“We believe that Jesus Christ, according to his divine nature, is the only begotten Son of God, begotten from eternity, not made nor created (for then he should be a creature), but co-essential and co-eternal with the Father, the express image of his person, and the brightness of his glory, equal unto him in all things. He is the Son of God, not only from the time that he assumed our nature, but from all eternity, as these testimonies, when compared together, teach us. Moses saith, that God created the world; and John saith, that all things were made by that Word, which he calleth God. And the apostle saith, that God made the worlds by his Son; likewise, that God created all things by Jesus Christ. Therefore it must needs follow, that he, who is called God, the Word, the Son, and Jesus Christ, did exist at that time, when all things were created by him. Therefore the prophet Micah saith, His goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. And the apostle: He hath neither beginning of days, nor end of life. He therefore is that true, eternal, and almighty God, whom we invoke, worship and serve.”
I. The divinity of Christ:
A. How expressed in the article:
1. This article speaks specifically of the divinity of Jesus Christ:
a. In Article IX this was already mentioned in connection with the Trinity: the second Person of the Trinity is very God.
b. Here the subject is: “that Jesus Christ, according to His divine nature is the only begotten Son of God.”
2. It teaches:
a. Negatively (in opposition to all heretics of early and modern times):
1) that Christ was not made nor created;
2) that He did not begin to exist at the time of His incarnation.
b. Positively:
1) He is the only begotten Son of God;
2) begotten from eternity;
3) co-essential and co-eternal with the Father;
4) the express image of His person (substance is better);
5) the brightness of His glory;
6) equal to Him in all things.
B. Importance of this doctrine:
1. This truth is denied:
a. In early times by the Arians (and others):
1) Christ was said to be a being of very high rank, even pre-existing before His incarnation;
2) but He is not co-essential and co-eternal with the Father.
b. Later by all Unitarians and moderns:
1) whether they deny His divinity outright;
2) or teach that He is divine because He is truly human.
2. Essential to Christian faith:
a. Because the whole doctrine of vicarious atonement depends on this truth: if a mere man died on the cross, the blood of Christ cannot have the power to atone for sin;
b. Because on this truth rests the possibility of our actual deliverance from the dominion of sin and death. A mere man could not accomplish this deliverance.
II. The proof for this doctrine:
A. As given in the article:
1. Creation is ascribed to Jesus Christ:
a. This is shown by a comparison of Genesis 1 with John 1.
b. And directly stated in the Bible:
1) God made the worlds by His Son, Hebrews 1:2;
2) He created all things by Jesus Christ, Ephesians 3:9. Cf. Colossians 1:15 ff.
2. He is pre-existent:
a. This follows from the fact that all things are made by Him;
b. And is taught in Micah 5:2; Hebrews 7 (the latter passage, however, speaks of the priesthood after the order of Melchizedek).
3. He is called:
a. God;
b. The Word;
c. The Son.
B. Additional proof:
1. Other divine works are ascribed to Him:
a. He forgives sins, Luke 7:48, 49.
b. He quickens the dead, John 5:20, 21.
2. He declares that He is essentially one with God the Father, John 10:30.
3. Divine honor is paid Him:
a. He is worshipped as God, John 20:28;
b. We are baptized in His name, Acts 19:5.