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The concept of Form of God in Christianity

The term Form of God in Christianity encompasses the essence and attributes of divinity as possessed by Jesus, signifying His equality with God. Across different denominations, it denotes Christ's divine nature prior to His incarnation, illustrating His humility in becoming man. In Protestantism, it reflects God's non-physical representation, while Catholicism emphasizes the shared divine nature between the Father and the Son. Early Christianity highlights the transcendent reality of God's essence and the true divine nature of Jesus, contrasting it with human-created idols.

Synonyms: Divine nature, Manifestation of god, Sacred presence, Deity, Divinity, Supreme being, Almighty, Creator, Lord, Divine presence, Divine form, Spirit, Celestial being

In Dutch: Vorm van God; In Finnish: Jumalan muoto; In Spanish: Forma de Dios; In German: Gestalt Gottes; In Malay: Bentuk Tuhan; In Swedish: Guds form; In German: Form Gottes; In French: Forme de Dieu

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Form of God'

Christianity Books

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) This refers to the true nature of the divine, which the idols do not possess, as they are merely created by humans and placed in shrines, which are believed to be lifeless.[1] (2) This is where He was previously, and through benevolence, He divested Himself of His glory, that He might be capable of being received by men, as the text suggests.[2] (3) The divine nature of Jesus, which existed before time and is contrasted with the form of a servant that he took on.[3] (4) The representation of God's essence, suggesting that God embodies a certain reality or characteristic that is transcendent yet real.[4] (5) The divine appearance and state of being of Jesus recognized during His transfiguration.[5]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) This signifies a divine aspect, common to both the Father and the Son, and is used to explain their relationship.[6] (2) The divine nature of Christ before assuming a human nature.[7] (3) The divine nature that Christ possesses, as opposed to the form of a servant which signifies His human nature.[8]

From: The city of God

(1) The form of God is what the mediator remained in, while also being higher than the angels, in order to be a mediator.[9]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) This phrase indicates that Jesus, in His heavenly state as man, eternally possesses the essence and appearance of divinity.[10] (2) Refers to the essential divine attributes possessed by Christ, indicating His divinity in a pre-existent state.[11] (3) The nature or essence of God, as referenced in the context of Christ's humility in becoming man.[12]

Significance in Protestantism (Christian movement emphasizing faith and scripture):
Protestantism Books

From: The Existence and Attributes of God

(1) The divine attributes that define God's essence, which Christ maintained even while taking on human form.[13] (2) The representation of God's being in a non-physical sense, often referenced in scripture.[14] (3) The state of being that the Son of God possessed, indicating equality with God without considering it an act of robbery.[15]

Protestantism (or simply the protestant church) is a major branch of Christianity originating from the Reformation in the 16th century, led by figures like Martin Luther. It emphasizes salvation by faith alone and the Bible as the ultimate authority. Variants of Protestantism include Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Methodism and Presbyterianism, each with unique practices but generally united by these core principles.