Pre-existence of Christ

The New Apostolic Church affirms that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God who existed before the foundation of the world. He is the Word (Logos) of God spoken of in John 1:1-3, through whom all things were created and by whom all things are sustained. His pre-existence is not a created state but eternal generation from the Father.

The incarnation—Jesus becoming human in Mary's womb—does not mark the beginning of Jesus' existence. Rather, it is God's eternal Word taking on human nature at a specific moment in history. The pre-existent Christ descended from heaven and emptied Himself to take human form, as described in Philippians 2:5-11.

The pre-existence of Christ underlies the NAC's understanding of His absolute authority and the absolute authority of His appointed apostles. The NAC teaches that Christ continues to lead and guide the church through the apostles. The pre-existence and eternity of Christ guarantee the validity and perpetual relevance of His redemptive work.