Correct brother.
John 3:13 states: “And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.” (Textus Receptus).
This verse contains profound Christological and theological implications, particularly concerning the preexistence and nature of the one who "descended." The key question centers on whether the one who descended was a created being or not.
1. Preexistence of the Son of Man
The statement presupposes that the Son of Man existed before his incarnation. This aligns with other texts that affirm Jesus' preexistence, such as John 1:1-3, which declares:
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made."
If "all things" were made by him, this excludes him from being a created being, as he is identified as the Creator.
2. Descended from Heaven
The phrase "descended from heaven" reflects the Son of Man's divine origin and nature. Philippians 2:6-7 offers a significant commentary on this descent:
"Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men."
The one who descended was in the morphē theou (form of God) prior to taking on human likeness,
emphasizing his divine essence rather than a created status.
3. Not a Created Being
Colossians 1:15-17 reinforces the Son's uncreated nature:
"Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible... And he is before all things, and by him all things consist."
The title "firstborn" (prōtotokos) is best understood as a position of preeminence rather than indicating created origin. Christ is "before all things," and his role in sustaining creation affirms his divine eternality.
4. Christ's Own Testimony
In John 17:5, Jesus prays:
"And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was."
This prayer clearly points to the Son's shared divine glory with the Father before creation, showing his eternal nature.
5. LXX and Typological Considerations
Though not explicit in John 3:13, passages like Proverbs 8:22-31 (understood typologically by some early Christians) emphasize the wisdom of God as a preexistent, active agent in creation. These descriptions often find fulfillment in Christ as the divine Logos, not as a created being but as eternal wisdom personified.
Conclusion from Scripture
The "Son of Man" who descended from heaven was not a created being. Instead, he was the eternal, divine Word of God, coexistent with the Father, who took on human nature in the incarnation. His preexistence, divine works, and relationship with the Father affirm his uncreated and eternal essence.
Your question to
@face2face is valid but see for yourself how he's "dancing around"
J.