Divine Beings in Patriarchs and Prophets Chapter One

In the first chapter of Patriarchs and Prophets, there are two distinct divine beings brought to view who existed before the creation of the universe: the eternal Father and His Son, Jesus ChristPP 34.1. While the chapter also describes the holy angels as "heavenly beings," they are identified as created subjects rather than divine beings of the same nature as the GodheadPP 34.2+1.

The Sovereign of the Universe and His Associate 👑

The opening of the great conflict reveals that the Father was not alone in His work of beneficencePP 34.1. He had an associate—a co-worker who could share His joy and appreciate His divine purposesPP 34.1.

• The Eternal Father: He is described as the Sovereign of the universe, "the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity," whose nature and law are lovePP 33.1+1.

• The Only Begotten Son: Christ, the Word, was one with the eternal Father—one in nature, in character, and in purposePP 34.1. He is the only being in the universe who could enter into all the counsels and purposes of GodPP 34.1.

Their Unique Relationship and Equality 🤝

The chapter emphasizes that the Son holds a position of supremacy and equality that sets Him apart from every other being in heavenPP 34.2+1.

• One in Nature: Christ is the "express image" of the Father's person and the "brightness of His glory"PP 34.2.

• Partners in Creation: The Father wrought by His Son in the creation of all heavenly beings; therefore, all things were created by Him and for HimPP 34.2.

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

The Distinction Between the Divine and the Created 🕊️

A clear line is drawn between the divine nature of the Father and Son and the nature of the angels and other created intelligencesPP 34.2+1.

• Angels as Ministers: Though radiant with light and speeding to execute God's will, angels are ministers and subjects who owe homage and allegiance to both the Father and the SonPP 34.2+1.

• Lucifer’s Position: Even Lucifer, who was the highest in power and glory among the inhabitants of heaven and stood in the presence of the Creator, was a created being and not a divine peerPP 35.1+1. His rebellion began specifically because he coveted the homage and power that were the prerogative of Christ alonePP 35.2.

Thus, the divine government is presented as resting upon the foundation of the Father and the Son, whose "counsel of peace" and shared creative power established the order of the universePP 34.1+1. 🌟