In Spite of Persecution - PART 151

Let our heart’s burn within us with desire for the love of our Lord and Saviour.

As a result of the reformation and the Bible now available in one’s mother tongue, the British Isles were alive with revolutionary ideas. One of the more radical groups were the Friends or Quakers and this is evident from the historical record. For Friends, prison doors had become like revolving doors. Controversy over their scriptural beliefs repeatedly brought them to prison. Their boldness in preaching God’s Word reminds one of the early believers recorded in the Bible book of Acts.

As background, the Friends (Quakers) arrived in Boston in the 1650's. There, the Friends were harassed. Laws were passed to drive them out. As more Friends arrived, laws concerning the Friends became stricter. Eventually, it was decided that the penalty of death should be imposed upon Friends who dared to return after they had been expelled by the authorities. In this context, a few Friends became martyrs.

Still, in spite of the persecution, the early Friends preached scriptural teachings that were essentially opposite to the main line religious establishment. One of the doctrines that came to the forefront was their preaching Anti-Trinitarianism. It resulted in fury. The same situation exists even today. I suppose this is where the saying - it is hard to teach an old dog new tricks - is pertinent. Historically, Trinitarian teachings were established as so-called church beliefs in 300-400 AD. These Trinitarian doctrines were adhered to by the Roman church even though there are no scriptures advancing such teaching. The Friends were aware of this inconsistency which situated the reformers between a rock and a hard place.

If this presentation were to be made at the time of the arrival of the Puritans (tagging along with the Friends), where would our lot fall? Possibly, even today wrath arises in religious zealots' hearts as to why someone would have the audacity to oppose church teaching. But it is important to remember that scripture trumps religious interpretation that does not accurately align with the gospel. Certainly, Christians would not oppose church teachings if these teachings were in accord with the King James Version of the scriptures. Note that it was the King James Version that had been diligently prepared by scholars adequately equipped in languages.

As well, we have in past presentations made numerous references as to whether God is three distinct and separate persons in the Godhead, and that these three individual persons are one God. Recall that in Matthew 28:19, the scriptures instruct us to baptise into the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We provided references and citations from Encyclopedias and other scholars that the Roman church altered the text from the original version. Indeed, there is even evidence to suggest that, apparently, the present day pope acknowledges that the alteration occurred in Rome.

Let's be clear. The New Testament nowhere suggests that God is three distinct and separate persons. You are not three persons. You are made in the Image of God. You are created in a son body containing the breath of Life and in that son’s body you will father all of your offspring. You can speak as a son and as a father and as a free spirit. You are one spirit person manifested in a Son body. You hopefully are not three persons!.

Think on these things and search the revealed Word of God for God wants to bless You!