Affirms
Christ's pre-existence affirmed in mainstream teaching; no binding creed
Mainstream Disciples theology affirms the pre-existence of Christ as the eternal Word who became flesh (John 1:1–14). This affirmation is embedded in the ecumenical Christological heritage that Disciples share and is expressed in much of the hymnody and liturgical material used across the denomination.
As with other Christological questions, the denomination's creedless tradition allows for theological diversity. Progressive scholars may approach the pre-existence with more nuance, but confessional Disciples worship — particularly at the Lord's Table — assumes a high Christology in which Christ's divine pre-existence is taken for granted.
Key Distinctions
- Preexistence affirmed:
- affirmed — the Son/Logos eternally pre-existed the Incarnation
- Ot identity:
- the eternal Word and agent of creation (John 1:1-3); identified with YHWH in various OT theophanies
Scripture References
Sources
- Disciples of Christ, Design of the Christian Church (1968)