God the Son, Mentor's Guide, MG10

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G O D T H E S O N

II. The Two Movements of Christ’s Revelation: the Humiliation and Exaltation of God the Son (Phil. 2.5-11 as Model for Christology)

A. First movement: the humiliation of Christ ( his descent to earth and death ), Phil. 2.6-8

The Christians trace the beginning of their religion to Jesus the Messiah. He is called the Son of the Most High God. It is said that God came down from heaven. He assumed flesh and clothed Himself with it from a Hebrew virgin. And

1. The eternal God of heaven in the person of God the Son humbled (emptied) himself of his divine characteristics to come to earth.

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2. He did not count his equality with God something to hold onto.

the Son lived in a daughter of man.

3. He made himself nothing, taking on the form of a servant in the likeness of men .

~ Aristides. (c. 125, E) 9. 265. Ibid. pp. 93-94.

4. Then, as one in human form , he humbled himself becoming obedient to the point of death, even on the Roman stake of misery and torture.

B. Second movement: the exaltation of Christ ( his ascent to heaven and lordship ), Phil. 2.9-11

O the great God! O the perfect child! The Son in the Father and the Father in the Son. . . . . God the Word, who became man for our sakes. ~ Clement of Alexandria (c. 195, E) 2.215. Ibid. p. 95.

1. The humbled and crucified Son of God has been raised from the dead and exalted by the Father to the position of eternal glory, honor, and authority to reign as Lord over all creation.

2. God has highly exalted him , bestowing on him the highest name in the universe.

3. At Jesus’ name every knee will bow in submission and allegiance.