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The study of the primeval Christ reaches back before time to examine Him in His original state. Too often, the consideration of Jesus usually begins with His prophecy in the Old Testament.

Certainly, the Bible does foretell His coming and His works. At the same time, however, the Scriptures reveal His original grandeur in the heavenlies. One of those passages, Philippians 2.5-8, clearly discloses four aspects of the primeval Christ for consideration.

Jesus Christ's existence

A common misconception traps many who study Jesus. That snare relegates Him to His earthly life only. However, in this passage, the Bible calls Him as “being in the form of God” (Philippians 2.6).

Thus, Christ existed antecedent to His birth to Mary. His birth as a man did not mark the start of life for Jesus. His life predates His earthly birth.

The word of God confirms this awesome truth. For instance, the first two verses of John’s gospel affirm that Jesus Christ, the Word, was in the beginning with God (John 1.1-2).

Further, Jesus, in response to questioning, readily declared, “before Abraham was, I am” (John 8.58). To establish Christ's life as beginning with Mary contradicts the clear teaching of Holy Writ. His life extends from that time back and forward into eternity.

Jesus Christ's appearance

In His primeval circumstance, Jesus existed, as the text says, “in the form of God.”  That form, however, did not consist of a physical body. Nor does the reference describe His human form on earth as being a representation of God's form. Further, it does not mean that Jesus subsisted as a replica of God.

In its literal meaning, the word “form” denotes that in which an essence manifests itself. In the instance of God, His form consists of the visible, glorious light of His divine essence. It describes His majesty, His glory, without human shape. He lives as spirit (Exodus 33.20-23; John 4.24).

This description, then, expresses the primeval existence of Jesus, a manner equal with God's appearance, because Jesus lived “in the form of God.”

Jesus Christ's privilege

The privilege of Christ appears in the phrase from Philippians 2.6, “ (He) thought it not robbery...”  The form that Christ held prior to His birth did not come by theft. No high handed assumption elevated Him to it. Nor did He obtain it by snatching it, presuming it, or by winning it in some contest.

Further, Jesus did not regard His privilege as something to hold onto at all costs. In fact, as the context of the passage further states, He voluntarily gave it up that He might take another form, one like you and me.

He held it because of His oneness with the Father. Jesus Christ's unity with the Father included oneness in form, too.

Jesus Christ's deity

Finally, the original glory of Christ reveals His deity. He shared equality with God by nature. They had the same essence. That makes Jesus Christ deity, One of the members of the Triune Godhead. Jesus had this nature from eternity past.

Jesus made frequent reference to His oneness with the Father. For example, He openly declared, “I and my Father are one” (John 10.30). To Philip, Jesus said, “…he that hath seen me hath seen the Father…Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me?” (John 14.9-10)

Numerous Biblical references confirm this astounding fact. Jesus Christ was God.

From these simple truths come some important applications for daily life. First, they detail certain, infallible facts to believe. When believed, they bring comfort to the trusting heart. In addition, they refute common fallacies concerning Jesus, which Christians must reject.

Further, they outline a pattern of behavior for you and me to follow. The greatest One of all showed the greatest degree of humility toward those who deserved it least. The true child of God will emulate that same conduct.

Last, these truths confirm the suitability of Jesus Christ to become the Savior of sinners. No one else can claim an existence with God prior to human birth.

Only Jesus, once in the form of God, took upon Himself human flesh and became the God-man to provide the sacrifice for sinners to be reconciled to God.

Therefore, you can confidently trust Him as your Lord, Savior, Redeemer, and Advocate.