Anakalypsis / Unveiling the Word

Preincarnate Appearances of Christ

secondary Christology sub-doctrine of The Divinity of Christ

Certain Old Testament appearances of God are appearances of the preincarnate Son.

This doctrine distinguishes traditions but is not a boundary of orthodoxy.

What the traditions say

Patristic affirms_strongly Patristic

Justin Martyr and Irenaeus taught that the "Angel of the LORD" and other OT theophanies were appearances of the pre-incarnate Logos.

Eastern Orthodox affirms Orthodox

The Orthodox liturgy and iconographic tradition frequently identify OT theophanies with the Logos. The Rublev Trinity icon depicts the three visitors at Mamre as the Trinity.

Reformed affirms Reformed

Common Reformed position following the Fathers. Calvin cautiously affirmed it. Many Reformed theologians identify the Angel of the LORD as the Son.

Roman Catholic nuances Catholic

Augustine argued that OT theophanies were mediated by created angels, not direct appearances of the Son. Catholic teaching is open but not definitive on this point.

Key scriptures

  • Exod 3:2 — And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.
  • Gen 18:1 — And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;
  • John 8:58 — Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
  • Josh 5:14 — And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?
  • Judg 13:18 — And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is secret?

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