Is Yahshua the Son of God or Is He Not?
Part IV
Old Testament Yahshua?
The people that promote the belief that the Son pre-existed from the beginning with the Father try to tell us the spiritual messengers found in the OT under the names of Spokesman, the Logos, the Body of Heaven and Metatron, all are actually Yahshua. This theory they can never prove because the words Yahshua, the Son or Messiah are never mentioned, most often they are referred to only as “the Angel of Yahweh.” How do they expect us to believe Yahshua pre-existed as an angel when it is written that he “was made a little lower than the angels” (Heb 2:9), yet “made so much better than the angels” (He 1:4), and now “all the angels of God worship him” (vs 6). To advance the notion Yahshua pre-existed as Yahweh’s spokesperson in the OT clashes head on with Heb 1:1-2 where we are told Yahweh spoke through the prophets, not Yahshua, in the OT but now speaks to us by His Son.
Many believers in the doctrine of the Pre-existing Son bring confusion on themselves and those who follow them because often times they are forced, depending on the passage, to change their pre-existent being from the Angel of Yahweh we just talked about, to Melchisedek, Michael, the Captain of the Host, a co-creator or assistant, God the Son, and even a second Yahweh.
Dan 3:25: “Like the Son of God”
“He (Nebuchadnezzar) answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth IS LIKE the Son of God.” The RSV and NIV correctly translate the Hebrew “a son of the Gods.” Nebuchadnezzar, in verse 28, gives credit to an angel of Yahweh, whether this was the case depends if Nebuchadnezzar knew what he was talking about. If this were the pre-existent Son, as many would like to believe, how would this heathen king know anything about what he looked like? All Nebuchadnezzar was aware of was a super natural being in the furnace with Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. Remember Nebuchadnezzar said he was LIKE a son of the gods, indicating he could not correctly identify exactly who or what the forth was.
The Wisdom of Yahweh
In the eighth chapter of Proverbs (22-36) “wisdom” is personified, which gives way for those believing in the eternal Son to seize upon these verses to claim his pre-existence. On closer examination we find wisdom is an attribute of Yahweh (Ps 104:24, 136:5 and Pr 3:19), and just as His word, His power, His knowledge, His thoughts, His understanding, His arm and His fingers brought the universe into existence, so His wisdom also was a part of His overall greatness. If “wisdom” was a separate being it would be a “she,” for Pr 1:20, 7:4, 8:1, and 9:1 speak of “wisdom” as a woman. If Yahshua pre-existed as wisdom, why would Lu 2:52 indicate he “increased in wisdom,” and why would Rev 5:12 point out he is still, even after his resurrection, able to obtain more wisdom, for it says, “he is worthy to receive wisdom?”
Yahshua Born Again
Ro 1:3 Concerning his Son Yahshua Messiah our Master, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.
In verse 3 Yahshua was born according to the flesh because Mary (descendant of David) was his mother. But he had to have a father too. Yahshua said, “I came out from God. I came forth from the Father” (Jn 16:27). Yahshua came from the loins of Yahweh. “That which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit” (Mt 1:20).
In verse 4 Yahshua was declared the son of God according to the Spirit, but let’s not forget to add the rest of the verse, “By the resurrection from the dead.” This declaration was not necessarily made at his first birth or at his baptism but at his second birth, his resurrection.
Ps 2:7 I will declare the decree: Yahweh hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
Heb 1:5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?
How do we know this declaration Paul mentioned in Ro 1:4 is the same as Ps 2:7 and Heb 1:5, and is at his second birth?
Ac 13:32 We declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, 33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Yahshua again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
The promise made in the Psalm to the fathers was fulfilled to us as he was resurrected, born again, 3 days and nights after dying. Yahweh said, “This day have I begotten thee.” So look twice before you insist, “I have begotten thee” always refers to Bethlehem.
Now Yahshua was born twice, once in a manger and the second time in a tomb. He is, “The firstborn of every creature” (Col 1:15), “the beginning, the firstborn from the dead” (Col 1:18), “the beginning of the creation of God” (Rev 3:14). The first time Yahshua was born he was born a lowly, weak, poor, humble servant. The second time he was born, he was born a great, powerful, rich king.
These next verses are 3 of many that tell us why this lowly man was so highly exalted.
Re 5:12 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.
Ph 2:8 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.
Heb 2:9 (RSV) Yahshua, who for a little while was made lower than the angles, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death.
He was highly exalted because he did the Father’s will and died as he was requested to.
Now getting back to Ro 1:3 & 4, we see in verse 3 Paul is talking about his birth in a manger but in verse 4 he is talking about his resurrection, “With power,” for he adds, “By the resurrection from the dead.” Yahshua’s first birth was carried out through a woman, of David and Yahweh’s seed, “according to the flesh.” Verse 4 says his second birth was carried out through a declaration from the word of Yahweh and he became the Son of God with power, according to the Holy Spirit by means of the resurrection from the dead.
The Beginning of the Creation of God
Col 1:15, “Who (the Son vs 13) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature (ktisis).”
Ktisis, #2937, is translated creature or creation. Was the Son the first act of creation by the Father? Trinitarians must say no, since they advocate he was with the Father before the beginning, and other pre-existent promoters say he was the creator. Then what does this verse say? It says the Son was the “firstborn,” not the first created. If we say Cain was the firstborn human, how could someone born thousands of years afterwards be so designated? As we study the following verses it becomes perfectly clear.
Ps 102:18 This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise Yahweh.
Ps 104:29 Thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust. 30 Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth.
Isa 65:17 Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.
Isa 66:22 The new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith Yahweh.
Heb 2:5 For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come.
Heb 6:5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come.
2Pe 3:13 We, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth.
Rev 21:5 He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.
Yahweh created Adam the first human and this present world, the scriptures state He will also create a new world and newly created beings as well. David said the generation to come are those “which shall be created,” created by Yahweh’s spirit. Yahweh says in Isaiah He will “create new heavens and a new earth.” Hebrews calls it “the world to come,” and in Revelation John hears Yahweh say, “Behold, I make all things new.” This new creation has already been started, with Yahshua the Son the beginning of it. Those at the first resurrection will follow Yahshua and be born again or created into this new world to come.
1Co 15:20 But now is Messiah risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
1Co 15:23 But every man in his own order: Messiah the firstfruits; afterward they that are Messiah’s at his coming.
Jas 1:18 That we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Rev 14:4 These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
The “firstfruits” of the harvest should always be offered to Yahweh in thanksgiving. Yahshua said, “The harvest is the end of the world” (Mt 13:39) and in Rev 14:15 we see the harvest begin. Read these precious promises:
Ro 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Col 1:18 He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead.
Heb 12:23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven.
Rev 3:14 These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God.
Yahshua is “the firstborn among many brethren,” but it says he “is the beginning,” just the beginning. Those who are to follow him and be like him are “written in heaven.” Yes indeed, Yahweh’s Son is the beginning of Yahweh’s creation, not the creation that began with Adam but this new creation that has begun with Yahshua. Remember, Paul said Adam was “the figure of him that was to come” (Ro 5:15), meaning Yahshua, and he refers to Adam as “the first man,” calling the Messiah “the last Adam” (1Co 15:45).
Col 1:17 He is before all things, and by (en) him all things consist.
Here again we have a statement that appears to say the Son was before the creation, before, as in first in time. In the vast majority of cases the Greek word “pro” does mean just that, however it also can be defined as superior to or greater than. Our English word “before,” according to Webster’s, can also denote being “in a higher or more important position than.” “Pro” was translated as “above” in Ja 5:12 and 1Pe 4:8, indicating the superior or greater thing. Paul is declaring the Son to be the greatest of all, just as Yahshua said himself he was “above all” (Jn 3:31). In verse 18 Paul uses the term “preeminence” (NIV supremacy) to emphasis the Messiah is greater than all, not first in time but first in place or position. The following scriptures attest to this fact: Ps 89:27, Isa 52:13, Mt 23:8 & 28:18, Jn 3:35, Ac 10:36, Ro 9:5, 1Co 15:47, Ep 1:21, Phi 2:9-11, Heb 1:6, 1Pe 3:22, Rev 5:12 & 19:16. The New Testament declares the Son to be superior to and above everyone and everything with the exception of the Father, and to Him and Him only is the Son subordinate (1Co 15:28). As for the word “by” see the meaning of the Greek word “en” in the section “Which Creator.”
Phil 2:5-8: “In the Form of God”
Now we turn to a portion of Scripture that has been twisted and distorted in order to have it appear Yahshua is “God the Son,” instead of the Son of God. If you are not indoctrinated into a predetermined belief and focus on what the words mean, rather then what we have been told they mean, you should not have any difficulty. The passage is Phi.2:5-8:
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Messiah Yahshua: 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.
6a) Who, being in the form (morphe) of God
#3444 morphe; KJV – form 3; Definition: through the idea of adjustment of parts, the form by which a person or thing strikes the vision, external appearance.
Morphe is used only three times in the Bible
Phi 2:6 Who, being in the form (morphe) of God,
Phi 2:7 and took upon him the form (morphe) of a servant,
Mr 16:12 After that he appeared in another form (morphe) unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.
This is a quote from “The Incarnation.” “The true meaning of morphe in the expression ‘form of God’ is confirmed by its recurrence in the corresponding phrase, ‘form of a servant.’ It is universally admitted that the two phrases are directly antithetical (opposed), and that ‘form’ must therefore have the same sense in both.” From “The Incarnation,” by Gifford, pg. 16, 19. 39.
Mr. Gifford, and all those who believe in the “Eternal Sonship,” would have us think morphe means nature, and that Yahshua was in the nature of God, such is the NIV, “being in very nature God.” In that case we would have to say He “took upon him the nature of a servant” (which the NIV does), this then implies that a servant has a different nature than other men, such as masters or rulers. We know that servants, masters and rulers all have the same nature, which is human nature, and if there were more than one God (which there isn’t) all of them would have a divine nature. Their false conclusion should also make Mr 16:12 read, “He appeared in another nature unto two of them.” Yet the true reading of Mr 16:12 almost implies a disguise, for in Lu. 24:16 & 31 we find that it was not His true appearance they were seeing, for their eyes, or should we say their minds, were restrained from comprehending His actual person until such time as He saw fit. In Mr 16:12 even the NIV reverts back to using the word “form.” The only way that all three verses read correctly will be if we translate morphe as it is defined, form, vision or appearance. Even Mr. Gifford, validated by his own words above, must then admit that both times morphe is used in Philippians chapter 2 it carries the identical meaning.
How was Yahshua “in the form of God?” The scriptures tell us Yahweh made humans in his likeness.
Ge 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Ge 5:3 And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth.
Yahshua is not the only one in the “form” of Yahweh.
Ge 5:1 This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;
Ge 9:6 Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.
1Co 11:7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God:
Jas 3:9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude (NIV & RSV likeness) of God.
However, Yahshua is the only “express image” of Yahweh.
Col 1:15 Who (Yahweh’s Son vs. 13) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
2Co 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Yahshua Messiah.
Heb 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person.
Another Greek word that is translated form in the RSV, NIV and NASB, is eidos.
#1491 eidos; KJV – shape 2, fashion 1, sight 1, appearance 1; total 5; Definition: the external or outward appearance, form figure, shape, form, kind.
These two Greek words, #3444 morphe and #1491 eidos, are so closely related that they could be interchangeable. To distinguish the writers intended meaning many times requires a reading of the context.
Lu 3:22 The Holy Spirit descended in a bodily shape (RSV, NIV & NASB–form) (eidos) like a dove upon him.
Lu 9:29 As he prayed, the fashion (eidos) of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.
Jn 5:37 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape (RSV, NIV & NASB–form) (eidos).
Paul wrote, “Who, being in the form of God,” he did not write, “Who, being in the divine nature of God.” If this were his intention he would have used the same words as Peter in 2Pe 1:4 “Ye might be partakers of the divine nature (#5449 phusis), having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” Or even easier, Paul would have simple wrote, “Who, being God.”
Yahshua was not born a spiritual being but a human being, a man, in the form of God.
6b) thought it not robbery (harpagmos) to be equal with God:
#725 harpagmos; KJV – robbery 1; Definition: the act of seizing, robbery, a thing to be seized upon or to be held fast, retained.
The KJV makes it difficult to understand in this context, all but reversing the meaning to something like: thought it not wrong to be equal with God, or thought it ok to be equal with God. Almost all the other major translations bring out the meaning more clearly.
NIV Did not consider equality with God something to be grasped.
RSV Did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped.
NASB Did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped.
ASV Counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped.
SNB Accounted the being equal with Yahweh, not a thing to be seized. (Clauses inverted)
Yahshua did not allow the power and authority, which he possessed, being the son of the creator, to tempt him. He never once suggested he was anything but a servant and not for one minute led anyone to believe he was anywhere near equal with the Father. He stated categorically that he was not as great as Yahweh his Father, “My Father is greater than I” (Jn 14:28, also 10:29 & 13:16). He constantly expressed his own limitations and without fail credited Yahweh with everything he accomplished and said.
Think about the absurdity of the majority’s view on this. Eternal Son advocates, especially Trinitarians, tell us verse 6 says the Son, being in the nature of God (all powerful and all knowing, immortal and omnipresent, thus equal to the Father), decided it’s not necessary to be equal to God. See the irrationality, Messiah’s equal with God but doesn’t know he is, still he decides not to be equal with God anyway. That’s like John Doe, being human, did not consider equality with other humans necessary.
7a) But made himself of no reputation. [NIV But made himself nothing RSV But emptied himself]
We have been told for hundreds of years that this is saying the Son divested or set aside his power and glory and became a man. Where did this idea come from, where are the scriptures to back-up this illogical theory? The truth is, if he did build himself a reputation (or make himself something) he would not be seeking His Father’s will. He did not exalt himself above what he claimed to be (the Son of Yahweh), he completely humbled himself by submitting totally to the will of His Father. “BUT” separates the two opposite ideas, equality with God or making himself nothing. Trinitarians can’t have him as the Almighty God the Son BUT empty of Godness, so they use every twist and turn to explain that he was still God but not in every way, the unscriptural Kenosis doctrine.
Mt 11:29 I am meek and lowly in heart.
Mt 21:5 Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass.
Mr 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Lu 22:27 I am among you as he that serveth.
Jn 8:54 Yahshua answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing.
Jn 7:18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true.
Ro 15:3 For even Messiah pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
Heb 5:5 So also Messiah glorified not himself to be made an high priest;
2Co 8:9 Though he was rich*, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. [*Rich, not necessarily monetarily see Ep 2:4, Jas 2:5 and Rev 2:9.]
Lu 9:58 Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
7b) and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made [NIV being made, RSV being born] in the likeness of men.
The KJV reads like he became a servant in order to be “made in the likeness of men.” The NIV & RSV bring out the true reading that is almost like saying, “took upon him the form of a servant, as he was in the likeness of men.” Rather than becoming a servant first and afterward being made a man, as the KJV seems to imply. The Bible tells us he was born first and then at the age of 30 became a servant. Trinitarians propose “form of a servant” means he became human but “made in the likeness of men” points to that development. Being human doesn’t mean you’re a servant, some humans are, and some aren’t. “Servant” stands for service, not human, Yahshua was here to serve and in order to do that he was born human. Look in Isa 42:1, 49:6, 52:13, 53:11; Zec 3:8; Mt 12:18, 20:28; Mr 10:46 and Lu 22:27, you’ll see the Messiah as a servant, certainly not speaking of his humanity but as a servant, who of course serves.
Ga 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.
Jn 1:14 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.
Mt 12:18 Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.
Paul isn’t saying Yahshua stepped down from a pre-existent state of power and glory, he’s simply saying Yahshua was “meek and lowly in heart” (Mt 11:29) and “made himself of no reputation.” He did this despite the fact he was capable of becoming a great, wealthy and powerful individual, far surpassing anyone alive at that time, or our time for that matter. But instead of heaping glory upon himself and bringing all others in subjection, he “took upon him(self) the form of a servant.”
8a) And being found in fashion as a man.
We see for the 3rd time Paul emphases Yahshua’s humanity.
1 Who, being in the form of God.
2 made in the likeness of men.
3 found in fashion as a man.
Let’s look at this rather unusually clause through other English versions:
RSV And being found in human form.
NIV, NASB, NKJV And being found in appearance as a man.
WEY And being recognized as truly human.
BBE And being seen in form as a man.
Yahshua was found by John the Baptist and the Apostles as a man, a human being just as themselves.
Jn 1:41 He (Andrew) first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have FOUND the Messias.
Jn 1:45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have FOUND him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Yahshua of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
8b) he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
For the 4th time Paul emphases Yahshua’s obedience and submissiveness. 1) Didn’t grasp at equality with God. 2) Made himself of no reputation. 3) Took the role of a servant. 4) Humbled himself.
Isa 50:6 I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.
Mt 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart.
Lu 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
Jn 12:27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
Ga 3:13 Messiah hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.
Heb 5:8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
Heb 12:2 Looking unto Yahshua the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame.
1Pe 2:22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
9a) Wherefore God also has highly exalted him.
Who has exalted whom? Did Yahshua exalt himself? No! Yahweh exalted Yahshua, the Father exalted his Son.
2Pe 1:17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory.
Eph 1:17 That the God of our Master Yahshua Messiah, the Father of glory… 20 Which he wrought in Messiah, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church.
1Co 15:27 For he (“God, even the Father” vs 24) 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.
Let’s review the passage, 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.
This is the message Paul is conveying: 6 Yahshua was in Yahweh’s form (as are we), his direct and only descendant, yet he did not attempt to seize power from or elevate himself to the status of his Father. 7 Instead he did the opposite, and lowered himself to a nobody, a servant, in order to serve his Father’s will, which was why he was born in the likeness of men. 8 After being found by his disciples as a man, a human being, he submitted obediently to the death on the cross.
That Spiritual Rock
1Co 10:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Messiah.
How is a ‘spiritual rock’ a person, the person of Messiah? Of course it can’t be, most certainly this is a metaphor. The ‘spiritual drink’ represents the blood of Messiah, the ‘living water’ (Jn 4:13, Rev 21:6). The ‘spiritual rock’ foreshadowed Messiah as many things in the OT did, from whom Yahweh would send the ‘living water’ (spiritual drink). Just as Moses struck the rock and out came H2O so Yahweh struck Messiah (Isa 53:4, Zec 13:7) and brought forth living water or ‘spiritual drink.” Another thing to consider is there is no Greek word for ‘them’ as the translators added it in.
Paul is comparing the wilderness experiences of Israel with the life of the believer. Passing through the Red Sea compares with baptism and eating manna from heaven equates with spiritual food from the Holy Spirit. The event that followed crossing the Red Sea and receiving the manna was drinking from the rock that Moses struck. Paul likens this drink to spiritual drink, which we (as well as them) receive from Yahshua, the true source of the “rivers of living water.” How could those in the OT receive spiritual drink from Messiah? Peter confirms what Paul is saying, telling us “the Spirit of Messiah was in them” (1Pe 1:11) as well, way back as far as the Exodus. In the OT the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Yahweh or the Holy Spirit, is often in the NT called the “Spirit of Messiah” because, since the resurrection, the Spirit is only ever now sent by the Father through the Son. (see Jn 15:26, Ac 2:33, Ga 4:6, Ep 2:18). The “Spirit of Messiah” Paul talks about in Ro 8:9, Ph 1:19 and many other passages is the Holy Spirit given to Yahshua by Yahweh (Jn 3:34, 15:26). There is only ONE spirit and that one spirit is Yahweh. Now Yahweh gave of His spirit to His Son without measure, unlimited, to, in turn, be distributed by Yahshua to the saints (Jn 15:26). “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body” (1Co 12:13). Paul said it in 1Co 6:17, “He that is joined unto Yahweh is one spirit,” and so did Yahshua, “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us” (Jn 17:21-23). Also read Jn 14:20 and Ep 2:18, 4:4 and Phi 1:27.
When we see Messiah prefigured in the OT it often is taken literally even when it is shrouded in spiritual or metaphoric language.
Messiah tempted in the wilderness??
KJV
1Co 10:9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted.
The most ancient copies don’t have “the Christ” but have “the Lord.”
Greek interlinear
Neither should we test the Lord as some of them tested
ASV
Neither let us make trial of the Lord, as some of them made trial
RSV
We must not put the Lord to the test, as some of them did
The last word in the majority of English translations, regardless of which Greek text used, is not a translation of the Greek word peirazo (meaning to: try, test, tempt) but has just been supplanted by the word “did.” The structure of the English translation of this verse leads us to assume it should be understood as “… some of them also tempted [Messiah].”
But the easy solution with this confusion is to simply go and look up who the Hebrew children actually did tempt.
Ex 17:2 Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt Yahweh?
Nu 21:5 And the people spake against God, and against Moses
De 6:16 Ye shall not tempt Yahweh your God, as ye tempted him in Massah.
Ps 78:56 Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God
Mt 4:7 Yahshua said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt Yahweh thy God.
It is clear who they tempted and they tempted the most High God, Yahweh, not Messiah. After all, we don’t tempt or try Messiah for he is our counsel, our advocate, our intercessor our brother who covers for us when we tempt the Father. Did Paul believe Messiah was the most high God, Yahweh the Almighty? Not according to what he wrote.
1Co 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one master Yahshua Messiah, by whom are all things, and we by him.
2Co. 1:3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Master Yahshua Messiah.
Eph 1:17 That the God of our master Yahshua Messiah, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom.
Col. 1:3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Master Yahshua Messiah, praying always for you.
1Ti 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Messiah Yahshua;
If you believe there is one God then you agree with Yahshua who believed and worshipped the one God, his Father, Almighty Yahweh.
Mt 27:46 Yahshua cried, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”
Mr 10:18 Yahshua said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
Jn 17:3 Yahshua: “This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Yahshua Messiah, whom thou hast sent.”
Jn 20:17 I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
“I Will Not Leave You Comfortless”
John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him : but ye know him ; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. 20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
Verse 20 tells us not only is Yahweh and Yahshua united in the spirit of Yahweh but we are all united in the spirit of Yahweh.
Eph 2:18 For through him (Messiah) we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
There is but one spirit we are united in.
1Co 6:17 But he that is joined unto the Master is one spirit.
1Co 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Eph 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
The Comforter/Holy Spirit “proceedeth from the Father” through the Son to us.
Joh 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, 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.
Joh 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
Joh 16:7 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.
So how could Yahshua be with us when the Comforter comes and yet have to leave in order for him to send the Comforter to us from the Father?
Because we (Yahshua, Yahweh and the saints) are together in the one Spirit.
Col 2:5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Messiah.
And just as Paul was with the saints in Colosse, even though he was in prison in Rome, so Yahshua is with us through the spirit.