Prologue

Before we examine the Trinity doctrine as used in Christianity, (and then not the Roman Catholic Church or other factions as discussed in the meditation “Church part 2”); the following dynamics in logic must be understood and bear in mind when considering the counter arguments of people such as the so-called “Jehovah’s Witnesses”.  (Refer to the meditation “The Jehovah Witnesses” on this website). We have to take cognizance of at least the following traps of errors in reasoning.

Informal Fallacy

In Logic, ‘fallacy’ is defined as an error in the structure or content of an argument which prevents a conclusion from being rationally drawn from the premises.

Fallacies divide into two distinct types:

• Formal – a structural error in a deductive argument
• Informal – a substantive error in an inductive argument

The success of induction is dependent on the evidence supporting the conclusion, not the form or structure of the argument. When thinking about the evidence supporting the conclusion we must think about three distinct questions:

1. Sufficiency – is there enough evidence to make the conclusion more likely than not?
2. Relevance – is the evidence relevant to the conclusion?
3. Clarity – is the evidence unambiguous?

Unlike formal fallacies, Informal fallacies are difficult to spot because there are so many ways to have insufficient, irrelevant, or ambiguous evidence which fails to warrant the conclusion; and judging this this can take on a degree of subjectivity that never enters into the evaluation of deductive arguments. Also, because there are an almost infinite variety of inductive arguments, and because the conclusions of these arguments only have to be probably (never certain), there is an almost infinite variety of errors that could occur.

However, we can broadly categorize informal fallacies around the type of error committed: there are common mistakes surrounding the relevance of the evidence given, there are common errors surrounding the sufficiency of the evidence, and, there are common errors surrounding the clarity of the evidence. Therefore, we organize Informal Fallacies into these three categories.

Fallacies of Relevance –

The point of giving an argument is to persuade using reason alone. One of the most common errors that infect inductive arguments is to use emotional appeals as evidence. But emotional evidence is dangerous for two reasons: it is unstable and it is subjective. The truth (i.e., what the world is really like) is not determined by how we feel about it. Injustice may make me feel angry, but that is not sufficient evidence for me to dismiss its existence in order to feel better.

There are several common fallacies of relevance making various forms of emotional appeal:

• Argumentum ad Baculum (Appeal to the Stick) – appealing to fear
• Argumentum ad Misericordiam (Appeal to Pity) – appealing to pity
• Argumentum ad Populum (Appeal to the People) – appealing to popularity

In each of these cases we are using emotions which are irrelevant to the thesis being considered in the argument.

Other fallacies of relevance occur when we introduce evidence that shifts focus away from the thesis being considered:

• Argumentum ad Hominem (Argument against the Person) – shifting focus from the thesis to a person’s character
• Red Herring – introducing irrelevant information to draw attention away from the thesis
• Ignoratio Elenchi (Missing the Point) – drawing the wrong conclusion from the evidence
• Straw Man – oversimplifying an opponent’s argument to defeat it
• Accident – misapplying a general rule to a specific case

Fallacies of Sufficiency –

Another common mistake in induction is to fail to provide enough evidence to warrant the conclusion of the argument:

• Hasty Generalization – drawing a conclusion form an insufficient sample
• Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc (False Cause) – confusing correlation with causation
• Slippery Slope – predicting negative consequences with insufficient evidence
• Weak Analogy – drawing conclusions from cases that are insufficiently parallel
• Argumentum ad Verecundiam (Appeal to Authority, unqualified) – using the wrong kind of authority as a witness
• Argumentum ad Ignorantiam (Appeal to Ignorance) – asserting something based on the lack of evidence against it
• Petitio Principii (Begging the Question) – assuming as a premise something that itself needs to be established first
• Complex Question – posing two questions in one, or hiding a question within a question
• False Dichotomy – to assert an exclusive disjunction when more alternatives are possible
• Suppressed Evidence – deliberately leaving out evidence that would weaken one’s conclusion

Fallacies of Clarity/Ambiguity –

• Equivocation – applying different definitions to a single term in an argument
• Amphiboly – drawing a conclusion from a grammatical ambiguity
• Composition – asserting what’s true of the parts must be true of the whole
• Division – asserting what’s true of the whole must be true of the parts
• Natural Fallacy – confusing what is natural with that which is good

It is important to emphasize again that this is by no means an exhaustive list, but rather some common errors associated with inductive reasoning. As a general rule you should ask yourself three question when determining the strength of an inductive argument: 1) Is there enough evidence to make the conclusion more likely than not? 2) Is the evidence relevant to the conclusion of the argument? 3) Is there ambiguity that would weaken the conclusion?

Then, bear in mind that a human (a finite) cannot intellectually contain and therefore not fully comprehend the infinite (our Creator God, who designed us with a certain intellectual capacity). Let’s contemplate this, shall we?

A brief background on the Trinity doctrine

                                                  

All the meditations on this website as a whole is an attempt to know God more accurately [for who He is and is not, i.e. even by false religions that are thought and propagated to be “good” but yet devised by mankind for power and profit in whatever way, shape or form] … (Rom 10:1-3)

God the Father is Love (1 Jn 4:8). The Lord Jesus Christ is the sacrifice for us (Jn 3:16-21), our Intercessor (1 Jn 2:1). God the Holy Spirit (Jn 4:23-24) is [also] our paraklétos (παράκλητος, Paraklete, Advocate – Jn 14:16-17; 1 Jn 2:1) the Holy Spirit bestow wisdom [to accept Jesus Christ as our only Lord and Saviour]. There is no other way to God, than through Jesus Christ (Jn 14:6).

God, in His wisdom as our Designer, and involvement as Love, wants us to recognize who we are dealing with. We are designed and created to [be] God’s image (Gen 1:26; even Heb 2:8). We observe us as one human consisting of a spirit, soul and body (1 Thess 5:23) – when our God consciousness [spirit] is re-born (refer to the meditation “The body, soul, spirit of man”). We discover in The Bible one God Who is a Spirit but also revealed Himself to us as a Father and a Saviour Son. This is what we will examine in this meditation.

Christianity is unique in claiming that God is One but that there are three Persons in the Godhead who are each understood as God.  This doctrine is not explicitly stated in Scripture as such by name, but through revelations; even intimations as by Jesus in Mt 28:19, as [also] the Revelation of God to us (refer to the meditation “Revelation, the Book”).  Note that only God as a Person can give revelation, the world gives only superficial [learned, estimated, postulated] information.  The church had come to this explanation of a Trinity in order to do justice to the overwhelming witness and indications of Scripture and to reveal the evidence of Holy Spirit as a Person Who alone could impart revelation-knowledge to those He created, and who “have ears to hear” His Voice.  Since this doctrine concerns the inner nature of God as a transcendent trinity as required, it could not be known except by revelation [found in Scripture when open to His Spirit that inspired it – 2 Tim 3:16,17].  Jesus, of course, revealed God as [a] Father whilst simultaneously perfectly representing mankind to God as the only righteous person on God’s standard (Phil 3:9; Rom 3:23-28); and hence could be the only Saviour paying with His blood as a valid sacrifice for the sin of man[kind]; even Rom 8:2.  Generally, people ignored guidance from human leaders such as Moses – Dt.32:5,6,19,20; but no human could at any rate fulfil the role of The Son Jesus Christ (See the meditation “Who is Jesus Christ” on www.gospel-truth.co.za).  For the purpose of this short overview, we will avoid unnecessary lengthy discussions, and circular reasoning, and point out only what should be obvious.

Casually, and superficially, only Mt 28:19 and 2 Cor 13:14 seems capable of a Trinitarian interpretation [as if not sufficient].  Then there are the plurality and simultaneous singular usage of reference to God as – for example – in Gen 1:26. We also find reference to the [then, Rom 14:9] coming Messiah (the deity of Jesus Christ) in Ps 45:7 and the consequent confirmation in Heb 1:9.  The Deity of Christ is also taught by Paul in Phil 2:6-8 and 1 Tim 3:16; also the personality of the Holy Spirit in Eph 4:30 – he then puts the Three together in the benediction of 2 Cor 13:14.  So, let us calmly and honestly consider this by earnestly reading this meditation in its entirety to its end.

We see that a strange plurality in unity is mentioned in Gen 1:26-28, where Elohim [One Creator described with a Hebrew composite plural word] refer to “Us and “Our”.  The singular of Elohim is Elah or El.  If one ignores the Bible as being one, progressive, unfolding, revelation of God, the typical erroneous explanation is that these words at most mean “multiplicity of majesty” as the “Jehovah’s Witnesses”, for example, advocate.  This of course ignores a host of Scriptures that point to a Truth that is far exceeding what a human mind could come up with, even as shown in just this meditation. (The sect of the so-called “Jehovah’s witnesses”, and great truths of The Bible, are expanded on in the meditations with those titles on this website).  Observe as well that both “Us” (once) and “Our” (twice) are used (together three times) in Gen 1:26 to re-enforce this plurality. A hidden [deep, not to deter but to invite a closer relationship – Mt 6:33; 7:7-8; 12:25-30] jewel is another plausible insight in God’s use (2 Tim 3:16-17) of this plural “Us” and “Our” in Gen 1:26.  We find this in Gen 11:7 as well. Only the Godhead could confound [alter] the mind to form at once a miraculous new dialect for each tribe (nation). Together and concurrent with His possible occasional appearance as the three Persons, or any of the three Persons, available in His Trinity, is the possibility indicated of God’s aspiration for us to be one with Him as well [His Love, since the beginning, Jn 1:1-4; Col 1:15-20 (compare Jn 1:30 with Jn 1:1-4 and Col 1:17); Heb 12:1-3; Rev 1:8;3:14; 21:6] in His intended unity [oneness, Love] with Him [Love] as a Father through Jesus Christ and His Spirit in us (Jn 3:16; 10:10-11; 15:12-23; 1 Jn 3:2; 4:6-21; 14:23-26).  Now re-consider the following with this in mind: Mt 6:9-10; Jn 4:23-24; 17:15-23; Eph 4:4-6; Rev 22:4…

The Bible reveals a trinity that is described in how God rules His Kingdom on earth: –

• The Lord of hosts is the King of glory (Ps 24:10)
• God the Father is spoken of as the God of Glory (Eph 1:15-17)
• Jesus is called the Lord of glory (1 Cor 2:6-8)
• The Holy Spirit is called the spirit of glory (1 Pet 4:14)

Thus, the Triune God, the eternal Godhead, is characterized by glory, His visible expression of His character and includes His beauty, His splendor and His Love. His glory is the result of His grace. God’s life is glory; His nature is grace and Love. God’s glory makes us forsake all else (Is 24:23).

The NT tells us our beloved Lord Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory (1 Chron 29:11; Song of Solomon 7:10; Is 33:17; 2 Cor 3:18; 4:6; Heb 1:3; even Jn 1:1-4,14,17; Col 1:13-20).

What we must guard against, are two erroneous extremes in our concept of a triune God, namely

• Trithianism. This perception is of three permanent separate gods (entities) as if sitting on three thrones and even having [limited, confined] form as a created being(s).
• Sabellianism. This views the Father, Son and Holy Spirit to merely be aspects of God as if they are not [cannot be] separate at times, yet always in unity [agreement, one purpose].

The context of One God (Dt 6:4; Mk 12:32).  We hope to progress to a more thorough study as we progress in this meditation, but first consider the context of Dt 6:4. Heathens had as many separate [multiple] gods as their imagination could come up with (for example Dan 5:4), and against this, God (H430 – plural) had Moses record the statement [fact] in Dt 6:4.  Refer to the context as stated in Dt 4:35.  This is reiterated by Jesus in Jn 10:30 and by Paul in 1 Cor 8:4-6.

We, however, discover in The Bible as the Logos (Jn 1:14; 2 Tim 3:16-17), one, unfolding, progressive revelation (expanded on in the meditation “The Bible”), and so find from Genesis 1 through Revelations 22 that our one Creator-God reveals some times as required any one or more of three persons of the one Godhead but always in unity, always working in unison together and that His being as Creator transcends time, relativity and form as we were given as His creation. The one perception of the Person (defined further on in this meditation) we are dealing with never stops to exist without and of the other in the same God that can function for us as a Father, a Son or a Spirit – always the one Spirit as in Jn 4:23-24); and as far as we are concerned, even to the extent of Jn 1:10-13,17; 3:16-21; even Rom 8:14.

So, let’s examine this, shall we?

God’s “Trinity” is unlikely to be fixed but seems transcendent as one and the same God

Jesus (Jn 1:1-4,14; Col 1:13-20) gave us the declaration in Mt 28:19.  And note in Mt 28:19 that Jesus our beloved Lord Himself instructed us to baptize in the name [singular] of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (three Persons in one). The apostle Paul, who wrote ¾ of the NT, gave us the benediction in 2 Cor 13:14; but there are certainly more that can be learned from The Bible.

It’s for us as if a specific involvement of God our Supreme Creator determines whether the Trinity is observed [required] as separate [but the same God] or even as the Person we are dealing with so that we can be able to handle the magnificence of our Creator-God (Ex 33:20) that yet is not distant and aloof from us (Phil 2:5-11). And with person we are not limited here to human form. For instance, before we get the Father manifested in the Son (Jn 1:9-17; 14:7-12,26; Col 1:12-20) we get Word of a Spirit (Gen 1:1-2; Jn 4:23-24; Acts 2:1-4).

Some simplistic say God the Father conceives the thought, God the Son conveys it (Jn 1:1-4; Gal 3:8; Heb 7), and God the Holy Spirit effects it (Gen 1:2; Jn 4:24).  The Father is the Creator, Sustainer and Giver of Life.  The Son is our Lord, Example, First Born, Brother[1], our only Intercessor and Savior (Jn 14:6).  The Holy Spirit is omnipresent and omniscient, is our Helper, Comforter, Teacher, Guide and Power of God[2].  He strengthens, leads, teaches and interprets, gives unity and peace, gives power to pray (and He translates for us, Rom 8:26-27; 1 Jn 2:1-4) and power to worship and speak, He calls and sets the true believer in Jesus Christ as Savior, apart.  This God is however omniscient [Spirit] and thus capable to do all this to all at once.  He is outside the time and relativity He created for us, but by definition also in it [to interact with us]. If you insist on having a god you defined by man’s restricted abilities and ideas, you have a god smaller than yourself and you cannot truly worship [trust] him.  Think earnestly about it.  Perhaps this is the crux of the issue with unbelievers in a Triune God? In essence, brazen minds that find it hard to accept a God more complex yet unfathomable as Love that we all will stand accountable to one day for what we have done with our free will [ability to trust, believe] He has given us (Rev 22:10-19). Just remember that God is transcendent and not limited to a permanent trinity as if only separated entities for He remains always one and the same God as our Creator-Father-God!

The magnificent and unfathomable Love of God for us is expanded on in the meditation entitled “God is Love”.  He revealed Himself like this to us and probably gave us the process of birth, adolescence, adulthood and parenthood and grand-parenthood for us to get a better insight in this love for a child and even His Bride (Jm 1:27; Rev 18:23; 21:2,9).  This has far-reaching implications, for if we truly know God as a loving and life-giving Father Who is the Source of all good as our Creator, Provider and Sustainer (in our design and abilities and His guidance – Jn 1:1-4; 14:26; Rom 8:14 ), we’ll better understand that it is not about any merit we can claim in ourselves but only in Jesus Christ Who is His perfect salvation plan, hence Scriptures such as Jer 29:11; Ps 23:1; Phil 3:9; Jn 3:16-21… and then even more so when considering the immense possibility explored in the meditation “The Testimony” with Rev 22:17!

After pondering this meditation, the conclusion should be that we can personally and accurately know God the Creator as a Person [reality].  That is, as a Father, a saviour-Friend and an omniscient omnipresent Spiritual Teacher, Guide, and Counsellor; all depending on where we are and our need at that time.  Deny this and you’ll malfunction as a whole human being.  This is also expanded on in the meditation “Body, Soul, Spirit of man”.  But, let’s start again with the following…

Terminology associated with the Trinity

The vocabulary associated with the doctrine of the Trinity is a difficulty to many of us, at least at first.  The phrase “three Persons, One substance” is not exactly illuminating!  The theologian who may be argued to be responsible for the development of the distinctive Trinitarian terminology is Tertullian.  According to one analysis, Tertullian was responsible for coining 509 new nouns, 284 new adjectives, and 161 new verbs in Latin.  Three of these were Trinitas, Persona, and Substantia.  Tertullian introduced the Latin word Persona to translate the Greek word hypostasis.  This became translated as “person” into English.  The term persona literally means “a mask”, such as was worn by an actor in a Roman drama.  At this time, actors wore masks to allow the audiences to understand which of the different characters in the drama they were playing.  The term persona thus came to have a developed meaning along the lines of “the role that someone is playing”.  It is quite possible that Tertullian wanted his readers to understand the idea of “One substance, three Persons”   [Substantia express the concept of a fundamental unity].

Tertullian’s explanation of the Trinity in around 195 A.D. is that God, as the Creator, Sustainer, Righteousness, Love, Grace, etc. is too complex for us to explain with our language [vocabulary], so He chose to reveal Himself to us as those Roman actors [inspired?!] did to their audiences.  We are still applying 2 Cor 10:4-5…

Imagine, Tertullian basically explained, one God using “see-through-masks” [Persons], in this complex process of His creation, to show us Who [in what manner He] is working in His “economy of salvation” (“economy” meaning how He works to save and redeem willing people appropriating the offer made by His Son, sent by Him for this purpose:  to be the Light [Life, Love] of the world that illuminates every person, and give authority of all that receive Him to be called children of God – on earth – and make us victorious).  Imagine a “see-through” mask, to show a Creator-Father; then another “see-through” mask to show a Savior Son, your Brother- Friend Who demonstrated God as a Spirit inside a Perfect Man Who would reconcile man again with a Righteous Father-God and the power therein revealing [demonstrating] His anointing visibly; and then another “see-through” mask to show His Holy Spirit…  so one God is seen behind all three persons – distinct when required, but One [Source]. Importantly, not mere “modes” of one God but three distinct Persons: Father, Son and Spirit as one triune God.

Some argue that the [Holy] Spirit, that is God (Jn 4:23,24), can be understood as the “space” elsewhere between and around these two Persons – the Father and the Son as the omnipresent power [Love, Life] of God, somehow reasoning [understand] that two entities implies a third (the space between and surrounding the two) and that this third entity then would be infinitely greater than the other two. This reasoning, however, would fail to satisfactorily explain our Creator-God that transcends matter, time and space and therefore our intellectual capacity, as part of His creation, as well.  The Creator-God of The Bible is not affected by time (past, presence, future), space (height, width, depth) or matter (solid, liquid, gas) that was created by Him in one instant (not over long periods of time). It had to be an instant because, for example, if you had matter but no space [yet], where would you place matter? Or, if you had space and matter but no time [yet], when would you place it? No, God’s Creation came into existence simultaneously, as The Bible states in Genesis, namely that God in the beginning (time) created heavens (space) and earth (matter).  His omniscience and omnipresence transcend mere “surrounding space”. God our Creator is not created, He is the [only] Creator (one God). He is unseen Spirit, being all in all and everywhere with no beginning and no end and no limit in capacity.  And of course, the spiritual can affect the physical (matter), for we observe phenomena such as love and a great influence of a myriad of emotions… As the Source of all good and everything that is perfect only, He is beyond reproach and infinitely higher than [above] our thoughts.  Evil [falsehood, heresies] is not a flaw in His ability to create, but a result of His creation that was given a free will.  God is [agape] Love and will never manipulate.  God could very well have created us to have a creation on whom to bestow His benefits such as Love, mercy, salvation, grace…

Some use as an analogy, sound/radio waves that exists but are invisible to the naked eye not viewing through a piece of technology. We do not talk to the phone per se, but to someone on the “other side” – a Person, a Father.  The airwaves, the signals compare to wind or electricity.  This is an analogy of the spiritual realm, the Holy Spirit of that same Father and Saviour-Son.  We can argue about what we do not detect with our senses, but this changes nothing about the reality – we just need the right equipment.  This equipment is called faith [trust, reliance, and covenant/commitment] by the grace of God – not our minds [imagination, puffed-up intellect or emotion that is self-centred.  We need faith that is God-given and God-conscious]. This extremely expensive offer is free for us all because it is already paid for by the Blood of Jesus Christ on His cross.  He said on that cross that “it is accomplished”.  King David prophesied this 1000 years before (Ps 22).

By the way, this is why 1 Jn 1:9 does not contradict Mt 12:31 – God is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness [and free us from its results if we admit our guilt and stop our senselessness]…  the impossibility happens when we throw our “equipment” away, or switch it off, or refuse to use, or believe in what we were given as a mechanism.  If we deny the Holy Spirit [God] to convict us of the Truth Jesus Christ, we are doomed by our own dreadful and stupid choice.  (Jn 3:17-20; 5:24; even Mt 12:31-32).  God will never violate our will He gave us (proof of His true Love and expanded on in the meditation “The will of man, the will of God”).  He [God, the Person] is love, He will not manipulate you.  Your submission is your choice.  He works on the basis of [His ultimate] authority and [our voluntary] submission, not control and subjection like the world and worldly “churches” and religions with their control freaks and organizations with men in positions of power and their manipulation with fear.  Once you have given your will back to Him Who gave it to you in the first instance, will you get the revelation that it is His will that should be done, not yours [or mine].  You were made [meant, designed] to be His child – to be saved.  And this “save” is a “package-deal” that includes wealth, health, salvation…

 The Person we are talking to is God that is a Perfect Father.  But Jesus and His Spirit is God as well (Jn 4:23,24; 14:13-17). By the way, observe that 1 Jn 5:7, just like Acts 4:12, might not be in all the manuscripts, even not in the original, but yet remains as statements perfectly true.  (Refer to the errors in reasoning mentioned at the beginning of this meditation).

We can of course talk to Jesus and invite Him (His accomplished salvation deed, Heb 10:14; Phil 3:9) into our hearts.  He is God. But He also demonstrated how we as sons could talk to our Father (Mt 6:9; Jn 5:19,24,25,34; 6:32,47,53; 8:26,46,55; 10:7,36; 12:49; 13:13)! But it is accurate to talk to our Father in heaven [the spiritual realm] to find out what His perceived will for us is or ask something in submission (Jm 1:5-8).  We do this in the Name [authority, Jn 1:12] of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Who alone give us righteousness before God (Rom 8; Jn 1:11,12; 14:6; Phil 3:9).  Only Jesus perfectly represented God and simultaneously represented man perfect to God.  Consider also the meditation “Prayer” by this author.

Radio signals [itself undetected by the natural realm, or senses], can perhaps be compared to the Person, the Holy Spirit.  This is how God can be omnipresent – always everywhere simultaneously, for every one – sent by Jesus Christ (Jn 14:26) and invited in [allowed to function in/for us] by our submission [trust, faith].  We can only detect the results of the spiritual with our natural senses.

The Son of man paid dearly for this privilege of Grace and Love.  We can [in sin, could] never earn it.  To not accept the mechanism/ability or free and continuous use thereof, is haughtiness to God (1 Pet 5:5).  It is an outrageous act of unimaginable proportions to “throw” this gift back in God’s Face.  Jesus revealed the Father’s true nature and character.  We must accept… if we want Love [Him].  I picture God’s resistance in 1 Pet 5:5 not as “pushing us away”, but more like my asking the Father to fill my cup, holding it out to Him.  He then looks at it and says: ” … But son, there is no place for Me, it is [still] too full of yourself…”  I can only come to God with an “empty” [hungry, teachable, humble] self, with sin and all.  The less of me, the more of Him.  He is bigger than everything.  So, He inside of me, is greater than circumstances outside of me (1 Jn 4:4)…  The only way He can be inside of me, is in His Holy Spirit, not a force [it], or a “zen”, but a real Person [Father-God].

We should talk to God to find His opinion [perceived will], and read His Word (The Bible), rather than depend on worldly things to satisfy the flesh and egotistical wants (Jm 4:3), with our “signs of a beast” (with only selfish soul and not God-conscious spirit) that manifest as lust and greed.  Most of my conversation with God is from the position [place] where I know [admit] Him to be only a good God and a perfect Father, beyond reproach, that I appreciate Him and love Him and thank Him for a wonderful world, an everlasting Life, a choice, and multiple opportunities… and the Spirit, the Love He always is. I get many a guidance [insight, answers, inspiration] as if accidental from Him whilst thinking this way (Mt 6:33,34; Phil 4:6-9).

This is a continuous open line. It has no “end call”.  God “hears” our thoughts continuously.  He can hear what we are saying, thinking, or doing because the line is open all the time – He is aware all the time.  As a matter of fact, He has a more complex system that provides visuals as well.  So we never lie or cheat people [only], we do that to His Holy Spirit [our omnipresent, omniscient God].  See Jn 4:23-24 and Rom 8:14 again…

This analogy above might help to understand the unity and distinction of “One substance, three Persons”.  One operation performed by different mechanisms, parties, and equipment – all to enhance and enable communication more effectively and accurately.  To keep alive a personal relationship until Jesus returns (1 Thess 5:23; or we go to Him, until He returns for His second coming).

Note at Ex 33:11 and Ex 33:20.  The apparent contradiction between these verses can possibly only be explained satisfactory by the Trinity of one and the same God, as explained in # 5.2 in the meditation “Apparent Controversies in The Bible”. The fact that the Lord could speak to Moses face to face in verse 11 yet is told in verse 20 that no man could see God’s face and live, superficially seems incongruous; but closer examination – of the whole Bible – will reveal the unparalleled magnificence of the Bible’s one, progressive, unfolding revelation of God’s grace and righteousness in Jesus Christ.  The Bible will reveal to those open to God’s Spirit (Jn 4:24; Rom 8:14; 2 Tim 3:16-17 with special note to Jn 14:6-11,17,23,26; 1 Jn 2:16-23), the crux of this Book consisting of a compilation of books:  self-righteousness as opposed to God’s righteousness in Jesus Christ!  I.e. our own attempts under the Law vs God’s grace, Love and Life everlasting!  Christianity is not about heaven or hell, but a living, lasting relationship with a living eternal God (Jn 4:24) Who is a Father (Rom 8:14,15; but only with Jn 1:12-13; 1 Tim 2:4-6).  Yet another new insight awaits the open reader of the Bible.  In the meditation “Who is Jesus Christ”, more detail are discussed, but for now, we will discover a Jesus pre-incarnate! Contemplate Just Jn 1:1-4; 14:9; Gal 3:8 and Col 1:15-18 first!  We’ll then ponder the uncertainty of the exact date of birth of Jesus Christ (of Nazareth) and contemplate the enigmatic identity of Melchizedek (Heb 7).  We’ll see why Moses was told he’ll never enter Canaan yet stood on the mount of transfiguration with Elijah and Jesus (Mt 17:2-8).  Moses represented the Law (self-righteousness, Jn 1:17; Phil 3:9) and Elijah the prophets (Heb 1:1-2); but God wants us to listen to [follow, cling to] HIM – Mt 3:17; 17:5; Jn 3:3; 14:6!

The Lord that spoke to Moses in Ex 33:11 was (is)  יהוה (H3068, y^ehôvâh), from H1961; (the) self Existent or eternal; Jehovah the Lord. Compare H3050, H3069.  The Amplified Bible note that we read further about an “Angel of the Lord” or “of God” or “of His presence” in Gen 22:11 that can be identified with the Lord Jesus Christ (Gen 16:11,13; 22:11,12; 31:11,13; Ex 3:1-6 and so on). This is a distinct person in Himself from God the Father (Gen 24:7; Ex 23:20; Zech 1:12,13, and other passages).  Nor does this “Angel of the Lord” appear again after Christ came in human form, hence of necessity the One of the “Three in One” Godhead.  It is possible that this “Angel of the Lord” of the OT could be the visible Lord of the OT as Jesus Christ is to the NT.  The deity of this Person is clearly portrayed in the OT.  The Cambridge Bible observes, “There is a fascinating forecast of the coming Messiah, breaking through the dimness with amazing consistency, at intervals from Genesis to Malachi.  Abraham, Moses, the slave girl Hagar, the impoverished farmer Gideon, even the humble parents of Samson, had seen and talked with Him centuries before the herald angels proclaimed His birth in Bethlehem”…

Ex 33:20 says that no man can face God in self-righteousness (under Law) and stand the test (Rom 3:20,23), as even Uzzah discovered (2 Sam 6:3-8).  This is discussed in the meditation “The Covenant and the Law” (Law has no mercy while God is about the grace and righteousness that Jesus brought [back] for those willing to accept His blood offer on His cross on behalf of all flowing Him.  This is a personal choice free to all alike.  No man and no one else can be an intermediate other than Jesus Christ (1Tim 2:5) and God will not force anyone in any way!  Love [God] does not manipulate – everyone has a genuine free choice.  The will God gave us is discussed in meditations such as “The Will” and “Body, Soul, Spirit”).  Facing [experiencing] God in a New Testament in Jesus Christ, however, is a completely different matter of living in God’s grace and righteousness (Rom 3:24-28; 8:29-39).  Acts 4:11-12!!!

In Ex 33:18 Moses asked God to show His glory. Now read verse 19 with Jn 1:17; 3:3,16-21… get it?  The Old had fleeting glories and the New offers a lasting glory, but only in Jesus Christ because no man can face [challenge, test] God and be found worthy in self-righteousness (own merit).   God intended for us to have a close, personal and lasting relationship with Him since the beginning.  This Adam revealed when he (Adam) declared that he was naked (unclothed) when God asked Adam where he was (spiritually).  Now contemplate Rom 13:14.  (The meditation “The Covenant and the Law” expands on this).

From # 5.23 in the meditation “Apparent Controversies in The Bible”, the following: Consider again Jn 3:14-15 with even just 1 Cor 1:18-2:2; then Jn 6:40,45 with Gal 3:10-14; 5:4,18; Rom 3:20,28; 7:4,6,10; and so on (the meditation “The Covenant and The Law” expand on this).  The place Jesus prepared for us is the same as the “many places” in God’s household (Jn 14:2; 1 Tim 3:15)!  Indeed there are many “dwellings” in God’s household – Jn 14:23-26; Rev 21:3; Is 60:14; Mt 5:14; 1 Pet 2:4-10!…  Observe that the place prepared by Jesus Christ at Golgotha is the Kingdom of God in and around us (Lk 17:20-21), that is our hearts; hence ultimately the heart [dwelling place] we believe with – Rom 10:9-10. So then, observe the glory of God in Jn 5:37-47 (note vv 39,44); also mentioned in the apparent controversy discussed in # 5.2.  Contemplate that place besides God (Ex 33:21), on the rock.  A rock that was struck instead of spoken to (Num 20:8-12; Dt 32:4-41).  Ponder again Gen 49:24; Ex 17:6 with Ps 18:2; 19:14; 31:3; 61:2; 62:2,6; 71:3; 73:26; 89:26; 92:15; 94:22; 144:1; and Is 26:4; Mt 7:24 with 1 Cor 10:4-17…

Note on Heb 1:5. This verse clearly states “For to which of the angels did [God] ever say, You are My Son, today I have begotton You”. Then we note Heb 1:13-14. We also read of an Angel in Ex 33:3, that connects with Gen 16:7 and Zech 1:11. This “Angel of the Lord” also in Zechariah – as in Gen 16:7 – is not to be confused with interpreting angels such as Zech 1:9,13-14; 2:3; 4:1,4-5; 5:5,10; 6:4-5. If God called no angel His Son and neither created this Son, The Angel of the Lord clearly cannot be a normal angelic being such as for example the Mikael of Jude 1:9.  Incidentally, note (i) that the word angels in Heb 1:13, is from ἄγγελος (G32, aggelos) , from ἀγγέλλω (aggellō), and probably derived from G71; compare G34; to bring tidings; a messenger; especially an “angel”; by implication even a pastor or messenger (Refer to Gal 1:6-9); and (ii) that Michael in Dan 10:13 could possibly have been not celestial but simply one of the princes of the kingdom of Persia; for Dan 10:13 clearly states that this Michael was “one of the chief princes” while the archangel Mikael is mentioned in Jude 1:9 (Zech 3:1-2) as the chief angel. The Angel of the Lord is an uncreated messenger (“Angel”) distinguished from [other] normal angelic angels and in many places identified as the Lord God – this is undeniable.  The conciliation with passages that seem to distinguish this Angel of the Lord from God the Father, can most simply be reconciled with the old view that this Angel is Christ, the second Person in The Godhead, even at that early period appearing as the Revealer of the Father (Johan P.Lange, A Commentary).  Refer to Gal 3:8 and Gen 12:3.

Commentary in the Amplified Bible at Gen 11:7 reads:  The “Angel of the Lord” or “of God” or “of His presence” is readily identified with the Lord God (Gen 16:7,11,13; 22:11,12; 31:11,13; Ex 3:1-6 and other passages).  But it is obvious that the “Angel of the Lord” is a distinct person in Himself from God the Father (Gen 24:7; Ex 23:20; Zech 1:11 and other passages).  Nor does the “Angel of the Lord” appear again after Christ came in human form.  He must of necessity be One of the “three-in-one” Godhead.  The “Angel of the Lord” is the visible Lord God of the OT, as Jesus is Christ is of the NT.  Thus His deity is clearly portrayed in the OT.  There is a fascinating forecast of the coming Messiah, breaking through the dimness with amazing with amazing consistency, at intervals from Genesis to Malachi.  Abraham, Moses, the slave girl Hagar, the impoverished farmer Gideon, even the humble parents of Samson, had seen and talked with Him before the herald angels proclaimed His birth in Bethlehem”.

Note at Eph 5:1.  It states that we must be followers of God.  The word “God” here, is θεός (theos, G2316), of uncertain affinity but certainly [a] deity.  This can imply Rom 8:14 (Jn 4:24) but in context, as in the next verse, specifically Christ in us (Jn 17:15,20).  How else can we be imitators of God if we had never witnessed Him on earth in contact with people as Man with God’s Spirit as Guide inside (Heb 1:1-8)?  Hence, Scriptures such as Jn 5:17-23; 10:31; 14:6-11,23-26; 15:5; and Phil 2:5-11; even Eph 1:5-12,17-23; 2:13-22; 4:6-16.

Logic dictates that [a] truth must exist first, before it can be twisted into a deception [lie, wickedness].  The lie cannot exist before the truth was there first.  So will we see that, for example, astrologists copied the lay-out of the tribes in the camp God prescribed for a prophetic reason[3]; and that the phenomena of “three’s” in God’s creation, originated with Him (so no one has an excuse – Rom 1:18-22; Jn 1:1-3,14). So centuries before any destructive and deceptive reasoning emerged stating that the “trinity” is of Satan, the revelation was preached and published widely by followers of Jesus Christ since the beginning.  After reading this meditation on this subject, be quiet before God’s Holy Spirit and hear Him!  The moment you realize the Creator has to be a Person to create, that moment will be pivotal in your insight.  Consider the meditation “Hearing God’s Voice”, and perhaps be more open [sensitive] to what Jesus stated in Jn 4:23-24?

The reason [mind] is part of your soul that is self-centred, it is not part of your spirit that is God-centred and has to be “born-again”.  Yes, the spirit and soul are separate entities (Heb 4:12; 1 Thess 5:23).  The spirit and soul is distinguishable but inseparable.  The soul makes up your personality (emotion, intellect, will) and needs a body to express itself, that is why Jesus will give back the bodies of those who believed Him and was so saved, right here on earth) to have us whole again as a type of trinity [spirit with a soul inside a body] relating to God as our Father, Saviour [Son Jesus] and Spirit.  Saved departed souls and spirits are waiting with Him at present for a glorious reunion with the return of Jesus Christ (1 Thess 4:13-17; 1 Cor 15:51-54). Note that God made us [humans] to His image and in His likeness.  Therefore, if we have a composite unity of more than one part, albeit one being; so must God, according to His Word.

Note at Gen 22.  Idol worshippers offered their children to the idol god Molech, so for Abraham (a Chaldean, Gen 11:27-12:1), to be certain that he heard from God to offer his only [true, promised] son, must have been due to a very close relationship with God (Gen 24:40). For Abraham to think they would both be back after three days, he had to believe God would raise Isaac from the dead.  We see a role-play of Abraham as the father [his son dead in his mind for three days]; Isaac the son [obedient unto death, carrying the wood on his back up to his place of offering, asking “where is the lamb?”, but being the Lamb Himself]; and the servant Eliezer of Damascus (Gen 15:2), whose name is not mentioned again but rather put the spotlight on Isaac the bridegroom for whom he had to find his bride… (Gen 24; Jn 3:29,30; 14:26; Rev 21:2).  This place was possibly also where David later stood (spiritually in Ps 121:1, thinking of all the heathen temples in/on high places).  Indeed, this is likely to be the very place Paul referred to in 1 Cor 1:21-2:2!

Confusion is a state of mind.  Thus, you cannot trust your [a man’s] mind.  Absolute faith can only be put in [God] the Word of God.  (Note here Jn 1:1-5,14,17).  He is trustworthy!  “Mislead” means the truth has been deviated from by placing greater value on what some man’s mind guessed.  Some lies are more sinister and outright evil and premeditated distortions.

A Creator can not be a “force”, “a chemical” that results in random reactions, or any similar thoughtless process.  A Creator, by implication, had to design and to make what He designed.  He then will in all likelihood, be able to sustain, protect and provide as well.  Also, will He be able to guide, teach, reveal, and so on.  It is therefore obvious that He has to be a Person who speaks (Gen 1:  “… God said… and it was so…”)!  As the Creator then, we can safely say that He is the Source of intellect and creativity and goodness and Love.  How can people be so brash as to reason this away with lies?  Evolutionists [Atheists, or people convinced in part by atheists] use rebellion towards this same principle to reason God out of His own creation.  Ps 53:1 says a fool says there is no God.  Intellect and the choice to develop personalities had to be created by a Source of intellect and a Source of personality.  Love, even emotion, cannot “evolve” by itself.

It is reasonable to accept that a creator must be greater than his creation.  Is it so difficult to accept that this Person, this Creator-God, to be greater a Person than we [His creation], as persons?  Consider Is 55:8,9.  How then, would He reveal Himself to us as remaining to be God the Creator, the Father; but also simultaneously be everywhere at once, and simultaneously have come as our Savior – a Friend, without violating the authority He gave [away to] us on this earth?  How masterful and what a Genius He is, to reveal that although He is One God, even One Person (Gal 3:20), yet reveal Him as Three Persons all visible in One God!!!  Gal 3:20 actually says that His composite plurality made a promise to Abraham and his Seed (Gal 3:16) – in one agreement, one Truth, One God.  One Provider, One Father, One Savior, One Lamb of God.  What Scriptures such as Dt 6:4; and Ex 3:14 describe as “one God”, is in referral to the multiple gods heathens had for multiple things (such as a god for luck, a god for rain, a god for wind, etc.). The biggest revelation of all is the discovery that this very God is Love. This sheds Light on Jer 29:11 and the revelation Jesus Christ gave us (1 Jn 4:8-11).  (Read the meditations “The Gospel” and “The Will of God”).

Examples of revelations that progressively becomes more clear as you read through the Bible from front to back, until you see and hear Jesus, and see the illuminating Light, “the Revelation of Jesus Christ” (Rev 1:1; Jn 1:1-5,14,17), you see examples of a Noah building an arc with properties that astonishes today’s marine engineers.  Only a true guidance from the Creator that was about to cause colossal waves in a global flood (see the meditation so-titled), could transmit these guidelines to a non-sea-going-man.  Of course all those that later perished in the flood, scoffed at him for “hearing instructions from God ”, the Person (1 Cor 1:17-2:2,9-16; 3:1-11).  Amazingly enough, a study of the origins of all cults and sects, will show that the founding members claimed to have “heard from god” directly. And yet their followers cannot [hear from him] and deny such possibility!  Many claim to become gods themselves – with personality.

We see then, that the OT is riddled with examples [foreshadows] of the promise that God made unto Abraham – He would later through Jesus Christ indwell permanently all who trust [believe] Him, and that this would be His “city” collectively, and His temple individually, who will shine His Light [Life, Love] to all mankind.  Contemplate Jn 1:1-5,14; 14:6,23-26 (10:10,11,27-30); 1 Pet 2:1-10; 1 Cor 6:17-20.  How can God make a promise if He is only a “force”?  It would then be no more than imagination or some creative thought from a man, and not a genuine communication.

Strange how “Jehovah’s witnesses” pitch in two’s claiming to do it on the basis of Lk 10:1-8, and then deny the rest of the same sentence (v 8) that instructs them to “heal the sick and say to them, the kingdom of God has come…”; the same as Mt 10:7,8 (Jn 17:15-24) by the One Who sent them?  They say “gifts have ceased”, while Jesus Christ demonstrated the opposite in all who believe Him and today still brings His good tidings (Gospel) with power and authority! (Heb 13:8; 1 Cor 4:20).  1 Cor 13 clearly explains that the “gifts” will be no more necessary when Jesus Christ returns [His second coming, as 1 Cor 14:1, for one, confirms).  Throughout church history (Acts, and onwards), we see examples of signs, miracles and wonders performed in Jesus’ name as proof when His message is preached (Mark 16:16-20).

False preachers and copy-cats memorize passages in efforts of self-righteous attempts to please God, ignoring completely the finished work of Jesus Christ, the exchange, on His cross once for all (Heb 10:14)!  They do not have a personal relationship – that shows any supernatural results – with a personal God Who is a Person.  They only have a superficial show (Mk 16:16-18; 1 Cor 4:20).

The Three Persons as one God

God has sometimes revealed Himself in any one or more of three Persons, so we can easier understand who we are dealing with:

 The Father: Is 63:16; Mal 2:10.  Is 9:6 – Observe that Jesus would be called “everlasting Father” [of eternity]! Jn 14:8-13, 23,24; even Jn 5:17-23,26; 8:18,29,41; 14:28; 20:17; Heb 10:13…

The Son of Jehovah:  Ps 45:6,7; 2:6,7,12; Prov 30:4; as Messiah with Divine titles in Jer 23:5,6; Is 9:6; and then the Angel of the Lord who bears God’s name and has power to either forgive or retain sins as in Ex 23:20,21. Also Jn 10:30; 14:9; the Lamb of God mentioned over and over in Revelation. Take special note here of 1 Jn 4:1-3 (Refer to the meditation “Who is Jesus Christ”).

The Holy Spirit: Gen 1:2; Is 11:2,3; 48:16; 61:1; 63:10.   Lying to the Holy Spirit is lying to God in Acts 5:3,4; Jn 16:8-9; see also 1 Cor 12:11. How else could He be omnipresent [invisible]?  Jn 4:24. Also the words of Jesus in Mt 12:31-32.

The Father testified of the Son in at least Mt 3:16,17; 17:5 (Ps 2:7; Is 42:1; Heb 3:1-8)
The Son testified of the Father in at least Jn 5:19; 10:29-30
The Son testified of the Holy Spirit in at least Jn 14:26; even Mt 12:31-32
The Holy Spirit testifies of the Son in at least Jn 15:26; Is 42:1

The Apostle Paul also held this possible view by comparing the following Scriptures:

 1. Eph 4:11.  The 5 leadership gifts (charismata) given by Jesus Himself to equip saints to prove the working of the Holy Spirit, building His church [Body];

2. Rom 12:6-8. The 7 ministries (diakona) given by the Father to train saints to serve like Jesus;

3. 1 Cor 12:8-12.  The 9 spiritual gifts (energemata) given by the Holy Spirit to show the Father’s power. Jesus confirmed this in Mk 16:16-20, and ever since (Heb 13:8).  It is by His grace alone.

Each Person is called the Creator, Each is called Jehovah, the Lord, the God of [the true] Israel (see the meditation “Israel-racism”), omnipresent and the Source of Life.  Each made mankind, quickens the dead, raised Christ, commissions the ministry, sanctifies God’s people, and performs all spiritual operations.  There are also analogies in nature, mentioned at the end of this meditation in the summary, and much more.

The three persons revealed of God

Trinity is a term that cannot be found anywhere in the Bible.  It is a theological term used to describe a teaching which is derived from several passages in the Bible – both OT and NT.  It really says:  Three-unity and was used since 181 AD in Greek (Trias) and in Latin by Tertullian in 220 AD (Trinitas).  The concept or phenomenon was however, clearly understood and communicated by, for example, Jesus in Mt 28:19 and Paul in 2 Cor 13:14. The term refers to the fact that God, that is one in essence, has revealed Himself to us in three ways, depending on the circumstance. In all His true glory, we could not handle God the Father, so we are given His Son (Jn 14:6; 15:1-10; Col 1 :9-20) We get a better understanding of what God is like in the three persons:  God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

The “trinitarian formula” is, amongst other more subtle revelations, deducted from the words of Jesus in the Great Commission (Matt 28:19) and in the benediction of the apostle Paul`s Second Epistle to the Corinthians ( 2 Cor 13:14).  The doctrine of the trinity attempts to explain that within the one being we distinguish three distinct persons, without dividing the substance.  Athanasius (4^th century) said the entire three persons are co-eternal and co-equal with one another, so that we worship the complete unity in Trinity and the Trinity in unity.

We must be careful, however, not to stress either the threeness or oneness to the point where we fall into Tritheism (believing in three gods) or losing sight of the distinction of persons (Sabellianism – that claims the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are merely three aspects or manifestations of God; Eph 1:17).  Dt 6:4 states “…  The Lord our God, the Lord is one!” because it was a specific message to Israel to avoid the idolatry of plural gods and does not contradict the NT that revealed He is an eternal, inexhaustible and dynamic triune family of Father, Son and Holy Spirit who are one in will and purpose, love and righteousness.  All this really reinforces the immeasurable glory and mystery of our Creator, the one and only Almighty God (Col 2:9).

From before time began, before any creatures existed, there was an eternal [transcendent] unity and logically then the same fellowship between the three distinct Persons in the [one] Godhead – any One of Whom was God and was conscious of the other two while none of the other ceased to exist when one manifests to mankind.  The three Persons operate in singleness of “mind” and purpose, so that we can say They are truly One.  We may observe the Father creates, the Son redeems, and the Holy Spirit sanctifies while all three is the same God.  In each work we see all Three as present.  The Son and Holy Spirit co-operate in the creative work.  The Father and the Spirit sent the Son to redeem.  The Father and Son co-operate in sanctifying the work of the Spirit, and so the Son co-operates in sanctifying the work of the Spirit.

 Note at Dt 6:4. The word “one” talking about “…one God…” is from אחד (H259, ‘echâd), a numeral from אחד (H258, âchad, which is perhaps a primitive root that implies to unify, that is, (figuratively) collect (one’s thoughts): – go one way or other). So then, seems this word “one” to mean properly united, that is, one; or (as an ordinal) first: – a, alike, alone, altogether, a certain first, + highway, once, one, only, together.

We are not insinuating to analyze a God beyond our grasp, but to deepen our perception of Him in order to know Him more accurately (Phil 3:9).  Let’s then look a little closer at the three Persons that forms one unity; remembering that statements such as Dt 6:4 and Mk 12:32 was made in the context of heathens having as many different gods for different things (such as for luck, for rain, for wind, etc.) as their imagination came up with, just as in Hinduism today, and against this, God had Moses record the statement [fact] in Dt 6:4. We, however, see from even just the 66 books from Genesis 1 through Revelations 22 (2 Tim 3:15-17) that one God reveals three persons in the Godhead in unity always working together as one supreme being. It’s logical that God our Creator would be beyond our grasp and that is one reason why faith is required on our side (Heb 11:6)! Some attempt an overly simplistic explanation in that it seems as if God the Father conceives thought, God the Son conveys it (Jn 1:1-4; Gal 3:8; Heb 7), and God the Holy Spirit effects it (Gen 1:2; Jn 4:24), but remember, we are talking of the one true God (Jn 1:1-4,14,17; Col 1:13-20). The persons in the Trinity is then thought of as a type of aspect we can identify with where the Father is the Creator, Sustainer and Giver of Life; The Son is our Lord, example, perfect representative, First Born, Brother, Intercessor and Savior; and the Holy Spirit is Omnipresent and our Helper, Comforter, Teacher, Guide and all these together forms one omniscient all-transcendent Life-giving power of God. He strengthens, leads, teaches and interprets, gives unity and peace, gives power to pray (and He translates for us) and gives us power and ability to worship and speak. He calls and sets the true believer in Jesus Christ as Savior, apart. If you insist on having a god you defined by man’s ideas, you have a god smaller than yourself and you cannot worship [trust] him. Think about it. Perhaps this is the issue with unbelievers in a Triune God.

The problem with the concept of a triune God for the “Jehovah’s witness”, for example, seems to stem from their simplistic understanding of Dt 6:4. It must be read in the context as noted above. God the Creator, expressed Himself as one unity in at least 155 verses in The Bible, such as Ex 3;14; Lev 18:30; 19:34; 24:22; 25:17; and so on. This meditation expands on this, where it should be clear that God revealed Himself to us as a Spirit (Jn 4:24; Rom 8:14!) that is a Perfect Father (even Is 9:6!!!) and most importantly, only One Savior/Friend/Son to us who is re-born [God-conscious again, including acceptance of God’s one and only salvation plan for mankind]. Contemplate again Jn 3:3,15-21; 14:6; Acts 4:12; Heb 4:12-16.

Also of interest here, is the word spirits (“… the God of the spirits of all flesh…”) used in Num 16:22, רוּח (rûach, H7307), from H7306 (also meaning to make of quick understanding!); meaning wind; by resemblance breath, that is, a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension a region of the sky; by resemblance spirit, but only of a rational being (including its expression and functions): – air, anger, blast, breath, X cool, courage, mind, X quarter, X side, spirit ([-ual]), tempest, X vain… The reader might find the meditation “Body, Soul and Spirit” also enlightening.

The Father

The Father is God.  He is the Creator, Owner, Sustainer and Sovereign Ruler.  In the OT and NT the use of His name is to describe God as the Originator, Creator of man or Producer and Sustainer of all good things.  He becomes our Father only through faith in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, being quickened into new life by His Holy Spirit.  He is the Source and perfect existence of Love.  He is an infinite Personal Spirit that has no boundaries or limitations.  He is rational, self conscious, intelligent and a moral agent beyond our limited comprehension.  He is omnipresent – in all places at the same time, not bound or limited by our perception of the “space-frame”.  He transcends (is detached from) the creation – that which He has made.  God is an independent, underived self-existing being.  He is imminent, has an all pervading presence within His creation, whether organic or inorganic.  Acting outwards from within, He is able to move from the centre of every atom or origin of thought, life and feeling – causing and effecting continuous cycles of movement and growth.  Unlike man, He cannot be without His character. God [the Person] is love, goodness, mercy, wisdom, righteousness, holiness, justice, omniscience, etc..  His attributes are integrally part of His being.  Evil is not a thing, it is a result where God [Jesus] is rejected.

He created ex nihilo (instantaneously and without cooperation out of nothing, such as Gen 1:1) and by shaping, adapting, combining or transforming from existing materials.  This creation (Genesis) took place in six literal days, with no gaps in between, about 4000 years B.C.  Man was created by God and given life and a few communicable properties as He breathed the breath of life into him.  And no, God did not “explode” anything into existence: an explosion is divergent instability, a destructive event, a [temporary] loss of control, a mess-up.  God is perfectly able to speak things into a complex and mature state of existence.

The will of God is an expression of His attribute of self-determination and unlimited eternal power and Godhead.  We distinguish three kinds: Gods decreed will (that is always accomplished, such as laws in nature, where God displays His sovereignty – not doing all but being above all), and perceived will (what should be done, either spoken or written).  See the meditation by this author entitled “The will of God” for a fuller exegesis on this idea. The Bible is Gods written word.  God either causes things to come to pass, or allows it to happen through His permissive will – always backed by His infinite wisdom and unconditional holiness, longsuffering, patience, grace and kindness – bearing in mind that His goodness hates any unholiness.  We can always rely on Him – He never changes and preserves His creation.  God has our interest at heart.  He demonstrates His faithfulness to His Word: He will not violate our will!  His Word shows us the consequences of our wrong, self-destructive choices by what is described by us as suffering, curses, punishment, etc.  He is the source of goodness and love, and will therefore never hurt His creation like a child basher.  This is what we bring over ourselves.  Remember the devil is the destroyer, and only through our willful [ignorant] alliances with him!  It is Satan that wants to destroy the image of God – us (1 Peter 5:8)!  God the Father does not tempt us – He always provides a way out – 1 Cor 10:13! God the creator is our loving Father, and has done all He could – without violating our will True to His Word!  He gave us a new, easier covenant in Jesus Christ.  The old system of [the idea of attempted good] works by man caused us to drift away from Him and His perceived will.  Our rebellion and disobedience caused our lack of knowledge of His plan for us, that was in His foreseen will and grieved Him in His perfect love for us, so much that He provided the complete, just, redeeming and sufficient solution for all:  By loving Him for Who He is, we can now follow His perceived will easier and in a purer way – we can love Him back!  Just like we want to please those earthlings we are in love with without wanting to upset, displease or hurt them…  He knows us intimately…  He created us…  Now read Matt 22:36-38…  God  is holy.  To belong to Him, we must also be holy.  There are only two destinations.  Don`t be deceived and blinded by the twisted facts of the murdering, lying, deceiving Satan.  Choose to know the loving God.

His grace and mercy endures forever.

God govern using His laws of nature (e.g. seasons), man`s given instincts (self-preservation, sense of moral responsibility) and miracles (overriding these).  He also uses His Word (Joshua 1:7), appeals to reason (Acts 6:2), uses persuasion (Jeremiah 7:13), applies inner checks and restraints (Acts16:6), arranges outward circumstances (1 Cor 16:9) and inclines our hearts.  God also employs angels, or work directly through His Holy Spirit.  He governs with our happiness – and free will –  in mind.  What God the Father did: He loved the world so much, He gave His only unique Son that became Man.  He gave us eternal life – without us having to do anything, except believe and accept this wonderful gift from Him + follow Him.

 

The Son

Jesus, in English, is derived from the Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua, which means Savior (Mt 1:21).  Christ is the Greek form of the Hebrew word Messiah, which means anointed (Lk 2:11; 4:16-21; Is 61:1,2).  His name, indispensability and deity is explained more in the meditation “Who is Jesus Christ”.

Jesus Christ is the Son of God, sent not created (Jn 1:1-4; Rom 8:3; Col 1:9-20) and not an angel (Heb 1:5). He is the Word Who was in the beginning and was God (John 1:1), who became flesh and dwelt amongst us (Jn 1:14).  A word is a medium of manifestation, a means of communication and a method of revelation (Heb 1:2; Col 1:15; Rev 1:1).  To be the Mediator between God and man (the last Adam – 1 Cor 15:45; 1 Tim 2:5-6; Jn 14:6; Acts 4:12; Heb 4:12-16; 1 Jn 2:1-2), He is both God and Man.  He was born from a woman under the law but not under Law Himself but superior and so the fulfilment of Law as the Creator.  Jesus was born into this world, not from it.  He did not emerge out of history; He came into history from the outside.  Jesus Christ is not the best human being the human race can boast of – He is a Being for whom the human race can take no credit at all.  He is not man becoming God, but God incarnate – God coming into human flesh from outside it.  Not an angel like the “Jehovah’s witnesses” thought up!  His Life is the highest and the holiest entering through the humblest of doors.  Our Lord’s birth was an advent – the appearance of God in human form.  Through Jesus we are able to hear from God and see His “image” (Jn 14:7-15,23).  He was from the beginning and as “first born” of the creation was before all else.  He is represented as Creator, Preserver and the goal of creation (Col 1:16-20).  In the OT the Son often appeared as the Angel of Jehovah or the Angel of God (histories of Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Gideon, Manoah and Elijah).  Paul said the rock that followed the Israelites was Christ (1 Cor 10:4).  The following Scriptures prove that it is the pre-existing Christ that became man.  This Son, however, is no angelic being (Heb 1:5), but God presented as a Son of Man.

The Son of God humbled Himself by also becoming the Son of Man:  John 1:1,14;  Rom 8:3;  Phil 2:6;  Gal 4:4;  Matt 1, 2;  Luke 1, 2.  God could still remain God as a Father, while sending Jesus to be Him as a Son with His omnipresent Spirit inside of Him. God is omniscient and omnipresent.

Note on Mt 8:2: Worship is reserved for God alone (Mt 4:10). Angels refused [to receive] worship (Rev 19:10; 22:8-9) and men refused [to receive] worship (Acts 10:25-26; 14:11-18). There are 11 instances where Jesus was worshiped (Mt 2:2; 8:2; 9:18; 14:33; 15:25; 20:20; 28:9,17; Mk 5:6; Lk 24:52; Jn 9:38). The fact that Jesus received this man’s worship further attests to the fact that He was God in the flesh (1 Tim 3:16). Angels also worship Him and would unlikely to be done to anyone else but God; we therefore have to consider at least Heb 1:1-6; Col 1:13-22 and Jn 1:1-4 with Rev 1:8,11,17-19, as well.

Note on Mt 8:20: The animals that Jesus created (Col 1:16- 17) were also provided with some form of shelter, but the Creator Himself had no place to call His own. His Father did provide for His needs (“no place to lay His head” refers to persecution, not material poverty), but it certainly wasn’t in the style that we would have expected. Jesus made Himself of no reputation and humbled Himself (Phil 2:7-8) so that (1) He could be a merciful and faithful high priest (Heb 2:17) who was touched with the feeling of our infirmities (Heb 4:15) and (2) so that men would have to accept Him by faith based on His life and not His looks or possessions.

Some Reasons for the incarnation are understood as at least the following:

–  Fulfillment of Gods promises                     – Is 9:5,6; 7:14

–  A once for all Sacrifice for our sin              – Heb 9:26-28

–  Destroying the works of the devil               – 1 John 3:5-8;  Heb 2:14

–  Becoming our High Priest                          – Heb 2:10, 17, 18

–  Our example for Life in the Spirit               – Matt 11:29;  1 Pet 2:21

–  Revealing the Father to us                         – John 1:18; 14:9

–  Be our Intercessor                                    – Rom 8:26,27,34; 1 Tim 2:5; Heb 7:25; even 1 Cor 12:13. 1 Jn 2:1-6.

Note that 1 Jn 2:4 with Jn 1:17 show that “His [Jesus’] commands” is not the “10 commandments”!  Refer to the meditation “The Covenant and the Law” and “Mixing Old and New” by this author on www.gospel-truth.co.za for an exegeses on this issue.

–  Preparing for the Second Coming               – Tit 2:11-14;  1 Cor 1:4-8; 1 Thess 4; Heb 10:12-13…

The nature of His incarnation was to empty Himself (Phil 2:7;  2 Cor 8:9;  Jn 17:5) and be made in the likeness of men (Heb 10:5;  Rom 8:3).  Jesus was sent to us in the likeness of sinful flesh, but was without sin.  He was tempted as we are.  He took the form of a servant while He retained the form [character, nature] of God.  He was the perfect sacrificial Lamb.  Only Christ can truly represent us as High Priest before the Father (Heb 4:15-16), and be the door (Jn 10:9) through Whom we can call God our Father.  Jesus lived an absolutely holy life, He was motivated by genuine love, His conduct was truly humble, He was gentle and meek (not weak), He lived a life of prayer – with godly results ( 1 Cor 4:20) – and was a hard and unselfish worker.  He was generous and a magnificent Teacher.  The true Light of men.

Jesus died on the cross (by giving His Spirit, no man can kill the Author of Life, His soul was the only soul to eminate Life and not receive Life – Mt 27:50; Lk 23:46; Jn 14:6) and shed His blood so we can be saved. (1 Cor 15:3).  This was foretold in the OT (Is 53:5,10), and is absolutely essential to our Christian belief (Rom 3:24; 5:8;  10:9-10; Eph 1:7;  1John 2:2).  Jesus was our Ransom.  He was the once for all Sacrifice that paid for the most horrendous sins of anyone who accept His redeeming offer.  The bigger the sin, the more the grace and forgiveness!  He gives us remission (Heb 10:17, 18) and reconciliation at conversion (2 Cor 5:18;1 Jn 2:2).  His crucifixion and resurrection is a historical fact (Acts 1:9, also historian records by other believers, such as Josephus, Cornelius Tacitus, Hadrian, Phlegon, Mara Bar-Serapion, Thallus, Pliny the Younger, Suetonius, Lucian of Samasota, The Jewish Talmud).  His life, works and exaltation places every man in front of an eternally important decision (1 Cor 15:12-21; Heb 2:9; Phil 2:9; 3:22):  Who is your righteousness?  You by following rules [Moses and the Ten Commandments], or is Jesus your Savior and Lord – daily [continuously in a thought-life that manifests with tangible good results]?

The resurrection of Christ means that He really is the Son of God, the atoning death of Christ is accepted, we have a High priest in heaven who understands us, He was able to send His Holy Spirit to us, our bodies will also be made alive and/or remain alive (Rom 8:11), there is life to come for us and there was a judgment He paid for on His cross.   There can only be one Jesus.  Jesus is our Savior and Lord.  He sent the Holy Spirit as our Comforter, teacher and strength (Jn 14:16, 26; 2:22; 12:16; 16:13; 1Jn 2:20,27).

Christ means the One chosen and singled out to be anointed and equipped to do the task; the One who has the approval. The only One Who’s right it is (Ez 21:27).  The glory and power.  Jesus means Savior, the One who rescues from sin, from the works of the devil (1 Jn 3:8) and our own lustful and greedy thoughts [self-centeredness], Who has taken the full punishment for sin by suffering physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually and dying on the cross, by shedding or pouring out His blood and, thus, giving His  life.  The Lord means Jesus Christ is the Master and Ruler of those who accept Him as Savior, Son of God and what He did for us on the cross – He took our place of execution if we believe Him.  He is our King of Kings and should be given full authority over our lives.  Jesus Christ is the only way to God – John 14:6; 15:13;  Acts 4:12; 15:11; 20:28.  Important points from these Scriptures are that Jesus Christ is the only way and the one Name by which we are able to come to the Father.  This one way, Jesus Christ, leads to salvation, now and forever, once for all, it is an accomplished deed of amazing grace and mercy and love.  His blood was the purchase price.  Grace means God gives us what we do not deserve.  His miracle-working power has been made available for our salvation.  Love in its greatest [original] form, lay down His life for His friends (still His enemies then!…), indicating the cost of salvation for us. Jesus is Immanual – God with us.  Jesus is salvation itself; He is the gospel [good news] of God!

The deity of Jesus Christ

Refer to the meditation “Who is Jesus Christ” for a fuller exegesis.

Jesus was not sent to be a religious leader (Mt 12:6) or a political leader (Jn 6:15); He was sent by the Father (Ps 43:3; 57:3; Jn 3:16-21,36; 5:22-25; 6:46; 8:18; 17:18; Mt 11:27; Jm 1:17).  Peruse the following Scriptures: Is 9:6; Lk 2:11; Eph 1:17; 3:15; Mt 28:18; Jn 1:18; 6:46; 8:23;10:30; 14:9; 20:28; Acts 4:12; 5:31; 7:59; 10:42; Tit 2:3; Rom 9:5; Phil 2:5-11; Col 1:15,17; 2:9; Heb 1:1-5; 12:9 (Jn 1:1-5; Col 1:15-17); 1 Jn 5:20; 1 Cor 8:6; to name a few…

Jesus gave His Spirit, Christ died (Rom 5:6,8), but Christ never left – He is the omnipresent Spirit of God Who indwells us, His ecclesia, His Church, His Bride, His heavenly Jerusalem, the True Israel (Jn 1:12; Eph 2:19; 3:5-6; Heb 12:22; Mt 21:43; Rom 9:7-9; Gal 4:25-31) – on earth.  Jesus is not an angel – Heb 1:5; Col 1:13-15.

Ps 45:7; Heb 1:9; Phil 2:6-8; Jn 10:30; and 2 Cor 5:16-19 deals with the deity of Jesus Christ.  It is clear that Christ is equal to God.  In manifesting in the flesh through a woman, He did not [certainly not permanently, and even not momentarily leaving His role as for example, Sustainer] relinquish His deity – see Jn 10:29,30; 14:6-15,20-27.  Read Heb 2:9 and note the following:

• Jesus, as Son of Man (His body), was apparently liable to death up to His resurrection (Mt 2:13-23), but as Son of God He was not (Mt 27:50). His Spirit is eternal. See a possible separation in Mt 27:46? Also contemplate the Spirit [Life, Jn 6:33] of Is 53; 1 Pet 2:24 with Heb 2 (especially vs. 8-17; Col 1:15-17); 1 Cor 15:26; Rom 8:11; Jn 3:16; 11:26… As our one true representative (referred to as Son of Man not son of God), ponder Ezek 21:27 and Is 9:6 with 1 Tim 2:5; Jn 1:49,51; 6:27; Acts 7:56; Dan 7:9,3-14 (Rev 5:1-10); Lk 12:8; 22:69; Eph 4:8-10,13; Jer 35:19 and Jn 5:23-27 (Jn 6:48-51,58; Col 1:17-20). Observe the deity in this Son of Man in Dan 7:13-14; Rev 5:1-10; consider and ponder with Ezek 21:27 Gen 49:10; 1 Sam 2:35; Is 9:6; 11:1-4; and Lk 1:31-33 as well.
• The reference “Son of Man” thus proves the deity of Jesus Christ (Dan 7:13-14,27).
• As Son of law, He bore no fruit on record, and we have no reference to Him, as if He was dead.
• Jesus never partook [consumed, ate, lived by] the tree of good and evil [law]…, so He was indeed dead to law as a means of righteousness; but Life itself as the Tree of Life.
• The moment He took the decision to submerse Himself under Holy Spirit [His Father] only and be buried to the law (Rom 7:4,6), with the symbolism of Baptism, God declared Jesus His Son. Now His ministry started, He bore fruit with signs, miracles and wonders following …
• Remember, we are talking of one God (2 Jn 1:9)

We know that Adam was also referred to as a son of God (Lk 3:38) and hence also those men referred to in Job 1:6; but again, as far as the deity of Jesus Christ is concerned, consider Ezek 21:27 and Dan 3:25 with the title [recognition as the] Son of God in Mt 8:29; 14:33; 16:16; 27:43,54; Mk 1:1; 3:11; 5:7; 15:39; Lk 1:35; 4:41; 8:28; Jn 1:34,49; 5:25; 9:35; 11:4,27; 17:20-24; 19:7; 20:31; Acts 3:13,26; 8:37; 9:20; Rom 1:4,17; 5:9,10; 8:3; Gal 2:20; 4:4,6,7; Eph 4:13; 1 Cor 1:9; 2 Cor 1:19; Heb 4:14; 6:6; 7:3; 10:29; 1 Jn 4:9,15; 5:5,9,10,12,13,20; 2 Jn 1:3; Rev 2:18. Jesus is our intercessor (even just 1 Jn 2:1 and Rev 12:10).

Jesus’ statement in Jn 1:18 is saying what He said in Jn 4:24, namely that God as a Spirit is invisible and was greatly misunderstood until Jesus could reveal His image (Col 1:15-18).  Εικών (1504). Ikön, “image” always presumes a prototype, not merely a thing it resembles.  Paul was telling the Colossians that Jesus Christ has a “prototype”, God the Father Who is invisible. Another significant word, πρωтотόκος (4416) prötŏtŏkŏs, translates as Firstborn (Jn 3:16; Heb 2:9-18) that is from (4413) that means foremost in place and importance and that Christ holds the same relation to all creation as God the Father (Col 1:15-18).

Contemplating Phil 2:6-8, we see that Christ could relinquish His glory, not His deity (Jn 17:5-8, 14-26).  Phil 2:7 uses the phrase “having taken…” which denotes that He willingly became a servant in man’s likeness at His incarnation, and that He did not have that form before, with the purpose of dying to the sins of all mankind, once for all (Heb 10:10-14; 1 Jn 3:8).  He had to be a Man to represent man[kind] and to also pay on behalf of all mankind; yet He is God [Love, Life, Light] since the beginning…

The Muslim Dr. Zakir Naik is a champion when it comes to misquoting the Bible with selective verses completely out of context. He, and some critics, for example, claims Jn 5:19,30 says Jesus was a mere hapless man that could do nothing on His own. Well then, let’s read what Jesus was really saying in John 5, shall we? Jesus explained it in Jn 10:30 (Jn 1:1-4; Col 1:13-20). The context is that the Jews wanted to know who “worked” [healed] on the Sabbath and instructed this man (that was healed by Jesus) to pick up his bed and walk (Jn 5:8-12). When the Jews found out Jesus was the one who healed this man they persecuted Jesus (Jn 5:15-16) and wanted to know by what authority Jesus could do this. Jesus replied that God (His Father) has worked up to then and in fact has never ceased working and therefore Jesus the Son of Man, the Son of God also must be at [divine] work. (Jn 5:17). This made the Jews more determined than ever to kill Jesus because He was not only violating the Sabbath but was making it clear to them that God was His Father in a special way, other than the Father of all re-born Christians (Mt 6:9; Rom 8:14) but making Himself equal to God the Father (Jn 5:18). To clarify that Jesus was not saying He was a separate God than God the Father and that He [Jesus] is one [Triune] God with God the father, Jesus practically spelled it out by saying that He and the Father is one God (as in Mk 12:29; Jn 10:30), and therefore that He, for this reason, could no nothing on His own accord without the Father doing it as well, doing only what He sees His Father do and then doing it in the same way. A mere mortal cannot make this claim (refer to Gen 1:1-27; Jn 1:1-4; Col 1:16-17), to be able to do all what God the Creator can do. Just as God the Father can give life, so Jesus can do as well (Jn 5:21; Jn 1:1-4; Col 1:16-17). Furthermore, God the Father judges no one, for He has given all judgement (the final judgement and the whole business of judging) entirely into the hands of the Son (Jn 5:22,27-29) and in fact the Son is the resurrection power, having Himself been resurrected from the dead (Dan 12:2; Jn 11:25-26; 1 Cor 15:12-28; 1 Thess 4:13-17). Jesus is self-existent but one with the Father (Jn 5:26). Now we get to Jn 5:19, 30 and hear Jesus reiterating and summarizing that He is not independent from God but one with Him (Jn 5:31-34, 37-40).

Note at Mt 19:17; Mk 10:18; Lk 18:19. This question is not, as critics want to believe, Jesus renouncing His deity. Jesus was addressing what was in the young ruler’s mind that was regarding Jesus as a mere man. The question asked by Jesus, “Why do you call me good?” was addressed to this covetous rich young ruler as a perfect example of a great teacher’s way of leading a pupil to analyze [examine] his motif and understanding. Only God [Jesus Christ] is perfectly good (Lk 18:19) and Jesus tested this understanding and insight of this brazen young man that Jesus is God [one with God; Jn 10:30] and the young man flunked the test, missing the logic and truth in Mt 6:24; Lk 16:23 (Ex 20:3; 23:13; Jer 25:6). Note further that Jesus in Mt 19:18; Mk 10:19 and Lk 18:20 pointed to this young man’s focus on the “horizontal” rules (applying to fellow humans) and saying, tongue-in-cheek, that he only lacked one more thing, namely, to follow Him (while Jesus knew this young man was unlikely to have always obeyed all the Laws – Rom 3:23; Ps 14:132; Jer 17:9-10). Jesus was demonstrating to this young ruler that the Law was given to prepare men to receive Christianity and salvation is not in proportion as man can observe the Law (Mt 5:27-28; Jn 1:17; Rom 3:20,28; Gal 5:4; Phil 3:9! The meditation “The covenant and the Law” refers). We can inherit the life in Christ (Rom 8:17; Phil 3:9) but only by accepting the deity of Jesus Christ (Rom 10:9-10). Without faith in Christ as God this man could not give up material possessions and follow Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour (Lk 10:28). Unless this rich young man had believed in Jesus’ divinity, he would only regard Jesus as a prophet, a teacher, a man. Jesus was therefore reproving this over-confident young ruler for using a form of words without realizing its full ingress and significance. The real question then, as read in manuscripts such as א B,D,etc., Vulgate, and other versions (Refer to the meditation “The four Gospels”), read, “Why askest thou me concerning the good?” This is how this passage is rendered in the Amplified Bible as well. “There is none good but one” implies God Triune when including Jn 4:23-24. The meditation “Who is Jesus Christ?” expands on this. For our purposes now, note that the deity of Jesus Christ is not under any suspicion for He forgave sins, healed people and allowed people to worship Him all while simultaneously representing us [perfectly] as man to God (1 Cor 15:45) to pay for all our sins [confessed and repented of, laid down, by us], making Jesus Christ the “Begotten Son” other than us mere mortals that can only be saved by Him. “My God” and “My Father” is indeed different for Jesus Christ than for us even though we have Rom 8:15,17,29-30; Gal 4:6. Ponder Mt 22:43-45 carefully. Jesus is both our beloved Son of Man and beloved Son of God, He is our Triune God and can therefore distinguish between His Father and our Father, His God and our [triune] God. Amen?

Similarly, at Jn 14:28b. “For my Father is greater than I” is not Jesus comparing His nature with that of the Father, but his condition. Thus The Father not greater in essence (as Arians and Socinians would have it) for many times have Jesus asserted the contrary. This is not a comparison of natures, or of persons, but of states and conditions: now he was going to the Father to partake of the same happiness and glory with him, to be glorified with himself, with the same glory he had with him before the foundation of the world; wherefore on this account, his disciples ought to have rejoiced, and not have mourned. God the Father begat the Son (see examination above of “The only begotten Son”). The Son proceeded from the Father by eternal generation. Jesus was our Mediator sent by The Father, making Jesus taking the role of a Servant and the true reason for joy must have been because Christ in His glorious state of exaltation would be much more cheerful than he had been in his state of humiliation. As a matter of fact, the Father and Son would come and take up their abode in the loving and obedient heart (Jn 14:23; 2 Tim 1:14; Rev 21:3). But the Lord does more – he bids them not only to dismiss their fear and harassment, but even to “rejoice” – a supposition involving uncertainty with a prospect of decision. Perfect love would cast out fear because He “go to the Father”. Professor Stuart feels that the object of this expression is to console the disciples in view of his absence. This he does by saying that if he goes away, the Holy Spirit will descend, and great success will attend the preaching of the gospel (Jn 16:7-10). In the plan of salvation the Father is represented as giving the Son, the Holy Spirit, and the various blessings of the gospel. As the Appointer, the Giver, the Originator, he may be represented as in office superior to the Son and the Holy Spirit. The discourse has no reference, manifestly, to the nature of Christ, and cannot therefore be adduced to prove that he is not divine. Its whole connection demands that we interpret it as relating solely to the imparting of the blessings connected with redemption, in which the Son is represented all along as having been sent or given, and in this respect as sustaining a relation subordinate to the Father. “Because my Father is greater than I” sounds in fact strange speech from Christ and therefore presuppose a teaching on His part for them to not think He could gain anything by departing to the Father, but His sacrifice as representative of us was for believers. Jesus therefore explicitly said that there was a sense in which He could do so. Thus, this startling explanation seems plainly intended to correct such misapprehensions as might arise from the emphatic and reiterated teaching of His proper equality with the Father. As an Exalted Son of Man, Jesus as a Person of The Godhead were incapable of any accession by transition from this dismal scene. By assuring them that this was not the case, He wanted to make them forget their own sorrow in His approaching joy (2 Cor 9:7). The NT plainly assert that in the divine nature there seems to be a subordination of the Son to the Father (Jn 14:16; 17:5; 1 Cor 3:23; 11:3; 15:27-28; Phil 2:9,11 and especially Jn 5:19 as deliberated above. Those who deny the divinity of our beloved Lord Jesus Christ like to quote these texts to assert the inferiority of his nature but consider the silliness of a mere mortal making the statement “God is greater than I”. No, our beloved Lord Jesus Christ clearly claimed to be truly God Himself.

Reading the book of Romans (especially chapter eight), three words emerge that help to show us what Jesus accomplished with that exchange on the cross for us:

1. Justified. A courtroom word.  In Jesus Christ we are acquitted by God.

1. Redemption.  A slavery word.  Jesus Christ paid to set us free.

3. Propitiation. A priestly word.  Jesus Christ offered Himself as sacrifice acceptable to God by His Blood.  The Lamb that became the Shepherd.  The Master that sets us free to become His Friends, bringing many sons (and daughters, Gal 3:28) to God (Rom 8:19!..).

Rom 8:2,17,29-39 should now have a powerful and fresh meaning to us.

The four Gospels are supplementary to each other, not contradictory.  They provide a message for every one, with [collective] deeper insight into the Word that became flesh, the revelation, power, glory and wisdom of God:  Jesus Christ.  They show Jesus Christ [the anointed One, the Messiah, Light and Truth], to a problematic world.  Only He could reconcile us [back] to a Perfect Father, the Source of righteousness.  Only Jesus Christ perfectly represented man[kind] whilst simultaneously perfectly representing [the true nature and character of] God as a heavenly Father.  .  He brought Light and Love whilst the best that man could come up with [in 4 000 years, in the “fullness of time”] fell dismally short.  We find that…

• The [Roman] political or military power proved insufficient to bring real peace;

• The [Greek] culture, sophistication and philosophy lacked real answers and wisdom; See Rom 1:18-22; 9:19-21; 1 Cor 1:18-21; 2:6-8,13,14; 3:18-20; 2 Cor 4:3, etc.
• The [rabbinical] law did not satisfy the [Jewish] heart. It remained external, only religion – tradition, ceremony and rituals; and not the internal relationship our covenantal God wants as a Father.  He wants us to seek Him [first], not only His kingdom [perks].  To abhor sin (no law changes the secret desires in your inner man, the potential to sin).  He wants us to ask His opinion, not His things.  He wants a habitual, continuous, [ever]lasting relationship.  He never changes [not monotonous, boring, but stable and trustworthy], that is why we can trust Him.  He is Holy, so we must be holy [consecrated, set apart for Him]. But because of our inherited old nature, we were [had to be] made holy by the Blood of Jesus Christ (Heb 10:12-14; Rom 3:22-25).  He, by His grace and mercy and loving kindness, came to us and laid down His perfect holy Life for us, and was buried so we could legally inherit what we could never earn [deserve through merit].  So His perfect salvation plan offers infinitely more than just being saved – it has provided everything we could possibly need to have an abundant life, right here on earth, forever.  This is called God’s kingdom of Light.
• The provision has been made by God, we must just believe Him to receive more than we can even think, dream or imagine (Eph 3:20; 1 Cor 2:9). Life everlasting.
• This is called God’s kingdom of Light. So what our perfect Father is looking for, is only the trust in Him, to rely on Him (not man and his ideas), and to accept [gratefully appropriate, humbly take] His Word. This is why we repent [acknowledge, admit, confess] and ask.  Not to earn [through repentance], but because we show we understand [accept] His provision by His blood and stop our double-mindedness.  Repentance means to change our minds from ideas of self-righteousness and instead believe God that Jesus Christ is our Righteousness, then follow Him habitually and continuously inside of us as a Guide, a Teacher, a Friend, a Savior, a Comforter, a Strenghener…

The provision has been made by God [not works of man], we must just believe Him to receive more than we can even think, dream or imagine (Eph 3:20; 1 Cor 2:9).

So this is rather the “believe” God has in mind:  our trust in-, rely on-, and cling to [follow] Him.

We must come to terms with our Father – with infinite Love.  Nothing is more humbling than this discovery:  His Love for us is infinitely more than our feeble idea of “self” worth or goodness.

 

Holy Spirit

He is the Spirit of God (as often referred to in the OT, also as Holy Ghost), or Holy Spirit (NT).  It is through His work that God is actively involved in the life of the Christian believer and the church.  The Holy Spirit mainly seem to want the Lord Jesus Christ glorified and the power of God to be manifested.

Remembering that all persons in the Godhead are in some way involved in every work of the same God, various Scriptures from the Bible seems to attribute the role of the Holy Spirit as one of bringing into completion or rounding off and upholding the intended fullness, but with the emphasis differing between the Persons of God.  When God the Father creates, He does it through the Son.  When Jesus sends gifts, it is given through or by the Holy Spirit.

Holy Spirit convicts the sinner of sin and is thereby led to repentance (Rom 2:4; Jn 16:8).  At conversion, a miraculous  transformation of the individual takes place – he is born again of the Spirit of God and can therefore see, receive and enter the realm of Gods rule – the Kingdom of God (2 Cor 5:17; Jn 3:3).  The same Holy Spirit that inspired more than 40 men as writers to help document and compile the Bible as one unfolding word over 1 600 years in 66 books, gives the newborn Christian the insight to supernaturally accept [trust, believe] it (1 Jn 2:20).

Holy Spirit indwells the believer on a permanent basis that unmistakingly change and influence the acts and conduct of the spiritually reborn to become more like Jesus.  The fruit we subsequently bear is of the Holy Spirit – Gal 5:22-25.  The Holy Spirit intercedes for us (Rom 8:26,27; 1 Jn 2:1), guides us (Jn 16:13-15), teaches us (Jn 14:26), sanctifies us ((Rom 8:1-17,29-37) and enables us (Zechhariah 4:6).  We also receive gifts [available power, anointing] from the Holy Spirit – 1 Cor 12:4, 8-10 .  Eventually the mature believers find themselves urged to use their God-given abilities to serve God’s church in unity (Rom 12:6-8).  The gifts of the Holy Spirit are the means through which the power and reality of God manifests through the co-operation of the believer who has been empowered and therefore equipped, to proclaim the Gospel to the world (1 Cor 12:4-11).  Gifts require no spiritual maturity, fruit does require spiritual maturity (like trees).  We will do well to heed Jesus’ words in Jn 15:1-9.

Sins against the Holy Spirit fall in two groups:  believers and unbelievers.  Believers grieve God by acting opposite to the character of the indwelling Spirit explained in Eph 4:29-31; or quench the active work or ministry of the Spirit in the church of the individual – e.g. prophecy (1 Thess 5:19,20); or lie (1 Jn 2:4, to not spread His gospel).  This is equivalent to lying or to-, or denying the omnipresent God since the Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3-11,19,20,29-32).  Unbelievers resist by hardening the heart to the voice of God to repent or to persecute those who speak for God (Acts 7:51-53); and by blaspheme through making the person of God or works of God out to be that of Satan (Is 5:20,21), or direct and explicit abuse of the divine name (including false teachings using His Name!).  This is mentioned by Jesus as the only unforgivable sin (Matt 12:24-37).

Is God male?

God has no limitation to form or gender as we do. We, as male and female mankind, are collectively referred to as the Bride of Jesus Christ – He is the Bridegroom (Jn 3:29; Ps 89:36,37; Rev 1:5; 3:14; 18:23; 19:7; 21:2,9).  We are to be His Body.

Matt 22:30 tells us angels (in heaven) and resurrected men, male and female, does not reproduce or marry or give out as in marriage.  Jesus was witnessed to be a man.  He is part of the Triune Godhead.  He was circumcised and the Son of Man, not the daughter of man, for various reasons.  Jesus referred to God the Father – Jn 5:23; 15:23; 1 Jn 2:23, etc, and the Holy Spirit as Him and He – Jn 16:7,8,13,14; 14:26, etc.  God the Creator and our Heavenly Father does not mislead or confuse like the devil does, but clarify and simplify for our benefit as our Source of Gentleness, Tenderness and Love.  Gen 1:26,27 states that we – both man and woman – are created to the image of God.  This image is in function and communicable properties rather than gender or appearance.  We can perhaps relate to Him better as a Father (as apposed to a Mother), and the Holy Spirit as an infinite boundless Protector, Helper and Comforter as male.  This is how God the Father in His infinite wisdom chose to reveal Himself to us through Jesus Christ, His Son.  He created us and understand us intimately.

But, God the Creator neither needs to have, nor give any evidence of having earthly gender.  God does not need gender as our earthly concept perceives it.  He is Omnipotent, Holy and is complete in Himself.  He does not – like man – need a woman to be complete.  God does not need to multiply.  Sex is for earthly mankind to multiply and to be part of our test of faith, trust and obedience to God, also a parallel of the Bridegroom’s seed (Word) only accepted in(to) His bride…  we humans need other to make us whole.

The physical bond between one man and one woman is intended to assist us in the natural realm, although we allow our own thoughts to be corrupted by Satan if we do not resist those thoughts [to use it destructively against us to destroy the image of God].  So we can either use exactly this to experience victory over Satan in the kingdom of God in Jesus’ victory over that adversary (Col 2:15), and extend what Christ has achieved on the cross, or choose to use it outside of Gods will (Word) to allow the devil`s “law” of diminutive return to let us become numb, calloused and perish.  God loves us and will not violate our will.  We have the choice to either submit to thoughts from the devil or be protected by being obedient to Him that has made us in the first instance.  We are supposed to bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit through a victorious, holy, consecrated life as saints of God, our heavenly Father – Lev 11:45 (1 Pet1 :14-16; Phil 2:15; Rev 4:8); Heb 10:14!  So in a spiritual sense, God can be seen as neither male nor female although He chose to reveal Himself to us as what we perceive as “masculine” due to God being a Father and a Son.

The spirit is not confined to gender

 An excerpt from the meditation “Body, soul, spirit” reads as follows:

The spirit of man is God-centred and God cannot be confined to any [single] rendering.  God is for instance Love but not equal (=) to [only] Love [is not confined to just Love]; He is infinite and not confined at all by His creation (such as nature, its laws, or any relation to time and relativity He created [for us]).  Likewise is God not confined to gender as we relate to it.  Compare Mt 22:17-30 where Jesus explained there is no [more] need for sex (getting more children) in the heaven.  God revealed Himself as a Father to us (see the meditation “Trinity doctrine”) but we collectively, in our relationship what He desires for us are likened to a bride, whether a man or a woman, in metaphorical language to illustrate the prophetic faithfulness and commitment expected between a bride and her groom. Wisdom from God (Jn 14:23-26) is by His Spirit (Jn 4:23-24; Rom 8:14-17) and metaphorically described as female by Solomon (2 Tim 3:15-17; 2 Pet 1:21) in for example, Prov 1:20; 7:4; 8:1; 9:1. Similarly are we by Jesus compared to sheep in the immensely powerful Jn 10:26-29 (expanded on in the meditation “The Testimony”).  Jesus is also referred to (by Himself) as the Lamb of God in Rev Jn 1:29,36; 21:15; 1 Pet 1:19; Rev 5:12; 7:14,17; 12:11; 13:8; 21:23; as a matter of fact, prophetically since the beginning in, for example, Gen 22:8; Ex 12:3; Is 53:7. Followers of the Lamb of God (Jesus Christ our Lord) are metaphorically also compared to sheep in Is 53:6; Mt 9:36; 10:6; Jn 10:3-16,21. We might also consider here Ex 28:3; 31:3,6; 35:31,35; Ex 36:1,2; 1Ki 3:28; 4:29-30,34; Ps 51:6; 111:10; Prov 1:2,3,7; 2:6, 17 and then Jm 4:3-10; even Acts 10:34-35 or Phil 3:9.

The meditation “Marriage” discusses the new [recovered, re-instated] status Jesus gave woman [wives] as illustrated in Jn 8:3-11.  Consider then Eph 5:21,25,28-32 as well.

It is vitally important to grasp that, when we are re-born as Christians, we are a new creature (2 Cor 5:17) in that our old sinful nature has been changed to that of Christ [with a lasting God-consciousness, spirit].

Feminism is tragic and unnecessary

Are you of the opinion that you have to fight to install woman’s rights or equality, thinking God is not so perfect after all for having placed presumptuous male manipulators over woman and not addressing that? As mentioned in the meditations such as “The Gospel”, “Christian suffering” and so on, is the real tragedy when we have become blinded to a wonderful mystery and tenderness from Love (1 Jn 4:8) in the declaration from our Father-God that His strength is shown in our weakness, and simmers through when reading Ps 96:6 with Eccl 9:16 and 2 Cor 12:9 (Phil 3:9). A Marriage seems stronger [unspoiled and better equipped] when “opposites” complement each other as a team, bringing their different strongpoints to the table, so to speak – especially to raise Godly offspring. Selah? The meditation entitled “Marriage” attempts to expand meaningfully on this.

By the way, Eph 5:21 was quite revolutionary at the time.  Women were considered inferior to men and were robbed of privileges by men, but Jesus changed all that for good (Jn 4:9-29; 8:4-12; Gal 3:23-29; Acts 10:34). Note how Jesus allowed a Samaritan woman of five failed marriages (Jn 4:18) and upon whom Jews looked down (Jn 4:9) to herald the Gospel first (Jn 4:26-30); also, how He gave acknowledgment and praise to a woman in Mt 26:7-13, telling us that wherever His Gospel is preached in the whole world, what that woman has done will be told as well in her memory; then of course the fact that Jesus appeared to woman first after His resurrection (Mt 28:1-10), the pivotal point of Christianity (Rom 10:9-10); in fact, a woman was His passageway into the realm in which God could legitimately represent mankind in the flesh to pay for all our sin on our behalf (1 Cor 15:20-22,45).

The bride of Christ – prophecies fulfilled

From p.16/24 in the meditation “Who is Jesus Christ”, the following paragraph:

The prophecy that Jesus would be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver ( Zech 11:13) was fulfilled (Mt 26:14,15; 27:3-10) despite the fact that the Pharisees, scribes and Sadducees, the Jews, would certainly not wanted to play into the hands of Jesus whom they wanted to kill (even just Jn 5:16,18; 7:1,19,25; 8:37,40; 11:53; 15:18-25; 19:7), it is therefore amazing that he scribes that knew of this prophecy would still fulfill it, especially since it would be unusual to pay the rate for a female slave while Jesus [a man] was at stake. A man-slave was usually sold for 20 pieces (Gen 37:28), while a female slave seemed to have fetched more (typically thirty pieces – probably because she could bear more slaves.  Note that Ex 22:32 can mean (a) the higher price of the male and the female “maid servant” – v. 32; or (b) 20 pieces of silver for the male slave + 10 pieces for the ox). This never the less reveals a deeper revelation in God’s omniscience… what if Jesus were sold for a female slave’s price because He paid not for Himself (Heb 4:15-16; 9:10-18…) but for His Bride (Jn 3:3,29; Eph 5:28-32; Rev 21:2,3,9,10,27)?  Now see 1 Pet 2:4-10; Eph 1:18-23; 2:4-9,13-3:7,15-21…

Epilogue

Scriptures that confirm each person in the Godhead to be God, as well as the concept of unity through different components in His creation (such as man and wife becoming “one flesh” – Gen 2:24, and the triple benediction in Numbers 6:24-26), are the following (note how astoundingly the OT clearly anticipated the fuller revelation of the NT):

Gen 1:1,2, 26; 6:3; 22:11,12 (This Angel of the Lord is a foreshadowing of the second person in the Godhead coming in the flesh) 41:38;  Ex 14:19; 16:7; 31:3-5;  Numbers 11:25;  Deut 6:4; 34:9;  Judges 6:34; 14:9; 20:11;  1 Chronicles 29:11; Nehemia 9:6;  Job 26:13;  Ps 2:7; 37:28; 51:11; 92:4,5; 95:8-11; 115:3; 139:7-10;  Prov 2:8;  Isaiah 6:3; 11:1,2; 32:15; 40:13, 18, 26; 43:1; 45:18; 48:16; 53:5,10; 55:11; 61:1-3; 63:9, 16;  Jeremiah 23:5,6;  Ezekel 2:2;  Daniel 9:25, 26;  Joel 2:28, 29;  Malachi 2:10;  Zechariah 4:6;  Matt 3:16, 17; 5:45; 6:26; 20:15; 28;19;  John 1:1-3, 10:28; 14; 6:27; 8:18; 12:49, 50; 14:6, 26, 15-17, 16:8, 13-15; 17:5; 25, 26;  Acts 1:9; 17:24, 28;  Romans 1:7; 3:28; 5:8,10; 8:1-17, 26,27,34; 9:5, 20; 11:33-36;  1 Cor 2:9; 12:4-7; 15:12-21; 10:4; 15:3;  2 Cor 5:18; 13:14;  Gal 1:1; 4:4,6,19; 5:22,23;  Eph 1:1; 3:9;  Phil 2:6,7,9; 3:21;  Col :15;  Heb 1;1-3; 2:9; 9:14; 10:5;  James 1:17; 2:19;  1 Pet 1;2;  2 Pet 1:21; 1 John 2:2; 4:16;  and so on.

Some examples of “three’s found in nature

• Water that appears in three forms – fluid, solid (ice) and gas (steam). We might however argue that plasma is a fourth or that there might be more forms yet to be discovered. This is merely mentioned here as an interesting obvious beauty in God’s creation, not any proof per se.
• Fire brings forth heat, light and fumes (smoke)
• The suns rays are invisible, but when blocked give light and heat (is actinic, luminiferous and calorific)
• A triangle has three sides and angles yet one surface and one shape
• Man is one – yet seems to mainly consists of spirit, soul and body (1 Thess 5:23).

Heathens [worldly systems or religions] also exhibit their 3 gods, but separate.  For instance:

• Babylon had Cush, Semiramis and Nimrod
• Hinduism has Brahma (creator), Visnu (preserver) and Shiva (destroyer)
• Egypt has Isis, Nephthys and Osiris

Bearing in mind the fallacies and errors in reasoning mentioned at the prologue of this meditation we will realise that the existence of “trinities” in the heathen world does by no means at all make the true Christian concept or phenomena of a Triune God as described above in this meditation pagan as well, as some prognosticators that have the destruction of the word of God in mind, would propagate. Their concept of a trinity is not equal to ours.

Summary

We see from Genesis 1 through Revelations 22 that the three persons in the Godhead always work together.  The Father is the Creator, Sustainer and Giver of Life.  The Son is our Lord, Example, First Born, Brother, Intercessor (1 Jn 2:1-2) and Savior.  The Holy Spirit is Omnipresent, is our Helper, Comforter, Teacher, Guide and Power of God.  He strengthens, leads, teaches and interprets, gives unity and peace, gives power to pray (and He translates for us because He knows our motives – Rom 8:26) and supplies continuously unlimited authority (Heb 2:8) and power to worship and speak His name, His good news.  He calls and sets the believer apart from a sinful world.

Just as we read Ps 8 from the wrong perspective [whilst under the law], seeing ourselves as unworthy (1 Jn 3:20), then missing the possibility of David looking at the stars[4] (Abraham, Joseph, Noah…) and see Ps 139:14;  just so do we look at Rom 12:19 (Dt 32:35; Mt 5:5,44; 6:14-15) when under the law [self-righteousness]; and miss the possibility of  Rom 5:9; 1 Thess 5:9.  Yes, The Father and Jesus is One (Jn 14:9-11; 17:26) and this one God is a Spirit (Jn 4:23-24).  When God said the vengeance is His, He meant He would take it all on His cross!  It is not about retaliation, but about compensation; not about self-righteousness, but mercy and grace!  One brings about a powerless church that does not want to grow up, but go up; the other is in Phil 4:13 and Rom 8:29-39.  The thief (Jn 10:10) is any false prognosticator that steals your true sonship with lies (Jn 8:39-44); any person or thing that makes you believe you are powerless while you should be in power in Christ.

To see the kingdom of God, you must be re-born, and have a renewed mind, filled with Spirit Word.

Whether you fight the “Trinity”, or whether you defend “The rapture”, why not stop all the hype and just talk to Jesus Christ through His Spirit.  Hear what He has to say on what He paid for and has provided on His cross. Contemplate Mt 11:27-30.

Past tense, done deal, successfully accomplished fact – all the providence in the blood of Jesus Christ.

In the words of 2 Cor 13:14:  “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.  Amen.”

[1] Heb 2:8-18; Gal 4:5; Rom 6:5-10; 8:14-17;Jm 4:5; Eph 2:5-10; Jn 17:20-26; and so on

[2] Note that the Spirit of God must be His Person.  He can be grieved (Eph 4:30) and lied to (Acts 5:3); + Is 11:2; Rev 1:4

[3] See the meditation by the author entitled “Genesis to Revelation”, and why astrologists followed [believed] a star to pay homage to Jesus born in Bethlehem.  Daniel was positioned over all of the magos [astrologists], even those in Mt 2.

[4] Gal 4:21-31, connecting with the children of promise (Gen 22:17); some like stars (Num 24:17; Judges 5:20; Job 25:5; Dan 12:3; Jude 13; Rev 12:1), and the others like dust (Gen 3:14; Job 4:19; Is 52:2; Mt 10:13,14; Lk 10:8-12; Acts 13:50-51; 1 Cor 2:2,5-9; Ps 102:14).  Some above [in Christ], others below [in self-righteous law, the devil].