The “Non-Question” of Pre-Existence
to the First Century Assembly – Apostles
Here is a fact to consider—there is no evidence of any of the Jewish elders/leaders of the bible, who were writers of the so-called New Testament, believing in a pre-existent Messiah, who was the creator of the Cosmos. We must remember they were ALL followers of the so-called Old Testament (“tanakhh”). As we read and study the so-called New Testament, we would do well to try hard to understand what the writers were thinking as they wrote. Again, these men had only the tanakhh (the "Old Testament") from which to interpret what they personally witnessed about the Messiah Yahushua. None of these men were looking for a pre-existent Messiah, who had created the cosmos, according to the tanakhh.
We should all give this some serious consideration as to why. It is obvious they were all aware of a promised Messiah who would be of the linage of David. The Messiah they were looking for was a man who would sit on David’s throne, and rule from Jerusalem. A man who would literally reign from Jerusalem, as deliverer of the people Isra-El, according to the scriptures. THAT they were looking for, indeed, the Messiah from Yahuweh. The concept of a preexistent God-man or Elohim-man, they did not see in scripture.
To reiterate, they were looking for A MAN like Moses, who certainly was a human man that delivered Isra-El from Egypt. They were looking for the fulfillment of Deuteronomy 18:15 which says, Yahuweh your Elohim will raise up for you a prophet like me [a human man], from you midst, from your brethren.
So, I’ll ask a question. If the Jews, who were the custodians of the tanakh didn’t see any evidence of a pre-existent Messiah who was the Creator of the universe, why do we today? Reason with me, please! Is it possible that we, as a people raised in some form of christianity or another, or influenced by a Billy Graham crusade on television 20 years ago, have been conditioned to believe certain foundational things incorrectly? Because of these unconscious influences early on in our walk of faith we, without realizing it, accept christian error as foundational truths in some matters?
Consider some examples:
- John 1:1 says, In the beginning was the word. May I suggest what we unconsciously read is “In the beginning was the son.”
- John 1:14 reads, And the word became flesh. What we read is “And the son became flesh.” Ask yourself: Is this what I do without realizing it?
In reality, scripturally Yahuweh’s “word” (“logos”) became flesh. By definition, “logos” means “His divine plan; or something said, even thought.” What Yahuweh spoke “from His thoughts” became flesh, or came into being, in Mary’s womb. A baby to be born, called Messiah Yahushua (Galatians 4:4-5).
Is the christian teaching of a preexistent son, becoming a son, scriptural? Or, the christian teaching that a preexistent son, who was the Creator of the universe, left heaven to die on a tree to receive power and glory?
Is it what the writers of the so-called New Testament understood from the tanakh? It is this writer’s understanding that because of certain passages of the so-called New Testament, that have been misunderstood by christians, and taught to us, and accepted by us, that we continue to pass down these misunderstood teachings that violate the accuracy of scripture, and the writings of the so-called New Testament writers. Remember, the writers of the so-called New Testament only had the tanakh, which certainly did not/does not teach these inaccuracies!
Something to seriously look into concerning John 1:1 is this question: What beginning—“In the beginning…”? Here again, is an example of our unconscious christian indoctrination that we still have in work in us. Our thoughts concerning “in the beginning” take us straight back to Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning,” right? But, we must ask the question: Was that what the writer John meant? Was that John’s intention?
Isn’t it interesting that Mark’s gospel starts out very much the same as John’s? Mark 1:1, The beginning of the gospel of Yahshua Messiah. Luke’s gospel also, within the first two verses speak of from the beginning we were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word.
It is obvious Mark and Luke are not talking about the Genesis beginning, but are referring to the beginning of the ministry of Yahushua, introduced by John the Immerser. You must look for yourselves.
So, maybe that is really what John is referring to in John 1:1 also—NOT the beginning in Genesis 1:1. Maybe this has nothing to do with the Genesis creation at all. This is clearly seen in Mark’s and Luke’s gospels. The beginning of Yahushua’s ministry in bringing the Kingdom of Elohim, by Yahushua’s resurrection, becoming the first of the new creation of man (Acts 13:32-33; Colossians 1:15, 18; Revelation 3:14).
1 John [same John] 1:1, That which was from the beginning which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and our hands have handled, concerning the word [Strong’s #G3056 “logos of life]. Verse 2, The life was manifested [Strong’s #5319, “made apparent”], and we have seen.
1 John is referring to the beginning of Yahushua’s ministry to bring men to the Father and the Kingdom of Elohim. He says they were eyewitnesses to it all. “From the beginning” in verse 1 has nothing to do with the Genesis creating “in the beginning.” However, again, is referring to the beginning of Yahushua’s ministry.
Now with this truth being established, let’s ask ourselves NOW: What beginning was John’s gospel referring to (in the beginning, John 1:1)? This has no physical relationship to Genesis 1:1 when Elohim created the heavens and the earth. But, there is a spiritual connection in that Yahushua became the first NEW creation of the New Man--the exalted, resurrected, “new man” Yahushua, the “beginning of the creation of Elohim” in Revelation 3:14.
Romans 8:29, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Yahushua, the man, becomes the new Adam (or the second Adam) and receives what the first physical Adam failed to receive—eternal life and harmony with Yahweh!
One of the most misunderstood passages in the so-called New Testament is Colossians 1:15-18. This is always read with the already accepted belief Yahushua is an “Elohim-man” or some even teach He was Yahuweh Himself! We unconsciously embrace this error of teaching due to the christian influences already accepted and embraced as truth. These accepted errors become part of our foundational understanding so we continue to propagate the errors as were taught to us.
To understand what Paul, the writer of Colossians is really saying, we must read this all in context and harmonize what Paul believed the tanakh was teaching. If it contradicts the tanakh, we have error. We must understand what the writer already believed about the creation of the Cosmos, and about the Creator. Torah teaches in Deuteronomy 4:33-35, 39, there is “no other.”
In Colossians 1, if we start in verse 13, we see Yahuweh has delivered us from the power of darkness and has conveyed us into the Kingdom of the Son. Yes, Yahushua presently has a kingdom (John 18:36; Matthew 13:41, 16:28; Ephesians 5:5; Revelation 1:9). So, the subject beginning in Colossians 1:13 is the Kingdom of the risen, exalted Son, Yahushua. Now, with that correct context, we read verses 15-18.
Verse 15 states, He, Yahushua, is the firstborn over all creation. Many teach this means Yahushua was the first one created by Yahuweh before the world was created, before Genesis 1:1. BUT, the context, remember, is about the “Kingdom of the risen, exalted son” (verse 13).
This passage is not speaking of Yahushua being created at all, but is teaching He was the “firstborn” (or first brought forth) “from the grave” or “from the dead” (Colossians 1:18).
This word “creation” in verse 15 is not a reference to Genesis at all, but of the “new creation.” Yahushua was the first man to be raised from the dead to immortality, and glorified by Father Yahuweh. The first resurrected, exalted MAN—not a Godman or El-man, but a man who became an Elohim! Yahushua, the firstfruit unto Yahweh according to the Torah. Acts 13:32-33 agrees perfectly with this truth.
Now, in Colossians 1:16, Paul speaks of Yahushua, Him being Creator of all things, in this new creation—not the Genesis creation. Yahuweh is the Genesis Creator alone (Isaiah 44:24). “All alone” (Deuteronomy 4:39). Colossians 1:16 explains all the things Yahushua created, in this new Kingdom and creation: Things in Heaven, and on earth. All through Him and for Him, Yahushua. Remember, all things in context—Verse 13 in the Kingdom of the Son, the risen Son! Isn’t it odd that there is no mention of land, seas, light, animals, etc. – all things we know were in the Genesis creation which Yahuweh created “by myself, all alone” (Isaiah 44:24)?
Reason with me, you who are reading this work. In Acts 24:14, Paul confesses he “believes all things which were written in the Law and the Prophets.” Remember, Paul was a Torah keeper and believer in Torah.
Question this with me, are we to believe Paul when writing to the Assembly at Colossae is saying, “listen to me about the Genesis creation. It was really Yahushua that created the Cosmos. The man who preexisted.” How could Paul, who kept the Torah and believed the Torah with all his life, to death, say such a thing?
Believe with me that Paul knew very well that Yahweh Alone, One Being, created the Genesis creation. Isaiah 44:24, Isaiah 45 says “Thus says Yahuweh” countless times. He, Yahuweh, declares Himself ALONE as Creator!
In Colossians 1:17, Paul says Yahushua is “before all things” and in Him (in His Kingdom), remember the context was already established in Verse 13—Kingdom of the Son—all things consistent.
The use of the word “all” is an important key to understanding these passages. Many times in the so-called New Testament we find the limited use of the word “all.” Let’s look at some examples. It says in Romans 14:20 “all things indeed are pure,” but we know just using commonsense ALL things that go on in the world are NOT pure. 1 Corinthians 2:15 says, “he that is spiritual judges all things,” but again, this is the limited sense of the word “all.” Using commonsense, we know that the spiritual man does not actually judge all occurrences in the world of business, government, finances, etc. In 1 Corinthians 6:12, Paul says, “All things are lawful for me.” But we know Paul was not saying he could do any sinful thing he chose to do without judgment. There are many examples of the limited sense of the word “all” in Paul’s letters.
The same thing can be seen in 1 John 1:20 where John says, “You know all things,” speaking to believers in Messiah. Again, John is not saying that believers know all mysteries of the universe by saying “all things.” Certainly true believers know all things necessary for salvation and righteous living. Again, the limited sense of the word “all.”
So, back now to Colossians 1:17, Paul is saying Yahushua is before, or first, of all men to be raised from the dead and given eternal life by Father Yahuweh. Verse 18 says Yahushua is the beginning, the firstborn ‘from the dead’ that in all things Yahushua may have preeminence. “Preeminence” means first place, first position. “Firstborn” means first in rank after resurrection from the dead, to eternal life! If we read this correctly in context, and understand Paul’s belief in Torah and the Prophets, we can see Paul is speaking in Colossians 1 about the Kingdom of Yahushua and Yahushua as the Creator of that new Kingdom; Yahushua being the first of the new creation of man in His kingdom—the first of many, Romans 8:29.
Another misunderstood passage is in Revelation 3:14 where it reads the beginning of the creation of Elohim [“Elohim” meaning “Yahuweh”]. This is referring to Yahushua, but NOT before the Genesis creation. In fact, this has nothing to do with the Genesis creation at all. Again, this is speaking of the new creation of Elohim [Yahuweh]. Yahushua is the beginning (Strong’s #746-#757), or origin, or first in rank (#1) of the new creation of Yahuweh—from the dead! This has been used, “in error” to teach Yahushua was created by Yahuweh before the Genesis creation.
This is not what John, a Torah-believing Apostle of Yahushua was saying at all. John is simply agreeing with Paul in Colossians 1:15-18 and Romans 8:29.
Another misunderstood passage is found in the book of Hebrews:
Hebrews 1:1: Elohim [Yahuweh] spoke in times past to the fathers by the prophets; has in THESE last days spoken by His Son. Question: When did Yahuweh Elohim speak “by His Son”? Answer: In “THESE LAST DAYS.” Yahuweh did not speak to the fathers by a preexistent son being Yahushua in times past. Only in these last days, or last 2,000 years (day is as a 1,000 years--2 Peter 3:8 from Psalm 90:4), or last two prophetic days—last days.
According to Hebrews 1:1, Yahushua could not have been the spokesman in the tanakhh, or the Angel of Yahuweh, or the Commander of Yahuweh’s armies in Joshua 5:14, and He could not have been Yahuweh of Hosts in the tanakhh! In Zechariah 1:12, we have the Angel of Yahuweh in conversation with Yahuweh of Hosts. These are certainly not one single being, but two. Yahuweh of Hosts is, in fact, Yahuweh Himself, One Being, Deuteronomy 6:4.
1 Samuel 1:10-11 is another example of Yahuweh and Yahuweh of Hosts being the same being, Yahuweh Himself. Hannah prays to Yahuweh in Verse 10 by NAME and in Verse 11 calls Him “Yahuweh of Hosts,” not another being.
Now, back to Hebrews. Hebrews 1:2 reads, …through whom He [Yahushua] made the worlds. “Worlds” is Strong’s #165, aion—an age [Jewish-Hebrew] a messianic period, 1,000 year (present or future). The 1,000 year kingdom age or millennial reign! The writer did not use the word “kosmos” which is Strong’s #2889 and means the world or all creation (or the Genesis creation). So, this is NOT saying Yahuweh made the Genesis creation through Yahushua because this has nothing to do with Genesis creation at all but is referring to the Kingdom of the Son!—again, agreeing with Colossians 1:13, 15-18, and Revelation 3:14 perfectly.
We must keep in mind when studying scripture or the so-called New Testament, what were the writers’ beliefs and what were the writers really saying? Did any of the Apostles believe Yahushua was Yahuweh the Almighty? Did any believe Yahushua was an angel? Certainly not.
The many great truths we DO understand correctly, such as the Seventh Day Sabbath; the appointed times (feasts of Yahuweh); that pagan holidays like christmas, easter, St. Valentine’s day and such have no place in a follower of Messiah’s life; or knowing how to really eat clean according to Torah show we have “come out” of christianity which has no hold on us concerning these things. But, we must ask ourselves: Have we come out far enough from christianity when we believe like they do concerning the Father and Son are somehow One being? Yahushua is Yahuweh, or Yahushua is our Father? Or, that Yahushua is the Genesis Creator? Or, that the NAME "Yahuweh" is the Name of the Father and Son? Or, that the Almighty died on a tree? Christians do believe all of these errors in varying degrees.
Should that not give us serious pause when we believe things similar?
The men who started the Sacred Name Movement, I believe, were all christians at one time who saw many errors being taught and took steps to find truth instead. These were brave men who found many great truths as they searched for themselves. But, I challenge you all who read this work to ask yourself: Is it possible that with all their study, they still held onto some serious errors, from their christian backgrounds, that they just did NOT recognize? Is it possible that today, we hold these men in such high regard that we believe they were correct about everything they taught? Have we all been deceived by misunderstandings of portions of so-called New Testament writings? I believe it is likely that our adversary has been more successful than we ever thought!
It is not shame to be deceived because Revelation tells us the deceiver has deceived the whole world. That DOES include you and me! If we still believe like the christians, only changing the christian titles to the correct Names but, again, still believing like they do, are we not still deceived? Is it possible we know biblical facts about Yahuweh and Yahushua but still do NOT really know them?
Is it possible if we like them, believe Yahushua is Yahuweh, or Father and Son are the same being, or that the Son is the Genesis Creator like the Christians believe, have we really come out from among them enough? Is it possible that Matthew 7:21-23, I never knew you is about us? Could we BE those people?
If we worship Yahuweh like the christians worship “god,” then we will remove Yahuweh from the great exploits of the Bible, and believe Yahushua, a preexistent being was the being called Yahuweh in the tanakhh, thus removing and belittling the One True Elohim Yahushua spoke of in John 17:3. When we remove Yahuweh mentally in our minds, we then are just like the Christians who worship the son JC and call him “god.”
Remember christianity worships a preexistent being Son, JC, who they call God, and that was the Genesis Creator!
How can we who study the Bible and Name the great Name of Yahuweh, believe like the christians still, only changing the Christian titles to the correct Names? How can this be acceptable to the One True Elohim Yahushua prayed to?
We are told to test all things, hold fast to what is good, 1 Thessalonians 5:21. To “test,” we must question our beliefs! 2 Corinthians 13:5 instructs us to examine ourselves, whether we are in the faith.
Is it possible Matthew 7:21-23 is about us as we believe right now?
I have made an attempt to answer some misunderstood passages that will provoke serious thought to those who are truly humble, broken and contrite of heart and spirit, and are brave enough and hungry enough still to make changes in understanding of their beliefs, before it is too late.
I would be happy to talk with anyone who is hungry enough to question with me, and to examine with me, in the spirit of humility and unity. Click here to send an email and I will get back to you.
This work is not a complete work, due to other misunderstood passages. However, there are correct answers to all difficult passages, when understood in correct context, considering Hebrew life, culture, idioms, figures of Hebrew speech, etc. Below, I will be adding various verses which come up used to “prove” a pre-existent Messiah and the “correct” understanding of those verses.
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Philippians 2:5-13:
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Messiah Yahushua. Who, being in the form of Elohim, thought it not robbery to be equal with Yahuweh: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the stake. Wherefore Yahuweh also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Yahushua every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Yahushua Messiah is Master, to the glory of Yahuweh the Father. Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is Yahuweh which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Reason with me…just what was Paul saying in these passages about the Messiah, whom Paul understood to be a highly exalted human being (man/verse 8) by Father Yahuweh?
These verses in the so-called New Testament have been used by Christians, and have been accepted by Messianics and sacred name groups as proof of the so-called pre-existence of the Messiah Yahushua. When looked at with the “already accepted” belief that Yahushua pre-existed as an Elohim being, and somehow entered Mary’s womb to be born—at face value and with Greek thinking—this is what is surmised. It is what I believed for decades even with sincere scripture study.
This is one of the strongest passages in the so-called New Testament which seem to prove Yahushua pre-existed. But is this really what the writer Paul was saying?
We must remember a very important fact that most people overlook. Paul believed Torah—Deuteronomy 18:15, Yahuweh thy Elohim will raise up unto thee [Isra-el] a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me [Moses]; unto him ye shall hearken;…. Paul knew Moses was a human man, and he was saying “the Prophet” would be like him, a human man also. “From your midst,” “of thy brethren” or “from among your people”—from Israel. According to this prophesy “from your brethren” (brothers of Israel), who also were human men, the “Prophet” (Messiah) would come, or be born from--“Him you shall hear.”
Verse 18 goes on to say, I [Yahuweh] will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. Paul, the writer of Philippians believed these Torah passages and knew the Messiah would be a human man that would speak Yahuweh’s words. This is referenced in John 7:16-19.
Paul’s words in Acts 24:14 attest to his belief in the Law [Torah] and the Prophets. Deuteronomy is Torah. But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the Elohim of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: Paul knew Yahushua was “the Prophet” spoken of by Moses in Deuteronomy 18:15-19, Yahushua, “the man.”
So, in our desire to understand what Paul is saying in Philippians 2:5-13, lets’ back up first to Chapter 1 and look for context.
Paul was writing to the saints at Philippi who were in Messiah Yahushua or who were already in the kingdom of the new creation of the Son, as referenced by Paul from Colossians 1:13—“kingdom of the Son.” (Please refer to the above "The Non-Question of Pre-Existence to the First Century Assembly-Apostles,” for a clearer understanding.)
Paul encourages the Philippian brothers to grow in knowledge and discernment, and to work righteousness by Yahushua, for Father Yahuweh’s glory. In Verses 9-10, Paul is uncertain of HIS future, but is willing to live or die to Yahuweh’s glory. This sets a perfect example for those he is writing to, concerning the proper attitude for servants. Paul goes on to encourage the Philippians to embrace trial and sufferings for the sake of Messiah in Verses 27-30.
As Chapter 2 begins, Paul admonishes them to be humble and in lowliness of mind esteeming others to be better than themselves, and to look out for the interest of others (verses 1-4). The subject matter so far is to pattern themselves (the Philippians) after Paul’s example and after Messiah’s example of being broken and contrite with an attitude of humility and looking after the needs of others instead of self.
Now, with the proper context being established, we turn to Philippians 2:5 and we will see a continuation of what has already been said, but with focus on Messiah’s example. Let this mind be in you [the Philippians] which was also in Messiah Yahushua. Ask yourself, “What mind?” The “mind” of verse 3, “lowliness of mind, esteeming others better than himself. Let each of you (Philippians) look out not only for his own needs/interests, but also for the interest of others” (or the mind of service and humility). Remember, Paul understood Messiah Yahushua to be a man, a human being.
Verse 6: Who, being in the form of Elohim,…. What did Paul mean by “form of Elohim”? Perhaps a clue to the correct answer is found in verse 7 by the phrase “form of a servant.” What did Paul mean by “form of a servant”? The word in Strong’s is #G3444 and its definition is: “shape; figuratively nature: - form.” Reason with me, how would a servant be recognized? What characteristics would a servant possess? Is it true that a servant would be recognized by what the servant did, or how the servant worked? Isn’t it true to be a servant, works would be necessary? So “form of a servant” would be recognized as “works of a servant.” The Strong’s would be clearly seen as nature—“form of a servant” or works of a servant. For someone to be a servant, works must be identified. Paul is saying Messiah had the “form of” or “works of” a servant, and remember Paul is instructing the Philippians to have this SAME MIND as Messiah in verse 5.
Paul is admonishing this Philippians to also take on the “form of a servant,” as Messiah had taken on the “form of a servant,” as seen by His works, as a servant. So, simply put, “form of a servant” equals “works of a servant.” This is clearly seen by physical example in John 13:3-17 when Yahushua washed His disciples feet and in verses 16-17, He says, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his master; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
Yahushua clearly demonstrates a servant is known and recognized by his works! If the word “form” is used concerning a servant, and it means “works” of a servant, then is it not reasonable to see “form of Elohim,” means “works of Elohim”? So, in Philippians 2:5, Yahushua the man being in the “form of Elohim” would simply mean doing the “works of Elohim [Yahuweh].” Yahushua unquestionably did do the works of His Father, Yahuweh (see John 9:4, 10:37, 14:10 for some examples).
Paul, here in Philippians is instructing these believers “in Messiah” to also be in the “form of Elohim” by doing the “works of Elohim” and to take on the “form of a servant” by doing the “works of a servant.” This is all about humility as was demonstrated perfectly by Messiah, the man, who was “in the form” (or character) or “works of Elohim,” His Father, and in ‘the form of a servant” (or character) or “works of a servant.”
In Ephesians 3:19, Paul tells the Ephesians “that you may be filled with all the fullness of Elohim.” The Ephesians were men and Paul was exhorting them to be filled with the fullness of Elohim? This is the same thing Paul is saying of Yahushua the man in Philippians 2:5. Yahushua was filled with the fullness of Elohim and was “in the form of,” or works of Elohim!
Philippians 2:5 goes on to say, …did not consider it to be equal with Elohim. Here, Paul is simply saying that with all the testimony of Yahuweh’s miracles being performed through Yahushua, He always knew YAHUWEH was at work in Him and He (Yahushua) always gave recognition to His Father. He never for a moment took any glory that was His Father’s for Himself—He never considered Himself to be equal with His Father—that is what Paul is saying. One example of this is found in John 8:50, although there are many more. Look with me at what Paul said of these Philippians in Philippian 2:13, For it is Elohim [Yahuweh] which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.
2 Peter 1:4 also instructs all true believers to be “partakers of the Divine Nature” (Yahuweh’s nature).
Look what Paul said in Acts 17:29-31. We, as men, can be partakers of the Divine Nature (Yahuweh’s Nature) as Yahushua, the man, was and as Paul wrote in Philippians “in the form of Elohim”; just as Paul also instructs all men “in Messiah” to be in “the form of a servant.” In Acts 17:31, Paul goes on to say the whole world will be judged by the man, whom Yahuweh ordained, and that man Paul knew was THE MAN, Yahushua the Messiah.
Let me make this as clear as possible. Paul was saying to these Philippians who were in Messiah (“the exalted man”), to be as Messiah was—“in the form of Elohim,” and to be “in the form of a servant”--by having the “works of Elohim” and the “works of a servant” for Yahushua, the man, gave us all a perfect example!
Continuing on in Philippians 2:7, But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant,… The New American Standard Version uses the phrase “emptied Himself.” All of Paul’s admonitions to separate assemblies were about attitude of humility, and lowliness of mind, which is in fact the same mindset of emptying of self, and allowing the in-filling of Yahuweh’s Spirit, in greater measure. Here again, Paul is saying Yahushua set the example for us, embracing as a servant of Yahuweh, the position of a servant even though Yahuweh was mightily seen in Him, by His words, and miracles done in the sight of man. Romans 8:1 indicates indeed walking according to the flesh-self, is being full of self, while walking in the spirit is being empty of self, as Yahushua practiced continually. Romans 6 is all about being dead to sin, or empty when it comes to sin, void of sin as a dead man is empty of sin (dead men don’t lust, cheat, steal, etc.). Romans 6:11 (New King James Version) says, reckon yourself to be dead indeed to sin. “Indeed” means by what you do as deeds or works--be empty of sin. Messiah set the example as a man empty of sin, or selfishness (Matthew 26:39, 42, 44; 20:28). The Messiah emptied Himself of self as Paul admonishes the Philippians to have this same mind as Messiah. He taught them to empty themselves of self also.
Continuing in verse 7, coming in the likeness of men. Well, at this point, you may think there is only one explanation for the phrase, “coming in the likeness of men.” But, what did Paul mean by this phrase? In our modern day, Greek-influenced English language, if one “was coming,” it is assumed they came from another place, right? And in Trinitarian or dualistic thought, this would mean Yahushua pre-existed somewhere else so He could come, right? And, this verse also says “in the likeness of man.” So, again we would naturally assume this would mean Yahushua at some previous time was in some other form, other than a man. Right? This is Greek lineal, natural thinking, or our own cultural thinking. We must ask ourselves, What did Paul, the writer, mean? That is the question. Remember, Paul KNEW the Savior-Messiah would be a man. Paul never believed in a G-dman or El-man from his studies in Torah, or from the tanakhh (complete “old testament”).
Paul fought against the Hellenistic type of teaching that was all around his culture at that time--a teaching of the gods coming to earth in the form of mortal man. Acts 14:11-18 is the whole account, but verse 11 records after a great miracle, Paul himself was outraged at being thought to be a “god-man”! Paul was believed to be an “Elohim,” coming down in the likeness of man,” as it is recorded. Paul never believed this false Greek concept! So, are we to believe Paul was now saying Yahushua was an “Elohim-man” by what he (Paul) said in Philippians 2:5-13? Was Paul now saying he DID believe Yahushua had come down, from the heavens, in the likeness of man?
To understand correctly and to see harmony of scripture, we must look at some phrases in the so-called New Testament and see what was understood by first century Hebrews, like Paul the Judite. Look what Paul says of himself in Philippians 3:5, a Hebrew of Hebrews.
What I refer to as “Greek thinkers,” Paul calls “natural man,” or “carnal man,” because with the natural man comes the natural mind, or natural way we have been brought up through our culture and thus have a natural way of thinking. One of these phrases is “coming into the world.” We have all been influenced by Christianity that there was a pre-existent son who “came into the world.” So, if He came into the world, He must have come from another world, or existence, so He must have pre-existed, right? It even seems to make sense.
But, what meaning would have been understood by first century Hebrews, like Paul, of the phrase “came into the world”? John 16:21 in the words of Yahushua Himself, A woman when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world [or “came into the world”].
Galatians 4:4 speaks also of the son of Elohim (Yahuweh) being born of a woman, under the law. This is how Yahushua “came into the world,” by being born of a woman like all of us have. Galatians 4:4 was the result of the Genesis 3:15 prophesy about the “seed of the woman.” Yahushua was offspring of that seed.
Paul’s phrase “coming in the likeness of men” in Philippians 2:7 simply harmonizes with the Hebrew cultural understanding that Yahushua was born of a woman and was indeed a man “come into the world,” through human birth, like every man coming into the world (John 16:21).
Back to Philippians 2:8, And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the stake—Again, Paul is teaching without question Yahushua’s humanness of being in fact a human being, a man. Remember from Torah “like Moses,” “from his brethren,” “from their midst,” or people. Deuteronomy 18:15-19, Moses was a human man; Yahushua also was a human man and, like Moses, Yahushua was the deliverer.
I am using multiple books and writers to show the harmony between the writers who were all Hebrews. 1 John 4:1, Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits whether they are of Elohim [Yahuweh] because many false prophets have gone out into the world. Look at that last phrase, “gone out into the world.” Does anyone believe these false prophets pre-existed or came from some other worlds? Of course not. This phrase is recognized for what it is, correctly. These false prophets didn’t pre-exist to “go out into the world.” Continuing on in 1 John 4:2-3, By this you know the spirit of Elohim [Yahuweh]. Every spirit that confesses that Yahushua Messiah has come in the flesh is of Elohim [Yahuweh] and every spirit that does not confess Yahushua Messiah has come in the flesh is not of Elohim [Yahuweh]. And this is the spirit of the antichrist… What John and Paul were fighting against together was Greek Gnosticism, a belief that everything physical was evil and that the spirit was only good. Gnosticism taught that Elohim was completely good, so a “lesser elohim” or “god” was the creator of the material universe. They also would have believed that Yahushua would have been this lesser “god creator” and that Yahushua would have not been human, but spirit, because only a spirit could be good as Yahushua was. This is why many times in Paul’s letters, Paul emphasized Yahushua’s humanity by using the words “the man Yahushua.”
Paul fought desperately against this Gnostic teaching of greater and lesser gods and that the “lesser god” was creator of the material universe.
Look what 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 says, Now all these things are of Elohim [Yahuweh], who has reconciled us to Himself through Messiah and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, that is of Elohim [Yahuweh] was in Messiah reconciling the world to Himself,… Yahuweh was in Yahushua the man!
You who read and I hope study for yourselves, this work will come to see the harmony of the so-called New Testament writers with all the writers of the tanakhh. When we come across so-called New Testament teachings that seem to contradict what the tanakhh (Old Testament) clearly teaches, we have erred and it is just that simple.
Concerning these verses in Philippians, we must understand what the writer Paul believed from the tanakhh (Old Testament) already. When it looks like Paul is contradicting the tanakhh, we have misunderstood him. Paul was never saying he believe Yahushua pre-existed as a being of any kind. All of the words and phrases of Paul in Philippians 2:5-8 are about a human man, who was born of a woman, who was humble, broken, contrite, and a servant to death. The text goes on to say Yahuweh highly exalted that man Yahushua!
To close, Verse 13 says of the Philippian believers in Messiah, for it is Elohim [Yahuweh] who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
2 Corinthians 5:19, another writing of Paul’s, again…Elohim [Yahuweh] was in Messiah, the man. And Yahuweh was at work in Him. Yahushua was “in the form,” or works and character of Elohim/Yahuweh, and Yahushua was also “in the form” or works and character of a servant. Paul was exhorting these Philippians to let this mind be in you which was also in Messiah, the man. This mind of "works, humility, obedience and servanthood."
Paul instructs again in Philippians 3:15, Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; What mind? Look at Verse 14, the mind of Messiah Yahushua. Verse 16 also ends with let us be of the same mind. Again, what mind? The mind of Messiah Yahushua. Remember, this is a repeat from Philippians 2:5, Let this mind be in you which was also in Messiah Yahushua. This, again, is an admonition to be in the “form of Elohim” as Yahushua the man was, and in the “form of a servant,” or in the works and character of Elohim, and the works and character of a servant, like Yahushua the man was—by example, for all of us men, or mankind!
Philippians 2:7-9 has nothing to do with the so called question of preexistence at all, but is entirely Paul’s admonition to the Philippians to be as Messiah THE MAN was; humble in every way including the mind or attitude of servanthood. This passage in Philippians has been isolated and used out of context by well meaning Bible Teachers that completely miss what the Apostle Paul was saying.
If you are still reading this work, I hope you will remember what Peter said about Paul’s letters in 2 Peter 3:15-16, and consider that the longsuffering of our Master is salvation as also our beloved brother Paul according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his letters speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also to the rest of the scriptures [tanakhh]. This is exactly what has happened. Those taught in error continue to teach in error, and on and on and on.
Paul, the Israelite, from the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews, without any question at all, believed what was written in the tanakhh (Old Testament) and the tanakhh did not teach about a pre-existent being-son, who would become a son, to be savior of the world. Again, this type of heresy was called Gnosticism; about greater god beings and lesser god beings. Paul simply believed Torah, Deuteronomy 6:4, Hear, oh Isra-el, Yahweh our Elohim is One Yahuweh; and Paul believe the Torah foretold again of a man who would be Yahuweh’s Savior, Deliverer, and Paul believed unto death Yahushua was that man, likened to Moses.
The Christian churches and even Assemblies have embraced these heresies as facts and continue to defend these unfounded teachings, twisting Paul’s words as Peter warned us they would. I believe this deception goes on because of pride and arrogance of religious leaders who are too heady, high-minded, and stiff-necked to humble themselves and question what they were taught. They forget we are to “test the spirits,” and “prove all things, hold fast to that which is good.”
Brothers and Sisters, what is good is truth, “Torah matters.”
John 4:23-24, Yahushua said, But the hour is coming and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth: for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. Elohim is spirit, and those who worship Him, must worship in spirit and truth.