1. It is believed that Jesus came to Earth at various times before the New Testament, including once as Melchizedek. (Gen. 14:18-20, Psalm 110:4). However, Hebrews 7:3 provides the comparison "like the Son of God" which argues against such an interpretation.

   The above interpretation is in dispute. For example:

   Melchizedek was, as the author of Hebrews states: “made like unto the Son of God, abiding a priest continually” (Heb 7:3). This phrase for “made like unto” means a facsimile, a copy or image, to pass off the shape of (like a spirit), (Strong’s #871). In verse 15 of this same chapter, the author of Hebrews writes ” …for that after the similitude of Melchizedek there arises another priest (Christ)”.

   The author of Hebrews notes that Melchizedek was “made like unto the Son of God”, yet, in verse 15, the Son of God was seen to be “after the similitude of Melchizedek”. Some claim this as evidence that the person of Melchizedek is in fact an example of Christophany.


Christ in the Garden of Eden?
2. Another possible Christophany is in the Garden of Eden, where God walks with Adam and Eve. He also sacrifices animals and covers their nakedness with the skins in Genesis 3:21, indicating a physical presence. Some typological commentators believe that Adam and Eve were shown the plan of salvation, then instructed in blood sacrifice as a memorial.

3. Genesis 16:7-14. The Angel of the LORD appears to a woman named Hagar. The Angel speaks as God in the first-person, and in verse 13 Hagar identifies the visitor as God.

4. Genesis 18. Verse 1 states "The Lord appeared to him in the Plains of Mamre" and goes on to explain. Three men approach Abraham near his tent. He fetchs water and food for them. In verse 13 "The Lord speaks" to him. Identifying one of the men as God.

5. Genesis 22:11-15. The Angel of the LORD appears to Abraham and, again, refers to God in the first-person.

6. Genesis 31:11-13. The Angel of God speaks to Jacob in a dream and tells him "I am the God of Bethel".

7. Genesis 32:22-30. Jacob wrestled with what appeared to be a man, but was actually God.

8. Exodus 3:2-4. The Angel of the LORD appears to Moses in a flame in verse two, and God speaks to Moses from the flame in verse four.

Captain of the Lord's Host
9. The "Man" who appears to Joshua, and identifies Himself as "the commander of the army of the LORD." (Joshua 5:13-15). The standard argument that this was in fact Christ is that He accepted Joshua's prostrate worship, whereas angels refuse such worship; see Revelation 19:9-10. Additionally, He declared the ground to be holy; elsewhere in the Bible, only things or places set aside for God or claimed by Him are called holy; see Exodus 3:5.

10. Numbers 22:22-38. The Angel of the LORD meets the prophet Balaam on the road. In verse 38, Balaam identifies the Angel who spoke to him as God.

11. Judges 2:1-3. The Angel of the LORD appears to Israel and identifies Himself as God.

12. Judges 6:11-23. The Angel of the LORD appears to Gideon. In verse 14 the Angel refers to Himself as God; in verse 21 the Angel allows Gideon to sacrifice to Him as to God, and in verse 22 Gideon fears for his life because he was in the presence of God.

13. Judges 13:3-22. The Angel of the LORD appears to Manoah and his wife to anounce the conception of Samson, and, in verse 22, is identified as God.

14. In Daniel 3:25, a fourth man is seen in the furnace and is described as "The Son of God."

15. In Genesis 5:24, Enoch walked with God. Then was no more, because God took him away. No specific appearance is seen in the text, yet if the term "Walked with God" was literal, it may be assumed that God appeared to Enoch.

16. Genesis 6:9-10, Perhaps the same can be said for Noah whom the Bible says also "Walked with God."