Biblical Answer

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Your Question:

How does the concept of 'kenosis' in Philippians 2:5-11 inform our understanding of the nature of God and the incarnation?

Answer:

Step 1: Understanding the concept of 'kenosis'

The concept of 'kenosis' refers to the idea that Jesus Christ, during his incarnation, gave up some of his divine attributes while on earth as a man. This understanding is often derived from Philippians 2:5-11, where Jesus is described as emptying himself, taking on the form of a servant, and being made in human likeness. However, this interpretation has been subject to debate among scholars.

Step 2: Examining the traditional understanding of Philippians 2:6-7

The traditional understanding of Philippians 2:6-7 suggests that Jesus emptied himself of some of his divine attributes, perhaps even his deity itself. This view has been criticized for being too easily confused with the full-blown kenosis theory, which holds that Christ gave up some of his divine attributes while on earth. Instead, it is proposed that Jesus did not regard his equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself by taking on the form of a servant and being made in human likeness.

Step 3: Interpreting the concept of 'kenosis' in Philippians 2:7

A more nuanced understanding of Philippians 2:7 suggests that Jesus did not give up any of his divine attributes, but rather took on human attributes, including a bodily form. This interpretation is supported by the concept of the "pleroma" in Colossians 2:9, which describes the fullness of Christ's deity. When Jesus says he made himself nothing, it is likely that he meant he gave up the privileges and honors that he deserved, but not his divine nature itself. This understanding highlights the importance of understanding the nature of God and the incarnation in a way that is consistent with biblical teachings.

The final answer is: There is no final numerical answer to this question as it is a theological and biblical analysis. However, the answer provides a comprehensive and organized explanation of the concept of 'kenosis' in Philippians 2:5-11, its relationship to the nature of God and the incarnation, and the importance of understanding this concept in a way that is consistent with biblical teachings.

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