THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 442

Someone asked me the other day if there was a simple way of explaining the Godhead, without getting into too much detail. Of course, this is not to suggest that the detail is not necessary, particularly given the number of traditional institutional teachings in today's world that do not align their religious teachings with the scriptures. However, I do understand that not everyone has received the same scriptural foundation in their upbringing and in this case, a simple answer becomes a valued starting point for further study. Where to begin is the question.

First, it might be helpful to note that the word trinity does not appear in the Bible. The word trinity was terminology established by the religious fathers of the day (around 300/400 AD) but yet had no scriptural basis. Unfortunately, many of today's churches have not honed in on this error so the error of tradition continues.

Second, the same God who loved us and created man and woman in the beginning is the same God who became one of us so that we -- you and I -- might have life eternal. Indeed, Jesus was the "begotten" of God. In Jesus, did all the fullness of the Godhead dwell. When Jesus sat down at the right hand of the Father, it was an indication that His work on earth -- as a Son -- was finished. Finished! God would never have to become human again because the blood He shed on the cross of Calvary -- the blood that was intended to cover our multitude of sins - was sufficient!

Third, if we look at water baptism as an example, early church believers were baptized in the name of Jesus. They did so because they understood firsthand that Jesus was the name given among men and women whereby we could be saved. But this is not the only reason. Early believers of the gospel recognized that Jesus was God in the flesh. Jesus was the Father, Son and Spirit. Didn't Phillip say "Show me the Father." What was Jesus' response?

John 14 in the New American Standard Bible states: "Jesus said to him, “Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me?"

In the King James version, John 14:8-9 states: "Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?"

There are numerous other scriptural references too but if you are looking for a starting point for delving into the scriptures, this might be it. Remember, the Bible said to search the scriptures for yourself so that you would know Jesus. The Bible also encourages each and every one of us to discern the scriptures so that we would know the truth - the truth that will set us free.

For the individual who asked, I hope this helps! May God richly bless each and every one of you!