It is a bit confusing because we have the need to know every single thing- we don't.- we can't. I call Jesus my Lord and God the Father- God- but that is to make a distinction only because let's face it the father is also called, Lord and the Son is also called, God. We are mere humans so we can't comprehend all of this.
What I can say is that those who despise the concept of the trinity have absolutely unbiblical teachings like- Jesus - unworthy of our worship creature angel or He had no pre-existence.. I will show you what I do know-
"Jesus" is the name given to the son of Mary and the son of God- so obviously He was not only just like us-
we have human fathers..
Jesus is both son of man and son of God- some say godman. Is He His father? of course not. He is God's unique son. The fullness of God dwelt within Him.
Did Jesus recall His life in heaven prior to becoming flesh- YES.
WHO was He before He became flesh? HIs name wasn't Jesus--- we only know Him as the WORD and often times as YWHW in the OT. John 1:1 He was
with God and was God.. HOW is that possible? It's hard to get your head around I know but--
Have a look at-
Genesis 19 "Then the
LORD rained on Sodom and Gomorrah brimstone and fire
from the LORD out of heaven, 25and He overthrew those cities, and all the valley, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground.
26But his wife, from behind him, looked
back, and she became a pillar of salt."
I fully believe that the LORD (YHWH) on earth was Jesus- the Word of God. I believe His Father was in heaven.
He also spoke to Moses in the burning bush. etc..
They are one yet separate- One God. but distinct persons.- same nature or as the trinity calls it same "essence" meaning "stuff" as in same nature. GOD.
I have never heard same entity before. I would not use that word, myself.
I'm not your typical Christian-I say that because many say things they have been taught.
.I understand that. I wasn't taught by any men. I try not to go beyond what is written. Some things we just don't know for sure. I'm ok with that. The details cause division and those details lack in the bible on this.
We are left with a mystery- are you ok with that? I am. There can't be 2 firsts and 2 lasts. Right?
Jesus and His Father both are the First and the Last..
I guess ask yourself if you would fall on your face into the dirt worshiping Jesus as Savior Lord and God- if He was standing before you? That should tell you all you need to know.
Beware of getting into arguments over the details. I was raised a jw- and this is their favorite argument, They LOVE the endless debates on it. They refuse to worship Jesus. Avoid them at all costs- not for this only but they also teach a completely made up "gospel" of 1914 and think when you die physically you become righteous - your sins are gone by death- so you will be resurrected sinless-- so you will have a 2nd chance to earn salvation on earth. There is so much wrong with them!
I kid you not- so avoid them always.
The other extreme-
The Modalists who say the son is His own father are not teaching scripture properly- this is a very old argument. I do think they teach the gospel though.
These types of arguments go on forever and the thread goes to 2000 pages and no one learned a thing. It ends up with all sorts of confusions. Much of it comes from people not differentiating earthly life vs heavenly when they use the name- Jesus-.
"Jesus" was in a body and in a humbled state, serving----
- that matters!
I'm saying Jesus is YHWH. but Father/son they are distinct persons-
one God. Same nature- share the same name
and attributes- creator of us all. If you want to message me about this I would be happy to help. I have gone thru this
from top to bottom. From the bible- to the EFC's you name it. I have done it. I had to. I was taught all wrong before. I had to start from scratch with nothing but a bible and a prayer.
Some things we just have to say IDK to.. I actually find that best.
@RepentingChristian - you too- feel free to msg me on this if you like. We are not supposed to do this on here.