The Condescension of the Glorified Christ – Philippians 2:6-13
The latter portion of the 'Carmen Christi' (Hymn to Christ) declares the third aspect of essential Christology: Exaltation or glorification. This text also includes immediately the ramifications of the doctrine of Christ as we note in verse 10 ...every knee bows and tongue must confess Jesus is Lord to the glory of the Father (by surrender or subjection). In addition the practical outworking for the church in light of the truths of Christ is outlined in verses 12 & 13. Obedience motivated by the fear of God, even in the unsupervised absence of the apostle... and this work always testifying to the sovereignty of God as ultimately responsible. Understanding the Biblical context of the exalted Christ is key to the worshipful obedience of His church! Perhaps the most dramatic personal testimony of the post-glorification condescension of Christ is the conversion of Saul – soon to be Paul in Acts 9:3-19.