Publisher's Synopsis
This book is about the human nature of Christ. Specifically about the moral or spiritual inheritance through His mother Mary-whether He took man's nature like that of Adam before the Fall (prelapsarian) or like after the Fall (postlapsarian). These two seemingly, mutually-exclusive, versions of Christ have been a very controversial subject in Adventism for some sixty plus years (May 2015). Many have grown weary of the subject, and some have concluded that "it doesn't really matter." It is the purpose of this present book to develop more fully the concept of our new birth experience as a springboard to provide a framework of Christ's nature that embraces all of the Scripture and Spirit of Prophecy statements on His humanity-the one true Christ. It will be found that both positions-pre-Fall and post-Fall-contain essential components to the complete picture. Spiritual truth is arrived at by harmonizing all of the inspired statements on a given subject. Through that method we have arrived at our commonly held beliefs-Saturday sacredness, state of the dead, second coming of Christ, etc. This can also be true regarding Christ's humanity-regarding the true Christ. Knowing the complete attributes of the true Christ will add strength and credibility to the true gospel. We can then lay down our disputes among us and unite in promoting the "one Lord, one faith, and one baptism" so essential to the finishing of the Lord's work in our hearts and on the earth. Preface Why another book about the human nature of Christ? Haven't we covered every aspect of His nature that is necessary for us to know? Well, perhaps not. This book endeavors to tie together some loose threads that have not really been solved yet. First, this subject is never just about the nature of Christ. The issue is much larger. It is about the whole plan of salvation, the gospel, righteousness by faith, and the great controversy between Christ and Satan. Differing views about Christ's human nature radically change our conclusions about how God is solving the problem of sin and rebellion in the universe.hy another book about the human nature of Christ? Haven't we covered every aspect of His nature that is necessary for us to know? Well, perhaps not. This book endeavors to tie together some loose threads that have not really been solved yet. Second, this book addresses the underlying issue in the ongoing debate-the nature of man. When Adam and Eve sinned, everything changed. Suffering and death began, man's nature changed so that rebellion was as natural as breathing, condemnation and annihilation were man's only future, and earth was cut off from heaven. Except for one thing-Christ stepped into the picture. And everything changed again. Mankind received a second chance, annihilation was not inevitable, and most importantly, God placed "enmity" toward Satan in man's nature. Man would not be a helpless slave of Satan, but would have an innate desire to resist him. Third, this book pulls together statements by Ellen White that seem to support opposite conclusions, and shows how they fit together perfectly if loose ends are properly tied off. Inspired statements have a way of harmonizing if we dig down beneath the surface. Fourth, the appendix collection of pioneer writings are valuable resources in this study. This is a significant contribution to a better understanding of God's great plan of salvation. Dennis Priebe Amazing Facts Revivalist
