Was Jesus A Man Before He Became God?

[Holly3278]

I think I read somewhere once that Mormons believe that Jesus was a man before He became God. Is this true?

[Brother Dorsey]

I think I read somewhere once that Mormons believe that Jesus was a man before He became God. Is this true?

You can read all about Jesus being a man in the New Testament in the Bible......it's pretty much common knowledge for Christians

[Holly3278]

<div class='quotemain'>

I think I read somewhere once that Mormons believe that Jesus was a man before He became God. Is this true?

You can read all about Jesus being a man in the New Testament in the Bible......it's pretty much common knowledge for Christians

No what I am saying is that I heard Mormons believe that Jesus was a normal man first and that he attained Godhood by being a very good person or something like that.

[LionHeart]

Hi PaladinGirl. The LDS hold a belief that God the Father was once a man on another Earth and that we too may attain to a state of Godhood providing we live His commandments well enough. It's summed together pretty good in this saying: "As man is, God once was; as God is, man may become." Jesus, the son of God the Father, became mortal when He came to this Earth. He had earned the right to hold His position as Lord over us before he came to this world.

L.H.

[Holly3278]

Hi PaladinGirl. The LDS hold a belief that God the Father was once a man on another Earth and that we too may attain to a state of Godhood providing we live His commandments well enough. It's summed together pretty good in this saying: "As man is, God once was; as God is, man may become." Jesus, the son of God the Father, became mortal when He came to this Earth. He had earned the right to hold His position as Lord over us before he came to this world.

L.H.

Does that mean we can become equal to God?

[LionHeart]

<div class='quotemain'> Hi PaladinGirl. The LDS hold a belief that God the Father was once a man on another Earth and that we too may attain to a state of Godhood providing we live His commandments well enough. It's summed together pretty good in this saying: "As man is, God once was; as God is, man may become." Jesus, the son of God the Father, became mortal when He came to this Earth. He had earned the right to hold His position as Lord over us before he came to this world.

L.H.

Does that mean we can become equal to God?

God is in a process of eternal progression just as we are. We may get to the point God is at now, but He will always be our Father in Heaven; regardless of how high we get. We will never be His Equal.

There was a recent discussion on this topic in a thread called "Temple ordinances & Jesus" Look for that thread in the search engine you will find alot of information on this subject.

I hope this helps.

L.H.

[Holly3278]

<div class='quotemain'>

<div class='quotemain'> Hi PaladinGirl. The LDS hold a belief that God the Father was once a man on another Earth and that we too may attain to a state of Godhood providing we live His commandments well enough. It's summed together pretty good in this saying: "As man is, God once was; as God is, man may become." Jesus, the son of God the Father, became mortal when He came to this Earth. He had earned the right to hold His position as Lord over us before he came to this world.

L.H.

Does that mean we can become equal to God?

God is in a process of eternal progression just as we are. We may get to the point God is at now, but He will always be our Father in Heaven; regardless of how high we get. We will never be His Equal.

There was a recent discussion on this topic in a thread called "Temple ordinances & Jesus" Look for that thread in the search engine you will find alot of information on this subject.

I hope this helps.

L.H.

Oh okay thanks.

[Holly3278]

<div class='quotemain'> <div class='quotemain'>

<div class='quotemain'> Hi PaladinGirl. The LDS hold a belief that God the Father was once a man on another Earth and that we too may attain to a state of Godhood providing we live His commandments well enough. It's summed together pretty good in this saying: "As man is, God once was; as God is, man may become." Jesus, the son of God the Father, became mortal when He came to this Earth. He had earned the right to hold His position as Lord over us before he came to this world.

L.H.

Does that mean we can become equal to God?

God is in a process of eternal progression just as we are. We may get to the point God is at now, but He will always be our Father in Heaven; regardless of how high we get. We will never be His Equal.

There was a recent discussion on this topic in a thread called "Temple ordinances & Jesus" Look for that thread in the search engine you will find alot of information on this subject.

I hope this helps.

L.H.

Oh okay thanks.

I did a search for the thread and couldn't find it. Therefore, I have another question. Since Jesus became God while living on another planet, was there ever anyone who became God before Him? Does he have anyone who is higher up than He?

[LionHeart]

I did a search for the thread and couldn't find it. Therefore, I have another question. Since Jesus became God while living on another planet, was there ever anyone who became God before Him? Does he have anyone who is higher up than He?

I will make a new post in that thread so it will be out in the front.

As for your question, The thing you must understand about LDS diety is that the Father, the Son (Jesus) and the Holy Ghost are three distinct personages; as opposed to some other beliefs that they are one and the same in a holy trinity.

This being said, Jesus is the son of God the Father. Jesus recieved His mortal body when He came to this Earth. God the Father recieved His mortal body on another Earth. That is where He earned His Godhood. Therefore He had a Father in Heaven while on that world and still has a Father in Heaven to this day.

Let me know if I can be of more help.

L.H.

[Traveler]

Therefore, I have another question. Since Jesus became God while living on another planet, was there ever anyone who became God before Him? Does he have anyone who is higher up than He?

There is a gross misunderstanding about G-d. It is the love and grace of G-d and his willingness to sacrifice for our benefit that define the Glory of G-d. It is not advancing self to some great position of authority over others. The concept of equal to G-d is likewise misleading. It is not his power but his grace, it is not his authority but his love. Jesus said that the greatest in the Kingdom of G-d is the servant.

When we try to measure G-d by man's standards we will not understand or be able to understand G-d or our own everlasting worth. We will better understand G-d as we learn to sacrifice for the benefit of others as he did. The best teacher and learning opportunity man has to understand G-d is to become a loving father or mother (parent and spouse) willing to sacrifice for the benefit of family. Those that put their personal desires and passions before family will never understand G-d.

The Traveler

[Dr T]

Hey Traveler,

Are you saying that "God" is characterized by sacrifice and servitude? In what way would you say that God the Father sacrificed? What of other characteristics such as omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, etc.? Are those things that you hope to follow in achievement/progression/exaltation? Do you even see those as possible?

Thanks,

Dr. T

[Holly3278]

<div class='quotemain'>

I did a search for the thread and couldn't find it. Therefore, I have another question. Since Jesus became God while living on another planet, was there ever anyone who became God before Him? Does he have anyone who is higher up than He?

I will make a new post in that thread so it will be out in the front.

As for your question, The thing you must understand about LDS diety is that the Father, the Son (Jesus) and the Holy Ghost are three distinct personages; as opposed to some other beliefs that they are one and the same in a holy trinity.

This being said, Jesus is the son of God the Father. Jesus recieved His mortal body when He came to this Earth. God the Father recieved His mortal body on another Earth. That is where He earned His Godhood. Therefore He had a Father in Heaven while on that world and still has a Father in Heaven to this day.

Let me know if I can be of more help.

L.H.

So our Heavenly Father has His own Heavenly Father that He must obey as well?

[Latter Days Guy]

I think that Jeff Lindsay puts it pretty well on his site.

Do you think that God once was a man?

Lorenzo Snow, a President of the Church, once said "As man now is, God once was: as God now is, man may be." This controversial passage is clearly applicable to Christ himself, a God who became mortal for a time and yet was still and is still God. His work made it possible for us to become as he is, in a sense, for we can receive glorious resurrected bodies (Phil. 3:21; 1 Cor. 15:40-45), we can become "joint-heirs with Christ" (Romans 8:14-18), we can "put on the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:3-10), and we can become "like him" (1 John 3:2). Indeed, Christ even went so far as to say, "Ye are gods" (John 10:34), in reference to the divine potential of human beings. While He and the Father are the one true God, whom we will always worship, He does want us to become more like the Father (Matt. 5:48) and the possibility is there because of Christ. Thus, thinking of Christ and our relationship to Him, what Lorenzo Snow said is accurate. However, it appears that Lorenzo Snow's quote also applies to the Father, indicating that He also experienced a period of mortality, but we know nothing specific. But before you let the idea of "God once being like man" offend you, remember that it is explicitly true about Christ Himself. If Christ were the same being as God the Father, then it would also be true of the Father as well, so non-LDS critics who accept the doctrine of the Trinity shouldn't get so upset. Of course, we believe that God and Christ are separate individuals, one in purpose, heart, and mind. But, in the spirit of pure speculation, let me ask if it is possible that Christ, during His mission on the earth, was doing that which He had seen the Father do? In John 5:19, Christ said "The Son can do nothing, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise." Some people have speculated on what is meant by John 5:19 and on what Lorenzo Snow meant, but we do not know and I get very nervous when people pretend they know. Certainly there are many difficult and foolish questions which can be asked in this arena. The important point is that God, Christ, and man are of the same "species," and that man has divine potential to become more like Christ and the Father (e.g., see Romans 8:14-18; 2 Peter 1:4-10; 1 John 3:2). This concept was understood by the early Christians, as show above.

Knowing who Christ is makes me very suspicious of anyone who says that we will become EXACTLY like Him. The Bible teaches that we can become "joint heirs" (Rom. 8:14-18) and can become "like him" (I John 3:2) and indeed, need to become like him (Matt. 5:48) and one with him (John 17:21-23). Stronger still, Paul in Philippians 2: 5-7 seems to urge us to pursue that goal, not through puffery, but through humble service:

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant...."

However, I sense a big difference between the "small g" gods that Christ mentioned (John 10:34) in speaking of the potential of humans (my view) and God the Eternal Father, who is the one and only everlasting God (see also I Cor. 8:5,6). The reference to humans as potential "gods" is clearly meant in a limited sense, but the word used is still "gods." Obviously, we know too little to explain anything in depth about the next life and about "the glory that shall be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18). We are like microbes looking up through the microscope and speculating about the scientist who observes us. We are children, following after our wise and mature Father, knowing little more than a young child does of the things of God. This we know: the glory is to the Father (and Christ) forever. May we return to their presence.

[Holly3278]

I think that Jeff Lindsay puts it pretty well on his site.

Do you think that God once was a man?

Lorenzo Snow, a President of the Church, once said "As man now is, God once was: as God now is, man may be." This controversial passage is clearly applicable to Christ himself, a God who became mortal for a time and yet was still and is still God. His work made it possible for us to become as he is, in a sense, for we can receive glorious resurrected bodies (Phil. 3:21; 1 Cor. 15:40-45), we can become "joint-heirs with Christ" (Romans 8:14-18), we can "put on the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:3-10), and we can become "like him" (1 John 3:2). Indeed, Christ even went so far as to say, "Ye are gods" (John 10:34), in reference to the divine potential of human beings. While He and the Father are the one true God, whom we will always worship, He does want us to become more like the Father (Matt. 5:48) and the possibility is there because of Christ. Thus, thinking of Christ and our relationship to Him, what Lorenzo Snow said is accurate. However, it appears that Lorenzo Snow's quote also applies to the Father, indicating that He also experienced a period of mortality, but we know nothing specific. But before you let the idea of "God once being like man" offend you, remember that it is explicitly true about Christ Himself. If Christ were the same being as God the Father, then it would also be true of the Father as well, so non-LDS critics who accept the doctrine of the Trinity shouldn't get so upset. Of course, we believe that God and Christ are separate individuals, one in purpose, heart, and mind. But, in the spirit of pure speculation, let me ask if it is possible that Christ, during His mission on the earth, was doing that which He had seen the Father do? In John 5:19, Christ said "The Son can do nothing, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise." Some people have speculated on what is meant by John 5:19 and on what Lorenzo Snow meant, but we do not know and I get very nervous when people pretend they know. Certainly there are many difficult and foolish questions which can be asked in this arena. The important point is that God, Christ, and man are of the same "species," and that man has divine potential to become more like Christ and the Father (e.g., see Romans 8:14-18; 2 Peter 1:4-10; 1 John 3:2). This concept was understood by the early Christians, as show above.

Knowing who Christ is makes me very suspicious of anyone who says that we will become EXACTLY like Him. The Bible teaches that we can become "joint heirs" (Rom. 8:14-18) and can become "like him" (I John 3:2) and indeed, need to become like him (Matt. 5:48) and one with him (John 17:21-23). Stronger still, Paul in Philippians 2: 5-7 seems to urge us to pursue that goal, not through puffery, but through humble service:

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant...."

However, I sense a big difference between the "small g" gods that Christ mentioned (John 10:34) in speaking of the potential of humans (my view) and God the Eternal Father, who is the one and only everlasting God (see also I Cor. 8:5,6). The reference to humans as potential "gods" is clearly meant in a limited sense, but the word used is still "gods." Obviously, we know too little to explain anything in depth about the next life and about "the glory that shall be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18). We are like microbes looking up through the microscope and speculating about the scientist who observes us. We are children, following after our wise and mature Father, knowing little more than a young child does of the things of God. This we know: the glory is to the Father (and Christ) forever. May we return to their presence.

Thank you. Your post explains a lot to me. :)

[Dr T]

But before you let the idea of "God once being like man" offend you, remember that it is explicitly true about Christ Himself. If Christ were the same being as God the Father, then it would also be true of the Father as well, so non-LDS critics who accept the doctrine of the Trinity shouldn't get so upset.

That is not necessarily true. First of all, "Christ were the same being" meaning what? He was never the Father. They are not the same person. Because, Christ emptied Himself to become a servant and a ransom for many does not indicate that the same can be said of the Father. For interesting exercise, look at all "gods" references in teh Bible. You will see that they always indicate not God but false gods.

Dr. T

[Princess3dward]

Would you consider giving up your child to suffer all things a sacrafice?

[Maureen]

...are three distinct personages; as opposed to some other beliefs that they are one and the same in a holy trinity....

I think that Jeff Lindsay puts it pretty well on his site.

...If Christ were the same being as God the Father, then it would also be true of the Father as well, so non-LDS critics who accept the doctrine of the Trinity shouldn't get so upset....

These statements are awkward. To really explain the trinity would mean to be more specific with definitions of person, being, one and the same. If you do not really understand how to define the trinity, then it's hard to disagree with something you can't explain yourself. LDS get upset when non-LDS assume they know what LDS doctrine is; the same goes for non-LDS (as in myself) when LDS disagree with their version of the trinity doctrine. Your arguments against the trinity doctrine don't fair well, when you really don't know what you're talking about.

M.

[Princess3dward]

I don't think you CAN REALLY explain the trinity.

[Dr T]

It can be explained. Do you want a link? M., is good at that kind of thing (resourceful) :)

[Princess3dward]

No. I will just get confused.

Some things should just be let be... atleast for now.

[Dr T]

Des,

"No because it would confuse you" is your reason for not reading/learning about it?

[Princess3dward]

I did read and learn about it, and I had discussions about it with my dad.

I don't see a point in continuing to bash in the one subject when there is so much more to learn!

[Dr T]

That might be like saying, "Why study English-there is so much more to study. That would be a waste of time."

[Princess3dward]

That might be like saying, "Why study English-there is so much more to study. That would be a waste of time."

lol. I am studying the scriptures... which is like studying english, because they are both really broad.

It is like saying I am done studying grammar because there is more to learn...

Which in class at the moment is true.

We have moved off grammar into a novel study.

That doesn't mean I have learned nothing from grammar,

it just means I know enough to move on and study the book.

[Dr T]

I must admit, English is not my favorite language. But if the triune God is the real representation of the true God, then not learning about Him might be like not learning the fundamentals of math and then trying to do calculus. You will come up with the wrong conclusions in you ciphering .

Dr. T