3655 - The First Step Downward by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, Cal. · Feb 6, 1912

3655 — The First Step Downward

By Editor

Was not Christ's first step downward to lift up the fallen race to take upon Himself the nature of angels? C. B. C.

So it seems to us; and the texts cited by our correspondent show that Christ was indeed called an "Angel." Ex. 3:2, 4, 6; 23:23; 32:34; 33:2; 1 Thess. 4:16. Connect with Ex. 33:14; Isa. 63:9; and Acts 7:38.

The steps in the humiliation of our Lord are set forth in Phil. 2:6-8. Of course in the very beginning Christ gave Himself in purpose, gave Himself just as fully as could be given, and the various steps which He took subsequently were only the carrying out of that first great, holy purpose. "Who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself [the great purpose], taking the form of a servant [becoming an angel], being made in the likeness of men [the next step]; and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross [the final step]." That God's angels are truly servants, see Rev. 19:10, and elsewhere. Also "Questions and Answers," page 19.