Christ is the eternal Son; Logos who existed before incarnation; coeternal with Father
The ECC affirms that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God who existed with the Father before the foundation of the world. The Prologue to John's Gospel, identifying Christ as the Logos (Word) through whom all things were made, is foundational to ECC Christology. Christ's incarnation was not the beginning of his existence but his entry into time, flesh, and human history.
This pre-existence is central to the ECC's understanding of Christ as fully God and fully man. Before becoming incarnate, the Son shared the divine nature and glory with the Father. He was the agent through whom God created all things and the one in whom all things hold together. His preexistence establishes his divine authority and mediatorial role not only in redemption but in creation and providence.
The ECC teaching on pre-existence underscores the reality and eternality of Christ's sonship. Jesus did not become God's Son through his birth or resurrection; he has always been the Son, eternally sharing in the Father's nature. This doctrine is essential to the ECC's confession that Jesus is Lord, worthy of worship, and the ultimate authority over all creation. It also establishes the basis for Christ's unique work of redemption — only God Incarnate could accomplish the salvation of the world.
Key Distinctions
- Preexistence affirmed:
- coequal and coeternal with the Father
- Eternal nature:
- Christ is the eternal Son; Logos existing with Father from eternity
Scripture References
Sources
- ECC Affirmations of Faith