“[Christ] existed in the form of God.” - Philippians 2:6
The apostle Paul stated the same truth, saying that Christ “existed in the
form of God” (Phil. 2:6). The Greek word translated “existed” (huparcho) is not
the common verb for “being” (eimi). Huparcho stresses the essence of a person’s
nature—his continuous state or condition. It expresses what one is, unalterably
and inalienably, by nature. Paul’s point was that Jesus Christ is unalterably
and continuously existing in the form of God.
Clarifying the meaning of
the Greek word translated “form” (morphe) is crucial to a proper understanding
of this verse. According to respected Greek scholars Moulton and Milligan,
morphe “always signifies a form which truly and fully expresses the being which
underlies it.” The word describes essential being or nature—in this case the
essential being of God.
In using the word morphe in Philippians 2, Paul
was saying Jesus possessed the unchangeable, essential nature of God. That
interpretation of the first phrase of verse 6 is strengthened by the second
phrase, which says Jesus was equal with God. Being in the form of God speaks of
Christ’s equality with God.
Suggestions for Prayer:
Pray for an opportunity to teach
someone the basic doctrine of Christ’s nature.
For Further Study:
Memorize Colossians 2:9, a verse that
proves the deity of Christ.
~John MacArthur, excerpts from Strength for Today devotional
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