One Who Is The Gospel of Philip

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

In the Gospel of Philip, a profound blessing is pronounced upon "one who is before coming into being." This enigmatic statement beckons deeper reflection, resonating with theological themes found throughout scripture. Through a lens of Christian interpretation, this declaration illuminates the timeless truth of divine preeminence and predestination.

Jeremiah 1:5 offers insight into the notion of preexistence, as the prophet Jeremiah receives a divine commission: "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." Here, God's omniscience is revealed, indicating a foreknowledge that transcends temporal boundaries. Similarly, Romans 8:29 speaks of predestination, affirming, "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son." These passages unveil the profound mystery of God's sovereign plan, wherein individuals are known and chosen before the foundation of the world.

In the Gospel of Philip, the blessing extends beyond mere existence to encompass the eternal significance of being. It underscores the divine favor bestowed upon those who are recognized by the Father prior to their earthly manifestation. This recognition transcends the limitations of physical birth, pointing to a deeper, spiritual reality. Just as Jeremiah was known and appointed before his conception, so too are believers predestined for divine purposes.

The Gospel of Philip emphasizes not only the temporal aspect of being but also its eternal dimension. The statement "whoever is, was, and will be" encapsulates the timeless nature of existence, rooted in the eternal purposes of God. This echoes the words of Jesus in Revelation 1:8, where he declares, "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." Here, Christ asserts his eternal sovereignty over all existence, past, present, and future.

Moreover, the blessing pronounced in the Gospel of Philip speaks to the preeminence of those who are known by the Father. This preeminence does not imply a literal preexistence but rather a divine recognition and favor that transcend earthly limitations. Just as Jesus affirmed his preeminence as the Son of God, so too are believers elevated to a position of honor and privilege through their relationship with the Father.

The concept of preeminence resonates throughout scripture, illustrating the exalted status of those who are chosen by God. Ephesians 1:4-5 declares, "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will." Here, the apostle Paul elucidates the divine purpose behind predestination, highlighting the intimacy of the Father's love and the privileged status of believers as adopted children.

In conclusion, the blessing pronounced in the Gospel of Philip echoes the timeless truths of divine preeminence and predestination found throughout scripture. It invites believers to contemplate the eternal significance of their existence and the sovereign plan of God that encompasses past, present, and future. Through a deeper understanding of these truths, believers are empowered to embrace their identity as chosen and beloved children of God, destined for glory and eternal communion with the Father.