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Jesus is not a literal son of God the Father born in heaven but that He was referred to as a literal son.
All that the angels knew after they were created was that Christ was called God's Son. So for them to honor Jesus as God's Son does not prove that He was literally born in heaven. GC p.38
The SOP passage that the Father would give the "firstborn of heaven" does not say the firstborn "in" heaven as you are trying to make it state. The phrase "firstborn of heaven" can still be referring to Christ before the incarnation because He would be literally born on the earth as God's only begotten Son. Example DA p. 51
Christ was born twice on earth and not in heaven
(Isa 9:6) 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.
(Mat 2:15) And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
(Mar 1:1) The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;
(Luk 1:32) He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
(Psa 2:7) I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
(Act 13:33) God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
(Pro 8:22) The LORD possessed (erected, Strong’s Concordance #7069) me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
(Pro 8:23) I was set up (anointed, Strong’s #5258) from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. (But Christ was anointed or appointed and erected to what purpose before the foundation of the earth was laid? Mediator and a saviour)
“God and Christ knew from the beginning, of the apostasy of Satan and of the fall of Adam through the deceptive power of the apostate. The plan of salvation was designed to redeem the fallen race, to give them another trial. Christ was appointed to the office of Mediator from the creation of God, set up from everlasting to be our substitute and surety. Before the world was made, it was arranged that the divinity of Christ should be enshrouded in humanity. "A body," said Christ, "hast thou prepared me" (Heb. 10:5). But He did not come in human form until the fullness of time had expired. Then He came to our world, a babe in Bethlehem.” {1SM 250.1}
(Pro 8:24) When there were no depths, I was brought forth (to wait patiently, Strong’s #2342); when there were no fountains abounding with water.
(Pro 8:25) Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:
(Pro 8:26) While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.
(Pro 8:27) When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:
(Pro 8:28) When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:
(Pro 8:29) When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:
(Pro 8:30) Then I was by him, as one brought up (to support, be faithful and steadfast, Strong’s #539) with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;
(Pro 8:31) Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.
This does not support the belief that Christ was literally born in heaven. But it does lend support that before the earth was created, Michael covenanted with God and was appointed to be humanity's Mediator and Substitute for sin, that Michael was patiently waiting for this time to come about, waiting for that "body" to be prepared for him (see Hebrews 10:5-7), being daily the supporter and delight of God.
(Heb 10:5) Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
(Heb 10:6) In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
(Heb 10:7) Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
Why is it so hard to believe that God can call Jesus His literal Son in heaven even though Christ's literal begotten-of-God birth would not occur until the incarnation and resurrection? Why is it so hard to believe this plain fact of truth, especially when the Scriptures plainly declare that the Father told Jesus when He was on the earth "this day have I begotten thee"?
This idea that God considers something that will occur in the future as already being a present reality is a sound Biblical truth, not a erroneous theory as many believe.
"God...calleth those things which be not as though they were." Romans 4:17.
(Rom 4:17) (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
(Rev 13:8) And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
It does not follow that because Christ was called the Son of God before the fall of man that this therefore proves that Christ was literally born in heaven.
Through the plan of redemption, which was "devised from all eternity" “for Him to be called the Son of God” (Signs of the Times, Feb 5, 1894, vol 3, p 96), Christ was "slain from the foundation of the world" (Revelation 13:8), was also referred to "even as the eternal Son of God" (Selected Messages, book 1, p 247) from eternity, and "from everlasting He was the mediator of the covenant" (Bible Commentary, vol 5, p 227). Yet Christ was not literally slain until his death on the cross, He was not literally born or birthed the Son of God until becoming human, and did not literally become our high priest and mediator before God until His ascension; yet He is still one and the same Being existing from all eternity – thus He could claim all of the above as His from all eternity.
The plan of salvation was already in place before any of God's creation were made, and this plan involved Christ voluntarily lowering Himself from being equal with God the Father (see Zechariah 13:7, Psalms 55:13) in order to take the fallen race as His own – not to do His will, but the will of His Father, thus showing the perfect pattern for salvation. And since Christ was successful and carried out all aspects of this plan, being decreed by the Father to be His literal only begotten Son at the resurrection, the Father has voluntarily exalted Christ back to His original position of equality with Him which Christ (Michael) had in the beginning (John 1:1, 10:30, 17:5), that at the name of Christ every knee should bow (Phil 2:6-11).
So the fact that Christ would literally be born of the Father into the fallen race in order to save that race from destruction was devised before the creation, does not prove that Christ was literally born in heaven. But rather it lends credence for Christ's literal birth as God's Son to be on the earth and not in heaven, and this birth was indeed connected with the plan of salvation.
But while God's Word speaks of the humanity of Christ when upon this earth, it also speaks decidedly regarding His pre-existence. The Word existed as a divine being, even as the eternal Son of God, in union and oneness with His Father. 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. "The Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). Before men or angels were created, the Word was with God, and was God. {1SM 247.2}
The world was made by Him, "and without him was not any thing made that was made" (John 1:3). If Christ made all things, He existed before all things. The words spoken in regard to this are so decisive that no one need be left in doubt. Christ was God essentially, and in the highest sense. He was with God from all eternity, God over all, blessed forevermore. {1SM 247.3}
The Lord Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, existed from eternity, a distinct person, yet one with the Father. He was the surpassing glory of heaven. He was the commander of the heavenly intelligences, and the adoring homage of the angels was received by Him as His right. This was no robbery of God. (1SM 248)
(Psa 55:13) But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance.
(Joh 1:1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
(Joh 10:30) I and my Father are one.
(Joh 17:5) And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
(Php 2:6) Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
(Php 2:7) But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
(Php 2:8) And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
(Php 2:9) Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
(Php 2:10) That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
(Php 2:11) And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
(Joh 14:28) Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
The quote John 14:28, specifically centering in on the word "greater" which has one of its Greek translations to mean "elder" in regards to age. You believe that this then proves that God is older than Christ and thus there was a time in which the Father existed alone in heaven before giving birth to Christ. But this is quite a stretch to use this text to prove such a belief.
If you want to look at the meaning of the Greek word "greater" as indeed applying to the Father being older than Christ, then since Christ made this statement after the incarnation, but not before, then it would obviously mean that the Father would be older than Christ because it was made after Christ was literally born on the earth. But if you look at the meaning of the Greek word "greater" in the context of what verse 28 and the previous verses in chapter 14 of John were dealing with, it has nothing to do with age at all, but it deals with power.
Christ is declaring to His disciples that they should be happy that He was leaving them and returning to His Father, because the Father is greater in power than Jesus. This thought would indeed give comfort to the disciples, and ease their minds from worry after Christ would no longer be with them. But to believe that Christ is trying to comfort His disciples with the idea that they should rejoice because the Father is older than Him just does not make sense, nor would it give them comfort, nor does it follow the context of the verse or chapter.
For instance: the same Greek word used for "greater" in John chapter 14 verse 28 is also used in verse 12, which states "and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." Since this is the same exact Greek word and is used in the same context of Christ going back to the Father, does it make sense to interpret the word "greater" to mean older: "and OLDER works than these shall he do"? But it would make perfect sense to interpret the word "greater" to mean greater in power: "and greater (MORE POWERFUL) works than these shall he do"! This correct interpretation for the word "greater" follows the context of the chapter and verse and it makes much more sense than to interpret it as meaning older in age.
(Joh 14:12) Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
But this idea that there was a time in which the Father existed alone before giving birth to Christ does not agree or harmonize with the inspired word of God.
" In Christ is life, original, unborrowed, underived. "He that hath the Son hath life." 1 John 5:12. (DA 530)
"In speaking of His pre-existence, Christ carries the mind back through dateless ages. He assures us that there never was a time when He was not in close fellowship with the eternal God." Signs of the Times, vol 4, p 142.
"He (Jesus) was with God from all eternity, God over all, blessed forevermore."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.
(Joh 8:42) Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth ( to issue, Strong’s #1831, with the underlying thought being the point whence motion proceeds Strong’s #1537) and came (Greek word means “arrived”, Strong’s #2240) from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
So instead of these words giving the idea that Christ was literally born or proceedeth forth out of the Person of the Father, they instead give the idea that Christ left the presence of the Father, or left the place where the Father was, in order to come to the earth. This idea of moving from one place to another, instead of being born out of another being, is further backed up by looking at some of the other texts wherein Christ used this same word #1831(see Matthew 13:3, 24:26, 25:1).
But what about the phrase that Christ "came" from God? Does this back up the theory that Christ was literally born from the Person of the Father? The Greek word for "came" means "arrived" (Strong’s #2240). So instead of this word giving the idea that Christ was literally born from or arrived out of the Person of the Father, it instead gives the idea that Christ arrived on the earth from the presence of the Father. This idea of arriving in a place from another area is further backed up by looking at the other text wherein Christ used this same word #2240 (see Mark 8:3).
(Mar 8:3) And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far.
(Mat 13:3) And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;
(Mat 24:26) Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.
(Mat 25:1) Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
(Joh 8:14) Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.
(Joh 16:27) For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.
(Joh 16:28) I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.
Yet, there will be those who will continue to interpret the above statement of Christ to mean that He was literally born, "proceeded forth and came from" the Person of God. But for those who interpret this text in this way against what the Greek words really mean, trap themselves into believing something else that is just not reasonable.
Earlier in this discussion between Christ and the Jews recorded in John 8, Jesus states the following: "Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true; for I know whence I came, and whither I go..." John 8:14. And later in John 16:27-28, Christ states: "For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father."
In these texts Christ is plainly declaring that the same place where He came out or came forth from is exactly the same place that He is going back to. So for those who interpret Christ’s words against the Greek to mean that He literally came out of the Person of the Father, are trapped into also interpreting the text to mean that when Christ ascended to heaven, that He literally went back into the Person of the Father! But for those who interpret Christ’s words in harmony with the Greek to mean that Christ came to the earth from the presence of the Father, find it quite reasonable and easy to believe that when Christ ascended to heaven, that He went back into the Father’s presence – thus Christ and the Father are both in the same place. I, for one, except the latter interpretation in harmony with the Greek meaning.
No where in the entire Scriptures can be found the text that clearly states that Christ was literally born out of the Father in heaven! Also in no place throughout the entire writings of the SOP can be found the statement that clearly declares that Christ was born out of the Father in heaven! Why isn't there such a text or SOP statement that simply declares that "Christ was born in heaven" or that "the Father gave birth to Christ"? Don't you think that if this issue was such a crucial truth necessary for salvation as you and others believe, that it would be plainly declared to be so in inspiration? Yet there is not one plain and clear Bible text or SOP statement declaring it to be just as you believe!! Yet, on the other hand, we do have it plainly declared in both the Bible and the SOP that Christ became the only begotten Son of God while on the earth! Don't you think this is significant?
So the question then arises: Where do we find it plainly declared that Christ was literally born out of the Father? The sobering answer is: Only from the writings of spiritualism and occultism and the mysteries of Babylon!!
This particular belief that Christ was literally born out of the Father is not a modern belief of Babylon, spiritualism and the occult, but it is the foundational belief upon which the mystery religion of Babylon was founded upon over 4000 YEARS AGO! This is significant, dear brother! Nimrod founded Babylon upon the belief that Christ was literally born out of the Father and that is how Christ became His Son!! But the Bible and the SOP plainly declares just the opposite – that Christ literally became the only begotten Son of God when on the earth.
The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit are Three different Gods (GODHEAD) with one purpose.
1 Corinthians 12:4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
1 Corinthians 12:6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
(Eph 1:17) That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
John 3:5-8, "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit."
John 14:16,26, "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."
John 16:7-13, "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."
1 Corinthians 2:10-11, "But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God."
2 Corinthians 13:14, "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. <<qqqThe second epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas>"
Matthew 28:19, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"
There are three living persons of the heavenly trio; in the name of these three great powers --the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit--those who receive Christ by living faith are baptized, and these powers will co-operate with the obedient subjects of heaven in their efforts to live the new life in Christ.-- Special Testimonies, Series B, No. 7, pp. 62, 63. (1905) -Evangelism 615.1
Those who proclaim the third angel's message must put on the whole armor of God, that they may stand boldly at their post, in the face of detraction and falsehood, fighting the good fight of faith, resisting the enemy with the word, "It is written." Keep yourselves where the three great powers of heaven, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, can be your efficiency. These powers work with the one who gives himself unreservedly to God. The strength of heaven is at the command of God's believing ones. The man who takes God as his trust is barricaded by an impregnable wall.--The Southern Watchman, Feb. 23, 1904, p. 122.
Our sanctification is the work of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is the fulfillment of the covenant that God has made with those who bind themselves up with Him, to stand with Him, with His Son, and with His Spirit in holy fellowship. Have you been born again? Have you become a new being in Christ Jesus? Then co-operate with the three great powers of heaven who are working in your behalf. Doing this you will reveal to the world the principles of righteousness. -Signs of the Times, June 19, 1901 par. 4
"Many claim that it was impossible for Christ to be overcome by temptation. Then He could have not been placed in Adam's position; He could not have gained the victory that Adam failed to gain. If we have any sense a more trying conflict than had Christ, then He would not be able to succor us. But our Saviour took humanity, with all its liablitiies. He took the nature of man, with the possibility of yielding to temptation. We have nothing to bear which He has not endured." -Ellen G. White, Desire of Ages p.95
“The nature of the Holy Spirit is a mystery. Men cannot explain it, because the Lord has not revealed it to them. Men having fanciful views may bring together passages of Scripture and put a human construction on them, but the acceptance of these views will not strengthen the church. Regarding such mysteries, which are too deep for human understanding, silence is golden.” -Acts of the Apostles p 52
“The Holy Spirit has a personality, else He could not bear witness to our spirits and with our spirits that we are the children of God. He must also be a divine person, else He could not search out the secrets which lie hidden in the mind of God.” -Manuscript p 20- 1906
“In 1888 in the General Conference held at Minneapolis, Minn, the angel of Revelation 18 came down to do His work, and was ridiculed, criticized and rejected. And when the message He brings again, swells into a loud cry, it will again be ridiculed, spoken against and be rejected by the majority.” -Ellen G. White in Taking up a Reproach. 1888.
It is to say, to reject, to despise or to minimize to the Holy Spirit will untie an effect dominoes in all the whole of truths that have been accepted. Beginning by this: “The Holy Ghost is the author of the Scriptures and of the Spirit of Prophecy" -Selected Messages Vol. 3 p 30.
(Act 5:3) But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
(Act 5:4) Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
