Divine Beings and Heavenly Counsels in Patriarchs and Prophets

In the universe described in this opening history, there are two primary divine Beings who share the eternal counsels of the Godhead: the Father and His Son, Jesus ChristPP 34.1. While the universe is populated by a vast, unnumbered host of holy angels and intelligent creatures across many worlds, these two alone stand at the pinnacle of divine authority and mutual understandingPP 34.2+1.

The Eternal Associate

The Sovereign of the universe was not alone in His work of beneficence, for He had an associate—a co-worker who could fully appreciate His purposes and share His joyPP 34.1. This being is Christ, the Word, the only begotten of GodPP 34.1.

• Unity of Nature: Christ was one with the eternal Father—one in nature, in character, and in purposePP 34.1.

• The Only Counselor: He was the only being that could enter into all the counsels and purposes of GodPP 34.1.

• Equality of Authority: The Son of God shared the Father's throne, and the glory of the eternal, self-existent One encircled bothPP 36.2.

The Creation and Governance of the Universe

The Father wrought through His Son in the creation of all heavenly beings and worldsPP 34.2. This shared creative power establishes their unique standing above all other lifePP 34.2.

• Supremacy Over Angels: Although angels are radiant ministers who execute God's will, the Son holds supremacy over them all as the "express image of His person"PP 34.2.

• Universal Allegiance: Before the assembled inhabitants of heaven, it was declared that homage and allegiance were due to Christ just as they were due to the FatherPP 36.2.

• The Foundation of Law: The government of God is based on the law of love, and the happiness of every intelligent being depends on perfect accord with its principlesPP 34.3.

The Distinction of Created Beings

While Lucifer was the highest in power and glory among the inhabitants of heaven—standing as the first of the covering cherubs—he remained a created being and was distinct from the divine SonPP 35.1.

• Lucifer’s Limitation: Despite his high position and the beams of glory that rested upon him, Lucifer did not enter into the purposes of God in the same manner as the SonPP 35.1+1.

• The Root of Rebellion: The great conflict began when Lucifer coveted the homage due alone to the Creator and aspired to the power that was the prerogative of Christ alonePP 35.2.

• A Lesson for All Worlds: God's government includes the inhabitants of all the worlds He created, and the entire universe was to witness the development of sin to understand the immutability of the divine lawPP 41.2+1.

This history affirms that "He that ruleth in the heavens" sees the end from the beginning, and His work remains perfect through the cooperation of the Father and the SonPP 43.1.