The Pre-Existence of Jesus Christ
The question of Jesus Christ’s origin is a central topic in Christianity, and how one understands it can profoundly shape their understanding of His mission and purpose. Many have wondered whether Jesus existed in some form before His birth in Bethlehem. Was He alive with God in heaven before entering the world, or did His existence begin with His miraculous conception?
Various interpretations have been offered, with some believing that Jesus existed in heaven before His birth, either as God or as a divine being in some pre-human form. Others hold that Jesus’ existence started when He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born to the Virgin Mary. The implications of these views are significant because they affect how we see Jesus’ humanity, divinity, and His relationship with God the Father.
But what does the Bible actually say about the pre-existence of Jesus? Rather than relying on traditions or theological assumptions, this article seeks to examine what Scripture reveals. It is crucial for anyone serious about understanding Jesus Christ to look directly at the Bible’s teachings on this matter. What does the Bible say about Jesus’ birth, His life before Bethlehem, and His role in God’s eternal purpose? This study will explore these questions by looking closely at key biblical passages and considering the context in which they were written.
One perspective is that Jesus did not personally exist before His birth but was part of God’s plan from the very beginning. In this view, Jesus is the fulfilment of God’s purpose for humanity, which was established before creation itself. His life, death, and resurrection were foreseen and ordained by God long before He was physically born, but that doesn’t mean He had a conscious, personal existence in heaven before His time on earth.
In this article, we will explore this idea further by examining the biblical texts that speak about Jesus’ origins. We will address passages that some believe point to His pre-existence and look at how these verses can be understood within the broader narrative of Scripture. As we delve into these teachings, we aim to build a clearer, more consistent understanding of Jesus’ nature and His role in God’s plan of salvation, based entirely on what the Bible says.
The Varied Beliefs About Jesus’ Pre-Existence
The concept of Jesus’ pre-existence has been a subject of much debate throughout Christian history. The Bible presents Jesus as the Son of God, but the question arises: did Jesus exist as a divine being before His birth in Bethlehem, or did His existence begin with His conception by the Holy Spirit? To better understand this, it is helpful to examine the different viewpoints on this topic and then focus on what the Bible explicitly teaches.
1. The Virgin Birth and the Humanity of Jesus
Some hold the view that Jesus was simply an extraordinary man, born through natural means, with Joseph as His father. According to this view, Jesus was special because of His wisdom and moral integrity but not because He had any divine origin. While this perspective acknowledges that Jesus was guided by God, it denies the miraculous nature of His birth and sees Him as a great human teacher, no different in His nature from other prophets. This idea, however, contradicts the clear biblical account of Jesus’ birth in both the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.
In Matthew 1:18-23 and Luke 1:26-35, we find the description of the virgin birth, where Mary conceives by the power of the Holy Spirit, not through human intervention. The angel Gabriel’s message to Mary clearly identifies Jesus as “the Son of the Most High” (Luke 1:32), conceived by the direct action of God. These passages affirm that Jesus’ birth was unlike any other, demonstrating His unique relationship to God. This is a central tenet of biblical teaching—that Jesus, while fully human, was born in a way that marks Him as God’s chosen Saviour.
2. The Belief in a Pre-Existent Divine Being
Another view, common among many, is that Jesus existed in heaven before His birth as a divine being, often identified as “God the Son” or part of a Trinity. This belief posits that Jesus lived with God the Father from eternity and chose to take on human form at His birth. According to this perspective, Jesus’ life did not begin in Bethlehem but much earlier, as an eternal being who then entered the world to carry out God’s redemptive plan.
This idea is often supported by passages such as John 1:1, where it is said, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Those who hold this view see this “Word” (Greek: logos) as referring to Jesus, indicating His pre-existence as part of a divine relationship with the Father. They also cite verses like John 6:38, where Jesus says, “I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me,” interpreting this as evidence that Jesus lived in heaven before His earthly life.
3. The Belief in Pre-Existence as a Divine Purpose
A third perspective, rooted in a close reading of Scripture, suggests that while Jesus did not personally exist before His birth, He was always at the centre of God’s divine plan. This understanding emphasises that Jesus’ existence was foreordained by God, meaning that from the very beginning, God had a purpose that would culminate in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
This view finds support in passages like 1 Peter 1:20, which says Jesus “was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you.” Here, the emphasis is not on Jesus being physically present with God before His birth but on God’s knowledge and intention regarding Jesus’ role in salvation. Similarly, Ephesians 1:4 speaks of believers being “chosen in him before the foundation of the world,” highlighting the idea that God’s plan centred on Christ from the beginning, even though Jesus’ personal existence began with His birth.
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These varied beliefs about Jesus’ pre-existence underscore the importance of examining what the Bible truly says about His nature. While some views present Jesus as pre-existing either as God or an angelic being, the Bible’s portrayal focuses more on His human birth and His role in fulfilling God’s eternal purpose. The next section will explore the specific passages often cited as evidence for Jesus’ pre-existence and how they can be understood within the broader biblical context.
What the Bible Says About Jesus’ Pre-Existence
The Bible provides us with rich descriptions of Jesus Christ, His life, and His role in God’s plan of salvation. However, when it comes to the question of whether Jesus personally existed before His birth in Bethlehem, the Scriptures present a more nuanced perspective. This section explores key biblical teachings that help us understand Jesus’ origins and address the idea of His pre-existence.
1. The Gospel Accounts of Jesus’ Birth
The New Testament Gospels of Matthew and Luke provide detailed accounts of Jesus’ birth, both of which emphasize His unique origin. These narratives make it clear that Jesus’ existence as the Son of God began with His conception in Mary’s womb through the power of the Holy Spirit, not as a result of His descent from a pre-existing state in heaven.
In Matthew 1:18-23, the angel explains to Joseph that Mary’s child is conceived by the Holy Spirit: “That which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” The passage highlights that Jesus’ birth is a miraculous event, but it does not indicate that Jesus existed before this moment. The focus is on His coming into existence as a human being, born to fulfil the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us).”
Luke’s account further confirms this. In Luke 1:30-35, the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive and give birth to a son, saying, “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.” Here again, the language used is forward-looking: Jesus’ identity as the Son of God begins with His conception and birth. Gabriel makes no reference to any prior existence in heaven. Instead, the emphasis is on the miracle of the incarnation—the moment when God’s plan takes human form in the person of Jesus.
Additionally, the title “Son of God” used in these passages does not suggest a pre-existing divine being. It affirms Jesus’ divine origin through the power of God but focuses on His coming into the world as a human child, born to fulfil God’s purpose. These gospel accounts provide no indication that Jesus had a prior life or consciousness before His birth.
2. Old Testament Prophecies of the Messiah
A key point in understanding Jesus’ origins is found in the numerous Old Testament prophecies that foretell the coming of a future Messiah. These prophecies consistently describe the Messiah as someone who would come, rather than someone who already existed. The language used by the prophets emphasizes the future arrival of a Saviour, reinforcing the idea that Jesus’ personal existence began with His birth, not before.
For example, in Isaiah 9:6-7, we read, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This prophecy speaks of a child who will be born—a future event. The titles attributed to the child reflect His divine role and authority but do not imply that He already existed in heaven. The focus is on His coming into the world to establish God’s kingdom.
Similarly, Micah 5:2 prophesies the birthplace of the Messiah, stating, “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.” The phrase “from of old” refers to the ancient promises and plans of God concerning the Messiah, rather than suggesting the Messiah’s personal pre-existence. The emphasis is on the fulfilment of a long-standing prophecy, with the Messiah’s physical arrival in Bethlehem marking the start of His earthly mission.
Throughout the Old Testament, prophecies about the Messiah consistently speak of a future figure who would come to deliver God’s people. There is no indication that the Messiah existed in any personal, conscious form before His arrival. This reinforces the understanding that Jesus’ existence as the Son of God began with His birth in Bethlehem.
3. New Testament Emphasis on Jesus’ Humanity
The New Testament places great emphasis on Jesus’ humanity, particularly in His role as the second Adam—a man who, unlike the first Adam, remained sinless and fulfilled God’s purpose for humanity. This focus on Jesus’ humanity is central to understanding why the Bible does not support the idea of His personal pre-existence.
In Hebrews 2:14-18, we are told that “since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise partook of the same things.” This passage highlights the fact that Jesus shared fully in human nature. He experienced human life, with all its struggles and temptations, yet remained without sin. Hebrews 4:15 affirms this, saying that Jesus was “tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.”
If Jesus had personally existed in heaven before His birth, it would be difficult to reconcile this with the Bible’s teaching about His humanity. How could someone who had lived in the presence of God for eternity truly share in the human experience? The Bible’s emphasis on Jesus’ complete identification with humanity suggests that His life began with His birth, just like any other human being. His divinity was expressed through His relationship with God and His perfect obedience to God’s will, not through a prior existence in heaven.
4. The Meaning of “Pre-Existence” in the Biblical Context
When examining passages that seem to suggest Jesus’ pre-existence, it is important to understand the biblical context in which such language is used. In many cases, references to Jesus’ pre-existence are not about personal existence but about God’s eternal plan and purpose, which always centred on Jesus as the Saviour.
One of the most frequently cited passages is John 1:1-14, which speaks of the “Word” (logos) being with God in the beginning and becoming flesh. While some interpret this passage as referring to a personal pre-existence, a closer reading shows that the “Word” represents God’s purpose and plan for humanity, which was made real in the person of Jesus. The “Word” becoming flesh (John 1:14) refers to the moment when God’s plan took human form, not to a pre-existing divine being entering the world.
Similarly, passages like John 17:5, where Jesus speaks of the glory He had with the Father “before the world existed,” can be understood in terms of God’s foreknowledge and purpose. This glory was part of God’s plan for Jesus from the beginning, but it was realised when Jesus completed His mission on earth. In this way, Jesus’ “pre-existence” is best understood as existing in God’s eternal purpose, rather than as a literal, personal existence in heaven.
Ephesians 1:4-5 also speaks to this idea, saying that God “chose us in Him before the foundation of the world.” This passage highlights the preordained nature of God’s plan, with Jesus at the centre of it. However, it does not imply that Jesus personally existed before His birth; rather, it emphasizes that God’s plan for salvation through Christ was established before the creation of the world.
5. Misunderstandings About Jesus’ Words in John’s Gospel
Some passages in John’s Gospel are often misunderstood as implying personal pre-existence. For example, in John 6:38, Jesus says, “I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of Him who sent me.” Taken at face value, this could seem to suggest that Jesus literally descended from heaven. However, in the context of John’s Gospel, this language is often symbolic, reflecting the divine mission that Jesus was sent to fulfil, rather than describing a physical descent from heaven.
The same can be said of John 8:58, where Jesus says, “Before Abraham was, I am.” Some interpret this as a claim to pre-existence, but when read in context, it becomes clear that Jesus is speaking about God’s eternal purpose and plan. He is not claiming to have personally existed before Abraham but is identifying Himself with God’s eternal purpose, which transcends time.
In John’s Gospel, there is frequent use of symbolic language to convey spiritual truths. When Jesus speaks of “coming down from heaven” or being “sent by the Father,” these are expressions of His divine mission, not literal descriptions of a pre-existent state.
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The biblical evidence strongly supports the view that Jesus did not personally exist before His birth. The Gospels emphasize His miraculous conception and birth as the moment when He came into existence as the Son of God. Old Testament prophecies point to the Messiah as a future figure, not someone who already existed. The New Testament’s focus on Jesus’ full humanity further reinforces the idea that His life began at His birth, rather than in a pre-existent state.
While certain passages may seem to suggest personal pre-existence, a closer reading shows that they refer to God’s eternal plan and purpose, with Jesus as its central figure. Jesus’ “pre-existence” is best understood as part of God’s foreordained plan for salvation, not as a literal, personal existence before His birth in Bethlehem. This understanding aligns with the overall message of the Bible, presenting Jesus as the fulfilment of God’s purpose for humanity.
Understanding Jesus’ Pre-existence in God’s Divine Plan
The idea of Jesus’ pre-existence is sometimes misunderstood, leading to different interpretations about His nature and role in God’s overarching plan for humanity. While some believe that Jesus existed personally as a divine being before His birth in Bethlehem, the Bible offers a more nuanced and consistent view. Jesus’ pre-existence, as understood in the context of the Scriptures, is better framed within the divine purpose of God, in which Jesus has always been the focal point of salvation, foreknown and foreordained by God long before His human life began. This section explores how the Bible speaks about Jesus in terms of God’s eternal purpose and highlights key concepts that support this understanding.
1. Pre-existence in the Foreknowledge and Purpose of God
The Bible teaches that Jesus, as the Saviour of humanity, was part of God’s divine plan long before His actual birth. This understanding of pre-existence is not about a personal, conscious existence before His birth, but rather about Jesus being central to God’s purpose from the very beginning. Several key passages illustrate this idea of pre-existence within God’s eternal plan, rather than suggesting a literal pre-existence in a physical or spiritual sense.
For instance, 1 Peter 1:20 says that Jesus “was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you.” This verse reveals a profound truth: Jesus was always part of God’s redemptive plan, but His life and mission were only revealed at the appointed time. The phrase “foreknown before the foundation of the world” indicates that Jesus was in God’s mind and purpose from the very beginning, even though He did not exist as a person until His birth.
Similarly, Ephesians 1:4 speaks of God choosing believers in Christ “before the foundation of the world.” This reinforces the idea that Jesus, and those who would come to follow Him, were all part of a plan that existed long before the creation of the world. Jesus was the cornerstone of this divine plan, but His actual coming into existence occurred when He was born in Bethlehem.
This perspective allows us to understand how Jesus was “pre-existent” in God’s plan without implying that He literally existed as a person before His human birth. God, being omniscient and all-powerful, designed a plan for salvation that was set in motion from the very beginning, with Jesus as its central figure. This kind of pre-existence—being foreknown and planned by God—is what the Bible most often refers to when discussing the origins and purpose of Jesus.
2. John’s Gospel and the “Word” (Logos)
One of the most commonly cited passages used to argue for Jesus’ personal pre-existence is John 1:1-14, which speaks of the “Word” (logos) being with God in the beginning and becoming flesh. However, understanding what John means by the “Word” helps clarify the nature of Jesus’ pre-existence.
In John 1:1, it says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Later, in John 1:14, we read that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Many have interpreted this to mean that Jesus, as the “Word,” personally existed with God before the creation of the world and then took on human form. However, the term logos in this passage is better understood as referring to God’s plan and purpose, which was realised and embodied in the person of Jesus.
The Greek word logos commonly means “word,” “reason,” or “plan.” In the context of John’s Gospel, it points to God’s eternal purpose for humanity, particularly His plan of salvation. From the very beginning, God had a plan for redeeming humanity, and this plan became a reality when Jesus was born and lived among us. The “Word becoming flesh” means that God’s purpose, which had existed in His mind from the start, was finally realised in the person of Jesus. Thus, Jesus was not a pre-existing being who came down from heaven, but rather the manifestation of God’s plan for salvation.
This interpretation is supported by other passages in John’s Gospel. For example, in John 17:5, Jesus prays, “And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.” This can be understood as Jesus referring to the glory that was always part of God’s plan for Him. This glory was not something Jesus personally experienced before His birth but was part of the role He was foreordained to play as the Saviour. God’s purpose was always for Jesus to receive this glory after fulfilling His mission on Earth, and Jesus was asking that this planned outcome be realised.
Understanding the “Word” as God’s plan and purpose provides a coherent explanation of Jesus’ pre-existence. Rather than implying that Jesus literally existed as a separate being in heaven before His birth, John is highlighting how central Jesus was to God’s eternal purpose. The Word became flesh when Jesus was born, marking the point at which God’s plan took on human form.
3. Jesus as the Second Adam
The New Testament often refers to Jesus as the “second Adam” or the “last Adam,” drawing a parallel between Adam, the first man, and Jesus, the Saviour of humanity. This comparison further reinforces the idea that Jesus did not personally exist before His birth but was born into the world as a human being to reverse the effects of Adam’s sin.
In 1 Corinthians 15:45, Paul writes, “Thus it is written, ‘The first man Adam became a living being’; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit.” The comparison between Adam and Jesus highlights that just as Adam was the first man and the representative of humanity, Jesus is the representative of the new, redeemed humanity. This understanding rests on the fact that Jesus was born into the world like any other human being, although His conception was miraculous. Just as Adam was created at a specific point in time, Jesus came into existence at a specific point in time to fulfil His role as the Saviour.
Romans 5:12-21 expands on this idea, explaining how Adam’s sin brought death into the world, while Jesus’ righteousness brings life. The parallel between Adam and Jesus only makes sense if Jesus, like Adam, began His life as a human being. There is no indication that Jesus had a pre-human existence, and the emphasis is consistently on His role as the one who, through His obedience, reverses the effects of Adam’s disobedience.
4. The Role of Jesus in God’s Redemptive Plan
Finally, the Bible consistently presents Jesus as the fulfilment of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. This plan, which existed from the foundation of the world, always centred on Jesus as the one who would reconcile humanity to God. However, this does not imply that Jesus personally existed before His birth; rather, it means that His role was established long ago in the mind and purpose of God.
Hebrews 1:1-2 tells us that God “in these last days has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He created the world.” This passage emphasizes that Jesus is the culmination of God’s plan for creation. While it acknowledges Jesus’ central role in God’s purpose, it does not suggest that Jesus was personally involved in the act of creation. Instead, it highlights how Jesus, as the fulfilment of God’s plan, brings about the ultimate renewal of creation.
Throughout the Bible, the focus remains on God’s plan for salvation, with Jesus as the key figure. This plan, foreordained from the beginning, was realised in the person of Jesus, who was born into the world to bring about redemption.
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Understanding Jesus’ pre-existence in light of God’s divine plan offers a coherent and biblically grounded perspective. The Bible consistently speaks of Jesus as the fulfilment of God’s eternal purpose, rather than as a being who personally existed before His birth. From the Old Testament prophecies to the New Testament teachings, the focus remains on Jesus’ role in God’s plan for salvation, a plan that was set in motion long before His birth but was only realised when He came into the world as the Son of God and Son of Man. This view not only aligns with the broader biblical narrative but also deepens our appreciation of Jesus’ unique role as the one through whom God’s eternal purpose is fulfilled.
Addressing Remaining Concerns
While the biblical case for Jesus’ pre-existence being rooted in God’s divine plan is strong, there are certain passages and ideas that some might interpret differently. These interpretations can lead to confusion about whether Jesus personally existed before His birth in Bethlehem. To further clarify this topic, we will address several common concerns and explain how they fit into the understanding of Jesus as the fulfilment of God’s purpose rather than a pre-existing divine being.
1. “Let Us Make Man in Our Image” (Genesis 1:26)
One of the earliest passages sometimes used to suggest Jesus’ pre-existence is Genesis 1:26, where God says, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” The plural language (“us” and “our”) might seem to imply that God was speaking to other divine beings, such as Jesus or the Holy Spirit, before creation. However, a closer examination of Scripture provides a different explanation.
The plural language in this verse is best understood as God addressing His heavenly court, including the angels, who often serve as agents of God’s will. Throughout the Bible, angels are depicted as involved in God’s work, and they are sometimes referred to as being made in God’s image in terms of spiritual and moral likeness. Job 38:7, for example, speaks of angels witnessing and rejoicing at creation. There is no indication in Genesis 1 that Jesus is present as a distinct, pre-existing being. Instead, the use of “us” reflects the cooperation between God and His heavenly messengers during the creative process.
This interpretation aligns with the broader biblical narrative, which presents God as the Creator and angels as His servants. The idea of Jesus being present at creation does not fit with the consistent biblical teaching that Jesus’ life began with His birth through Mary, as prophesied and fulfilled in the Gospels.
2. “Before Abraham Was, I Am” (John 8:58)
In John 8:58, Jesus says, “Before Abraham was, I am.” This statement has often been taken as evidence that Jesus existed before Abraham, perhaps even claiming equality with God through the use of the phrase “I am,” which echoes God’s self-identification to Moses in Exodus 3:14. However, this passage can be better understood in the context of Jesus’ role in God’s eternal plan.
When Jesus says “Before Abraham was, I am,” He is not claiming to have existed in a personal, conscious form before Abraham. Instead, He is speaking of His central place in God’s redemptive plan, which existed long before Abraham. In this sense, Jesus is declaring that His role as the Saviour transcends time. God’s plan for salvation, through Jesus, was set in motion long before Abraham’s life. Jesus’ use of “I am” reflects His role as the fulfilment of God’s eternal purpose, not a literal pre-existence.
Moreover, the religious leaders who heard this statement misunderstood it, assuming that Jesus was claiming to have personally seen Abraham. Jesus clarifies that Abraham “rejoiced to see my day” (John 8:56), meaning that Abraham foresaw, through God’s promises, the coming of the Messiah. This passage highlights Jesus’ unique role in fulfilling God’s promises to Abraham rather than asserting that Jesus physically existed before him.
3. “No One Has Ascended into Heaven” (John 3:13)
John 3:13 says, “No one has ascended into heaven except He who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.” Some interpret this as suggesting that Jesus descended from heaven in a literal, pre-existent form. However, this passage can be understood more clearly when we consider the symbolic language often used in John’s Gospel.
The phrase “descended from heaven” refers to Jesus’ divine mission and authority, not a literal descent from a previous existence in heaven. Just as Jesus’ “coming down from heaven” in other parts of John’s Gospel (such as John 6:38) refers to His being sent by God, this verse speaks to the divine origin of Jesus’ mission, not His personal pre-existence. The emphasis is on Jesus’ authority to reveal heavenly truths and His unique relationship with God, which empowers Him to bring salvation.
4. Colossians 1:15-17 – “Firstborn of All Creation”
Colossians 1:15-17 describes Jesus as the “firstborn of all creation” and says, “For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth.” This passage is sometimes taken to mean that Jesus existed before all creation and that He personally created the world. However, a closer reading of Colossians in context shows that Paul is speaking about Jesus’ role in the new creation—the spiritual renewal that comes through His resurrection and the establishment of His kingdom.
The term “firstborn” refers to Jesus’ pre-eminence in God’s plan, not to a literal birth before the world’s creation. Jesus is the “firstborn” in the sense that He is the first to rise from the dead and the head of the new creation, the church (Colossians 1:18). The phrase “by Him all things were created” refers to the new spiritual life that believers experience through Christ. He is the source of this new creation, just as He is the source of salvation.
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While some passages seem to suggest Jesus’ personal pre-existence, a careful reading shows that these verses point to Jesus’ central role in God’s eternal plan rather than a literal pre-existence before His birth. The Bible consistently emphasizes that Jesus’ life began with His miraculous conception and that His place in God’s plan was foreordained long before. The symbolic and spiritual language found in passages such as John’s Gospel and Colossians highlights Jesus’ divine mission and authority, but they do not require us to believe that He personally existed before His birth. Instead, they reaffirm His unique and vital role as the fulfilment of God’s eternal purpose for salvation.
Understanding the True Nature of Jesus’ Pre-existence
The question of Jesus Christ’s pre-existence is one that has inspired significant reflection, as it touches on His identity, His relationship with God, and His role in the grand plan of salvation. After examining the biblical evidence, it becomes clear that while Jesus is central to God’s eternal purpose, the Bible does not support the idea that He personally existed before His birth in Bethlehem. Instead, the Scriptures present a more profound and coherent understanding: Jesus’ pre-existence is rooted in God’s divine plan, which was established from the very beginning, long before His actual life on Earth began.
The Gospel accounts of Jesus’ birth focus on His miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit and His human birth to the Virgin Mary. These narratives make it evident that Jesus’ existence as the Son of God began with His incarnation. His identity as God’s chosen Saviour was foreordained, but His personal, human life started with His birth. The emphasis on Jesus’ humanity, seen in passages such as Hebrews 2:17-18 and Hebrews 4:15, underscores the necessity of His full participation in the human experience. This understanding aligns with the consistent biblical teaching that Jesus was born into the world as the one who would bring redemption to all people.
Furthermore, Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah consistently point to the future coming of a Saviour, not a pre-existing divine being. Prophecies such as Isaiah 9:6-7 and Micah 5:2 describe a future ruler who will be born and fulfil God’s promises. These passages highlight that Jesus’ birth was the culmination of centuries of divine planning, but they do not suggest that He had already existed before entering the world.
Certain New Testament passages, such as John 1:1-14, John 8:58, and Colossians 1:15-17, have sometimes been interpreted as evidence of Jesus’ personal pre-existence. However, when examined in context, these verses speak more to Jesus’ role in God’s redemptive plan and His divine authority. John’s use of the term “Word” (logos) in John 1 is best understood as referring to God’s eternal purpose, which became fully realised when Jesus was born. Similarly, references to Jesus’ “coming down from heaven” or existing “before Abraham” symbolically refer to His divinely ordained mission, not to a literal pre-existence in heaven.
In addressing these common concerns, it becomes evident that Jesus’ pre-existence is more about His preordained role in God’s plan rather than a personal existence prior to His birth. From the beginning, God had determined that Jesus would be the Saviour through whom the world would be reconciled to Him, but His personal life, ministry, and mission as the Son of God began when He was born into the world.
Ultimately, the Bible presents Jesus as the fulfilment of God’s eternal plan for salvation—a plan that was in place from the foundation of the world but was only fully manifested in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. This understanding of Jesus’ pre-existence deepens our appreciation of His unique role as both the Son of God and the Son of Man, chosen to carry out God’s purpose for humanity. By recognising Jesus’ central place in God’s plan, we gain a clearer, more cohesive picture of His mission and the profound impact of His life on all creation.