As someone who has traversed a complex spiritual and ideological journey—from being a devout Muslim and leader in Islamic organizations to a Christian conservative and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—I have grappled deeply with theological concepts that define my faith today. One of the most profound questions that challenges both Christians and skeptics alike is this: If "Christ" means "the chosen one," how could He, as God, have chosen Himself?
To answer this, we must delve into the dual nature of Jesus Christ as both fully God and fully man, a foundational doctrine of Christianity. The term "Christ" derives from the Greek word Christos, which translates the Hebrew Mashiach (Messiah), meaning "anointed one" or "chosen one." This title signifies the fulfillment of divine prophecy: that God would send a Savior to redeem humanity. Yet, as Christians, we also proclaim that Jesus is God incarnate—the eternal Word made flesh (John 1:14).
The Paradox of the Chosen One
From a purely human perspective, the idea of choosing oneself seems contradictory. How can someone be "chosen" if there is no external chooser? However, the nature of God transcends human logic. Jesus Christ, as God, is not subject to external authority because He is the ultimate authority. In the words of the Book of Isaiah: "I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God" (Isaiah 45:5, NIV).
When Jesus declared, "I and the Father are one" (John 10:30), He affirmed His divine identity. As God, Jesus exists outside the constraints of time, space, and causality. Therefore, His "choosing" Himself is not a narcissistic act but a divine decision rooted in His eternal love for humanity. This aligns with LDS teachings, which emphasize Jesus as the preexistent Jehovah who voluntarily accepted the role of Savior in the Grand Council of Heaven.
Chosen Before the Foundation of the World
The Apostle Paul provides further clarity in Ephesians 1:4, stating that believers were "chosen in Him before the foundation of the world." If we, as finite beings, were chosen by God in eternity, how much more does this apply to Christ, who exists eternally as part of the Godhead? His mission was foreordained, and His choice to incarnate and sacrifice Himself was an act of divine will—both sovereign and selfless.
The Anointing of the Son
Jesus' baptism offers a powerful image of His anointing and divine chosenness. As He emerged from the water, the heavens opened, and a voice declared, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17). Here, we see the Father acknowledging the Son’s mission, while the Holy Spirit descends like a dove. This Trinitarian event underscores the unity of purpose within the Godhead.
Jesus did not anoint Himself in the sense of a unilateral action. Rather, His anointing as the Christ was a manifestation of divine harmony between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—an eternal agreement that transcends human understanding.
The Example of Divine Humility
What makes Christ’s choice so compelling is not merely its divine nature but its profound humility. Philippians 2:6-8 describes how Jesus, "being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant." The One who chose Himself did so not for personal gain but to reconcile humanity with God.
For me, as an Iranian-American ex-Muslim, this self-sacrifice starkly contrasts with the Islamic portrayal of God (Allah) as a distant, impersonal deity. The God of Christianity is deeply relational, willing to enter human history and suffer alongside His creation.
Conclusion
In answering the question, "Did Christ choose Himself?" the resounding answer is yes—but not in the human sense of self-promotion. As God, Jesus’ choice was a divine act of love, preordained before the world began, and rooted in His eternal nature. He did not choose Himself to exalt His position but to lower Himself for our salvation. This truth has profoundly shaped my faith, demonstrating that true leadership and divinity are found in selfless love and sacrifice.
Citations
- John 1:14, Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV)
- Isaiah 45:5, Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV)
- Matthew 3:17, Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)
- Philippians 2:6-8, Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV)
- Ephesians 1:4, Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV)
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