Salvation
How can Jesus be God when he will be in eternal subjection to God as stated in 1 Corinthians 15:28?
Quick answer
The subjection of Jesus to God does not imply inferiority in His divine nature. Rather, it reflects His role and position as the Son, who is equal to the Father in essence but subordinate in rank.
Full argument
The question regarding Jesus' eternal subjection to God is addressed by understanding the context of Paul's Christology. In 1 Corinthians 15:28, Paul indicates that Christ's subordination is based on His role as the Divine Son, not on any inferiority in His divine essence. Jesus, in His prehuman existence, is fully God and equal to the Father, yet He willingly took on a human nature, which is inherently inferior to His divine nature. This dual nature allows for His subordination in rank while maintaining equality in essence.
Furthermore, it is essential to recognize that Christ's subjection is not a permanent state but a role He assumes at the end of the age. After His resurrection and ascension, Jesus is said to hold a position of honor and authority alongside the Father. The subordination mentioned by Paul is a temporary role that reflects His relationship with the Father as a Son, who, while equal in essence, is subordinate in authority.
In essence, the concept of subordination does not diminish Jesus' divinity. Instead, it highlights the relational dynamics within the Trinity, where the Son is both fully God and fully man. This understanding aligns with the broader biblical teaching that emphasizes the equality of the Father and the Son while acknowledging their distinct roles within the Godhead.
Key verses
John 1:1bible
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Philippians 2:7-8bible
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.
Hebrews 1:3bible
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being.
Related articles
More in Salvation
- The Bible condones rape because it instructs a rapist to marry his victim in Deuteronomy 22:28-29.
- Jesus says that the Father is greater than he is, which proves that he cannot be God.
- Jesus himself admitted that the Father is the only true God, which proves that he denied being God.
- If Yahweh was the one true God who alone created the heavens and the earth and sent Jesus as his servant, then how can Jesus be God?
- How can Jesus be God when he denies being all-powerful, saying he can do nothing by himself?