How does Romans 9:5 affirm Christ's divine nature and eternal existence? “Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them proceeds the human descent of Christ, who is God over all, forever blessed! Amen.” Christ’s Twofold Description in One Breath • “from them proceeds the human descent of Christ” – affirms His genuine humanity • “who is God over all” – immediately assigns Him absolute deity Why “God over all” Is Unmistakable • The Greek reads: “ὁ ὢν ἐπὶ πάντων Θεός” – literally, “the One being over all, God.” • No article before “God” needed; “θεός” used with “over all” unmistakably marks supreme divinity, not merely a godlike quality. • Placed after the human lineage clause, it sets up a deliberate contrast: the same Person is both descendant according to the flesh and sovereign Deity. Eternal Language, Eternal Existence • “forever blessed” (eis tous aiōnas) carries the standard doxological formula applied to the eternal God (cf. Romans 1:25). • By attaching this praise directly to Christ, Paul ascribes to Him the timeless, unchanging blessedness reserved for God alone (see Hebrews 13:8). Harmony with the Rest of Scripture John 1:1–3,14 – “In the beginning was the Word… and the Word was God… The Word became flesh.” Col 1:15-17 – “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Phil 2:6-11 – “existing in the form of God… every knee should bow.” Heb 1:3 – “the radiance of His glory… sustaining all things by His powerful word.” Mic 5:2 – Messiah’s “origins are from of old, from the days of eternity.” Isa 9:6 – “Mighty God, Everlasting Father” applied to the promised Son. Key Takeaways • Romans 9:5 unites Christ’s true humanity with full, unmatched deity in one verse. • The phrase “God over all” leaves no room for a lesser, created status; it speaks of absolute sovereignty. • “Forever blessed” underscores His eternal, unoriginated nature—He always was, is, and will be. • Paul’s wording echoes Old Testament and apostolic testimonies, forming a consistent biblical witness: Jesus Christ is the eternal God who stepped into history for our redemption. |
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