Dr. Dan Hayden •
There is a principle of geometry, which says that things equal to the same thing are equal to each other. “Equal/Equality”—that is our word for today.
In Philippians 2:6 it says this about Jesus, “Who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped.” Actually Paul is saying that Jesus is equal with God. The argument goes like this: God is in the form of God, and Jesus is in the form of God (so since things equal to the same thing, are equal to each other); Jesus and God are equal.
This word “equal” is an adjective that literally means “to be the same as something else; to be consistent in essence; to be equal in kind.”
When a Shakespearean actor takes on the role of Hamlet, he assumes the identity of a 16th Century character in England. He looks like Hamlet, talks like Hamlet, acts like Hamlet. But in actuality, the Hamlet in the Shakespearean play and the actor, who has his own real life, are actually “the same person.” The actor and Hamlet, in the play, are “equal.” There is no difference between them.
Now that is the idea being expressed in Philippians 2:6. Jesus on the stage of world history is actually God, taking on the role of being our Savior. Jesus and God are actually the same Person. They are equal.
Now you know the real meaning of the word equal/equality.
Say—even though Jesus looked like a Jew, and dressed like a peasant, He is actually God.