One Who Is
The master said, “Blessings on one who is before coming into being. For whoever is, was and will be.”
The Lord said, “blessed is he who is [known by the Father before being formed in the womb] before he came into being [sown in a physical body]. for he who is [from the Father], has been [predestined in His thoughts] and shall be [become a glorified begotten son!]." (Philip 42)
Title: The Preeminence of One Who Is: A Biblical Reflection
Introduction:
In the Gospel of Philip, a profound statement is made about the blessings bestowed upon "one who is" before coming into being. This concept resonates deeply with passages from the Bible, particularly in Jeremiah 1:5 and Romans 4:17, shedding light on the preeminence of individuals known by God before their physical existence.
Jeremiah 1:5:
In Jeremiah 1:5, the prophet receives a divine revelation: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." This verse underscores the predestined nature of individuals in the eyes of God. Even before conception, God has a purpose and plan for each person, emphasizing the divine knowledge and sovereignty over human existence.
Romans 4:17:
The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, reflects on the faith of Abraham, stating, "As it is written: 'I have made you a father of many nations.' He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not." Here, Paul highlights the creative power of God, who brings forth existence from non-existence. This verse underscores the divine authority to call into being that which is not, affirming the preeminence of God's will over human life.
Interpretation:
When considering the statement from the Gospel of Philip alongside these biblical passages, it becomes evident that the emphasis is not on pre-existence in a literal sense but on the preeminence of individuals in the divine plan. "One who is" is not merely someone who existed before birth but someone who holds a unique position in God's design, marked by divine foreknowledge and predestination.
The Gospel of Philip invites contemplation on the eternal perspective of God, who transcends time and sees the entirety of human existence. From God's vantage point, the past, present, and future are interconnected, and individuals are known and cherished before they enter the temporal realm.
Application:
As believers reflect on the concept of "one who is" in light of biblical teachings, several implications emerge for their faith and understanding of God's plan:
1. Identity and Purpose: Recognizing that one is known and valued by God before birth affirms a sense of identity and purpose. Each person is not a product of chance but a deliberate creation of God, endowed with unique gifts and a specific calling.
2. Trust in God's Sovereignty: Embracing the preeminence of God's will instills trust in His sovereignty over every aspect of life. Even in times of uncertainty, believers can rest assured that God's plans for them are secure and purposeful.
3. Responsiveness to Divine Calling: Understanding that God appoints individuals for specific roles encourages responsiveness to His calling. Like Jeremiah, believers are called to fulfill their divine purpose with faith and obedience, trusting in God's provision and guidance.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the statement "Blessings on one who is before coming into being" from the Gospel of Philip, alongside passages from Jeremiah and Romans, illuminates the preeminence of individuals in God's divine plan. While not implying literal pre-existence, this concept emphasizes the eternal perspective of God and the significance of divine foreknowledge and predestination. As believers contemplate their identity, purpose, and response to God's calling, they are reminded of the profound truth that they are known and cherished by God before the foundation of the world.
Title: The Preeminence of Being: Insights from the Gospel of Philip