Father God and Lord Jesus Christ
In 1 Corinthians 8:6 (KJV), the verse reads:
"But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him."
This verse highlights both the oneness and distinction between God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Here's an explanation of their unity and distinction in this context:
1. Oneness (Unity):
- Monotheism: The verse begins by affirming there is only one God, which reflects the foundational belief in monotheism—the belief in one God. This is consistent with the Jewish Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4), "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD."
- Shared Authority in Creation: The verse states that all things come from the Father ("of whom are all things") and that all things exist through Jesus Christ ("by whom are all things"). This reveals their unified role in creation—everything originates from God the Father and is carried out through Jesus Christ. Jesus, as the agent of creation, works in perfect unity with the Father.
- Salvation: The unity is also evident in the plan of salvation. The Father and Jesus Christ work together to bring about redemption. We are “in Him” (God the Father) and we are saved “by Him” (Jesus Christ), indicating that both play essential roles in the believer’s relationship with God.
2. Distinction (Difference):
Roles: Though they are one in essence and purpose, the Father and the Son have distinct roles in the Godhead. In this passage:
- The Father is described as the source of all things ("of whom are all things"). He is the originator, the one who initiates and sustains all creation.
- Jesus Christ is described as the mediator through whom all things exist ("by whom are all things"). He is the agent through which creation and salvation are carried out.
This distinction in roles does not imply that one is greater than the other, but rather, it shows the different functions they fulfill within the Godhead.
Father and Lord: The verse refers to God as Father and Jesus as Lord.
- Calling God "Father" emphasizes His role as the ultimate authority and origin of all life. It reflects a relationship of care, protection, and creation.
- Referring to Jesus as "Lord" signifies His authority, divinity, and sovereignty, particularly over believers. It reflects His role in salvation, ruling over the Church, and exercising divine lordship. "Lord" (Greek: Kyrios) was also a title used for God in the Old Testament, showing that Jesus shares in the divine nature.
3. The Oneness and Distinction in the Trinity:
This verse supports the concept of the Trinity, where God exists as three distinct persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) who are one in essence. Here, Paul affirms the oneness of God (monotheism) while also distinguishing between the Father and the Son in their roles:
- The Father is the source of all things, while Jesus is the mediator through whom all things exist.
- Their oneness lies in their shared divine essence, purpose, and work in creation and salvation.
- Their distinction lies in their roles within the Godhead: the Father as the initiator, and Jesus Christ as the one who executes the Father’s will.
1 Corinthians 8:6 affirms both the oneness of God in essence and the distinct roles of the Father and Jesus Christ. The Father is the source of all things, and Jesus is the Lord through whom all things come into being, demonstrating their divine unity and their unique roles in the Godhead.
The equality of the Father and Jesus Christ is rooted in their shared divine nature and essence, which is a central teaching of Christian theology, particularly in the doctrine of the Trinity. Here's a deeper exploration of how they are equal, despite their distinct roles as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 8:6:
1. Equality in Divine Nature
- Shared Essence: Both the Father and Jesus Christ share the same divine essence, meaning they are both fully and equally God. They are of one substance (homoousios), a key concept affirmed in Christian creeds like the Nicene Creed. Jesus is not a lesser being but is fully God, co-equal with the Father. John 1:1 states, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This shows Jesus (the Word) has always existed as God, alongside the Father.
- Jesus' Claim to Divinity: Jesus, during His earthly ministry, claimed equality with God the Father. In John 10:30, He says, “I and the Father are one,” indicating a unity in essence and purpose. This was a claim to equality that even His opponents recognized, as they accused Him of blasphemy for "making Himself equal with God" (John 5:18).
2. Equality in Authority
- Divine Authority: Both the Father and Jesus have equal authority over creation, salvation, and judgment. For instance, in Matthew 28:18, after His resurrection, Jesus says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” This demonstrates that Jesus possesses the same authority as the Father over all things.
- Judgment and Worship: Jesus, like the Father, is the judge of all. In John 5:22-23, Jesus says, “For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.” Here, the Father and Son are to be honored equally, and Jesus is given the authority to judge, which is a divine prerogative.
3. Equality in Power
- Creation: As noted in 1 Corinthians 8:6, the Father is the source of creation ("of whom are all things"), and Jesus is the agent through whom all things were made ("by whom are all things"). This reflects their co-equality in power over the entire created order. In Colossians 1:16, Paul explicitly states, "For by Him [Jesus] all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him."
- Sustaining Creation: Both the Father and Jesus sustain creation. In Hebrews 1:3, it says of Jesus, "He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power." This shows that Jesus possesses the same sustaining power as the Father.
4. Equality in Worship and Honor
- Worship of Jesus: In the New Testament, Jesus receives worship, which is reserved for God alone. For instance, in Matthew 14:33, after Jesus walks on water, the disciples worship Him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” In the context of Jewish monotheism, worshiping Jesus as God underscores His equality with the Father.
- Philippians 2:9-11 also affirms that "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." This means that Jesus is to be worshipped universally, which is a recognition of His divine equality with the Father.
5. Equality in the Plan of Salvation
- Role in Salvation: The Father and Jesus are equal in their roles in salvation. The Father sends the Son out of love for humanity (John 3:16), and the Son, in perfect obedience and unity with the Father, accomplishes the work of salvation. While the roles differ—the Father sends, and the Son is sent—they work in perfect harmony, which reflects their co-equality in purpose and will.
- Jesus’ Voluntary Submission: Jesus' submission to the Father during His earthly life does not imply inferiority, but rather voluntary submission within the economy of salvation. In Philippians 2:6-7, Paul explains that although Jesus "was in the form of God, [He] did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant." Jesus' submission to the Father was part of His mission to redeem humanity, not a statement of inequality.
6. Eternity and Omnipresence
- Eternality: Both the Father and Jesus are eternal, having no beginning or end. In Revelation 1:8, Jesus is referred to as the “Alpha and the Omega,” the beginning and the end, a title also used for God the Father, demonstrating their eternal and co-equal nature.
- Omnipresence and Omniscience: Jesus, like the Father, possesses omniscience and omnipresence. For example, in Matthew 18:20, Jesus says, "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them," indicating His ability to be present everywhere. Likewise, in John 21:17, Peter declares, "Lord, you know all things," affirming Jesus' divine omniscience.
How the Father and Jesus Are Equal
- Ontologically Equal: In their divine essence, the Father and Jesus are co-equal. They are both fully God, sharing the same nature, power, glory, and attributes.
- Functionally Distinct: In terms of their roles (especially in salvation history), they are distinct. The Father initiates and the Son carries out the Father's will. However, this distinction in role does not imply a difference in their divine status or nature.
Thus, Jesus is fully equal to the Father in divinity, authority, and power, while they maintain a functional distinction in their roles in creation and salvation.
