent to reveal the Father’s character” (Desire of Ages, p. 19, 1898). This revelation compels us to reflect God’s love by serving others and sharing the gospel. Scripture further illustrates this with Hebrews 5:8 (KJV), “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered,” and 1 Peter 1:14-15 (KJV), “As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.” Sr. White elaborates, “The obedience of faith earns the crown of victory” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 349, 1901). She also states, “Faith and obedience go hand in hand” (The Youth’s Instructor, August 18, 1886). In doing so, we become vessels of divine grace, pointing others to salvation. How are we called to reflect this love outwardly?

We are called to reflect God’s love by serving others with compassion and truth. 1 John 4:11 (KJV) states, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” Sr. White reinforces this by saying, “Love to man is the earthward manifestation of the love of God. It was to implant this love, to make us children of one family, that the King of glory became one with us” (The Desire of Ages, p. 641, 1898). As recipients of divine love, we are entrusted to extend kindness, forgiveness, and support to those around us, reflecting Christ’s character. Scripture further supports this truth with John 13:34 (KJV), “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another,” and Romans 13:8 (KJV), “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.” Sr. White elaborates, “The love of God is something more than a mere negation; it is a positive and active principle, a living spring, ever flowing to bless others” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 58, 1896). She also states, “Those who have never experienced the tender, winning love of Christ cannot lead others to the fountain of life” (Steps to Christ, p. 119, 1892). In doing so, we testify of God’s grace and draw others closer to Him. How does Christ’s eternal nature provide stability in our world?

HOPE’S TRIUMPHANT DAWN!

In a world struggling with doubt and division, Christ’s eternal nature offers stability and hope. His incarnation assures us of God’s presence and willingness to redeem. Just as Jesus revealed God’s character, we are called to embody His love, offering compassion and truth. Scripture further illustrates this with Titus 2:13 (KJV), “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ,” and 1 Peter 1:3 (KJV), “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” Sr. White elaborates, “Our heavenly Father is the God of the universe, and Christ is the divine Son, the One equal with the Father” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 21, p. 54, 1906). She also states, “Nature and revelation alike testify of God’s love. Our Father in heaven is the source of life, of wisdom, and of joy” (Steps to Christ, p. 9, 1892). Reflecting Christ’s light transforms relationships and communities, fostering unity and healing.

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SONSHIP: THE ETERNAL WORD REVEALS GOD’S LOVE

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