I have my doubts that Catholicism is Christianity

[Hiddenthings]

Understood by whom? If the Word is God's reason, as you say, then you must believe that God's reason became flesh, that God's reason was God, that God's reason created all things. In John 1, we read all those things about the Word.

Correct, Revelation 13:8 says, "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."


But David, this isn’t meant to be taken literally. It simply means that the Lamb existed in the mind and purpose of God (Logos) from the beginning. It wasn’t realized until Jesus was first given mortal life, and then later rewarded with eternal inheritance.


Unless, of course, you believe Jesus always possessed that inheritance? Surely not!!!

Well, I was answering what you claimed, that Jesus Christ became the Son of God after the resurrection. That is why I quoted words of Jesus Himself spoken before the resurrection in which He answers the high priest's question, "Are You the Son of God?" in the affirmative. I didn't avoid Romans 1, but quoting Romans 1 wouldn't answer the point you made about Christ only becoming the Son of God after the resurrection. I imagine you were thinking of this:

“and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” (Ro 1:4 NKJV)

But that verse doesn't say that He became the Son of God by the resurrection, but that He was declared to be the Son of God by the resurrection. Long before the resurrection, even the demons recognised His sonship:

Exactly, once Jesus received the divine nature and was fully conformed to the perfect image of His Father, he could rightly be declared the Son of God with power.


If you can't recognize the distinction, then it's time to study to show yourself approved unto God, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.

I'm trying to help you but the resistance is not helping you.

“And demons also came out of many, crying out and saying, “You are the Christ, the Son of God!” And He, rebuking them, did not allow them to speak, for they knew that He was the Christ.” (Lu 4:41 NKJV)

Well, Christ's own testimony, long before His resurrection, was that God was His Father, and He was the Son of God. Think of His interaction with Martha, the sister of Lazarus:

Let me ask you this.

How many times Does Jesus call himself the Son of Man? 78 Times

How many times Does Jesus call himself the Son of God? _____________

Now I am not saying Jesus was not the Son of God while in the flesh, I'm saying he did not become the Son of God in nature and with power until after his resurrection.

This is true according to the Word of God.

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. “And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”” (Joh 11:25-27 NKJV)

He didn't reprimand her and say, "You are wrong. I am not the Son of God yet. I will only become the Son of God after my Resurrection."

Why do you think Jesus didn't mention his Sonship more than you might have imagined?

Think carefully about this question David!

 

[Hiddenthings]

Oh dear! You do seem to have some strange beliefs. Do you belong to an unusual group that teaches these things?

Yes, Bible truth may seem strange to those who don’t possess it. But you do realize the Kingdom is of Heaven—not in Heaven, right? Its origin is from Heaven, but it’s intended to be established on earth.

I find it a little amusing to watch those who hold this false belief try and prove it. It's a terrible teaching. You are what I call a fully-fledged traditional Christian. You have all the notions one would expect from orthodox Christianity.

 

[Hiddenthings]

@David Lamb If I can provide a summary of our conversation.

If you don’t believe that Jesus was granted eternal life, then you also deny any real distinction between Jesus in the flesh and the resurrected, glorified Jesus.

I believe these matters may now stir a sense of unrest for you, now that you've come to understand the truth of Scripture. Each time you read of the Lord's nature, struggling in anguish as he overcame sin in the flesh, you’ll be reminded of this conversation. And when you read of the resurrected Jesus, ascending to Heaven in divine nature, you'll recall the contrast: His former limitations in mortal flesh as God triumphed through him on the earth.

May God guide you into all truth on these important matters concerning His Son.