Colossians 1.15-20: Preexistence or Preeminence [6 pages]
by William Wachtel rated at 1.9 (7 votes so far)
In standard evangelical commentary, two texts from Paul's writings are constantly used to teach the personal preexistence of Christ: Philippians 2:5-11 and Colossians 1:15-20. William Wachtel questions seriously, however, whether any such ideas were in Paul's mind. In Philippians 2:5, for instance, Paul declares he is holding forth the historical example of the man Christ Jesus, not some prehistoric example into which can be read ideas of personal preexistence. Can the same be said to be true of Colossians 1:15-20?
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These books, written by people from diverse backgrounds, express the simple truth that God is one. Some of them are more scholary while others are more autobiographical. In addition, a few of them are available to read online. If you would like more in depth treatment of christian monotheism, these books are the next step to take. Note: if you know of other books, not listed here, please leave us feedback.
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When Did the Son of God Come into Existence?
by Ray Faircloth [10 pages]
rated at 1.6 (out of 6 votes)
The vast majority of the Scriptures provide no support at all for a doctrine of literal “pre- existence.” For instance, from the entire Hebrew Scriptures only Genesis 1:26; Proverbs 8:22, 30 and Micah 5:2 have been advanced in any attempt at such proof. Yet in the Christian Greek Scriptures there is no hint of pre-existence in Matthew, Mark, Luke, Acts, Romans, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2 and 3 John or Jude.