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Son of Man, God in the Flesh, or Both?

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Son of Man , God in the Flesh or Both?

The debate over whether or not Christ was a man, God, or God-Man will probably continue until He returns. The most popular position is that He was 100% man and 100% God at the same time, as I have heard it taught so many times. The Scriptures however make a good case that only one of these positions is supported. First of all in order to establish the Biblical truth of this other understandings must first be established. One of these is the title Christ used in describing himself. The words or title "son of man" are key in understanding who Christ represented himself to be. Many say this is just another way of saying "The Son of God" as an official statement of His deity. Unfortunately this does not hold to the Biblical tradition and meaning of the words. Since the book of Genesis, followers of God or believers in God have had this title of "sons of God". Although there is NO DISPUTE that Christ was "the Son of God" it still does not mean that the designation "son of man" is the same thing. All we have to do is look at the source Christ drew from when he made the statements which included this reference. In the Old Testament the prophets were addressed by this title by God himself. Ezekiel is called "son of man" 95 times by God in the Scriptures. Ezekiel was not a priest or of a priestly lineage. David used this phrase when he spoke of himself in the third person. When David talked with God he used this to distance himself from his position as King and spoke of himself as only a man. The term "son of man" does not speak of privilege or position it speaks of lowness and mortality, it speaks of humility. To make of oneself no reputation and to identify himself to his listeners Christ used this description of himself in the same fashion. Christ's intention was to distance himself from any misunderstanding as to who he was and to what authority he was exercising. Some teachings have Christ as one of the trinity of the Godhead and others have him as the entire Godhead. Colossians 2:9-12 For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. (10) And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

This is one of those Scriptures used by the Jesus only crowd saying it shows that He was The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit all in one. The problem is that only two verses later this is undone when it says that God raised him from the dead.

(11) In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: (12) Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

Plus it is referring to the ascended Christ not the "man Christ" that was here. There is no argument that after Christ ascended he took upon himself his previous divine nature and of the Godhead is the only one that has a physical body. Also they completely ignore the word "dwelling" which most of the time signifies coming from somewhere else and taking up residence even temporarily.

They take one Scripture out of context instead of looking at these Scriptures in the light of others where we are told:

1 Corinthians 6:15 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? ? 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (20) For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Our prayer should be that the fullness of the Godhead would dwell in us all the time, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Romans 8:8-11 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. (9) But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (10) And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. (11) But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

Neither Christ nor the Scriptures describe Him as "God in the Flesh" as many would say.

John 9:3-4 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. (4) I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.

John 17:6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.

God's authority is being made manifest. Or would we prefer a large sign with "Jehovah" on it. I don't think so.

John 3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Here it is the deeds of Christ that are done through the "power of the Father" that are manifest.

Romans 3:20-23 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. (21) But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; (22) Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: (23) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Here it is the righteousness of God is being made manifest.

Romans 16:26-27 But now is made manifest, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: (27) To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.

2 Corinthians 4:10-11 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. (11) For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

Is Christ manifest in our body in that we are Christ? NO, IT IS MANIFEST THAT WE ARE CHRIST'S

1 Timothy 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. Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Is God manifest "in the flesh" or is Christ's humanity submitted to God in the same way Christ is manifest in our humanity by our submission to him?

2 Timothy 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

In his Scripture what is being made manifest? Is it Christ or the promise of God that He would send Christ?

1 John 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

Through the sending of Christ, God's love is made manifest.

Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Philippians 2:5-9 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (6) Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: (7) But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: (8) And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (9) Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

This brings us to another point of this study. If the words "son of man" is referring to the state of one's humanity than all humanity has access to the same attributes. This access is stated many times in Scripture even by Christ himself.

John 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

John 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.

Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

John 20:23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

Luke 10:9 And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

John 17:20-22 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; (21) That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. (22) And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

The Humanization of The Word - The Word becomes flesh

As God's plan unfolded toward salvation the time came for the representative from heaven to make his appearance on the Earth. In order for this event to conform to the rules God had already established this ambassador had to be 100% man. Even the slightest amount of "deity" would be cheating. Why, the first question most ask, would this be cheating? First of all, when God created man he gave man dominion over and in the Earth. Secondly, by man, sin entered into the world and only a man had authority in the Earth to undo it. All the Scriptures confirm these facts. In God's relationship with man as it pertained to the affairs of man, God could not act unilaterally. Dominion had been given to man and it would have been unlawful for Him to act without man's permission. As God needed man's agreement to operate in the Earth, His plan required a "man", with dominion, so "free will" would not to be violated. This "man" now becomes "Captain of our salvation".

Hebrews 2:5-7 For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. (6) But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? (7) Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honor, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:

This is a direct quote from David in Psalms 8:4-6. And now we see that Christ was made to be at the same level as us so he could operate legally in the dominion God gave man.

Hebrews 2:9-10 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. (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.

Hebrews 2:14-17 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; (15) And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. (16) For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. (17) Wherefore in all things it behooved 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.

Romans 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:

Note that in reference to Christ's appearance on Earth and his Earthly ministry in no case does the Scripture claim "Christ's Deity" only his humanity. It is only after his resurrection are these claims rightly made, after he has regained his former glory.

John 20:27-28 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. (28) And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

The temptation of the two Adams At a certain moment in time God released His dominion over the spiritual realm as it pertained to the Satan and his angels. (Let us not forget that in the Garden Adam and Eve are spiritual beings also, when confronted by Satan they did not exercise their dominion in this area correctly and did not resist the temptation that confronted them and sinned, being deceived and having their dominion stolen. Dominion over the spiritual realm had not been expressly given to them, yet subject to their free will. After the fall, God reserved control over Satan and his angels and continued that control all the way up to the moment His Christ began the ministry he came to do). At the moment Christ was anointed and the Holy Spirit descended upon him this dominion over the spiritual realm passed to man. The first thing that happened was Christ was lead into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. The temptation in the Garden had to be undone for man to walk in the fullness of the dominion that had been stolen. Christ was confronted and tempted in the same way Adam had been. This second Adam did not allow himself to be swayed by Satan's temptation and overcame the Devil restoring full dominion back to man. From that moment on Christ went about teaching and demonstrating this new authority over the spiritual realm. He taught that man now had authority to cast out demons and over all the powers of darkness. It was absolutely necessary for this dominion to be restored to man or Christ could not be able to undo the effects of the fall as a man. Phase two would be for Christ to overcome the penalty of sin that the first Adam earned. Now, the cross lay before him and the price of Adam's sin needed to be paid for, for eternal life to be restored back to man. Remember the wages of sin are death and Christ came to pay that in full.

Many say Christ became a man so he could "identify" with us. I don't believe that this is the "all man, all God" type of existence as many say. The Christ was not "slumming", he was not a "poser", he did not come to Earth dressed like a "homie" with an American Express platinum card in his pocket and his BMW parked around the block. It is crucial that we understand the reason Christ had to be "only a man". If he had come to Earth as a God-Man it would not only be cheating it would also have been impossible for us to duplicate. Christ would no longer be a role model for us. His entire purpose for coming would have become mute in that we would not be able to walk in it, not being Gods. He would be no better than Satan, stealing our dominion for himself. As a man however he comes about it honestly. The Godhead The Godhead is not just one entity. Our God is not schizophrenic walking around talking to himself. If one were to believe the anti-trinity and Jesus only bunch God would need a psychiatrist. Speaking of yourself in the third person is a literary device, speaking to yourself is mental illness. When Christ prays and God answers there is a real dialog taking place. When the Father says "this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased", Christ is not having a delusional experience.

John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

John 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

Christ did not come to Earth as a spirit. He came in the flesh.

Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Psalms 8:4-6 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? (5) For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honor. (6) Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: Psalms 144:3 LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him!

Psalms 146:3 Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help.

Isaiah 51:12 I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man (4480 mortal) that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;

Jeremiah 49:18 As in the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbor cities thereof, saith the LORD, no man shall abide there, neither shall a son of man dwell in it.

Jeremiah 51:43 Her cities are a desolation, a dry land, and a wilderness, a land wherein no man dwelleth, neither doth any son of man pass thereby.

Ezekiel 2:1 And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee.

Ezekiel 2:3 And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day.

Ezekiel 2:6 And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.

In Ezekiel "son of man" is used 95 times. All of which are used in the same context.

H1121 be?n bane From H1129; a son (as a builder of the family name), ?etc.,

H120 'a?da?m aw-dawm' From H119; ruddy, that is, a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.): - X another, + hypocrite, + common sort, X low, man (mean, of low degree), person.

John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son (1121) of man (120), that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Ephesians 4:8-10 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (9) (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? (10) He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

Matthew 9:8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marveled, and glorified God, which had given such power (#1849) unto men.

This is the next verse in the story of the man with the palsy. It clearly states my case. This authority is given by God to man.

To say that Christ's actions go beyond his authority as Christ and cross over into his authority as God is to make a stretch that His words in that Scripture refute. He deliberately addresses himself as "son of man". If he had said "to prove that I am God" there would be no contest, but he doesn't. There is no tongue in cheek, hidden double meaning. The "son of man" has "power" (#1849 - exousia) is the same "power" in: Matt. 9:8 and the following:

Matthew 21:23-24 And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority? (24) And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things.

A large percent of the time the word is translated "authority" and in all cases it is authority or power "given". It comes from the sense of something allowed.

God doesn't have to be given "power", He already has it, but Christ had to be given "power".

Matthew 28:18-19 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (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:

This authority is one given not one inherent.

Can God be tempted?

James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

God can not be tempted yet the Scriptures clearly state that Christ experienced temptation and felt tempted.

Hebrews 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.

Luke 4:2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.

Hebrews 4:15 For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Mark 14:34-36 And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. (35) And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. (36) And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.

Exclusionary Texts - John 14:28: "the Father is greater than I." 1 Corinthians 8:6: "Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ." John 8:18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.

1 Corinthians 15:20-28 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. (21) For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. (22) For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. (23) But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. (24) Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. (25) For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. (26) The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. (27) For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. (28) And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

1 Corinthians 15:24-28 Then is the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God, even the Father, when He makes to cease all rule and all authority and power. (25) For it is right for Him to reign until He puts all the hostile ones under His feet; Psa. 110:1 (26) the last hostile thing made to cease is death. (27) For "He subjected all things under His feet;" but when He says that all things have been subjected, it is plain that it excepts Him who has subjected all things to Him. Psa. 8:6 (28) But when all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who has subjected all things to Him, that God may be all things in all.

Here is a reference to Christ after His ascension. Remember he told Mary not to touch him for he had not yet ascended to the Father. He can now be touched and He has a glorified body (walking through walls). A 100% glorified man who has reclaimed His deity. He again becomes a unique being. When he became a man he was unique (the only begotten) and now He is unique as the only personage of the Godhead who was a man.

Matthew 9:6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.

Acts 14:15-16 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: (16) Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.

Acts 13:17-23 The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with a high arm brought he them out of it. (18) And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness. (19) And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he divided their land to them by lot. (20) And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. (21) And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years. (22) And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. (23) Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Savior, Jesus: