Philippians 2:6-8 describes a profound transformation in Jesus’ status and nature, emphasizing his voluntary transition from divine preexistence to full humanity. The passage begins by acknowledging that Jesus existed in the "form of God," which can be understood as a role or status reflecting divine privilege and authority rather than an immutable essence. Importantly, Jesus did not consider equality with God something to be exploited or retained for his own advantage. Instead, he "emptied himself" (Greek: kenoō), renouncing his divine privileges and willingly taking on the "form of a servant." This act of self-emptying implies a complete relinquishment of his previous divine status, as he embraced the limitations of human existence. By being "made in the likeness of men," Jesus became fully human, participating entirely in human nature without retaining his former divine nature during his earthly life. His humility is further demonstrated by his obedience to the point of death, even a humiliating and painful death on the cross. Since a divine being, by definition, cannot die, this underscores that Jesus fully assumed the vulnerabilities of human nature. From a non-Trinitarian perspective, this passage highlights a clear discontinuity between Jesus’ preexistence in divine form and his earthly life as a human being, making it inaccurate to assert that he remained in nature God while living as a man. Instead, the text emphasizes his total identification with humanity, illustrating the depth of his humility and self-sacrifice. (ChatGPT)
