Adoptionism: A Biblical View
January 17, 2022
G.D.O'Bradovich III
Introduction
In “An Attempt to Date Christian Heresies”, the majority of the prominent historical Christian heresies were researched for the purpose of having a general outlook.
A Christological theory which states that Jesus Christ is the son of God only by adoption, and is not coeternal with the Father. Also called dynamic monarchianism. Adoptionism has been proposed in various forms since at least the 2nd cent. a.d. (when it was condemned as heresy by Pope Victor I). The most prominent espousal of Adoptionism was in 8th-cent. Spain, by the followers of Elipandus, bishop of Cordoba, and Felix, bishop of Urgell.
Oxford English Dictionary, Adoptionism
Although Adoptionsim is dated to the alleged second century, the first documented usage of “adoptionism” in the English language was not until the nineteenth century. From this fact, it can be concluded that either Adoptionism was not ancient heresy as is claimed or that England was isolated and ignorant of the developments of Christology for over a millennium.
Adoptionism is a Christian belief that Jesus was not God or divine until either his baptism, resurrection, or ascension.
Adoptionism is a Christian belief that Jesus was not God or divine until either his baptism, resurrection, or ascension.
“Adoptionism denies the eternal pre-existence of Christ…. Under adoptionism Jesus is currently divine and has been since his adoption, although he is not equal to the Father, per [Jesus’ statement that] "my Father is greater than I" [John 14:28] …. Adoptionism is sometimes ... related to denial of the virgin birth of Jesus.” Wikipedia, Adoptionism
“Adoptionism arose among early Christians seeking to reconcile the claims that Jesus was the Son of God with the radical monotheism of Judaism, in which the concept of a trinity of divine persons in one Godhead was unacceptable.” New World Encyclopedia, Adoptionism
The BlueLetterBible.org was consulted for the Greek text and translations.
The baptism of jesus in the gospel of Matthew
And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God [πνεῦμα τοῦ θεοῦ] descending like a dove and lighting upon him and lo a voice from heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17
Jesus sees “the Spirit of God descending like a dove”.
The baptism of jesus in the gospel of Mark
And straightway coming up out of the water, he [Jesus, v.9] saw the heavens opened and the Spirit [πνεῦμα] like a dove descending upon him and there came a voice from heaven, saying, “Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Mark 1:10-11
Jesus sees the “Spirit like a dove descending upon him”
the baptism of jesus in the gospel of luke
In the Gospel of Luke, it is not certain who saw the “Holy Ghost” descending like a dove upon Jesus and it seems that Jesus is not baptized by John, as John was in prison [3:20]. Further on, John the Baptist states that he does not know whether Jesus is the Messiah or not:
And John, calling unto him two of his disciples. sent them to Jesus, saying, “Art thou he that should come or look we for another?” Luke 7:19
The book of Acts records that many years after Jesus’ resurrection, there were disciples who only knew of John’s baptism:
He [Paul, v.1] said unto them [certain disciples, v.1], “Have ye received the Holy Ghost [πνεῦμα ἅγιον] since ye believed?” and they said unto him, “We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost [πνεῦμα ἅγιον] ” and he said unto them, “Unto what then were ye baptized?” and they said, “Unto John's baptism.” Acts 19:2-3
It is evident from the book of Acts that one can be a “disciple” without either a knowledge of Jesus or the reception of the Holy Ghost.
Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized and praying, the heaven was opened and the Holy Ghost [πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον] descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him and a voice came from heaven which said, “Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.” Luke 3:21-22
the baptism of jesus in the gospel of john
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him and saith, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, ‘After me cometh a man which is preferred before me, for he was before me’ and I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.” And John bare record, saying, “I saw the Spirit [πνεῦμα] descending from heaven like a dove and it abode upon him and I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, ‘Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit [πνεῦμα] descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.[πνεύματι ἁγίῳ] ’” John 1:29-33
In the fourth Gospel, John the Baptist states the “knew him [Jesus] not”. Unlike the Synoptic Gospels, it is John the Baptist who sees “the Spirit” descending like a dove upon Jesus.
The four accounts compared
Gospel
Matthew Mark Luke John |
The dove was
the Spirit of God the Spirit Holy Ghost the Spirit |
τὸ πνεῦμα τοῦ θεοῦ τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον τὸ πνεῦμα |
and seen by
Jesus Jesus Uncertain John the Baptist |
Strong's G5616 ὡσεί hōsei adverb
The KJV translates Strong's G5616 as: about (18), as (7), like (5), as it had been (2), as it were (1), like as (1).
The KJV translates Strong's G5616 as: about (18), as (7), like (5), as it had been (2), as it were (1), like as (1).
Jesus “saw the Spirit of God descending like G5616 a dove…” Matthew 3:16
Jesus saw “the Spirit like G5616 a dove descending upon him…” Mark 1:10
Jesus saw “the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like G5616 a dove upon him…”
Luke 3:22
John “saw the Spirit descending from heaven like G5616 a dove and it abode upon him [Jesus].” John 1:32
Strong's G2064 ἔρχομαι erchomai verb
The KJV translates Strong's G2064 as: come (616), go (13), miscellaneous (13), variations of 'come' (1).
The KJV translates Strong's G2064 as: come (616), go (13), miscellaneous (13), variations of 'come' (1).
The Spirit of God descended “like a dove and lighting G2064 upon him: [Jesus]” Matthew 3:16
Strong's G2597 καταβαίνω katabainō verb
The KJV translates Strong's G2597 as: come down (41), descend (18), go down (17), fall down (1), step down (1), get down (1), fall (1), variations of 'come down' (1).
The KJV translates Strong's G2597 as: come down (41), descend (18), go down (17), fall down (1), step down (1), get down (1), fall (1), variations of 'come down' (1).
Jesus saw “the Spirit like a dove descending G2597 upon him:” Mark 1:10
The “Holy Ghost descended G2597 in a bodily shape like a dove upon him [Jesus] Luke 3:22
Strong's G3306 μένω menō verb
The KJV translates Strong's G3306 as: abide (61), remain (16), dwell (15), continue (11), tarry (9), endure (3), miscellaneous (5).
Strong's G3306 μένω menō verb
The KJV translates Strong's G3306 as: abide (61), remain (16), dwell (15), continue (11), tarry (9), endure (3), miscellaneous (5).
John the Baptist “saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove and it abode G3306 upon him [Jesus]” John 1:32
support in the gospels for adoptionism at jesus' baptism
The belief for adoptionism at Jesus’ baptism has support from the Gospels, as all accounts agree that the first miracles occur after his baptism.
Matthew 3:16-17 Baptism.
Matthew 8:14-15 Jesus heals Peter’s mother in law.
Mark 1:10-11 Baptism.
Mark 1:21-26 Jesus performs an exorcism in Capernaum.
Luke 3:21-22 Baptism.
Luke 4:31-35 Jesus performs an exorcism in Capernaum.
John 1:29-33 Baptism.
John 2:1-10 Jesus turns water into wine at the marriage in Cana.
Although only the accounts of Mark and Luke agree upon the specific miracle after Jesus’ baptism, all four Gospels are consistent that the first miracles occur after his baptism.
Matthew 3:16-17 Baptism.
Matthew 8:14-15 Jesus heals Peter’s mother in law.
Mark 1:10-11 Baptism.
Mark 1:21-26 Jesus performs an exorcism in Capernaum.
Luke 3:21-22 Baptism.
Luke 4:31-35 Jesus performs an exorcism in Capernaum.
John 1:29-33 Baptism.
John 2:1-10 Jesus turns water into wine at the marriage in Cana.
Although only the accounts of Mark and Luke agree upon the specific miracle after Jesus’ baptism, all four Gospels are consistent that the first miracles occur after his baptism.
saint paul and adoptionism
Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh and declared to be the Son of God with power... by the resurrection from the dead: Romans 1:3-
It seems that Saint Paul is unaware of the virgin birth, since he states the Jesus is from the line of David “according to the flesh”. It is possible that Saint Paul knows of the circumstances and various accounts of Jesus’ birth, however, Saint Paul has no concern for any elements of Jesus’ life, other than his crucifixion:
For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
1 Corinthians 2:2
Saint Paul writes that genealogies and fables bring questions to the reader
Neither give heed to fables G3454 and endless genealogies, G1076 which minister questions...
1 Timothy 1:4
But refuse profane and old wives' fables G3454 .... 1 Timothy 4:7
Not giving heed to Jewish fables G3454 ... that turn from the truth. Titus 1:14
But avoid foolish questions and genealogies, G1076 …. Titus 3:9
Saint Paul’s advice to both Timothy and Titus is consistent: they should ignore “fables” and “genealogies”. The Epistle from Simon Peter agrees with Saint Paul
For we have not followed cunningly devised fables G3454 ... Simon Peter 1:1
Strong's G3454 μῦθος mythos masculine noun
The KJV translates Strong's G3454 as: fable (5).
Strong's G1076 γενεαλογία genealogia feminine noun
The KJV translates Strong's G1076 as: genealogy (2).
The KJV translates Strong's G3454 as: fable (5).
Strong's G1076 γενεαλογία genealogia feminine noun
The KJV translates Strong's G1076 as: genealogy (2).
Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was ... declared to be the Son of God ... by the resurrection from the dead [ἀναστάσεως νεκρῶν]: Romans 1:3-4
Per Saint Paul, Jesus Christ became the Son of God not at his resurrection, but “by the resurrection from the dead”. It is not clear if “the resurrection from the dead” is available to everyone or exclusivity to Jesus Christ. We suggest the former, as Saint Paul writes:
If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 1 Corinthians 15:19
Therefore, adoptionism at Jesus’ resurrection has support from the Pauline Epistles.
Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already and overthrow the faith of some. 2 Timothy 2:18
Saint Paul states that it is erroneous to teach that the resurrection is a past event.
Thou madest G1642 him [man, v. 6] a little G1024 lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Hebrews 2:7
But we see Jesus, who was made G1642 a little G1024 lower than the angels for the suffering of death... that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. Hebrews 2:9
According to Saint Paul, Jesus was “made” lower than the angels and it is reasonable to conclude that Jesus was neither pre-existent nor God.
Strong’s G1642 ἐλαττόω elattoō verb
The KJV translates Strong's G1642 as: make lower (2), decrease (1).
Strong’s G1024 βραχύς brachys adjective
The KJV translates Strong's G1024 as: a little (4), a little space (1), a little while (1), few words (1).
Strong’s G1642 ἐλαττόω elattoō verb
The KJV translates Strong's G1642 as: make lower (2), decrease (1).
Strong’s G1024 βραχύς brachys adjective
The KJV translates Strong's G1024 as: a little (4), a little space (1), a little while (1), few words (1).
[Christ Jesus, v. 5] being in the form G3444 of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself [Christ Jesus, v. 5] of no reputation and took upon him the form G3444 of a servant and was made in the likeness G3667 of men: Philippians 2:6-7
Strong's G3444 μορφή morphē feminine noun
The KJV translates Strong's G3444 as: form (3).
Strong's G3667 ὁμοίωμα homoiōma neuter noun
The KJV translates Strong's G3667 as: likeness (3), made like to (1), similitude (1), shape (1)
The KJV translates Strong's G3444 as: form (3).
Strong's G3667 ὁμοίωμα homoiōma neuter noun
The KJV translates Strong's G3667 as: likeness (3), made like to (1), similitude (1), shape (1)
And being found in fashion G4976 as a man, he [Christ Jesus, v. 5] humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Phillipians 2:8
Strong's G4976 σχῆμα schēma neuter noun
The KJV translates Strong's G4976 as: fashion (2).
These three consecutive verses [Philippians 2:6-8] can be understood as Jesus being inferior to God at a point in time and, therefore, he was not always God.
The KJV translates Strong's G4976 as: fashion (2).
These three consecutive verses [Philippians 2:6-8] can be understood as Jesus being inferior to God at a point in time and, therefore, he was not always God.
I [Jesus] go unto the Father, for my Father is greater than G3817 I. John 14:28
Strong's G3187 μείζων meizōn comparative
The KJV translates Strong's G3187 as: greater (34), greatest (9), elder (1), more (1).
From the Greek text and English transliteration, it is undeniable that Jesus states that his Father is greater he is
The KJV translates Strong's G3187 as: greater (34), greatest (9), elder (1), more (1).
From the Greek text and English transliteration, it is undeniable that Jesus states that his Father is greater he is
Jesus saith unto her [Mary, v. 16] Touch me not, for I am not yet ascended to my Father, but go to my brethren and say unto them, “I ascend unto my Father and your Father and to my God and your God.” John 20:17
It is clear that Jesus will ascend to his Father and his God.
Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him [Jesus, v. 17], because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal G2470 with God.
John 5:18
Strong's G2470 ἴσος isos adjective
The KJV translates Strong's G2470 as: equal (4), agree together (with G2258) (2), as much (1), like (1).
The statement that one declaring one’s God is one’s Father is equivalent to saying that one equal with God is a sham, as Psalm 82:6, which Jesus quotes in John 10:34-35, states: “I have said, ‘Ye are gods and all of you are children of the most High.’”
The KJV translates Strong's G2470 as: equal (4), agree together (with G2258) (2), as much (1), like (1).
The statement that one declaring one’s God is one’s Father is equivalent to saying that one equal with God is a sham, as Psalm 82:6, which Jesus quotes in John 10:34-35, states: “I have said, ‘Ye are gods and all of you are children of the most High.’”
Who [Christ Jesus, v. 5], being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal G2470 with God: Philippians 2:6
conclusion
One reasonable conclusion from this essay is that sufficient Biblical support exists for Adoptionism.
An inference of this research is that most, if not all, Christian heresies can be bolstered by appealing to certain Biblical texts.
The best evidence for the innumerable contradictions that exist in the Bible is the tens of thousands of protestant denominations that agreement the Bible is their standard, yet, there exists are insurmountable disagreements.
From the divergent protestant communities, it follows that any appeal to authority of a given Biblical text lacks merit, since one cannot be certain which interpretation should prevail. As the Bible is a large book [783,137 words in the KJV], there is no doubt that whatever opinion one has on a given position that has Biblical support, the possibly exists that conflicting texts can be found.
We are now in a position to state that Adoptionism is a heresy, not because there are Biblical verses that conflict with this view, but because Adoptionism is condemned by the ancient Churches [Roman and Orthodox].
Generally speaking, mainline protestant churches accept many teachings and tradictions not found in the Bible, but are found, and have their origin, in the Roman and Orthodox Churches. As an example, mainline protestant churches do not condemn trimming Christmas trees, whereas certain Christian denominations prohibit their followers from decorating trees, as the Bible is clear:
An inference of this research is that most, if not all, Christian heresies can be bolstered by appealing to certain Biblical texts.
The best evidence for the innumerable contradictions that exist in the Bible is the tens of thousands of protestant denominations that agreement the Bible is their standard, yet, there exists are insurmountable disagreements.
From the divergent protestant communities, it follows that any appeal to authority of a given Biblical text lacks merit, since one cannot be certain which interpretation should prevail. As the Bible is a large book [783,137 words in the KJV], there is no doubt that whatever opinion one has on a given position that has Biblical support, the possibly exists that conflicting texts can be found.
We are now in a position to state that Adoptionism is a heresy, not because there are Biblical verses that conflict with this view, but because Adoptionism is condemned by the ancient Churches [Roman and Orthodox].
Generally speaking, mainline protestant churches accept many teachings and tradictions not found in the Bible, but are found, and have their origin, in the Roman and Orthodox Churches. As an example, mainline protestant churches do not condemn trimming Christmas trees, whereas certain Christian denominations prohibit their followers from decorating trees, as the Bible is clear:
For the customs of the people [the heathens, v. 2] are vain, for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold. They fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. Jeremiah 10:3-4
According to the U.N., only 7.1% of Israel is forested and we conclude that the custom of removing trees and decorating them was very popular for a long period of time.
The mainline protestant churches acknowledge that the unified Christian Church created dogmas, not by human reasoning, but through Divine Revelation, whose validity is neither in doubt nor questioned. If the mainline protestant churches believed that the ancient dogmas were the result of human reasoning, then, in all likelihood, they would not accept these teachings.
If Divine Revelation did not guide the ancient Church, then why do mainline protestant churches maintain certain dogmas, such as the doctrines of the Trinity and the Incarnation, which are impossible to understand? We write “impossible to understand” as these teachings are a “mystery”: the Trinity is not three Gods, but one God; the Incarnation is the result of the God being limited by matter, space, and time.
The mainline protestant churches acknowledge that the unified Christian Church created dogmas, not by human reasoning, but through Divine Revelation, whose validity is neither in doubt nor questioned. If the mainline protestant churches believed that the ancient dogmas were the result of human reasoning, then, in all likelihood, they would not accept these teachings.
If Divine Revelation did not guide the ancient Church, then why do mainline protestant churches maintain certain dogmas, such as the doctrines of the Trinity and the Incarnation, which are impossible to understand? We write “impossible to understand” as these teachings are a “mystery”: the Trinity is not three Gods, but one God; the Incarnation is the result of the God being limited by matter, space, and time.
appendix 1
These views are considered heresies by the Roman and Greek Churches, as both teach that Jesus was always divine and always existed, being both fully human and fully God.
“Arianism did not endorse divinity, Ebionism argued Jesus was an ordinary mortal, while Gnosticism held docetic views which argued Christ was a spiritual being who only appeared to have a physical body.” Wikipedia, Christology
appendix 2
The Nicene Creed states that Jesus was “begotten of the Father before all worlds”.
Latin: “et ex Patre natum ante ómnia sǽcula”
Greek: “τὸν ἐκ τοῦ Πατρὸς γεννηθέντα πρὸ πάντων τῶν αἰώνων G165”
Greek Transliteration: “tón ek toú Patrós gennithénta pró pánton tón aiónon.”
Strong's G165 αἰών aiōn masculine noun
The KJV translates Strong's G165 as: ever (71), world (38), never (with G3364) (with G1519) (with G3588) (6), evermore (4), age (2), eternal (2), miscellaneous (5).
The Nicene Creed states that Jesus “was begotten, not made”.
Latin: “génitum, non factum”
Greek:“γεννηθέντα οὐ ποιηθέντα”
Greek Transliteration:“gennithénta ou poiithénta”
The Nicene Creed states that Jesus “was made man”.
Latin: “et homo factus est”
Greek: “καὶ ἐνανθρωπήσαντα”
Greek Transliteration: “kaí enanthropísanta...”
Latin: “et ex Patre natum ante ómnia sǽcula”
Greek: “τὸν ἐκ τοῦ Πατρὸς γεννηθέντα πρὸ πάντων τῶν αἰώνων G165”
Greek Transliteration: “tón ek toú Patrós gennithénta pró pánton tón aiónon.”
Strong's G165 αἰών aiōn masculine noun
The KJV translates Strong's G165 as: ever (71), world (38), never (with G3364) (with G1519) (with G3588) (6), evermore (4), age (2), eternal (2), miscellaneous (5).
The Nicene Creed states that Jesus “was begotten, not made”.
Latin: “génitum, non factum”
Greek:“γεννηθέντα οὐ ποιηθέντα”
Greek Transliteration:“gennithénta ou poiithénta”
The Nicene Creed states that Jesus “was made man”.
Latin: “et homo factus est”
Greek: “καὶ ἐνανθρωπήσαντα”
Greek Transliteration: “kaí enanthropísanta...”