Hebrews 13:8
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
The book of Hebrews declare that Jesus is God in this verse. Do JW's refute this? If so, how do they interpret this passage?
by Acer21 29 Replies latest watchtower bible
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
The book of Hebrews declare that Jesus is God in this verse. Do JW's refute this? If so, how do they interpret this passage?
Acer, if God & Jesus are one and the same, (no H.S. mentioned!) then the following two scriptures need some explaining:
(Galatians 3:20) Now there is no mediator when just one person is involved, but God is only one.
(1 Timothy 2:5) For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus,
It would appear that two separate parties are involved with men here.
Why should it be a problem?
Because JWs teach that Jesus is actually the angel Michael. How could Jesus be Michael if he is the same today as yesterday. How could he have been created if he is the same today as yesterday?
The book of Hebrews declare that Jesus is God in this verse.
How do you arrive at that conclusion? I don't see anything in the wording that indicates that Jesus is God. I read the verse as saying that Jesus is the same "yesterday" (past - not necessarily eternal past), "today" (present), and "forever" (eternal future). How does that indicate he is God?
TTWSYF, I don't see an issue with what you wrote about Michael. If Jesus was Michael, he was still the same person, just perhaps operating in a different role or capacity.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever . . . DEAD AND GONE!
If Jesus was once the logos as a spirit along with the Father.
Then he was incarnated as a human.
Then he was resurrected in his human body and glorified back in heaven ....
How can it be said that 'He is the same yesterday, and today and forever'?
Most of the problem in understanding this sort of thing is that many people (including the WT) have a materialistic view of humanity. ie, "You" is made up of your body only.
The bible says that man is a Tri-Partite being.
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. - 1 Thess. 5: 23
In the bible, "You" could be referring to your body, soul, or spirit...either individually or collectively. Bible writers assume this understanding.
Scriptures like Hebrews 13:8 are no problem with this prior understanding.
How can it be said that 'He is the same yesterday, and today and forever'?
It IS not said. It IS written in the scriptures.