The Son of God Was Next in Authority to the Great Lawgiver

The Son of God was next in authority to the great Lawgiver. He knew that His life alone could be sufficient to ransom fallen man. He was of as much more value than man as his noble, spotless character, and exalted office as commander of all the heavenly host, were above the work of man. He was in the express image of his Father, not in features alone, but in perfection of character. — {2SP 9}

Christ is our Example. He was next to God in the heavenly courts. But He came to this earth to live among men. — {Lt 48, 1902, 1NL 114.9}

Christ, the only begotten of the Father, was the express image of his Father's person, the brightness of his glory….  — {SSW November 1, 1895, par. 1}

The Son was the brightness of the Father’s glory, and the express image of his person. He possessed divine excellence and greatness. He was equal with God. It pleased the Father that in him all fullness should dwell.  — {RH December 31, 1872, par. 16; 1872}