Recently, I was listening to a sermon on the book of Genesis. Specifically, Genesis 1:26 -- a single verse that many people can't seem to get past in terms of understanding God. Indeed, the individual delivering the message tried to explain the "Let us" in the verse by referring to a "triune God" and the "trinity". The difficulty with the interpretation as presented is that neither the word triune or trinity are words used in the Bible. There are reasons for this which we will discuss in detail in future posts. For now, ask yourself these questions. Who is God? What is His name?
If we note that throughout history, God always had a name, it makes sense that the last name given to men whereby men can be saved is Jesus. There is no other name under Heaven whereby men can be saved. None. Jesus is the only name whereby salvation can be obtained. The apostles knew this. This is why every individual they baptized in the scriptures was baptized in the name of Jesus.
In the name of Jesus.
As for Genesis, it is important to read the entire chapter. There is a reason why Genesis begins with "in the beginning God." At the same time, John chapter 1 provides the New Testament (or looking back perspective). John 1 opens with "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God." Then scroll down to John 1:14 where the scripture states "And the Word became flesh." In other words, God became flesh so that we might be saved! And His name is Jesus!
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
You attempt to justify your erroneous doctrine by stating, " that neither the word triune or trinity are words used in the Bible." Just because an English word is not in Scripture does not mean that the concept is not found there.. Hundreds of Scripture verses either indicate or clearly state that the One God is comprised of three personalities - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
ReplyDeleteFollowing your logic in this blog, I take it you also claim that God cannot be omniscient (knowing all things), since the words "omniscient" or "omniscience" cannot be found in Scripture. However, Scripture teaches the concept that God is all-knowing, so we use the English word "omniscient" to describe one of His attributes.
You also appear not to know what the word "name" means in the Greek New Testament (the original language in which the New Testament was penned by its human authors).
Each word carries a concept. To the modern, western mindset, "name" is often just what someone is called. However, in both Jewish thought in particular, but also in Greek thought, it embodies the character or essence of who a particular person is.
Hence, the name of Jesus Christ embodies the entire character and essence of the complete Godhead. This does not mean that Jesus is the Father or the Holy Spirit; it does mean that when one knows the character, nature, and attributes of Jesus, then one also knows the same about the Father and the Holy Spirit. This is exactly the mindset of Jesus when He said to Philip in John 14:9, "He that has seen Me has seen the Father."
This truth is brought forth in Hebrews 1:1-3 (NIV)
1 In the past God [which in the Old Testament is usually "elohim" in Hebrew, which is the plural form of the singular, "eloah"] spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways,
2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.
3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven
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Notice in this passage the differentiation between the God (Father, Son, Spirit) from the Son alone. This is further confirmed by the verses which follow: Hebrews 1:5-6 (NIV)
5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father? Or again, "I will be his Father, and he will be my Son"?
6 And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, "Let all God's angels worship him."
To take such verses (and there are many), you must twist the meaning of English words to the point of absurdity, to say the Jesus and the Father are the same person. These verses refer to Christ's baptism, when Jesus Christ, the Son in the flesh is baptized in the Jordan river and the Father spoke from heaven in an audible voice, and the Holy Spirit descended upon the Son in the form of a dove.
To claim, as you do, that there is no distinction between these three entities of the triune Godhead, presents a real problem for you. What do you believe about this passage? - that Jesus was some sort of cosmic ventriloquist and a magic deceiver? That is ludicrous.
No, the plain teaching of Scripture is that Jehovah God is plural (which is why Genesis 1:26 says, "Let US create man in OUR image . . ."). He reveals Himself in Scripture as three distinct personalities or entities. The Father who begat the God-man, Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit. These are just a few of the hundreds of Scriptures which demonstrate that the One God is a Triune God. Because you refuse to believe the Truth of Scripture does not make it untrue. The apostolic teachings bear forth this Truth. Christ bears forth this Truth. The Law and the Prophets bear forth this Truth. Why do you not?
Maybe what needs to happen here is a recognition that all the "supplementary" reading material that you are using does not supersede and/or replace the infallible Word of God. Period! Jesus said,"Search the scriptures" -- not every man authored book for your wisdom and knowledge. And if we look more closely at that particular scriptural passage, Jesus actually said, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me. And ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life. I receive not honour from men. But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. I am come in My Father's name, and ye receive Me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive. How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed Me; for he wrote of Me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe My words?" (John 5:39-47) This is why Jesus said to his disciples repeatedly, "I and My Father are one" and to Philip, "Have I been so long time with you and yet you ask, "Shew us the Father and it sufficeth?" (John 14:5-10) "Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me or else believe Me for the very works sake." (John 14:11) "I am the Lord thy God, and beside Me, there is no other." (Isaiah 45:5; 9:6; 41:4) One God showing Himself in these last days as a Son veiled in sin-prone flesh so that we who believe by faith and are baptized in the name of Jesus as the first 3,000 were on the day of Pentecost can be clothed forever in His righteousness. "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness; God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16) For by Him were all things created ..." and not by them. (Colossians 1:12-18) "Giving thanks unto the Father .. who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of His dear Son, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins -- who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature -- for by Him were all things created ..." (Colossians 1:12-16) "Behold the Lamb of God" who taketh away the sins of the world. (John 1:36) Stand in the offering plate today with Jesus, who is our Lord God and Saviour. Blessings in Jesus name too!
ReplyDeleteA couple of further points to consider. First, continuing steadfastly in the apostles doctrine includes repentance and being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Have you adhered to this commandment which Jesus through the Holy Ghost commanded the apostles to do? (Acts 2:37-42; Acts 1:1-4) Second, if God is plural -- rather than using various names in succession throughout the old testament, then why do the scriptures begin with "In the beginning God." (Genesis 1:1) Third, when Jesus was baptized, who did those watching see? Jesus only! Fourth, how do we deal with John 1:1-18 and specifically John 1:3 that states: "All things were made by Him and without Him was not anything made that was made." Fifth, how can God be an eternal Father without a son? Sixth, Jehovah -- the one Lord of the Old Testament became our Saviour (Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:21; Isaiah 45:15, 21) Seventh, please read up on the order of Melchizedek who brought forth bread and wine and was the priest of the Most High God. There is much more but that should make interesting reading. By the way, who exactly do you pray to? Blessings in Jesus name!
ReplyDeleteJesus said, "I AND My Father are ONE!" (John 10:30)
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