What time is it?

“And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.” (Matthew 17:2 ESV)

In Philippians 2:7-8, Paul tells us Christ emptied himself of His deity. So, what does that mean? Well, it does not mean He was no longer God. He was, even though false teachers will tell you He was not, or He was a human in “a right relationship with God,” whatever that means. We know this is not correct. What did he do then?

At the mount of transfiguration, Mt. Tabor, Jesus revealed His deity to the three disciples who had accompanied Him. His face shone like the sun. The light of God emanated from Him. He pulled back the cloak of humanity, revealing His holiness. Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus. Again, Jesus was revealing His deity.

Time is a concept we do not consider when we talk about Jesus. Jesus is God He is eternal. He, as part of the Trinity, existed before creation. So, when we think about it, we have a being who has existed in what science calls spatial time, who then becomes incarnate within the confines of temporal time. Jesus has no end but came into a time with a beginning and end to save it from sin. This idea just bakes my noodle every time I think about it.

The apostles on Mt. Tabor essentially watched as the door to spatial time opened, and Moses and Elijah came out. Consider this: We know that when we are resurrected, it is like Jesus’s resurrection. It results in a bodily resurrection. An eternal body we keep as we enter heaven. If this is the case, Moses and Elijah appeared in bodily form. They were not spirits or ghosts. We can assume this is correct because of Peter's statement, “Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (v.4) Peter saw men standing with Jesus, not Spirits.

What is the point of this writing? I have several. First, false teachers twist scripture to suit their needs. We must have a clear grasp of the truth that is Jesus Christ. Secondly, Jesus is God. He existed before creation and exists today, ruling from heaven until He returns. Third, we are only saved through Jesus Christ; the five Solas make this clear. Lastly, because of the sacrifice of Christ, shedding His blood for our redemption, we will be resurrected. We will be raised and judged, and if we are children of God, we will worship Him in heaven in our eternal bodies. We will want nothing more than to praise the Lamb who was slain.

Beware the wolves in sheep’s clothing. If you know Jesus Christ, you have assurances of eternal life with Him. Do not let the world or the prince of the power of the air tell you otherwise. If you do not know Jesus Christ, do not wait until the eleventh hour; you will be too late. (Thanks, Mike)

Submit to Christ, give your life to Him, and the door to eternal blessings will be made available to you.

The Five Solas

We are saved by:

Sola Scriptura - through Scripture alone

Solus Christus - by Christ alone

Sola Fide - through Faith alone

Sola Gratia - by Grace alone

Soli Deo Gloria - all for the Glory of God alone

Peace and Grace!