Every Word Of God Is Pure; He Is A Shield Unto Them That Put Their Trust In Him - Part 2373

In the last post, we considered how man-made religious statements of faith tend to replicate only a small portion of the scriptures, and therefore, are not encompassing/inclusive enough to be relied upon as the beginning and ending of our faith journey. As believers in faith, we are instructed to search the scriptures for His truth(s) — as it is written. We know from Jesus statement that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and that no man can come to the Father but “by Jesus.” (John 14:6)

But then Jesus says, “If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also: and from henceforth ye know Him, and have seen Him.” Of course, herein, Philip saith unto Jesus, “Lord, shew us the Father and it suffices us.” Jesus said 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], “Shew us the Father?” (John 14:7-9)

From this perspective (and if we only rely on church statements of faith for our understanding), we would miss the greatest love story ever witnessed here on earth — that Jesus is God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) That He was in the world and the world was made by Him but the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11) That the Word that was with God and was God was also made flesh. (John 1:1-14)

“To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself.” (II Corinthians 5:19)

What do I mean?

Consider how “The Godhead” is introduced in most modern day religious statements of faith. Those which state that the Godhead exists eternally in three persons, being the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Then these go on to say these three equal one God, having the same nature and attributes and are worthy of the same homage, confidence and obedience.

First, this dogma is contrary to the first commandment in both the old and the new, which states, “Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is One Lord …” (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31)

Second, this man-made creed ignores that Jesus — after He was taken up — though the Holy Ghost gave commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2-3) The scriptures do not ever suggest that Jesus and the Holy Ghost were having a conversation together but rather — Jesus THROUGH the Holy Ghost.

Third, if we are to suggest that there are only three manifestations of God, do we then ignore when God stood in the tent with Abraham? Do we ignore that God appeared in the burning bush and spoke to Moses? If we believe “God is all in all” how does this translate into the fiery furnace and the Sermon on the Mount experiences? What do we do with apostle Paul who states the Rock which was Christ followed the Israelites through the Red Sea? (I Corinthians 10:1-4) In the end, are we not limiting God to what we can do? Sigh!

Fourth, do we now begin teaching our children that 3 equals 1 (and/or vice-versa) in an attempt to prove our man-made religious traditions supersede scriptural understanding?

II Timothy 3:16-17 tells us that “ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

II Peter 1:19-21 tells us that “we have a more sure word of prophet, where unto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shines in a dark place until the light dawn and the day star arise in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.”

And from Psalm 119:160 — “Thy Word is true from the beginning, and everyone of Thy righteous judgments [endures] forever.”

Jesus Himself said, “Think not that I AM come to destroy the law, or the prophets, I AM not come to destroy but to fulfill …” (Matthew 5:17-18)

Apostle Paul (formerly Saul) writes, “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God; which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know [them]; because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judges all things; yet he himself is judged of no man/ For who hath known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.” (I Corinthians 2:12-16)

And when we have the mind of Christ, we should desire to know Him better. That includes knowing that the mystery that was held in the bosom of the Father from the very beginning — the mystery of Godliness is clearly defined in I Timothy 3:16.

“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)

“So then after the Lord [Jesus] had spoken unto them, He [Jesus] was received up into heaven and sat on the right hand of God” until His enemies are put under His feet. Then, as we understand from Revelation, He will give to us a new name. (Mark 16:19)

“And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

“Who being the brightness of [His] glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high …” (Hebrews 1:3)

The Greatest Love Story ever told! One God who loved us enough in the beginning to shed His precious, holy blood on a cross for you and I. (Acts 20:28)

More to come on this subject. Stand in the offering plate.