Re: [FamilyofGod] 25 Questions (type in your answer)
Analysis of Triadic Texts showing interchangeability of terms:
Interchangeability of "love":
Romans 5:5-6
love of God
Christ died
Holy Spirit who was given
Jude 20-21
love of God
mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ
praying in the Holy Spirit
2 Thessalonians 2:13-14
always give thanks to God
loved by the Lord , glory of our Lord Jesus Christ
sanctification by the Spirit
Romans 15:30
prayers to God
urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ
love of the Spirit
Interchangeability of "testifies":
Hebrews 2:3-4
God also testifying
salvation first spoken through the Lord
gifts of the Holy Spirit
Romans 8:14-17
Abba! Father!"
fellow heirs with Christ
Spirit Himself testifies
Interchangeability of "fellowship":
1 Thessalonians 1:3-6:
presence of our God and Father
hope in our Lord Jesus Christ
power and in the Holy Spirit … joy of the Holy Spirit
Isaiah 63:8-10
My people, sons
angel of His presence
Grieved His Holy Spirit
2 Corinthians 13:14
love of God
grace of the Lord Jesus Christ
fellowship of the Holy Spirit
Interchangeability of "name":
Text
Father
Son
Holy Spirit
Matthew 28:19
baptizing them in the name of the Father
name of the Son
name of the Holy Spirit
Acts 10:44-48
exalting God
baptized in the name of Jesus Christ
Holy Spirit fell upon
Acts 2:38-39
God will call to Himself
in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins
gift of the Holy Spirit
1 Peter 4:14
God rests on you
name of Christ
Spirit of glory rests on you
1 John 3:23-24
He abides in us
believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ
Spirit whom He has given
1 Corinthians 6:11
inherit the kingdom of God
justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ
justified in the name of the Spirit of our God
Interchangeability of "grace":
Ephesians 1:3-13
glory of His grace
redemption through His blood
sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise
Acts 15:8-11
God, who knows the heart, testified to them
grace of the Lord Jesus
giving them the Holy Spirit
2 Corinthians 13:14
love of God
grace of the Lord Jesus Christ
fellowship of the Holy Spirit
Hebrews 10:29-31
living God
trampled under foot the Son of God
insulted the Spirit of grace
Interchangeability of "indwells in our hearts":
Romans 5:5-6
love of God has been poured out within our hearts
Christ died
through the Holy Spirit
Ephesians 2:19-22
God's household, dwelling of God
Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone
… in the Spirit
Ephesians 3:16-17
riches of His glory
Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith
strengthened with power through His Spirit
2 Corinthians 1:21-22
anointed us is God
establishes us with you in Christ
Spirit in our hearts as a pledge
Galatians 4:4-6
God sent forth
His Son
the Spirit of His Son into our hearts
Longer data:
Text
Father
Son
Holy Spirit
Acts 2:38-39
God will call to Himself
in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins
gift of the Holy Spirit
Acts 10:44-48
exalting God
baptized in the name of Jesus Christ
Holy Spirit fell upon
Acts 15:8-11
God, who knows the heart, testified to them
grace of the Lord Jesus
giving them the Holy Spirit
Acts 20:27-28
purpose of God
church of God which He purchased with His own blood
Holy Spirit has made you overseers
Acts 28:25-31
salvation of God … preaching the kingdom of God
teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ
Holy Spirit rightly spoke
Romans 1:1-4
Gospel of God
declared the Son of God
Spirit of holiness
Romans 5:5-6
love of God
Christ died
Holy Spirit who was given
Romans 8:2-4
God … sending
Christ Jesus has set you free
Spirit of life
Romans 8:14-17
Abba! Father!"
fellow heirs with Christ
led by the Spirit of God … Spirit Himself testifies
Romans 8:26-30
God causes all things to work together for good
conformed to the image of His Son
Spirit also helps our weakness … the Spirit Himself intercedes
Romans 15:16
gospel of God
Christ Jesus
sanctified by the Holy Spirit
Romans 15:30
prayers to God
urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ
love of the Spirit
1 Corinthians 2:2-5
power of God
Jesus Christ, and Him crucified
demonstration of the Spirit and of power
1 Corinthians 6:11
inherit the kingdom of God
justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ
justified in the name of the Spirit of our God
1 Corinthians 12:4-6
varieties of effects, but the same God
varieties of ministries, and the same Lord
varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit
1 Corinthians 12:11-12,18
placed the members … just as He desired
one body of Christ
Spirit works, distributing to each, as He wills
2 Corinthians 1:21-22
anointed us is God
establishes us with you in Christ
Spirit in our hearts as a pledge
2 Corinthians 13:14
love of God
grace of the Lord Jesus Christ
fellowship of the Holy Spirit
Ephesians 1:3-13
God and Father who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing
redemption through His blood
sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise
Ephesians 2:18
to the Father
through Him we both have our access
in one Spirit
Ephesians 2:19-22
God's household
Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone
a holy temple in the Lord … dwelling of God in the Spirit
Ephesians 3:16-17
riches of His glory
Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith
strengthened with power through His Spirit
Ephesians 4:4-6
one God and Father
one Lord
one Spirit
Ephesians 4:30-32
forgiving each other, just as God
in Christ also has forgiven you
grieve the Holy Spirit of God
Isaiah 63:8-10
My people, sons
He became their Savior
grieved His Holy Spirit
Ephesians 5:18-20
giving thanks to God, even the Father
singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord
filled with the Spirit
1 Thessalonians 1:3-6:
presence of our God and Father
hope in our Lord Jesus Christ
power and in the Holy Spirit … joy of the Holy Spirit
2 Thessalonians 2:13-14
always give thanks to God
loved by the Lord , glory of our Lord Jesus Christ
sanctification by the Spirit
Titus 3:4-6
Kindness, love, mercy of God our saviour
through Jesus Christ our Savior
renewing by the Holy Spirit
Hebrews 2:3-4
God also testifying
salvation first spoken through the Lord
gifts of the Holy Spirit
Hebrews 9:14
offered to God
blood of Christ
eternal Spirit
Hebrews 10:29-31
living God
trampled under foot the Son of God
insulted the Spirit of grace
1 Peter 1:2
foreknowledge of God the Father
obey Jesus Christ
sanctifying work of the Spirit
1 Peter 3:18
bring us to God
Christ also died for sins
made alive in the spirit
1 Peter 4:14
God rests on you
name of Christ
Spirit of glory rests on you
1 John 3:23-24
He abides in us
believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ
Spirit whom He has given
1 John 4:13-14
Father has sent
Son to be the Savior of the world
given us of His Spirit
Jude 20-21
love of God
mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ
praying in the Holy Spirit
Colour Coding:
Red = Father; Blue = Son; Green = Holy Spirit
Isaiah 48:16 "And now the Lord God has sent Me, and His Spirit." (verses 12-13 actually identify the speaker in v16 "ME" as being the creator YHWH. Jesus what actually was sent, is called the creator in the New Testament: Jn 1:3; Col 1:16; Heb 1:10-12. The natural reading of Isa 48:16, is that the sender is the Father. The Jews simply had no way to explain how both the sender and the one sent (ME) could both be YHWH. This is a good example of doctrinal development between the Old and New Testament. Christians can easily make sense of the passage! So Isa 48:16 has YHWH sending another who is also YHWH. Of course Trinitarians know that all three members of the Godhead are called "YHWH". Anti-Trinitarians, can do no better than the Jews in explaining how the send and the one sent are both called YHWH in Isa 48:16! Combined with Isa 61:1, it is clear that the ME is Jesus!)
Isaiah 61:1: "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, Because the Lord (YHWH) has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives And freedom to prisoners; " (This is a certified triadic passage because Jesus applied the text to Himself in Luke 4:18-30)
Isaiah 63:8-10: "For He said, "Surely, they are My people, Sons who will not deal falsely." So He became their Savior. In all their affliction He was afflicted, And the angel of His presence [lit: face] saved them; In His love and in His mercy He redeemed them, And He lifted them and carried them all the days of old. But they rebelled And grieved His Holy Spirit" (The angel of His face is YHWH himself not a created angel: Ex 23:14-15, 20-23; 14:19; Num 20:16; Ex 33:12. Trinitarians expect to find this kind of passage in the Old Testament, that would not be fully understood until the mystery was revealed about the Trinity in the New Testament.)
Matthew 3:13-17; Luke 3:21-22: After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him, and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased."
Matthew 28:19: "baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit"
Luke 1:35: "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. "
Luke 4:1-12: "Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, … Jesus answered him, "It is written , 'You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only."
John 14:16: "I will ask the Father , and He will give you another Helper , that He may be with you forever"
John 20:21-22: "So Jesus said to them again, " Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you." And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit ."
Acts 1:7-8: "He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority ; but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you
Acts 2:33: "Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear. "
Acts 2:38-39: "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. "For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself."
Acts 5:30-32: "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross... "And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him."
Acts 7:55: "But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God"
"So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase." (Acts 9:31)
Acts 10:38: "You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power"
Acts 10:44-48: "While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message … and exalting God … And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
Acts 11:15-17: "the Holy Spirit fell upon them … Therefore God gave to them the same gift as He gave to us also after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ?"
Acts 15:8-11: "And God, who knows the heart, testified to them giving them the Holy Spirit … we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus"
Acts 20:27-28: "For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. "Be on guard … for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. "
Acts 28:25-31: "The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers … this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles … preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ"
Romans 1:1-4: "Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning His Son, … who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, "
Romans 5:5-6: "the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. "
Romans 8:2-4: "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. … God … sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh … walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. "
Romans 8:9 "indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. "
Romans 8:14-17: "For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. … you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ"
Romans 8:26-30: "In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness … the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words … God causes all things to work together for good … predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son"
Romans 15:16: "to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. "
Romans 15:30: "Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me,"
1 Corinthians 2:2-5: "For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified… in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would … rest on the power of God."
1 Corinthians 6:11: "inherit the kingdom of God. … you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God."
1 Corinthians 12:4-6: "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. "
1 Corinthians 12:11-12,18: "But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. … But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired."
2 Corinthians 1:21-22: "Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge. "
2 Corinthians 3:3-4: "written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God … Such confidence we have through Christ toward God."
2 Corinthians 13:14 "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all."
Galatians 3:1-5: "Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified … does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you"
Galatians 3:14: "The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith … in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith."
Galatians 4:4-6: "God sent forth His Son … God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!"
Ephesians 1:3-13: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, " … "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace " … "In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, "
Ephesians 2:18: "for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. "
Ephesians 2:19-22: "God's household … Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone … a holy temple in the Lord … dwelling of God in the Spirit."
Ephesians 3:16-17: "that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith"
Ephesians 4:4-6: "one Spirit … one Lord … one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all."
Ephesians 4:30-32: "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption … forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you."
Ephesians 5:18-20: "be filled with the Spirit … singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father"
1 Thessalonians 1:3-6: "hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father …in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction … with the joy of the Holy Spirit"
2 Thessalonians 2:13-14: "always give thanks to God … beloved by the Lord … sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth … the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. "
Titus 3:4-6: "the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, … according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior"
Hebrews 2:3-4: "salvation first spoken through the Lord … God also testifying … gifts of the Holy Spirit"
Hebrews 9:14: "how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God"
Hebrews 10:29-31: "trampled under foot the Son of God … has insulted the Spirit of grace … It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God. "
1 Peter 1:2: "according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood"
1 Peter 3:18: "For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; "
1 Peter 4:14: "If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. "
1 John 3:23-24: "we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ … He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us."
1 John 4:2: "By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God"
1 John 4:13-14: "He has given us of His Spirit. We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. "
Jude 20-21: "praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. "
A refutation of Anti-Trinitarian rebuttals to this material.
Anti-Trinitarian rebuttal #1
"Your triadic passages are based upon the assumption that the doctrine of a triune Godhead is true. The mere mention of these names we are not justified in concluding that they are evidence of the trinity. Based upon the nature of your argument, I would be justified in concluding that Peter, James and John also had some type of trine nature. Peter and James and John are mentioned together in: Mk 13:33 and Lk 9:28. Any reasonable person would not attach any great significance to the fact that the names of these men are mentioned together. The same the fundamental flaw in reasoning is identical in your Trinity passages as with the Peter, James and John passages. The argument you make from these triadic passages is non-existent, just as nothing special can be concluded about the Peter, James and John passages." (by an Anti-Trinitarian)
Anti-Trinitarian rebuttal #1 refuted:
We openly admit that the underlying assumption when reading the New Testament, is the doctrine of the trinity. Your underlying assumption when you read the Bible is Arian. Logically, you are correct in recognizing my bias and assumption. But you make assumptions and have bias as well. So I grant this point, but it not a relevant point.
Let's examine the point you make that Peter, James and John, are mentioned in a single verse. There are in fact 8 "triadic passages" that establish a clear pattern of meaning for PJJ (Peter, James and John):
8 Triadic passages referring to Peter James and John:
Matthew 10:2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; and James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
Matthew 17:1 Six days later Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up on a high mountain by themselves.
Mark 5:37 And He allowed no one to accompany Him, except Peter and James and John the brother of James.
Mark 9:2 Six days later, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John, and brought them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them;
Mark 13:3 As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew were questioning Him privately,
Mark 14:33 And He took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be very distressed and troubled.
Luke 8:51 When He came to the house, He did not allow anyone to enter with Him, except Peter and John and James, and the girl's father and mother.
Luke 9:28 Some eight days after these sayings, He took along Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray.
I am quite glad you brought up these verses, for as you will see, the triadic passages of PJJ, reinforce the power of the 58 Trinity triadic passages that mention the FSHS (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). I openly admit a pattern in the triadic passages of PJJ as well as the FSHS passages.
The PJJ triadic passages, do not prove PJJ are God, they only prove there is a reason behind why they are always grouped in sets of three. It is up to us to discover why God went out of His way to establish a pattern with the PJJ triadic passages. Likewise the FSHS triadic passages do not tell us that the "three are one" etc. All they tell you is that there is something special and unique about the sets of three persons who are grouped together as a set.
Triadic passages are powerful, because they prove, by way of pattern, that the three persons have a special and unique working arrangement. It is well known that PJJ shared a special relationship with Jesus, being his innermost circle of human co-workers. In the case of PJJ, they are called the "sons of thunder" and yes, they form a trinity of sorts indeed! They were their own unique subset of 3 disciples. This is proven in Mark 3:14-19, where the "sons of thunder" are singled out as a "trinity" within the listing of all the twelve apostles.
The triadic passages prove that each member is a person. If the Holy Spirit is a person, Trinity is true and its game over for the Arians! This is one of the reasons the triadic passages are powerful. It is about as likely that the Holy Spirit is not a person, but electricity, as John is not a person, but is a personification of the disciples love and devotion and faith to the Lord. But if John is a person, then so is the Holy Spirit a person! The patterns of triadic passages always group persons together.
Remember, all a Trinitarian must prove is that all three members of the trinity are persons (specifically the Holy Spirit) and Jehovah's Witness and Christadelphian theology crumbles further into finer dust, than what it already is!
The key point is that Anti-Trinitarians are forced to group two persons with a non-personal thing (Holy Spirit = electricity). According to the Arians, God established a 58 fold pattern of "person, person, thing". Arians will hunt hard to find "that one verse" that will group "two persons and the Bible" together, thinking such is even remotely relevant as a rebuttal. But these individual verses never form a pattern, with multiple repeated uses as do the triadic passages. When you see an elephant in the clouds it is merely a co-incidence, but 58 elephants in the clouds at the same time chained together trunk to tail, is a divine pattern! It is all about the clear and unmistakable pattern. It is the 8 fold pattern of the PJJ verses and the 58 fold pattern of FSHS that should send shock waves up every Jehovah's Witnesses spine!
Just as there is a specific purpose and reason why PJJ are mentioned together in an 8 fold pattern of verses, so too there is a specific purpose and reason why the FFHS are mentioned together in a 58 fold pattern of verses. Patterns are in scripture for reasons. Now the divine trinity (FSHS) proves there is a special and unique relationship between the three persons mentioned. Even a simple overview shows that they are seen as equal partners in the purpose, plan, providence, love care and salvation of man. If the Holy Spirit is "mere electricity", the triadic passages establish a pattern for a most unusual group: "two persons and a thing".
Arian theology really has no way of accounting for the triadic passages. Why would God go out of his way to establish a pattern of the "Father, Son and the Father's power"? There simply is not reasonable explanation. Trinitarians, on the other hand view the pattern of 58 triadic passages as exactly what you would expect, given the assumption of the trinity.
So your statement: "Any reasonable person would not attach any great significance to the fact that the names of these men are mentioned together" is clearly in error because there was great significance attached to the grouping of PJJ: They were openly recognized by the other disciples as being special and were allowed access to places by Jesus that the other nine apostles were barred.
Your comment: "but the fundamental flaw in the reasoning is identical" is half right in that both sets of triadic passages stand and fall together. What you implied by this comment, is that just as there is no great significance in the PJJ trinity pattern of verses, there is no great significance with the 58 triadic passages of the divine trinity. However, just as you were quite wrong about the significance of the PJJ pattern of triadic passages, you are equally wrong about the pattern of 58 Trinity passages.
The validity of your rebuttal of the significance of the 58 Trinity passages was built upon the truthfulness and validity of there being no significance of the PJJ passages. Since I have "pulled the carpet out from under" your founding argument, it is clear that your conclusion that the pattern of 58 triadic passages is wholly invalid.
Not only is your rebuttal invalid, your argument has been turned against you to actually reinforce the validity of my assumption that these 58 passages trinity is valid and true. You started out claiming there was no significance to the pattern of 58 triadic passages. Now, to your horror, you must find some assumed significance other than my assumed significance that Trinitarian theology is the underlying truth. Notice now I have logically defeated you and have now sent you on a mission where you are now searching the scriptures to invent some previously unknown significance that is acceptable to Christadelphian, without also proving trinity true. This is a dangerous method of interpreting the Bible, it is called "bias driven text searching". Happy hunting!
Some Arians are so blind to reject there is even a pattern with Peter James and John or the Trinity triadic passages. Well the fact remains that the three did enjoy special status! If there was no pattern, then you would not also see any functional distinction between PJJ and the other 9 apostles. In this case the argument for the 8 triadic PJJ passages being merely co-incidence and random would be stronger, although still not convincing. At the very worst, it could be said that they were set apart as a group of three, but we have no information as to why this was. But in fact scripture indeed gives us plenty of information.
Peter James and John were business partners when Jesus called them to become fishers of men: "For amazement had seized Peter and all his companions because of the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, " Do not fear , from now on you will be catching men ." (Luke 5:9-10)
This natural business partnership was actually transferred into a spiritual partnership by Jesus.
These three enjoyed a special status of being part of Jesus inner-most group. This is proven by scripture. In fact Jesus forbid any other disciples to come with him except PJJ on three occasions. So is this another co-incidence? The triad of PJJ enjoyed special status three times!
Raising of Jairus's daughter: Mark 5:37; Luke 8:51 "And He allowed no one to accompany Him, except Peter and James and John the brother of James. " (Mark 5:37)
The Transfiguration: Matt. 17:1; Mark 9:2; Luke 9:28 "Six days later, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John, and brought them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; " (Mark 9:2)
In the Garden of Gethsemane: Matt. 26:37; Mark 14:33 "And He took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be very distressed and troubled. " (Mark 14:33)
Further observation shows that these were rather important and significant events in the ministry of Jesus. One of Jesus first miracles only PJJ were present. The hugely important Transfiguration, only PJJ were allowed to become the only witnesses the world could rely upon. And when Jesus knew he was about to be crucified, He took only Peter James and John. These events cannot be counted as mere coincidence, but must be designed that way by the Lord to establish a pattern.
Therefore, there can be no doubt that the three did represent a specific subset of the 12 apostles. Eight times they are mentioned together as a set and three times they are seen enjoying special status with Jesus.
This just reinforces the pattern of the 58 Trinity triadic passages. Instead of a pattern of 8, we have a breathtaking pattern of 58! There must be some reason and meaning behind the grouping of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! A special working relationship as God. A special status of being God. What other possible meaning could be attached? You still need to do your "doctrine in need of the bible text search!"
Anti-Trinitarian rebuttal #2
"Perhaps what jumped out a me most when I looked over your handout is the fact that only three triadic passage could be found in the whole of the Old Testament. Therefore, the striking absence of any triadic passages in the Old Testament demands an explanation." (by an Anti-Trinitarian)
Anti-Trinitarian rebuttal #2 refuted:
Also see outline on: Progressive revelation between the Old and New Testaments.
Is it a co-incidence or divine providence that there are three triadic passages in the Old Testament?
Many concepts that are taught in the New Testament like the Lord's Supper second coming resurrection and final judgement, were also lacking in the Old Testament. Doctrine in the Bible developed between the Old Testament and the New Testament.
The Jews thus far have likewise failed to grasp, many OT ideas taught in the NT. No where in the OT do we find any clear indication of…
baptism
the Lord's supper
second coming
great judgment
resurrection of dead at the end of time.
that Jesus was the agent of creation
that the Messiah was to be raised from the dead
the apostles did not understand Jesus would die, be raised or believe in the second coming during Jesus ministry
that Jesus Christ was the "Rock that followed" the Jews through the wilderness
that Jesus was the messiah
that Jesus was the Son of God
Messiah would be killed much less raise from the dead!
that the Messiah's kingdom is spiritual
that the messiah was not going to conquer Rome in 30 AD during the triumphal entry
In the same way, Old Testament writers introduced us to many doctrines that were revealed more fully in the New Testament. You said, "the striking absence of any triadic passages in the Old Testament demands an explanation" and now you have one! And it is one that makes sense and actually fits your general understanding of the doctrinal development between the Old and New Testaments! In face, so powerful is my reply to your third point, that I know you wish you had never even said it.
Bible Study Class:
Take the texts above and arrange them in a table as follows for all the verses above. Leave the sections blank and read each one aloud, while the members fill in what parts of each text refer to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Here is a sample of the finished chart with their hand written notes:
Text
Father
Son
Holy Spirit
Matthew 28:19
Baptize in the name of the Father
The Son
And the Holy Spirit
2 Cor 13:14
and the love of God
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit
Hand out one of the following to each member, then take each verse up one at a time. Each member must read a verse, then verbally fill in the chart. If agreement is reached by all, then write in the answers and move on to the next verse.
58 Triadic texts that prove the Trinity
Father
Son
Holy Spirit
Isaiah 48:16
Isaiah 61:1
Isaiah 63:8-10
Matthew 3:13-17
Matthew 28:19
Luke 1:35
Luke 4:1-12
John 14:16
John 20:21-22
Acts 1:7-8
Acts 2:33
Acts 2:38-39
Acts 5:30-32
Acts 7:55
Acts 10:38
Acts 10:44-48
Acts 11:15-17
Acts 15:8-11
Acts 20:27-28
Acts 28:25-31
Romans 1:1-4
Romans 5:5-6
Romans 8:2-4
Romans 8:9
Romans 8:14-17
Romans 8:26-30
Romans 15:16
Romans 15:30
1 Corinthians 2:2-5
1 Corinthians 6:11
1 Corinthians 12:4-6
1 Corinthians 12:11-12,18
2 Corinthians 1:21-22
2 Corinthians 3:3-4
2 Corinthians 13:14
Galatians 3:1-5
Galatians 3:14
Galatians 4:4-6
Ephesians 1:3-13
Ephesians 2:18
Ephesians 2:19-22
Ephesians 3:16-17
Ephesians 4:4-6
Ephesians 4:30-32
Ephesians 5:18-20
1 Thessalonians 1:3-6
2 Thessalonians 2:13-14
Titus 3:4-6
Hebrews 2:3-4
Hebrews 9:14
Hebrews 10:29-31
1 Peter 1:2
1 Peter 3:18
1 Peter 4:14
1 John 3:23-24
1 John 4:2
1 John 4:13-14
Jude 20-21
Divine Title
The Father
The Son
The Holy Spirit
God
Deut 32:6; Ps 89:26; Isa 63:16; 64:8; Mal 1:6; 2:10; Mt 6:9; Jn 6:27; Gal 1:1-3; Eph 4:6; 5:20; 6:23; Phil 1:2; 2:11; 4:20; Col 3:17;
Gen 19:24; Ps 45:7; Isa 7:14; 9:6; Zech 12:10 Mt 1:23; Jn 1:1; 5:18; 20:28; Acts 20:28; Rom 9:5; Phil 2:6-7; Col 2:9; 1 Tim 3:16; Titus 2:14; Heb 1:8-9; 2 Pet 1:1; 1 Jn 5:20
Hag 2:5; Mt 12:28; Lk 11:20; Acts 5:3-4; 1 Cor 12:6,11,18; 2 Cor 3:17
YHWH (Yahweh)
Ex 6:3
Jer 23:6
Micah 3:8
Lord
Deut 10:17, Ps 110:1
Mt 22:43-45
2 Cor 3:18
Mighty God
Isa 10:21; Jer 32:18
Isa 9:6
-
A Stone
Isa 8:13-15; 1 Pet 2:1-8
-
The Rock
Isa 44:8
Deut 2:7; 32:30; Isa 44:8; 1 Cor 10:4
-
I Am
Ex 3:14
Jn 8:58
-
Alpha & Omega; First & Last
Isa 41:4; 44:6; 48:12; Rev 1:8; 21:6
Rev 1:17; 2:8; 22:13
-
King of kings; Lords of lords
Deut 10:17; Ps 136:2-3; Dan 2:47
1 Tim 6:15; Rev 17:14; 19:16
-
Shepherd
Ezek 34:11-16; Ps 23:1
Jn 10:11,14; Heb 13:20; Rev 7:17
-
Divine Traits
The Father
The Son
The Holy Spirit
Eternal, self-existent
Gen 21:33; Ex 3:14; Deut 33:27; Ps 90:2; 90:4; 93:2; 102:12; Job 36:26; Hab 1:12; Rom 16:26; 2 Pe 3:8
Psalm 102:24-25 + Heb 1:10-12; Isa 9:6; Micah 5:1-2; Jn 1:1; 8:58; 17:5; Eph 3:21; Col 1:17; Heb 7:3; 1 Jn 1:1; Rev 22:13
Heb 9:14
Omnipresence, near when needed
Deut 4:7; 1 Ki 8:27; Isaiah 66:1; Jer 23:23-24; Acts 7:48-49; 17:27-28
Mt 18:20; 28:20; Jn 1:48; Eph 1:22-23; 4:10; Col 3:11
Ps 139:7-10
Omniscience, knows hearts men
1 Sam 16:7; Job 37:16; 1 Chron 28:9; Ps 139:1-4; Jer 17:10; Isa 41:22-23; 42:9; 44:7; 1 Jn 3:20; Heb 4:13
Mt 11:27; 12:25; Mk 2:8; Lk 9:47; 11:17; Jn 1:48; 2:23-25; 4:16-18; 16:30; 21:17
1 Cor 2:10-11
Omnipotence
Gen 17:1; Ex 6:3; Job 36:5,22,26; 42:2; Ps 115:3; Jer 32:17, 27; Mt 3:9; 19:26; Mk 10:27; Lk 1:37; 18:27; Eph 1:11; Rev 19:6
Mt 28:18; Phil 3:20-21
Gen 1:2; Lk 1:35-37
Majestic Glory
Ps 29:3; 84:11; Job 37:22; Eph 3:20-21; 2 Pet 1:17; Rev 4:11
Lk 9:43; 2 Cor 4:4; 2 Pet 1:16; Heb 1:3; Rev 5:11-14
2 Cor 3:8; 1 Pe 4:14
Incomprehensible, Unfathomable
Job 9:10; Rom 11:33; Eph 3:20
Mt 11:27; Eph 3:8
-
Holy
Lev 19:2; Ps 5:4-6; 99:5; Isa 6:3; 8:13; Hab 1:12-13; Tit 1:2; 1 Jn 1:5; Rev 4:8; 15:4
Mk 1:24; Acts 3:14; 2 Cor 5:21; Heb 4:15; 7:26; Rev 3:7
Lk 11:13; Rom 1:4; Eph 1:13
True, truth
Num 23:19; Isa 65:16; Ps 31:5; Jn 7:28; 17:17; Tit 1:2; Heb 6:18
Jn 14:6; Rev 3:7
Jn 14:17
Good
Deut 8:16; Ps 118:1; Nahum 1:7; Mk 10:18; Lk 18:19; Rom 8:28; Jas 1:13
Jn 10:11
Ps 143:10; Neh 9:20
Immutable, unchangeable
Ex 32:14; Ps 33:11; Ps 89:34; 102:26-27; Isa 51:6; Mal 3:6; Rom 1:23; 2 Tim 2:13; Heb 6:17-18; Jas 1:17
Heb 1:12; 13:8
-
Preeminent
Ps 97:9; 148:13
Col 1:18; Acts 10:36
-
A Spirit, greater than man
Num 23:19; 1 Sam 15:29; Job 33:12; Ezek 1:26-28; Jn 4:24; 1 Jn 3:20
Mk 2:8; Lk 24:39; Rev 1:14
"Holy Spirit"
Unique, One of a kind
Ex 8:10; 9:14; 15:11; 2 Sam 7:22; 1 Chron 17:20; Ps 86:8; 1 Ki 8:23; Isa 40:18,25; 44:7; Jer 10:6-7; Micah 7:18
Divine Function
The Father
The Son
The Holy Spirit
Creator
Gen 1:1; Ps 33:6; 102:25; Isa 44:24; 64:8; Rom 11:36; Acts 17:24
Gen 1:1; Jn 1:1; 1:3; 1 Cor 8:6; Col 1:15-17, Heb 1:2,10-12; 11:3
Gen 1:2; Ps 104:30; Job 33:4
Redeemer
Ps 130:7-8; Isa 43:14; Lk 1:68
Isa 44:6; Gal 3:13; Eph 1:7; Tit 2:14; Heb 9:12-15
Eph 4:30
Savior, salvation
Isa 12:2; 43:11; Ps 18:46; Hos 13:4; Lk 3:6; 1 Tim 1:1; 2:3; 4:10; Tit 1:3; 3:4; Jude 25
Acts 2:21; 4:12; 1 Tim 1:15; 2 Tim 1:10; Titus 1:4; 2:13; 3:6; 2 Pe 1:1
Tit 3:5
Calms the storm
Ps 107:29
Mt 8:26-27
-
Fills the hungry soul
Ps 107:9
Jn 6:51
-
Just, Impartially Judges with vengeance
Ps 7:11; 75:7; 94:1-2; 96:13; Isa 30:18; 45:21; Mal 2:17; Jer 51:56; Zeph 3:5; Jn 8:50; Acts 10:34; Rom 2:5; 3:26; 11:22; Heb 10:31; 12:23
Jn 5:22-23; 2 Tim 4:1,8; Jas 5:9
-
Accepts Worship
Gen 24:26; Deut 6:13; Josh 5:13-15
Mt 14:33; 28:9,17; Jn 20:28; 9:38; Acts 14:8-15; Phil 2:10; Heb 1:6; Rev 5:8-14
Philippians 3:3
Divine "service"
Deut 6:13; 10:20; Mt 4:10
Col 3:24; Rev 22:3
-
Every Knee Bows
Isa 45:23
Rom 14:10-12, Phil 2:8-10
-
Prayed to
Mt 6:8
Commands: Jn 14:14; Jas 1:1-7; 1 Cor 1:2; Eph 5:19; Acts 8:22. Examples: Rev 22:20, 2 Cor 12:7-9, Acts 7:54-60; Acts 8:24. Inferences: 1 Jn 5:11-15, Acts 1:24; Heb 7:25
Intercedes in our prayers: Rom 8:26-27
Begot Jesus
Heb 1:5
-
Mt 1:18; Lk 1:35
Raised Jesus
Acts 2:32; 3:15, 26; 17:31; 1 Thess 1:9-10
Mk 14:58; Jn 2:19-22; 10:17
Rom 1:4; 8:11
Final Resurrection
1 Cor 6:14
Jn 6:39-44; Phil 3:20-21
Rom 8:11
Indwells the believer
2 Cor 6:16-18; 1 Jn 4:15
2 Cor 13:5; Eph 3:17
Rom 8:9; 1 Cor 6:19; 2 Tim 1:14
Abides
Gen 21:22; Deut 7:21; Josh 1:9; 1 Sam 10; 1 Chron 17:2; Isa 8:10; 1 Jn 4:12-15
Mt 28:20; Jn 6:56
Jn 14:17; 1 Jn 2:27
We Belong To
Jn 17:9
Jn 17:6
-
In our heart
Gal 4:6
Eph 3:17
2 Cor 1:22
Provides Access To God
-
Jn 14:6; Eph 2:18
Eph 2:18
Source Of Life
Gen 2:7; Acts 17:28; Rom 6:23; 1 Tim 6:13
Jn 1:3-4; 5:21; 10:28; 11:25; Acts 3:15; 1 Jn 5:11
Jn 3:3-8; Rom 8:2; 2 Cor 3:6; Gal 6:8; Titus 3:5
Sanctifies
1 Thess 5:23
Heb 2:11
1 Pet 1:2
Forgives Sin
Mt 6:12
Lk 7:47-48; Mk 2:5-11
Titus 3:5
Searches Our Heart
1 Chron 28:9; Ps 7:9; 26:2; 139:1; Jer 17:10; Lk 16:15
Rev 2:23 (key verse to prove deity)
Rom 8:27; 1 Cor 2:10-11
Authority by their name to be baptized
Mt 28:19
Mt 28:19
Mt 28:19
Source of help, strength, protector, deliverer
Deut 3:22; 2 Sam 22:33; Ps 46:1; 54:4; 59:9,17; 62:8; 68:20; 73:26; 84:11; Isa 12:2; 49:5; Hab 3:19; 2 Cor 1:10
2 Cor 12:9; Phil 4:13; 2 Tim 4:17-18
Eph 3:16; 2 Tim 1:14
Light and guidance
Ps 84:11; 1 Jn 1:5
Jn 1:4-5; 3:19; 8:12; 9:5; 12:35
-
Sends Holy Spirit
Jn 14:16
Jn 15:26
-
Baptizes us into Christ
-
-
1 Cor 12:13
Character Qualities of the Holy Spirit
The Father
The Son
The Holy Spirit
Inspires Scripture, Speaks, has a mind, a will and makes management decisions directing others for divine purpose
Jer 3:15; 26:5; Mt 3:17; 10:17-20; Lk 22:42; 1 Thess 2:13; 2 Tim 3:16; Heb 1:1; 2 Pe 1:20-21
Mt 10:5; Lk 6:13; 21:12-15; 22:42; 2 Cor 13:3; Eph 4:11
Mt 4:1; 1:12; Mk 13:11; Lk 2:26; 4:11; 12:11-12; Jn 16:13-14; Acts 1:16; 2:4; 4:25; 8:29,39; 10:19; 11:12; 13:2; 15:28; 16:6; 20:22-23; 20:28; 28:25; 1 Cor 12:11; Eph 3:5; 1 Tim 4:1; Heb 3:7; 9:8; 10:15; 1 Pet 1:11; 2 Pe 1:20-21; Rev 22:17
hope
Rom 15:13
1 Tim 1:1
Rom 15:13
Joy
Rom 15:13
Jn 15:11
Rom 14:17; 1 Thess 1:6
fellowship
Jn 14:23; 1 Jn 1:3-6
1 Cor 1:9; 1 Jn 1:3
2 Cor 13:14; Phil 2:1
Loves, Loving
Deut 7:7-8; Jer 31:3; Jn 3:16; 1 Cor 13:11; Eph 2:4-5; Heb 12:6; 1 Jn 4:8,16
Jn 15:13; Eph 5: 25
Rom 15:30
Grace
Ps 84:11; 1 Pet 5:10
Rom 16:20; 1 Thess 5:28
Zech 12:10; Heb 10:29
Who Gives the Christian the Words to Speak?
Mt 10:17-20
Lk 21:12-15
Lk 12:11-12
Lied to
Hosea 11:12
Jn 8:55
Acts 5:3
Bears witness:
Phil 1:8
Rev 1:5; 3:14
Acts 5:32
Compassionate, Comforts, kind
Deut 4:31; 2 Chron 30:9; Ps 103:8-9; 116:5; Rom 11:22; 2 Cor 1:3; 2 Thess 2:16
Mk 6:34; 2 Cor 1:5; 2 Thess 2:16
Acts 9:31
Grieves
Gen 6:6
Mt 26:38; Mk 3:5
Isa 63:10; Eph 4:30
Insulted
2 Chron 32:17
Mt 27:44
Heb 10:29
blasphemed
Rev 16:11
Lk 22:65
Mt 12:31
Abides
Jn 14:23
Jn 14:23
Jn 14:17
Consuming fire, jealous
Deut 4:24; Nahum 1:2; Heb 12:29
2 Thess 1:7; Rev 1:14
Mt 3:11
Faith, faithful
Deut 32:4; 1 Cor 1:9
Rev 3:7
2 Cor 4:13
Peace
1 Cor 14:33; Rom 15:33; 16:20; 2 Cor 13:11; Phil 4:9; 1 Thess 5:23; Heb 13:20
1 Cor 1:3; 2 Cor 1:2; Gal 1:3; Eph 2:14
Rom 8:6; 14:17; Gal 5:22; Eph 4:3
Intercedes like a lawyer to God
-
1 Jn 2:1
Rom 8:26; John 14:16,17,26; 16:7
Old Testament Trinity Proof Texts
Genesis 1:26
"Let US make man in OUR image": Three plural pronouns, (We, Us, Our) used 6 different times in four different passages: Gen 1:26; 3:22; 11:7; Isa 6:8. The unanimous opinion of the apostolic Fathers was that the Father was talking to Jesus.
Genesis 19:24
"Then Yahweh [on earth in human form] rained on Sodom and Gomorrah brimstone and fire from Yahweh [in spirit form in heaven] out of heaven. Genesis 19:24. In this text Abraham is visited by three individuals, one being Yahweh and the other two angels. Here we have God on the earth (Jesus) and God in heaven (father) sending down fire from heaven. This incident when Abraham met with Yahweh God, is what Jesus referred to when he said, "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad." (John 8:56) The unanimous opinion of the apostolic Fathers was that Jesus visited Abraham in Genesis 18 and 19.
Isaiah 6
Isaiah saw the glory of Yahweh, but John says that Isaiah really saw the glory of Christ. This proves Jesus is Yahweh. Combine this with the fact the Yahweh said, "Who will go for US" is a plural pronoun indicating more than one person in the Godhead.
Isaiah 40-55
Jesus echoes the "I AM" statements in Isaiah chapters 40-55. This spectacular link explores over 20 different passages in Isaiah and John.
Isaiah 45:23-24
I have sworn by Myself, The word has gone forth from My mouth in righteousness And will not turn back, That to Me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear allegiance. "They will say of Me, 'Only in the Lord are righteousness and strength.' Men will come to Him, And all who were angry at Him shall be put to shame.
Micah 5:2
But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.
New Testament Trinity Proof Texts
Mark 2:5-12
Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming; who can forgive sins but God alone?
John 1:1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.
John 5:18
For this cause therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.
John 8:58
"Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad." The Jews therefore said to Him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?" Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am." Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself, and went out of the temple.
John 10:33
"I and the Father are one." The Jews took up stones again to stone Him. … Has it not been written in your Law, 'I said, you are gods'?"
John 12:41 + Isaiah 6
A simple reading of the context of John 12 makes it clear that John is saying that Isaiah saw the glory of Jesus Christ himself in Isaiah 6. This proves Jesus is Yahweh.
John 19:7
The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and by that law He ought to die because He made Himself out to be the Son of God."
The Jehovah's Witnesses explanation of John 19:7 is so bad, we awarded them the STINCS Trophy.
Romans 14:11
For it is written, "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall give praise to God."
2 Corinthians 13:14
Philippians 2:1-2
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
Philippians 2:9-11
"Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Revelation 22:3
"And there shall no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His bond-servants shall [latreuo] serve Him."
Jesus worshipped in the highest sense of "latreuo"
The Godhead - Father, Son and Holy Spirit
God exists in three Persons -- the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This is called the doctrine of the Trinity. Although the word Trinity is not in the Bible, it expresses a scriptural truth; in fact, it was coined by one of the early Latin Christian writers to set forth the truth that God is a Tri-unity of Persons.
The term Godhead (Godhood) refers to God's essence or divine Being; and is a proper statement of truth to say that there are three Persons in the Godhead.
The Old Testament emphasizes the unity of God; that is, it asserts that there is but one God, in contrast to the many false gods of the heathen; nevertheless, there are intimations in the Old Testament of the fact that God exists in a plurality or Trinity of Persons. For example, the Spirit of God is mentioned in Genesis 1:2; the Son is mentioned in Psalm 2:7, 12; and there are plural expressions in a number of places which show that God is a Trinity.
"And God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness" (Genesis 1:26). The New Testament, while fully recognizing the unity of God, emphasizes the fact of the three Persons.
Three Persons -- One God
The Bible presents to us a Father who is God (John 3:16), a Son who is God (Philippians 2:5-8; John 1:1), and a Holy Spirit who is God (Acts 5:3, 4); yet these are not three Gods, but one and the same God.
It is difficult, if not impossible, to explain what the word Person means as applied to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We are accustomed to think of persons as individual human begins, and we know that three persons cannot be one being. The Persons of the Godhead are clearly distinguished from one another in many passages of Scripture; yet they cannot be separated. This truth is beyond complete understanding by our finite minds.
No illustration of the Trinity will suffice to explain this relationship, but we can perhaps get some help by trying to express the relationship mathematically. Men would ordinarily say of the Persons: one plus one plus one equals three. But it would be more accurate to say: one times one times one equals one, for each of the Persons is fully God in the absolute sense, and the three together are the one self-same God.
It is not possible for me to explain this truth fully, but it is necessary to know and to state clearly what the Bible actually says.
Throughout the Scriptures the Gospel message is plain: God the Father sent His Son to redeem fallen man; The Son willingly came to die for the sins of the world; and the Holy Spirit convicts of sin, regenerates the heart by the Word of God which He inspired, takes the things of Christ, and shows them unto us who love Him (see John 16:12-15).
Colossians 2:9 speaks very plainly: "In him [Christ] dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily."
Further Bible proof of the Trinity
I have already alluded to some Bible proofs of the Trinity. One of these is the use of the plural in reference to God. In creating man, God said, "Let us make man in our image" (Genesis 1:26). If there were only one Person in the Godhead, does it not seem unlikely that God would use the words "us" and "our" in this instance? Would He not have been more likely to say, "I will make man in my image"? (see also Genesis 3:22). Again, in Isaiah 6:8 God refers to Himself as "I" and "us", indicating both unity and plurality in the same Being.
Another Bible proof of the Trinity which has already been mentioned is the fact that each of the Persons is individually called God.
Some further proofs may be listed this way:
1. Comparison of Scripture with Scripture
The passage in Isaiah 6 mentioned previously is still more interesting and presents a stronger proof of the Trinity when compared with John 12:35-41 and Acts 28:25-27.
In John 12:35, 35, Christ is speaking about Himself. Verse 37 tells us that the people to whom He spoke did not believe in Him, even through He had performed many miracles before them. Then in verses 38-40 John quotes Isaiah 53:1 and 6:10 (written about 700 years before Christ was born), stating that Isaiah had foretold that some people would not believe in Him. And John says plainly that the God whom Isaiah saw was the Lord Jesus: "Esaias . . . Saw his glory" (v. 41).
In Acts 28:23 Paul was speaking to the people about Christ, but some of them did not believe in Him. In verses 25-27 Isaiah 6:8-10 is again referred to -- this time as the voice of the Holy Spirit (v. 25).
So we see how this one passage from Isaiah, when compared with these two New Testament references, brings out the truth that there are three Persons in one God.
2. The Manifestation of the Trinity at the Baptism of Jesus
Let us turn now to Matthew 3:16, 17. Here we have a beautiful picture painted for us, as well as a proof text given. through we may forget every other Scripture evidence of the Trinity, it will not be easy to forget this if it is once imprinted upon our minds. There is the blessed Jesus, the second Person of the Trinity, standing in the water, having been baptized by John. And now, behold, the heavens open, and the Spirit of God, the third person of the Trinity, descends like a dove upon Jesus. But hearken! A voice is heard from heaven, the voice of the Father, the first Person of the Trinity, saying, "This is my beloved Son!" What clearer and better proof can we have than this that in the Godhead there are three Persons -- the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit?
3. Christ's Declaration regarding the Trinity in His Great Commission to His Disciples
"Go . . . teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost [Spirit]" (Matthew 28:19).
If these three were not God, it would not seem right to give each the same dignity and honor. And if they were more than one God, would not Jesus have been likely to say "in the names" instead of only "in the name?"
4. Paul's Statement in the Apostolic Benediction
"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all Amen" (II Corinthians 13:14).
If these three Persons here mentioned were not equally God it would not seem right to give each of them the same importance. Indeed, would it not be an insult to the true God to do this?
There are many other similar passages, but these are sufficient for my purpose here.
Faith believes what the human intellect cannot explain
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1).
Perhaps after reading and thinking about these statements of the Scripture regarding the Trinity you are ready to exclaim, "This is a great mystery; I cannot understand it!" That is what everyone else says. And we are not required to understand it. He asks us only to believe it on the testimony of His own Word. There are a great many things in the Bible, and out of it, which we believe, but we do not understand. For example, we believe that God created the earth and everything in it, but we do not understand how He did it. Neither do we understand why a little brown see planted in the black soil pushes a little green shoot up through the ground and brings forth a red flower -- yet we believe it.
Then again, let me ask the question: Can you put the whole of the Atlantic Ocean in a teacup? No more can you expect to put the whole of the idea of God into a human brain.
"Canst thou by searching finding out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea" (Job 11:7-9).
"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" (Romans 11:33)
As Christians we are often asked "where is the Trinity in the Bible?". While there are many great dissertations on this foundational Christian doctrine, here is a very short study that I pray will help believers better understand their own faith and also better equip them to defend it to seekers. 1PE 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
GOD IS ONE.
DEU 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: DEU 6:5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
THE FATHER (LORD) IS GOD.
ISA 43:10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. ISA 43:11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.
ISA 44:6 Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.
THE SON (JESUS) IS GOD.
JOH 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
JOH 10:30 I and my Father are one. JOH 10:31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him
(The Jews knew that Jesus claim in vs. 30 was that "He was God". Ergo, they wanted to stone him, the appropriate scriptural punishment for such blasphemy.)
COL 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
THE HOLY SPIRIT (HOLY GHOST) IS GOD.
ACT 5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? ACT 5:4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
GOD IS ONE.
EXO 20:2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. EXO 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
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SUMMARY
If one truly believes that the Bible is God's Word, and that it is without error and true and trustworthy in all aspects, then one must believe each/all the following.
That God is one.
That the Father is God.
That the Son (Jesus) is God.
That the Holy Spirit (Ghost) is God.
The only logical way to reconcile these seemingly contradictory teachings is to understand God as One God, eternally existent in Three Persons. The Doctrine of the Trinity. God Three in One. Never forget MAT 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
FINALLY
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." (MAT 3:16-17)
For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. (1 JOHN 5:7 KJV)**
Amen and Amen!
** Most modern translations/versions (except the NKJV) of the Bible have removed this verse or reduced it to a footnote to the text. While the doctrine of the Trinity stands firm without it, this verse is historically a part of time tested/proven Scriptural text/doctrine and is the sole singularly complete statement of the doctrine of the Trinity in the Bible. Perhaps the "oldest" manuscript is not necessarily the "best"?
COLOSSIANS 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
A Simple Proof Of The Trinity
Before we get to the very simple proof, we want to say that true Christians believe in one God, not three. Almost every true Christian denomination or nominal Christian denomination will point out in their statement of fundamental truths that there is only one God. As one reads the Bible ( preferably the KJV or NKJV ) assisted ONLY by the Holy Spirit of God, one will clearly see that...
The Father Is God
The Son Is God
The Holy Spirit Is God
BUT there is only God, and can be only one God.
The word "Trinity", while not found in the Bible, expresses in one word, the truth of the Bible that there is one God subsisting as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Instead of the word "Trinity", you will find the word "Godhead" ( Acts 17:29, Rom. 1:20, Col. 2:9 ).
How about nature? Are their examples in nature? Yes, but keep in mind we are speaking of God's creation which can never express fully how He is. Here are three examples:
On a previous page we pointed out that though there is only one of you or me, we are body, soul, and spirit.
There is one substance called water, but it is found as water, ice, and vapor.
There is one sugar that we ingest, but it comes to us as sucrose, glucose, and fructose.
Got it? There are many examples in nature that something is one, but may subsist as three. So the Creator is One God, but revealed to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Now, The Proof Of The Trinity
Please Answer This Question:
Who raised Jesus from the dead?
Did you say God? Good answer, for it is written...
Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
But we also read Jesus saying and the the Scriptures stating...
John 2:19-21- Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body.See? Jesus said He would do it.
Now the Holy Spirit...
Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Now, the Father...
Romans 6:4 -Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Quite simple, eh?
If everyone would read just the Bible ( KJV, NKJV ), and only the Bible 98% of the time for spiritual meditation, and not listen to what people say, they'd get the facts straight!
The Trinity
There are a few messes out there that teach that God is not a trinity. The JW's and the Jesus Only's to name a couple. Therefore it would do us well to be able to defend our belief that God is a trinity and of course defend that with the Scriptures.
To prove a trinity exists, we need to show that the three exist separately and the three are one.
God
Three separate persons
I John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
Mark 1:10-11 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: 11 And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Matthew 26:42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.
John 8:18-17 It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. 18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.
This is especially interesting since Jesus Himself is stating that He and His Father fulfill the requirement that there be two testimonies to establish a truth.
One in the same God
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 10:30 I and my Father are one.
Man
Is man a Trinity?
Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
If God is a trinity and man is created in God's image, then it would follow that man is also a trinity. If man is a trinity and God wanted us to be aware of that fact then He would provide the proof in the Scriptures. Let's see...
Description of man
I Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
The three separable parts of man
Man does indeed have a body, soul and spirit. Are they different names for the same thing or are they separable parts of our being?
Body and Soul
Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
The body and soul are separable. It is possible to kill the body without killing the soul. The death of the soul is not death as we think of it, but rather eternity in the lake of fire (Revelation 21:8).
Body and Spirit
I Corinthians 5:3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,
James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
The body is separable from the spirit.
Soul and Spirit
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
The spirit is separable from the soul.
Roles of the Parts
Body
As was mentioned in Sunday School this past Sunday, you could say that we are only two thirds saved. We have a regenerated spirit and our soul will not suffer the second death of Revelation 21:8. But we are still wrapped in the corruptible body.
Romans 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
I Corinthians 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
Spirit
Ecclesiastes 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
The spirit is what makes us alive, but if it is separated, your body dies. Remember that God breathed (the wind typifies the spirit) into the nostrils of Adam and he became a living soul.
Genesis 2:7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
The spirit gives life and we get that life from God. But, we have a dead spirit that needs regeneration. When we get saved Jesus Christ makes our spirit alive again. That is why Jesus Christ is called the last Adam who gives us a living spirit.
I Corinthians 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
Soul
The soul is what we really are. This is the part that lives eternally. If we are saved our soul will spend eternity in heaven, if not we will spend eternity in the lake of fire. And, no, you don't just "burn up into nothing" like a JW may try to tell you.
Revelation 14:11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
Yes, this is talking about the tribulation's lost. But if they can burn forever, so can the people in Revelation 20:15 that end up in the same place.
Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Does this knowledge help us understand other parts of the Scriptures?
Jonah
Are these conflicting verses?
Jonah 2:1 Then Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fish's belly,
Jonah 2:2 And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the Lord, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice.
No, they do not contradict each other. Notice in verse 1 Jonah is telling us that he is starting to pray from the whale's belly. In his prayer, verse 2, he tells how and where he prayed previously.
He died in the whale's belly and then prayed, just like the rich man in Luke 16 "prayed" to Abraham from hell. Jonah's soul was in hell when he prayed this. His body was still in the whale's belly. Then God answered his prayer and brought him back to life, verse 1.
We can also see that Jonah did indeed die because of what is stated in verse 6.
Jonah 2:6 I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O Lord my God.
"Corruption" is when the body is dead and starts to decay. This is what happened to David.
Acts 13:36 For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:
David's flesh decayed after his death.
Jesus Christ is an exception to the corruption. His body did not begin to decay in the tomb.
Acts 13:35 Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Spiritual Circumcision
When we get saved we undergo a surgery. Our soul and flesh are separated during spiritual circumcision.
Colossians 2:11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Not so in the Old Testament. If they touched a dead body they were unclean. That is because their soul was attached to their body. Whatever they touched, their soul touched. We are not considered unclean because our soul doesn't touch something that we touch with our bodies because our soul is not connected to our flesh, if we're saved.
Numbers 19:13 Whosoever toucheth the dead body of any man that is dead, and purifieth not himself, defileth the tabernacle of the Lord; and that soul shall be cut off from Israel: because the water of separation was not sprinkled upon him, he shall be unclean; his uncleanness is yet upon him.
Doctrine of the Trinity
By Dr. Ed DeVries
Dr. Ed DeVries is an evangelist out of Shady Acres Baptist Church, Houston, Texas. Brother DeVries is also the President of the School of Biblical & Theological Studies, 310 West Prien Lake Road #584, Lake Charles, LA 70601, 1-800-516-7322 ext. 1611. School of Biblical & Theological Studies (SB&TS) is to provide a vehicle by which individuals called of God into Christian service may reach their goals while receiving a solid, conservative, biblically based education. SB&TS offers diploma through doctorate in the fields of Bible, Ministry, Theology, Religious Education, and Biblical Counseling through a challenging series of home study courses. E-mail: bibleschool@Juno.com To subscribe to News of Interest e-mail newsletter, just E-mail NewsOfInterest@juno.com and type subscribe. You may view his personal web page at: http://www.myweb.net/~bibleschool/Dr.DeVries.html
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Since God is a triune being, theologians use the word Trinity to represent the complex doctrine through which man comprehends His existence. Since the word Trinity is not found anywhere in the received text or in it's offspring (the Authorized Version and other biblical translations derived from the received text), many argue that the doctrine of the Trinity is not a Biblical one. However, when a person comes to understand the theory that is embodied in the terminology they can not help but find proof of the Trinity throughout the Bible. The doctrine of the Trinity is believed by all Christian groups. Some groups profess to be Christian and do not believe in the Trinity, however, none of these groups are truly Christian because their various perversions of the gospel cause them to have, "a form of godliness but denying the power thereof" (II Timothy 3:5). The Bible went on to say we should have nothing to do with them. Why? Because they are not Christians. This does not mean we can not love them and share the gospel with them, it simply means we are not to fellowship with them as brothers in Christ. The concept of the Trinity is the very concept of the existence of God, and since God reveals himself to his children, it only makes sense that all Christian churches would believe in and defend the doctrine of the Trinity.
Since the word Trinity is used to represent God as a triune being, what is triune? Noah Webster defined the word triune to mean, "three in one." This means that God, a singular being, exists in a plural manner. This is why the term Godhead is often used in scripture (Acts 7:19, Romans 1:20, Collosians 2:9, etc.). God's very name implies His triune existence. The Hebrew name for God used in all known manuscriptsis ELOHIM, so Genesis 1:1 could read, "In the beginning ELOHIM created the heaven and the earth." The word ELOHIM means three in one. The word ELOHIM has both a singular and a plural usage in Hebrew, uniquely, the two usages are always simultaneous. The word ELOHIM can never be used in the plural form without implying the singular and vice-versa. Note also, that all Hebrew letters have a numeric value, all Hebrew words also have value. ELOHIM is an interesting word in that it has two values, three and one.
The Trinity Illustrated in Nature
It is no wonder that when God, ELOHIM, said in Genesis 1:26, "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness," that He then created man to be a triune being. Just as God is composed of three, so is man. Man is composed of a body, a soul, and a spirit. We all know man to be one being, not three, in spite of his triune composition. The body is separate from the soul which is separate from the spirit, however they still make one man.
Man was only one of God's many creations. God is the creator of the entire universe. Just as God created man in His own image, he had also created the universe in the same fashion. The building block of the universe is the atom. Any object in the universe when broken down to it's smallest form has been discovered to be nothing more than a complexly designed series of atoms. The atom is a triune object. It is composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Each part of the atom is independent of the other two, yet it remains only one object, a proton can not exist without an accompanying neutron and electron and vice-versa.
We understand ourselves, how we exist. Through science we are learning of our environment and how the things around us exist. So man has always understood the concept of the Trinity, and this understanding is what helps us to understand the existence of God.
The Trinity Illustrated in the Bible
The concept of God being triune can be illustrated in the Bible just as easily as it can be illustrated in nature. John 1:1 says, "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This shows God to exist in two forms. The word God in this passage refers to ELOHIM, or to God as a whole. The word Word refers to God the Son, who is Jesus Christ. This is shown in verse fourteen, "and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory...as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."
Having established that God is a singular being with a plural existence, and understanding that the term "Word" (capitalized to represent deity) in John chapter one refers to God the Son who is the Lord Jesus Christ, let us read I John 5:7, "For there are three that bear record in heaven, The Father, The Word, and The Holy Ghost: and these three are one."
Thus we have proof: His name ELOHIM (meaning three in one) is proof, the design of nature is proof, and in scripture there is proof. God is a triune being composÍed of God the Father, God the Word or God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost who is often referred to as the Holy Spirit. They are each independently divine, they are each a separate aspect to the overall personality of God, yet they are combined to make one singular being.
How The Members of the Trinity Function
The members of the Trinity work together in complete unity, totally dependant and yet totally interdependence of each other. God the Father is the sovereign ruler of the entire universe, everything operates because of and to fulfill his eternal plan. God the Son takes this plan out of eternity and brings it into time, administering the various aspects of the plan. God the Holy Spirit makes this eternal plan, the will of God, real to men. These functions can be illustrated many times in the Bible.
The Function of the Members of the Trinity in Creation
In his omnipotence, God the Father had already created the universe somewhere in eternity past before the existence of time as we know it. Even though the universe did not physically exist in time, it did in eternity (remember, eternity has no concept of time). God knew He would create everything, and in eternity already had ( our future is already God's past). The theory of omnipotence and God's eternal existence could not be adequately understood if I were to write a million pages on the subject, so I will not. It will be left to the reader to research the subject of God's omnipotence and eternal existence independently of this paper (it is of course assumed that all who read this work will already possess adequate understanding of these concepts). Let us just summarily say that God the father had willed and fulfilled creation somewhere in eternity past. This is why Genesis 1:1 says, "In the Beginning (present tense) God created (past tense) the heaven and the earth." God was doing in time what He had already done in eternity.
God the Son brought creation into time. The creation had been the will of God for all eternity, all that was needed to bring that eternal reality into the reality of time was the spoken word. John chapter one teaches that God the son is the Word, and verse three says, "all things were made by him", meaning the Word who is God the Son. The word was given in Genesis 1:3, "and God said........" This spoken word of God the Son introduced the Father's eternal plan to time.
The Holy Spirit was waiting upon the face of the earth to fulfill the Word, this is found in Genesis 1:2. As soon as Jesus spoke the word, the Spirit fulfilled the word, making it real to man.
The Function of the Members of the Trinity in the Old Testament
Just as in creation, it is God the Father who has sovereignly determined the course of the universe in eternity, God the Son who as the Word brings the will of God into time, and it is the Holy Spirit who makes God's will real to man.
In God the Father's perspective, Noah had built the Ark before ever the earth was formed, so also had Moses and the Children of ÆIsrael crossed the Red Sea, etc. This is why God in Genesis 3:15 was able to offer salvation to Adam, He knew in eternity past that Man would sin and that Jesus would be the atonement for sin (read Revelation 13:8) so Adam placing his (present tense) faith in Christ's future act that, God had known about before the fact, resulted in salvation. Why? Because God knew it would happen so it was as good as done.
It was God the Son who brought the will of God into time. Throughout the Old Testament we read: "The Word of the Lord came unto Abram." (Genesis 15:1), "according to the Word of the Lord, as the Lord commanded Moses" (Numbers 3:51), "The Lord revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the Word of the Lord." (I Samuel 3:21), " The Word of the Lord came unto Nathan" (II Samuel 7:4), "The Word of the Lord came unto Solomon" (I Kings 6:11), etc., etc., etc.
It was then the Holy Spirit who enabled these men to fulfill the Word which God the Son had given them. A good illustration is the story of Samson. Judges 14:6 says, "and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him." Thus, the will of the Father revealed by the Word of the Son was made real to Samson when the Holy Spirit empowered him to fulfill it.
In the Old Testament era, the Holy Spirit did not continually abide with the believer as He does now. Instead, the Spirit came upon a man in order that he may be empowered to do God's will, then the Spirit would leave when the work was completed or when the man sinned. This is why we read that Samson, "Wist not that the Lord had departed from him" in Judges 16:20. This is also the reason King David prayed, "Take not thy Holy Spirit from me" in Psalms 51:11.
The Function of the Members of the Trinity in the New Testament
The primary activity of God in the New Testament was to provide for man's redemption and establish Local Churches to replace Israel as God's ambassadors to the world. (Israel is still God's chosen nation, they still enjoy the privileges of being God's chosen. Unfortunately, Israel failed in it's task in two ways, the first was in rejecting the Messiah and the second has been in failing to lead gentiles to the Messiah. The creation of the church does not infringe upon God's promises to Israel as some Christians believe, it was however God's way to in grace bestow upon us unworthy gentiles the blessing, i.e. the blessing of preaching the gospel and seeing people saved, after Israel choose not to take advantage of the opportunity.)
God the Father, knowing man would one day sin, had established redemption in eternity past. This is why Revelation 13:8 says that Christ was, "slain before the foundation of the world." This is once again how He was able to justify Adam in the garden, and this is how the Old Testament saints were saved. Jesus brought the plan into time when He fulfilled His work on the cross (John chapters 19 and beyond). The Holy Spirit makes redemption real to men as He reveals the gospel to their soul and quickens their previously dead spirit (I Peter 3:18).
God had also established the Church in eternity past, just as He has established His entire work. The Son brought the Church into time when He spoke the words, " Upon this rock I will build my Church" in Matthew 16:18. The Holy Spirit has made God's will real to men by empowering them with special gifts to fulfill the work of the Church (read I Corinthians chapters twelve through fourteen).
The Function of the Members of the Trinity Today
God the Father is the Sovereign ruler over all the affairs of the universe. He is the true standard of Holiness and the judge of all that is. God the Son is the Savior, the one through whom all men may receive justification before God. Jesus also acts as an advocate to the Father on behalf of the believer. "There is...one mediator...Christ Jesus", I Timothy 2:5. Charles Wesley best defined the present day role and relationship of God the Father and God the Son when he penned the classic hymn, Arise My Soul Arise:
Arise my soul ,arise! Shake off thy guilty fear's;
The bleeding sacrifice in my behalf appears;
Before the throne my surety stands-My name is written on His hands.
He ever lives above, for me to intercede;
His all redeeming love, His precious blood to plead:
His blood atoned for all our race, and sprinkles now the throne of grace.
Five bleeding wounds He bears, Received on Calvary;
They pour effectual prayers, They strongly plead for me:
" Forgive him, O forgive," they cry, " Nor let that ransomed sinner die!"
The Father hears Him pray, His dear anointed one;
He can not turn away The presence of His Son:
His Spirit answers to the Blood, and tells me I am born of God.
My God is reconciled, His pardoning voice I hear;
He owns me for His child, I can no longer fear:
With confidence I now draw nigh, And "Father, Abba, Father!" cry.
The Holy Spirit is currently engaged in the work of enabling believers to fulfil the work of the Church (I Corinthians 12-14), empowering men to preach the gospel (Acts 1:8), quickening the spirit of repentant sinners (I Peter 3:18, I Corinthians 2:10), keeping the believer secure in Christ until the Second Coming (i.e. the eternal security of the believer, Ephesians 1:12-14), comforting the believer (John 14-15), being the very essence of Christ indwelling the believer (John 14:16-18), and finally, the Spirit never forsakes the believer (I Corinthians 6:15-20).
The Modern Day Work of the Members of the Trinity in Prayer
Prayer is the primary expression of the relationship between God and the saved man, so it is to be given it's own sub-heading.
God the Father answers all of our prayers, hence we are taught to pray to, "Our Father which art in Heaven" (Matthew 6:9). He answers our prayers on behalf of, or because of our relationship with His Son, hence we pray in Jesus name. "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, He will give it you" (John 16:23). And we pray through the power of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 26:41) revealing our needs to the Father with the help of the Spirit, "we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." (Acts 8:26-27). The Holy Spirit could correctly be referred to as our prayer partner.
Conclusion
The proof of God's triune existence has been plainly presented along with the mechanics of the doctrine of the Trinity emphasizing God's relationship to His creation (primarily man). Unfortunately this does not even begin to expound on the deep truths of God. Multiplied volumes have attempted such an undertaking, however, the subject is so deep that all attempts will fail in revealing all of it's depths. It will not be until we get to heaven and we finally see God face to face that we will comprehend the subject in it's entirety. Perhaps the best definition which man has given for the Trinity is found in the writings of Dr. John F. Walvoord, the president of Dallas Theological Seminary, "God is one numerically, He subsists in three persons, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit who are equal in eternity, power and glory, each possessing all the divine attributes and yet having properties which distinguish them within the unity of the Trinity."
What is the Trinity?
by Matt Slick
The word "trinity" is a term used to denote the Christian doctrine that God exists as a unity of three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each of the persons is distinct from the other, yet identical in essence. In other words, each is fully divine in nature, but each is not the totality of the other persons of the Trinity. Each has a will, loves, and says "I" and "You" when speaking. The Father is not the same person as the Son, who is not the same person as the Holy Spirit, who is not the same person as the Father. Each is divine, yet there are not three gods, but one God. There are three individual subsistences, or persons. The word "subsistence" means something that has a real existence. The word "person" denotes individuality and self awareness. The Trinity is three of these, though the latter term has become the dominant one used to describe the individual aspects of God known as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Included in the doctrine of the Trinity is a strict monotheism which is the teaching that there exists in all the universe a single being known as God who is self-existent and unchangeable (Isaiah 43:10; 44:6,8). Therefore, it is important to note that the doctrine of the trinity is not polytheistic as some of its critics proclaim. Trinitarianism is monotheistic by definition and those who claim it is polytheistic demonstrate a lack of understanding of what it really is.
•The Trinity
?God is three persons
?Each person is divine
?There is only one God.
Many theologians admit that the term "person" is not a perfect word to describe the three individual aspects/foci found in God. When we normally use the word person, we understand it to mean physical individuals who exist as separate beings from other individuals. But in God there are not three entities, nor three beings. God is a trinity of persons consisting of one substance and one essence. God is numerically one. Yet, within the single divine essence are three individual subsistences that we call persons.
•Each of the three persons is completely divine in nature though each is not the totality of the Godhead.
•Each of the three persons is not the other two persons.
•Each of the three persons is related to the other two, but are distinct from them.
The word "trinity" is not found in the Bible. But this does not mean that the concept is not taught there. The word "bible" is not found in the Bible either, but we use it anyway. Likewise, the words "omniscience," which means "all knowing," "omnipotence," which means "all powerful," and "omnipresence," which means "present everywhere," are not found in the Bible either. But we use these words to describe the attributes of God. So, to say that the Trinity isn't true because the word isn't in the Bible is an invalid argument.
Is there subordination in the Trinity?
There is, apparently, a subordination within the Trinity in regard to order but not substance or essence. We can see that the Father is first, the Son is second, and the Holy Spirit is third. The Father is not begotten, but the Son is (John 3:16). The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father (John 5:26). The Father sent the Son (1 John 4:10). The Son and the Father send the Holy Spirit (John 14:26; 15:26). The Father creates (Isaiah 44:24), the Son redeems (Gal. 3:13), and the Holy Spirit sanctifies (Rom. 15:16).
This subordination of order does not mean that each of the members of the Godhead are not equal or divine. For example, we see that the Father sent the Son. But this does not mean that the Son is not equal to the Father in essence and divine nature. The Son is equal to the Father in his divinity, but inferior in his humanity. A wife is to be subject to her husband but this does not negate her humanity, essence, or equality. By further analogy, a king and his servant both share human nature. Yet, the king sends the servant to do his will. Jesus said, "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me" (John 6:38). Of course Jesus already is King, but the analogy shows that because someone is sent, it doesn't mean they are different than the one who sent him.
Critics of the Trinity will see this subordination as proof that the Trinity is false. They reason that if Jesus were truly God, then He would be completely equal to God the Father in all areas and would not, therefore, be subordinate to the Father in any way. But this objection is not logical. If we look at the analogy of the king and the servant we certainly would not say that the servant was not human because he was sent. Being sent does not negate sameness in essence. Therefore, the fact that the Son is sent does not mean that He is not divine any more than when my wife sends me to get bread, I am not human.
Is this confusing?
Another important point about the Trinity is that it can be a difficult concept to grasp. But this does not necessitate an argument against its validity. On the contrary, the fact that it is difficult is an argument for its truth. The Bible is the self revelation of an infinite God. Therefore, we are bound to encounter concepts which are difficult to understand -- especially when dealing with an incomprehensible God who exists in all places at all times. So, when we view descriptions and attributes of God manifested in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we discover that a completely comprehensible and understandable explanation of God's essence and nature is not possible. What we have done, however, is derive from the Scripture the truths that we can grasp and combine them into the doctrine we call The Trinity. The Trinity is, to a large extent, a mystery. After all, we are dealing with God Himself.
It is the way of the cults to reduce biblical truth to make God comprehensible and understandable by their minds. To this end, they subject God's word to their own reasoning and end in error. The following verses are often used to demonstrate that the doctrine of the Trinity is indeed biblical:
•Matt. 28:19, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,"
•1 Cor. 12:4-6, "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. 6And there are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons."
•2 Cor. 13:14, "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all."
•Eph. 4:4-7, "There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. 7But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift."
•1 Pet. 1:2, "according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, that you may obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in fullest measure."
•Jude 20-21, "But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith; praying in the Holy Spirit; 21keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life."
__________________
Sources:
1.Baker's Dictionary of Theology, Everett Harrison, ed. Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1960.
2.Berkhoff's Systematic Theology, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1988.
3.Grudem, Wayne, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, MI, 1994.
4.Hodge's Systematic Theology, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1981.
From: George <george_smith92530@
To: FamilyofGod@
Sent: Fri, February 26, 2010 7:42:10 PM
Subject: Re: [FamilyofGod] 25 Questions (type in your answer)
But I am well aquainted with the bible and all the arguements for and against the trinity. It is much easier to address one thing at a time.In Christ, George.....
"The LORD is God. The LORD is one."
From: Naomi Martin <choir_girl_2009@ yahoo.com>
To: FamilyofGod@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Fri, February 26, 2010 3:28:16 PM
Subject: Re: [FamilyofGod] 25 Questions (type in your answer)
From: George <george_smith92530@ yahoo.com>
To: FamilyofGod@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Fri, February 26, 2010 6:25:17 PM
Subject: Re: [FamilyofGod] 25 Questions (type in your answer)
In Christ, George.....
"The LORD is God. The LORD is one."
From: Naomi Martin <choir_girl_2009@ yahoo.com>
To: FamilyofGod@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Fri, February 26, 2010 3:04:38 PM
Subject: Re: [FamilyofGod] 25 Questions (type in your answer)
love of God
Christ died
Holy Spirit who was given
Jude 20-21
love of God
mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ
praying in the Holy Spirit
2 Thessalonians 2:13-14
always give thanks to God
loved by the Lord , glory of our Lord Jesus Christ
sanctification by the Spirit
Romans 15:30
prayers to God
urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ
love of the Spirit
God also testifying
salvation first spoken through the Lord
gifts of the Holy Spirit
Romans 8:14-17
Abba! Father!"
fellow heirs with Christ
Spirit Himself testifies
presence of our God and Father
hope in our Lord Jesus Christ
power and in the Holy Spirit … joy of the Holy Spirit
Isaiah 63:8-10
My people, sons
angel of His presence
Grieved His Holy Spirit
2 Corinthians 13:14
love of God
grace of the Lord Jesus Christ
fellowship of the Holy Spirit
Father
Son
Holy Spirit
Matthew 28:19
baptizing them in the name of the Father
name of the Son
name of the Holy Spirit
Acts 10:44-48
exalting God
baptized in the name of Jesus Christ
Holy Spirit fell upon
Acts 2:38-39
God will call to Himself
in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins
gift of the Holy Spirit
1 Peter 4:14
God rests on you
name of Christ
Spirit of glory rests on you
1 John 3:23-24
He abides in us
believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ
Spirit whom He has given
1 Corinthians 6:11
inherit the kingdom of God
justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ
justified in the name of the Spirit of our God
glory of His grace
redemption through His blood
sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise
Acts 15:8-11
God, who knows the heart, testified to them
grace of the Lord Jesus
giving them the Holy Spirit
2 Corinthians 13:14
love of God
grace of the Lord Jesus Christ
fellowship of the Holy Spirit
Hebrews 10:29-31
living God
trampled under foot the Son of God
insulted the Spirit of grace
love of God has been poured out within our hearts
Christ died
through the Holy Spirit
Ephesians 2:19-22
God's household, dwelling of God
Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone
… in the Spirit
Ephesians 3:16-17
riches of His glory
Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith
strengthened with power through His Spirit
2 Corinthians 1:21-22
anointed us is God
establishes us with you in Christ
Spirit in our hearts as a pledge
Galatians 4:4-6
God sent forth
His Son
the Spirit of His Son into our hearts
Father
Son
Holy Spirit
Acts 2:38-39
God will call to Himself
in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins
gift of the Holy Spirit
Acts 10:44-48
exalting God
baptized in the name of Jesus Christ
Holy Spirit fell upon
Acts 15:8-11
God, who knows the heart, testified to them
grace of the Lord Jesus
giving them the Holy Spirit
Acts 20:27-28
purpose of God
church of God which He purchased with His own blood
Holy Spirit has made you overseers
Acts 28:25-31
salvation of God … preaching the kingdom of God
teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ
Holy Spirit rightly spoke
Romans 1:1-4
Gospel of God
declared the Son of God
Spirit of holiness
Romans 5:5-6
love of God
Christ died
Holy Spirit who was given
Romans 8:2-4
God … sending
Christ Jesus has set you free
Spirit of life
Romans 8:14-17
Abba! Father!"
fellow heirs with Christ
led by the Spirit of God … Spirit Himself testifies
Romans 8:26-30
God causes all things to work together for good
conformed to the image of His Son
Spirit also helps our weakness … the Spirit Himself intercedes
Romans 15:16
gospel of God
Christ Jesus
sanctified by the Holy Spirit
Romans 15:30
prayers to God
urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ
love of the Spirit
1 Corinthians 2:2-5
power of God
Jesus Christ, and Him crucified
demonstration of the Spirit and of power
1 Corinthians 6:11
inherit the kingdom of God
justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ
justified in the name of the Spirit of our God
1 Corinthians 12:4-6
varieties of effects, but the same God
varieties of ministries, and the same Lord
varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit
1 Corinthians 12:11-12,18
placed the members … just as He desired
one body of Christ
Spirit works, distributing to each, as He wills
2 Corinthians 1:21-22
anointed us is God
establishes us with you in Christ
Spirit in our hearts as a pledge
2 Corinthians 13:14
love of God
grace of the Lord Jesus Christ
fellowship of the Holy Spirit
Ephesians 1:3-13
God and Father who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing
redemption through His blood
sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise
Ephesians 2:18
to the Father
through Him we both have our access
in one Spirit
Ephesians 2:19-22
God's household
Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone
a holy temple in the Lord … dwelling of God in the Spirit
Ephesians 3:16-17
riches of His glory
Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith
strengthened with power through His Spirit
Ephesians 4:4-6
one God and Father
one Lord
one Spirit
Ephesians 4:30-32
forgiving each other, just as God
in Christ also has forgiven you
grieve the Holy Spirit of God
Isaiah 63:8-10
My people, sons
He became their Savior
grieved His Holy Spirit
Ephesians 5:18-20
giving thanks to God, even the Father
singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord
filled with the Spirit
1 Thessalonians 1:3-6:
presence of our God and Father
hope in our Lord Jesus Christ
power and in the Holy Spirit … joy of the Holy Spirit
2 Thessalonians 2:13-14
always give thanks to God
loved by the Lord , glory of our Lord Jesus Christ
sanctification by the Spirit
Titus 3:4-6
Kindness, love, mercy of God our saviour
through Jesus Christ our Savior
renewing by the Holy Spirit
Hebrews 2:3-4
God also testifying
salvation first spoken through the Lord
gifts of the Holy Spirit
Hebrews 9:14
offered to God
blood of Christ
eternal Spirit
Hebrews 10:29-31
living God
trampled under foot the Son of God
insulted the Spirit of grace
1 Peter 1:2
foreknowledge of God the Father
obey Jesus Christ
sanctifying work of the Spirit
1 Peter 3:18
bring us to God
Christ also died for sins
made alive in the spirit
1 Peter 4:14
God rests on you
name of Christ
Spirit of glory rests on you
1 John 3:23-24
He abides in us
believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ
Spirit whom He has given
1 John 4:13-14
Father has sent
Son to be the Savior of the world
given us of His Spirit
Jude 20-21
love of God
mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ
praying in the Holy Spirit
Red = Father; Blue = Son; Green = Holy Spirit
Isaiah 61:1: "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, Because the Lord (YHWH) has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives And freedom to prisoners; " (This is a certified triadic passage because Jesus applied the text to Himself in Luke 4:18-30)
Isaiah 63:8-10: "For He said, "Surely, they are My people, Sons who will not deal falsely." So He became their Savior. In all their affliction He was afflicted, And the angel of His presence [lit: face] saved them; In His love and in His mercy He redeemed them, And He lifted them and carried them all the days of old. But they rebelled And grieved His Holy Spirit" (The angel of His face is YHWH himself not a created angel: Ex 23:14-15, 20-23; 14:19; Num 20:16; Ex 33:12. Trinitarians expect to find this kind of passage in the Old Testament, that would not be fully understood until the mystery was revealed about the Trinity in the New Testament.)
Matthew 3:13-17; Luke 3:21-22: After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him, and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased. "
Matthew 28:19: "baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit"
Luke 1:35: "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. "
Luke 4:1-12: "Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, … Jesus answered him, "It is written , 'You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only."
John 14:16: "I will ask the Father , and He will give you another Helper , that He may be with you forever"
John 20:21-22: "So Jesus said to them again, " Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you." And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit ."
Acts 1:7-8: "He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority ; but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you
Acts 2:33: "Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear. "
Acts 2:38-39: "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. "For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself."
Acts 5:30-32: "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross... "And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him."
Acts 7:55: "But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God"
"So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase." (Acts 9:31)
Acts 10:38: "You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power"
Acts 10:44-48: "While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message … and exalting God … And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
Acts 11:15-17: "the Holy Spirit fell upon them … Therefore God gave to them the same gift as He gave to us also after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ?"
Acts 15:8-11: "And God, who knows the heart, testified to them giving them the Holy Spirit … we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus"
Acts 20:27-28: "For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. "Be on guard … for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. "
Acts 28:25-31: "The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers … this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles … preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ"
Romans 1:1-4: "Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning His Son, … who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, "
Romans 5:5-6: "the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. "
Romans 8:2-4: "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. … God … sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh … walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. "
Romans 8:9 "indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. "
Romans 8:14-17: "For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. … you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ"
Romans 8:26-30: "In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness … the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words … God causes all things to work together for good … predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son"
Romans 15:16: "to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. "
Romans 15:30: "Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me,"
1 Corinthians 2:2-5: "For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified… in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would … rest on the power of God."
1 Corinthians 6:11: "inherit the kingdom of God. … you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God."
1 Corinthians 12:4-6: "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. "
1 Corinthians 12:11-12,18: "But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. … But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired."
2 Corinthians 1:21-22: "Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge. "
2 Corinthians 3:3-4: "written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God … Such confidence we have through Christ toward God."
2 Corinthians 13:14 "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all."
Galatians 3:1-5: "Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified … does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you"
Galatians 3:14: "The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith … in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith."
Galatians 4:4-6: "God sent forth His Son … God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!"
Ephesians 1:3-13: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, " … "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace " … "In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, "
Ephesians 2:18: "for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. "
Ephesians 2:19-22: "God's household … Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone … a holy temple in the Lord … dwelling of God in the Spirit."
Ephesians 3:16-17: "that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith"
Ephesians 4:4-6: "one Spirit … one Lord … one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all."
Ephesians 4:30-32: "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption … forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you."
Ephesians 5:18-20: "be filled with the Spirit … singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father"
1 Thessalonians 1:3-6: "hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father …in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction … with the joy of the Holy Spirit"
2 Thessalonians 2:13-14: "always give thanks to God … beloved by the Lord … sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth … the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. "
Titus 3:4-6: "the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, … according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior"
Hebrews 2:3-4: "salvation first spoken through the Lord … God also testifying … gifts of the Holy Spirit"
Hebrews 9:14: "how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God"
Hebrews 10:29-31: "trampled under foot the Son of God … has insulted the Spirit of grace … It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God. "
1 Peter 1:2: "according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood"
1 Peter 3:18: "For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; "
1 Peter 4:14: "If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. "
1 John 3:23-24: "we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ … He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us."
1 John 4:2: "By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God"
1 John 4:13-14: "He has given us of His Spirit. We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. "
Jude 20-21: "praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. "
Anti-Trinitarian rebuttal #1
"Your triadic passages are based upon the assumption that the doctrine of a triune Godhead is true. The mere mention of these names we are not justified in concluding that they are evidence of the trinity. Based upon the nature of your argument, I would be justified in concluding that Peter, James and John also had some type of trine nature. Peter and James and John are mentioned together in: Mk 13:33 and Lk 9:28. Any reasonable person would not attach any great significance to the fact that the names of these men are mentioned together. The same the fundamental flaw in reasoning is identical in your Trinity passages as with the Peter, James and John passages. The argument you make from these triadic passages is non-existent, just as nothing special can be concluded about the Peter, James and John passages." (by an Anti-Trinitarian)
Matthew 17:1 Six days later Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up on a high mountain by themselves.
Mark 5:37 And He allowed no one to accompany Him, except Peter and James and John the brother of James.
Mark 9:2 Six days later, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John, and brought them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them;
Mark 13:3 As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew were questioning Him privately,
Mark 14:33 And He took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be very distressed and troubled.
Luke 8:51 When He came to the house, He did not allow anyone to enter with Him, except Peter and John and James, and the girl's father and mother.
Luke 9:28 Some eight days after these sayings, He took along Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray.
I am quite glad you brought up these verses, for as you will see, the triadic passages of PJJ, reinforce the power of the 58 Trinity triadic passages that mention the FSHS (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). I openly admit a pattern in the triadic passages of PJJ as well as the FSHS passages.
Triadic passages are powerful, because they prove, by way of pattern, that the three persons have a special and unique working arrangement. It is well known that PJJ shared a special relationship with Jesus, being his innermost circle of human co-workers. In the case of PJJ, they are called the "sons of thunder" and yes, they form a trinity of sorts indeed! They were their own unique subset of 3 disciples. This is proven in Mark 3:14-19, where the "sons of thunder" are singled out as a "trinity" within the listing of all the twelve apostles.
The triadic passages prove that each member is a person. If the Holy Spirit is a person, Trinity is true and its game over for the Arians! This is one of the reasons the triadic passages are powerful. It is about as likely that the Holy Spirit is not a person, but electricity, as John is not a person, but is a personification of the disciples love and devotion and faith to the Lord. But if John is a person, then so is the Holy Spirit a person! The patterns of triadic passages always group persons together.
Remember, all a Trinitarian must prove is that all three members of the trinity are persons (specifically the Holy Spirit) and Jehovah's Witness and Christadelphian theology crumbles further into finer dust, than what it already is!
The key point is that Anti-Trinitarians are forced to group two persons with a non-personal thing (Holy Spirit = electricity) . According to the Arians, God established a 58 fold pattern of "person, person, thing". Arians will hunt hard to find "that one verse" that will group "two persons and the Bible" together, thinking such is even remotely relevant as a rebuttal. But these individual verses never form a pattern, with multiple repeated uses as do the triadic passages. When you see an elephant in the clouds it is merely a co-incidence, but 58 elephants in the clouds at the same time chained together trunk to tail, is a divine pattern! It is all about the clear and unmistakable pattern. It is the 8 fold pattern of the PJJ verses and the 58 fold pattern of FSHS that should send shock waves up every Jehovah's Witnesses spine!
Just as there is a specific purpose and reason why PJJ are mentioned together in an 8 fold pattern of verses, so too there is a specific purpose and reason why the FFHS are mentioned together in a 58 fold pattern of verses. Patterns are in scripture for reasons. Now the divine trinity (FSHS) proves there is a special and unique relationship between the three persons mentioned. Even a simple overview shows that they are seen as equal partners in the purpose, plan, providence, love care and salvation of man. If the Holy Spirit is "mere electricity" , the triadic passages establish a pattern for a most unusual group: "two persons and a thing".
Arian theology really has no way of accounting for the triadic passages. Why would God go out of his way to establish a pattern of the "Father, Son and the Father's power"? There simply is not reasonable explanation. Trinitarians, on the other hand view the pattern of 58 triadic passages as exactly what you would expect, given the assumption of the trinity.
So your statement: "Any reasonable person would not attach any great significance to the fact that the names of these men are mentioned together" is clearly in error because there was great significance attached to the grouping of PJJ: They were openly recognized by the other disciples as being special and were allowed access to places by Jesus that the other nine apostles were barred.
Your comment: "but the fundamental flaw in the reasoning is identical" is half right in that both sets of triadic passages stand and fall together. What you implied by this comment, is that just as there is no great significance in the PJJ trinity pattern of verses, there is no great significance with the 58 triadic passages of the divine trinity. However, just as you were quite wrong about the significance of the PJJ pattern of triadic passages, you are equally wrong about the pattern of 58 Trinity passages.
The validity of your rebuttal of the significance of the 58 Trinity passages was built upon the truthfulness and validity of there being no significance of the PJJ passages. Since I have "pulled the carpet out from under" your founding argument, it is clear that your conclusion that the pattern of 58 triadic passages is wholly invalid.
Not only is your rebuttal invalid, your argument has been turned against you to actually reinforce the validity of my assumption that these 58 passages trinity is valid and true. You started out claiming there was no significance to the pattern of 58 triadic passages. Now, to your horror, you must find some assumed significance other than my assumed significance that Trinitarian theology is the underlying truth. Notice now I have logically defeated you and have now sent you on a mission where you are now searching the scriptures to invent some previously unknown significance that is acceptable to Christadelphian, without also proving trinity true. This is a dangerous method of interpreting the Bible, it is called "bias driven text searching". Happy hunting!
This natural business partnership was actually transferred into a spiritual partnership by Jesus.
These three enjoyed a special status of being part of Jesus inner-most group. This is proven by scripture. In fact Jesus forbid any other disciples to come with him except PJJ on three occasions. So is this another co-incidence? The triad of PJJ enjoyed special status three times!
Raising of Jairus's daughter: Mark 5:37; Luke 8:51 "And He allowed no one to accompany Him, except Peter and James and John the brother of James. " (Mark 5:37)
The Transfiguration: Matt. 17:1; Mark 9:2; Luke 9:28 "Six days later, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John, and brought them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; " (Mark 9:2)
In the Garden of Gethsemane: Matt. 26:37; Mark 14:33 "And He took with Him Peter and James and John, and began to be very distressed and troubled. " (Mark 14:33)
Further observation shows that these were rather important and significant events in the ministry of Jesus. One of Jesus first miracles only PJJ were present. The hugely important Transfiguration, only PJJ were allowed to become the only witnesses the world could rely upon. And when Jesus knew he was about to be crucified, He took only Peter James and John. These events cannot be counted as mere coincidence, but must be designed that way by the Lord to establish a pattern.
Therefore, there can be no doubt that the three did represent a specific subset of the 12 apostles. Eight times they are mentioned together as a set and three times they are seen enjoying special status with Jesus.
This just reinforces the pattern of the 58 Trinity triadic passages. Instead of a pattern of 8, we have a breathtaking pattern of 58! There must be some reason and meaning behind the grouping of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! A special working relationship as God. A special status of being God. What other possible meaning could be attached? You still need to do your "doctrine in need of the bible text search!"
Anti-Trinitarian rebuttal #2
"Perhaps what jumped out a me most when I looked over your handout is the fact that only three triadic passage could be found in the whole of the Old Testament. Therefore, the striking absence of any triadic passages in the Old Testament demands an explanation. " (by an Anti-Trinitarian)
the Lord's supper
second coming
great judgment
resurrection of dead at the end of time.
that Jesus was the agent of creation
that the Messiah was to be raised from the dead
the apostles did not understand Jesus would die, be raised or believe in the second coming during Jesus ministry
that Jesus Christ was the "Rock that followed" the Jews through the wilderness
that Jesus was the messiah
that Jesus was the Son of God
Messiah would be killed much less raise from the dead!
that the Messiah's kingdom is spiritual
that the messiah was not going to conquer Rome in 30 AD during the triumphal entry
In the same way, Old Testament writers introduced us to many doctrines that were revealed more fully in the New Testament. You said, "the striking absence of any triadic passages in the Old Testament demands an explanation" and now you have one! And it is one that makes sense and actually fits your general understanding of the doctrinal development between the Old and New Testaments! In face, so powerful is my reply to your third point, that I know you wish you had never even said it.
Father
Son
Holy Spirit
Matthew 28:19
Baptize in the name of the Father
The Son
And the Holy Spirit
2 Cor 13:14
and the love of God
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit
Father
Son
Holy Spirit
Isaiah 48:16
Isaiah 61:1
Isaiah 63:8-10
Matthew 3:13-17
Matthew 28:19
Luke 1:35
Luke 4:1-12
John 14:16
John 20:21-22
Acts 1:7-8
Acts 2:33
Acts 2:38-39
Acts 5:30-32
Acts 7:55
Acts 10:38
Acts 10:44-48
Acts 11:15-17
Acts 15:8-11
Acts 20:27-28
Acts 28:25-31
Romans 1:1-4
Romans 5:5-6
Romans 8:2-4
Romans 8:9
Romans 8:14-17
Romans 8:26-30
Romans 15:16
Romans 15:30
1 Corinthians 2:2-5
1 Corinthians 6:11
1 Corinthians 12:4-6
1 Corinthians 12:11-12,18
2 Corinthians 1:21-22
2 Corinthians 3:3-4
2 Corinthians 13:14
Galatians 3:1-5
Galatians 3:14
Galatians 4:4-6
Ephesians 1:3-13
Ephesians 2:18
Ephesians 2:19-22
Ephesians 3:16-17
Ephesians 4:4-6
Ephesians 4:30-32
Ephesians 5:18-20
1 Thessalonians 1:3-6
2 Thessalonians 2:13-14
Titus 3:4-6
Hebrews 2:3-4
Hebrews 9:14
Hebrews 10:29-31
1 Peter 1:2
1 Peter 3:18
1 Peter 4:14
1 John 3:23-24
1 John 4:2
1 John 4:13-14
Jude 20-21
Divine Title
The Father
The Son
The Holy Spirit
God
Deut 32:6; Ps 89:26; Isa 63:16; 64:8; Mal 1:6; 2:10; Mt 6:9; Jn 6:27; Gal 1:1-3; Eph 4:6; 5:20; 6:23; Phil 1:2; 2:11; 4:20; Col 3:17;
Gen 19:24; Ps 45:7; Isa 7:14; 9:6; Zech 12:10 Mt 1:23; Jn 1:1; 5:18; 20:28; Acts 20:28; Rom 9:5; Phil 2:6-7; Col 2:9; 1 Tim 3:16; Titus 2:14; Heb 1:8-9; 2 Pet 1:1; 1 Jn 5:20
Hag 2:5; Mt 12:28; Lk 11:20; Acts 5:3-4; 1 Cor 12:6,11,18; 2 Cor 3:17
YHWH (Yahweh)
Ex 6:3
Jer 23:6
Micah 3:8
Lord
Deut 10:17, Ps 110:1
Mt 22:43-45
2 Cor 3:18
Mighty God
Isa 10:21; Jer 32:18
Isa 9:6
-
A Stone
Isa 8:13-15; 1 Pet 2:1-8
-
The Rock
Isa 44:8
Deut 2:7; 32:30; Isa 44:8; 1 Cor 10:4
-
I Am
Ex 3:14
Jn 8:58
-
Alpha & Omega; First & Last
Isa 41:4; 44:6; 48:12; Rev 1:8; 21:6
Rev 1:17; 2:8; 22:13
-
King of kings; Lords of lords
Deut 10:17; Ps 136:2-3; Dan 2:47
1 Tim 6:15; Rev 17:14; 19:16
-
Shepherd
Ezek 34:11-16; Ps 23:1
Jn 10:11,14; Heb 13:20; Rev 7:17
-
The Father
The Son
The Holy Spirit
Eternal, self-existent
Gen 21:33; Ex 3:14; Deut 33:27; Ps 90:2; 90:4; 93:2; 102:12; Job 36:26; Hab 1:12; Rom 16:26; 2 Pe 3:8
Psalm 102:24-25 + Heb 1:10-12; Isa 9:6; Micah 5:1-2; Jn 1:1; 8:58; 17:5; Eph 3:21; Col 1:17; Heb 7:3; 1 Jn 1:1; Rev 22:13
Heb 9:14
Omnipresence, near when needed
Deut 4:7; 1 Ki 8:27; Isaiah 66:1; Jer 23:23-24; Acts 7:48-49; 17:27-28
Mt 18:20; 28:20; Jn 1:48; Eph 1:22-23; 4:10; Col 3:11
Ps 139:7-10
Omniscience, knows hearts men
1 Sam 16:7; Job 37:16; 1 Chron 28:9; Ps 139:1-4; Jer 17:10; Isa 41:22-23; 42:9; 44:7; 1 Jn 3:20; Heb 4:13
Mt 11:27; 12:25; Mk 2:8; Lk 9:47; 11:17; Jn 1:48; 2:23-25; 4:16-18; 16:30; 21:17
1 Cor 2:10-11
Omnipotence
Gen 17:1; Ex 6:3; Job 36:5,22,26; 42:2; Ps 115:3; Jer 32:17, 27; Mt 3:9; 19:26; Mk 10:27; Lk 1:37; 18:27; Eph 1:11; Rev 19:6
Mt 28:18; Phil 3:20-21
Gen 1:2; Lk 1:35-37
Majestic Glory
Ps 29:3; 84:11; Job 37:22; Eph 3:20-21; 2 Pet 1:17; Rev 4:11
Lk 9:43; 2 Cor 4:4; 2 Pet 1:16; Heb 1:3; Rev 5:11-14
2 Cor 3:8; 1 Pe 4:14
Incomprehensible, Unfathomable
Job 9:10; Rom 11:33; Eph 3:20
Mt 11:27; Eph 3:8
-
Holy
Lev 19:2; Ps 5:4-6; 99:5; Isa 6:3; 8:13; Hab 1:12-13; Tit 1:2; 1 Jn 1:5; Rev 4:8; 15:4
Mk 1:24; Acts 3:14; 2 Cor 5:21; Heb 4:15; 7:26; Rev 3:7
Lk 11:13; Rom 1:4; Eph 1:13
True, truth
Num 23:19; Isa 65:16; Ps 31:5; Jn 7:28; 17:17; Tit 1:2; Heb 6:18
Jn 14:6; Rev 3:7
Jn 14:17
Good
Deut 8:16; Ps 118:1; Nahum 1:7; Mk 10:18; Lk 18:19; Rom 8:28; Jas 1:13
Jn 10:11
Ps 143:10; Neh 9:20
Immutable, unchangeable
Ex 32:14; Ps 33:11; Ps 89:34; 102:26-27; Isa 51:6; Mal 3:6; Rom 1:23; 2 Tim 2:13; Heb 6:17-18; Jas 1:17
Heb 1:12; 13:8
-
Preeminent
Ps 97:9; 148:13
Col 1:18; Acts 10:36
-
A Spirit, greater than man
Num 23:19; 1 Sam 15:29; Job 33:12; Ezek 1:26-28; Jn 4:24; 1 Jn 3:20
Mk 2:8; Lk 24:39; Rev 1:14
"Holy Spirit"
Unique, One of a kind
Ex 8:10; 9:14; 15:11; 2 Sam 7:22; 1 Chron 17:20; Ps 86:8; 1 Ki 8:23; Isa 40:18,25; 44:7; Jer 10:6-7; Micah 7:18
Divine Function
The Father
The Son
The Holy Spirit
Creator
Gen 1:1; Ps 33:6; 102:25; Isa 44:24; 64:8; Rom 11:36; Acts 17:24
Gen 1:1; Jn 1:1; 1:3; 1 Cor 8:6; Col 1:15-17, Heb 1:2,10-12; 11:3
Gen 1:2; Ps 104:30; Job 33:4
Redeemer
Ps 130:7-8; Isa 43:14; Lk 1:68
Isa 44:6; Gal 3:13; Eph 1:7; Tit 2:14; Heb 9:12-15
Eph 4:30
Savior, salvation
Isa 12:2; 43:11; Ps 18:46; Hos 13:4; Lk 3:6; 1 Tim 1:1; 2:3; 4:10; Tit 1:3; 3:4; Jude 25
Acts 2:21; 4:12; 1 Tim 1:15; 2 Tim 1:10; Titus 1:4; 2:13; 3:6; 2 Pe 1:1
Tit 3:5
Calms the storm
Ps 107:29
Mt 8:26-27
-
Fills the hungry soul
Ps 107:9
Jn 6:51
-
Just, Impartially Judges with vengeance
Ps 7:11; 75:7; 94:1-2; 96:13; Isa 30:18; 45:21; Mal 2:17; Jer 51:56; Zeph 3:5; Jn 8:50; Acts 10:34; Rom 2:5; 3:26; 11:22; Heb 10:31; 12:23
Jn 5:22-23; 2 Tim 4:1,8; Jas 5:9
-
Accepts Worship
Gen 24:26; Deut 6:13; Josh 5:13-15
Mt 14:33; 28:9,17; Jn 20:28; 9:38; Acts 14:8-15; Phil 2:10; Heb 1:6; Rev 5:8-14
Philippians 3:3
Divine "service"
Deut 6:13; 10:20; Mt 4:10
Col 3:24; Rev 22:3
-
Every Knee Bows
Isa 45:23
Rom 14:10-12, Phil 2:8-10
-
Prayed to
Mt 6:8
Commands: Jn 14:14; Jas 1:1-7; 1 Cor 1:2; Eph 5:19; Acts 8:22. Examples: Rev 22:20, 2 Cor 12:7-9, Acts 7:54-60; Acts 8:24. Inferences: 1 Jn 5:11-15, Acts 1:24; Heb 7:25
Intercedes in our prayers: Rom 8:26-27
Begot Jesus
Heb 1:5
-
Mt 1:18; Lk 1:35
Raised Jesus
Acts 2:32; 3:15, 26; 17:31; 1 Thess 1:9-10
Mk 14:58; Jn 2:19-22; 10:17
Rom 1:4; 8:11
Final Resurrection
1 Cor 6:14
Jn 6:39-44; Phil 3:20-21
Rom 8:11
Indwells the believer
2 Cor 6:16-18; 1 Jn 4:15
2 Cor 13:5; Eph 3:17
Rom 8:9; 1 Cor 6:19; 2 Tim 1:14
Abides
Gen 21:22; Deut 7:21; Josh 1:9; 1 Sam 10; 1 Chron 17:2; Isa 8:10; 1 Jn 4:12-15
Mt 28:20; Jn 6:56
Jn 14:17; 1 Jn 2:27
We Belong To
Jn 17:9
Jn 17:6
-
In our heart
Gal 4:6
Eph 3:17
2 Cor 1:22
Provides Access To God
-
Jn 14:6; Eph 2:18
Eph 2:18
Source Of Life
Gen 2:7; Acts 17:28; Rom 6:23; 1 Tim 6:13
Jn 1:3-4; 5:21; 10:28; 11:25; Acts 3:15; 1 Jn 5:11
Jn 3:3-8; Rom 8:2; 2 Cor 3:6; Gal 6:8; Titus 3:5
Sanctifies
1 Thess 5:23
Heb 2:11
1 Pet 1:2
Forgives Sin
Mt 6:12
Lk 7:47-48; Mk 2:5-11
Titus 3:5
Searches Our Heart
1 Chron 28:9; Ps 7:9; 26:2; 139:1; Jer 17:10; Lk 16:15
Rev 2:23 (key verse to prove deity)
Rom 8:27; 1 Cor 2:10-11
Authority by their name to be baptized
Mt 28:19
Mt 28:19
Mt 28:19
Source of help, strength, protector, deliverer
Deut 3:22; 2 Sam 22:33; Ps 46:1; 54:4; 59:9,17; 62:8; 68:20; 73:26; 84:11; Isa 12:2; 49:5; Hab 3:19; 2 Cor 1:10
2 Cor 12:9; Phil 4:13; 2 Tim 4:17-18
Eph 3:16; 2 Tim 1:14
Light and guidance
Ps 84:11; 1 Jn 1:5
Jn 1:4-5; 3:19; 8:12; 9:5; 12:35
-
Sends Holy Spirit
Jn 14:16
Jn 15:26
-
Baptizes us into Christ
-
-
1 Cor 12:13
Character Qualities of the Holy Spirit
The Father
The Son
The Holy Spirit
Inspires Scripture, Speaks, has a mind, a will and makes management decisions directing others for divine purpose
Jer 3:15; 26:5; Mt 3:17; 10:17-20; Lk 22:42; 1 Thess 2:13; 2 Tim 3:16; Heb 1:1; 2 Pe 1:20-21
Mt 10:5; Lk 6:13; 21:12-15; 22:42; 2 Cor 13:3; Eph 4:11
Mt 4:1; 1:12; Mk 13:11; Lk 2:26; 4:11; 12:11-12; Jn 16:13-14; Acts 1:16; 2:4; 4:25; 8:29,39; 10:19; 11:12; 13:2; 15:28; 16:6; 20:22-23; 20:28; 28:25; 1 Cor 12:11; Eph 3:5; 1 Tim 4:1; Heb 3:7; 9:8; 10:15; 1 Pet 1:11; 2 Pe 1:20-21; Rev 22:17
hope
Rom 15:13
1 Tim 1:1
Rom 15:13
Joy
Rom 15:13
Jn 15:11
Rom 14:17; 1 Thess 1:6
fellowship
Jn 14:23; 1 Jn 1:3-6
1 Cor 1:9; 1 Jn 1:3
2 Cor 13:14; Phil 2:1
Loves, Loving
Deut 7:7-8; Jer 31:3; Jn 3:16; 1 Cor 13:11; Eph 2:4-5; Heb 12:6; 1 Jn 4:8,16
Jn 15:13; Eph 5: 25
Rom 15:30
Grace
Ps 84:11; 1 Pet 5:10
Rom 16:20; 1 Thess 5:28
Zech 12:10; Heb 10:29
Who Gives the Christian the Words to Speak?
Mt 10:17-20
Lk 21:12-15
Lk 12:11-12
Lied to
Hosea 11:12
Jn 8:55
Acts 5:3
Bears witness:
Phil 1:8
Rev 1:5; 3:14
Acts 5:32
Compassionate, Comforts, kind
Deut 4:31; 2 Chron 30:9; Ps 103:8-9; 116:5; Rom 11:22; 2 Cor 1:3; 2 Thess 2:16
Mk 6:34; 2 Cor 1:5; 2 Thess 2:16
Acts 9:31
Grieves
Gen 6:6
Mt 26:38; Mk 3:5
Isa 63:10; Eph 4:30
Insulted
2 Chron 32:17
Mt 27:44
Heb 10:29
blasphemed
Rev 16:11
Lk 22:65
Mt 12:31
Abides
Jn 14:23
Jn 14:23
Jn 14:17
Consuming fire, jealous
Deut 4:24; Nahum 1:2; Heb 12:29
2 Thess 1:7; Rev 1:14
Mt 3:11
Faith, faithful
Deut 32:4; 1 Cor 1:9
Rev 3:7
2 Cor 4:13
Peace
1 Cor 14:33; Rom 15:33; 16:20; 2 Cor 13:11; Phil 4:9; 1 Thess 5:23; Heb 13:20
1 Cor 1:3; 2 Cor 1:2; Gal 1:3; Eph 2:14
Rom 8:6; 14:17; Gal 5:22; Eph 4:3
Intercedes like a lawyer to God
-
1 Jn 2:1
Rom 8:26; John 14:16,17,26; 16:7
Old Testament Trinity Proof Texts
Genesis 1:26
"Let US make man in OUR image": Three plural pronouns, (We, Us, Our) used 6 different times in four different passages: Gen 1:26; 3:22; 11:7; Isa 6:8. The unanimous opinion of the apostolic Fathers was that the Father was talking to Jesus.
Genesis 19:24
"Then Yahweh [on earth in human form] rained on Sodom and Gomorrah brimstone and fire from Yahweh [in spirit form in heaven] out of heaven. Genesis 19:24. In this text Abraham is visited by three individuals, one being Yahweh and the other two angels. Here we have God on the earth (Jesus) and God in heaven (father) sending down fire from heaven. This incident when Abraham met with Yahweh God, is what Jesus referred to when he said, "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad." (John 8:56) The unanimous opinion of the apostolic Fathers was that Jesus visited Abraham in Genesis 18 and 19.
Isaiah 6
Isaiah saw the glory of Yahweh, but John says that Isaiah really saw the glory of Christ. This proves Jesus is Yahweh. Combine this with the fact the Yahweh said, "Who will go for US" is a plural pronoun indicating more than one person in the Godhead.
Isaiah 40-55
Jesus echoes the "I AM" statements in Isaiah chapters 40-55. This spectacular link explores over 20 different passages in Isaiah and John.
I have sworn by Myself, The word has gone forth from My mouth in righteousness And will not turn back, That to Me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear allegiance. "They will say of Me, 'Only in the Lord are righteousness and strength.' Men will come to Him, And all who were angry at Him shall be put to shame.
Micah 5:2
But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.
Mark 2:5-12
Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming; who can forgive sins but God alone?
John 1:1
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.
John 5:18
For this cause therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.
John 8:58
"Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad." The Jews therefore said to Him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?" Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am." Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself, and went out of the temple.
John 10:33
"I and the Father are one." The Jews took up stones again to stone Him. … Has it not been written in your Law, 'I said, you are gods'?"
John 12:41 + Isaiah 6
A simple reading of the context of John 12 makes it clear that John is saying that Isaiah saw the glory of Jesus Christ himself in Isaiah 6. This proves Jesus is Yahweh.
John 19:7
The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and by that law He ought to die because He made Himself out to be the Son of God."
Romans 14:11
For it is written, "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall give praise to God."
2 Corinthians 13:14
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
Philippians 2:9-11
"Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Revelation 22:3
"And there shall no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His bond-servants shall [latreuo] serve Him."
The Godhead - Father, Son and Holy Spirit
The term Godhead (Godhood) refers to God's essence or divine Being; and is a proper statement of truth to say that there are three Persons in the Godhead.
The Old Testament emphasizes the unity of God; that is, it asserts that there is but one God, in contrast to the many false gods of the heathen; nevertheless, there are intimations in the Old Testament of the fact that God exists in a plurality or Trinity of Persons. For example, the Spirit of God is mentioned in Genesis 1:2; the Son is mentioned in Psalm 2:7, 12; and there are plural expressions in a number of places which show that God is a Trinity.
"And God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness" (Genesis 1:26). The New Testament, while fully recognizing the unity of God, emphasizes the fact of the three Persons.
It is difficult, if not impossible, to explain what the word Person means as applied to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We are accustomed to think of persons as individual human begins, and we know that three persons cannot be one being. The Persons of the Godhead are clearly distinguished from one another in many passages of Scripture; yet they cannot be separated. This truth is beyond complete understanding by our finite minds.
No illustration of the Trinity will suffice to explain this relationship, but we can perhaps get some help by trying to express the relationship mathematically. Men would ordinarily say of the Persons: one plus one plus one equals three. But it would be more accurate to say: one times one times one equals one, for each of the Persons is fully God in the absolute sense, and the three together are the one self-same God.
It is not possible for me to explain this truth fully, but it is necessary to know and to state clearly what the Bible actually says.
Throughout the Scriptures the Gospel message is plain: God the Father sent His Son to redeem fallen man; The Son willingly came to die for the sins of the world; and the Holy Spirit convicts of sin, regenerates the heart by the Word of God which He inspired, takes the things of Christ, and shows them unto us who love Him (see John 16:12-15).
Colossians 2:9 speaks very plainly: "In him [Christ] dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily."
Another Bible proof of the Trinity which has already been mentioned is the fact that each of the Persons is individually called God.
The passage in Isaiah 6 mentioned previously is still more interesting and presents a stronger proof of the Trinity when compared with John 12:35-41 and Acts 28:25-27.
In John 12:35, 35, Christ is speaking about Himself. Verse 37 tells us that the people to whom He spoke did not believe in Him, even through He had performed many miracles before them. Then in verses 38-40 John quotes Isaiah 53:1 and 6:10 (written about 700 years before Christ was born), stating that Isaiah had foretold that some people would not believe in Him. And John says plainly that the God whom Isaiah saw was the Lord Jesus: "Esaias . . . Saw his glory" (v. 41).
In Acts 28:23 Paul was speaking to the people about Christ, but some of them did not believe in Him. In verses 25-27 Isaiah 6:8-10 is again referred to -- this time as the voice of the Holy Spirit (v. 25).
So we see how this one passage from Isaiah, when compared with these two New Testament references, brings out the truth that there are three Persons in one God.
Let us turn now to Matthew 3:16, 17. Here we have a beautiful picture painted for us, as well as a proof text given. through we may forget every other Scripture evidence of the Trinity, it will not be easy to forget this if it is once imprinted upon our minds. There is the blessed Jesus, the second Person of the Trinity, standing in the water, having been baptized by John. And now, behold, the heavens open, and the Spirit of God, the third person of the Trinity, descends like a dove upon Jesus. But hearken! A voice is heard from heaven, the voice of the Father, the first Person of the Trinity, saying, "This is my beloved Son!" What clearer and better proof can we have than this that in the Godhead there are three Persons -- the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit?
"Go . . . teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost [Spirit]" (Matthew 28:19).
If these three were not God, it would not seem right to give each the same dignity and honor. And if they were more than one God, would not Jesus have been likely to say "in the names" instead of only "in the name?"
"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all Amen" (II Corinthians 13:14).
If these three Persons here mentioned were not equally God it would not seem right to give each of them the same importance. Indeed, would it not be an insult to the true God to do this?
There are many other similar passages, but these are sufficient for my purpose here.
Perhaps after reading and thinking about these statements of the Scripture regarding the Trinity you are ready to exclaim, "This is a great mystery; I cannot understand it!" That is what everyone else says. And we are not required to understand it. He asks us only to believe it on the testimony of His own Word. There are a great many things in the Bible, and out of it, which we believe, but we do not understand. For example, we believe that God created the earth and everything in it, but we do not understand how He did it. Neither do we understand why a little brown see planted in the black soil pushes a little green shoot up through the ground and brings forth a red flower -- yet we believe it.
Then again, let me ask the question: Can you put the whole of the Atlantic Ocean in a teacup? No more can you expect to put the whole of the idea of God into a human brain.
"Canst thou by searching finding out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea" (Job 11:7-9).
"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!" (Romans 11:33)
DEU 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: DEU 6:5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
THE FATHER (LORD) IS GOD.
ISA 43:10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. ISA 43:11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.
ISA 44:6 Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.
THE SON (JESUS) IS GOD.
JOH 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
JOH 10:30 I and my Father are one. JOH 10:31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him
(The Jews knew that Jesus claim in vs. 30 was that "He was God". Ergo, they wanted to stone him, the appropriate scriptural punishment for such blasphemy.)
COL 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
ACT 5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? ACT 5:4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
GOD IS ONE.
EXO 20:2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. EXO 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
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That the Father is God.
That the Son (Jesus) is God.
That the Holy Spirit (Ghost) is God.
The only logical way to reconcile these seemingly contradictory teachings is to understand God as One God, eternally existent in Three Persons. The Doctrine of the Trinity. God Three in One. Never forget MAT 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Before we get to the very simple proof, we want to say that true Christians believe in one God, not three. Almost every true Christian denomination or nominal Christian denomination will point out in their statement of fundamental truths that there is only one God. As one reads the Bible ( preferably the KJV or NKJV ) assisted ONLY by the Holy Spirit of God, one will clearly see that...
The Father Is God
The Son Is God
The Holy Spirit Is God
BUT there is only God, and can be only one God.
The word "Trinity", while not found in the Bible, expresses in one word, the truth of the Bible that there is one God subsisting as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Instead of the word "Trinity", you will find the word "Godhead" ( Acts 17:29, Rom. 1:20, Col. 2:9 ).
On a previous page we pointed out that though there is only one of you or me, we are body, soul, and spirit.
There is one substance called water, but it is found as water, ice, and vapor.
There is one sugar that we ingest, but it comes to us as sucrose, glucose, and fructose.
Now, The Proof Of The Trinity
Please Answer This Question:
Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
John 2:19-21- Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body.See? Jesus said He would do it.
Romans 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Romans 6:4 -Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Quite simple, eh?
There are a few messes out there that teach that God is not a trinity. The JW's and the Jesus Only's to name a couple. Therefore it would do us well to be able to defend our belief that God is a trinity and of course defend that with the Scriptures.
Three separate persons
I John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Is man a Trinity?
Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
I Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Man does indeed have a body, soul and spirit. Are they different names for the same thing or are they separable parts of our being?
Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
I Corinthians 5:3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Body
As was mentioned in Sunday School this past Sunday, you could say that we are only two thirds saved. We have a regenerated spirit and our soul will not suffer the second death of Revelation 21:8. But we are still wrapped in the corruptible body.
Ecclesiastes 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
The soul is what we really are. This is the part that lives eternally. If we are saved our soul will spend eternity in heaven, if not we will spend eternity in the lake of fire. And, no, you don't just "burn up into nothing" like a JW may try to tell you.
Jonah
Are these conflicting verses?
When we get saved we undergo a surgery. Our soul and flesh are separated during spiritual circumcision.
Doctrine of the Trinity
By Dr. Ed DeVries
Dr. Ed DeVries is an evangelist out of Shady Acres Baptist Church, Houston, Texas. Brother DeVries is also the President of the School of Biblical & Theological Studies, 310 West Prien Lake Road #584, Lake Charles, LA 70601, 1-800-516-7322 ext. 1611. School of Biblical & Theological Studies (SB&TS) is to provide a vehicle by which individuals called of God into Christian service may reach their goals while receiving a solid, conservative, biblically based education. SB&TS offers diploma through doctorate in the fields of Bible, Ministry, Theology, Religious Education, and Biblical Counseling through a challenging series of home study courses. E-mail: bibleschool@ Juno.com To subscribe to News of Interest e-mail newsletter, just E-mail NewsOfInterest@ juno.com and type subscribe. You may view his personal web page at: http://www.myweb. net/~bibleschool /Dr.DeVries. html
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Since God is a triune being, theologians use the word Trinity to represent the complex doctrine through which man comprehends His existence. Since the word Trinity is not found anywhere in the received text or in it's offspring (the Authorized Version and other biblical translations derived from the received text), many argue that the doctrine of the Trinity is not a Biblical one. However, when a person comes to understand the theory that is embodied in the terminology they can not help but find proof of the Trinity throughout the Bible. The doctrine of the Trinity is believed by all Christian groups. Some groups profess to be Christian and do not believe in the Trinity, however, none of these groups are truly Christian because their various perversions of the gospel cause them to have, "a form of godliness but denying the power thereof" (II Timothy 3:5). The Bible went on to say we should have nothing to do with them. Why? Because they are not Christians. This does not mean we can not love them and share the gospel with them, it simply means we are not to fellowship with them as brothers in Christ. The concept of the Trinity is the very concept of the existence of God, and since God reveals himself to his children, it only makes sense that all Christian churches would believe in and defend the doctrine of the Trinity.
It is no wonder that when God, ELOHIM, said in Genesis 1:26, "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness," that He then created man to be a triune being. Just as God is composed of three, so is man. Man is composed of a body, a soul, and a spirit. We all know man to be one being, not three, in spite of his triune composition. The body is separate from the soul which is separate from the spirit, however they still make one man.
The concept of God being triune can be illustrated in the Bible just as easily as it can be illustrated in nature. John 1:1 says, "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This shows God to exist in two forms. The word God in this passage refers to ELOHIM, or to God as a whole. The word Word refers to God the Son, who is Jesus Christ. This is shown in verse fourteen, "and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory...as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."
The members of the Trinity work together in complete unity, totally dependant and yet totally interdependence of each other. God the Father is the sovereign ruler of the entire universe, everything operates because of and to fulfill his eternal plan. God the Son takes this plan out of eternity and brings it into time, administering the various aspects of the plan. God the Holy Spirit makes this eternal plan, the will of God, real to men. These functions can be illustrated many times in the Bible.
In his omnipotence, God the Father had already created the universe somewhere in eternity past before the existence of time as we know it. Even though the universe did not physically exist in time, it did in eternity (remember, eternity has no concept of time). God knew He would create everything, and in eternity already had ( our future is already God's past). The theory of omnipotence and God's eternal existence could not be adequately understood if I were to write a million pages on the subject, so I will not. It will be left to the reader to research the subject of God's omnipotence and eternal existence independently of this paper (it is of course assumed that all who read this work will already possess adequate understanding of these concepts). Let us just summarily say that God the father had willed and fulfilled creation somewhere in eternity past. This is why Genesis 1:1 says, "In the Beginning (present tense) God created (past tense) the heaven and the earth." God was doing in time what He had already done in eternity.
Just as in creation, it is God the Father who has sovereignly determined the course of the universe in eternity, God the Son who as the Word brings the will of God into time, and it is the Holy Spirit who makes God's will real to man.
The primary activity of God in the New Testament was to provide for man's redemption and establish Local Churches to replace Israel as God's ambassadors to the world. (Israel is still God's chosen nation, they still enjoy the privileges of being God's chosen. Unfortunately, Israel failed in it's task in two ways, the first was in rejecting the Messiah and the second has been in failing to lead gentiles to the Messiah. The creation of the church does not infringe upon God's promises to Israel as some Christians believe, it was however God's way to in grace bestow upon us unworthy gentiles the blessing, i.e. the blessing of preaching the gospel and seeing people saved, after Israel choose not to take advantage of the opportunity. )
God the Father is the Sovereign ruler over all the affairs of the universe. He is the true standard of Holiness and the judge of all that is. God the Son is the Savior, the one through whom all men may receive justification before God. Jesus also acts as an advocate to the Father on behalf of the believer. "There is...one mediator...Christ Jesus", I Timothy 2:5. Charles Wesley best defined the present day role and relationship of God the Father and God the Son when he penned the classic hymn, Arise My Soul Arise:
Prayer is the primary expression of the relationship between God and the saved man, so it is to be given it's own sub-heading.
The proof of God's triune existence has been plainly presented along with the mechanics of the doctrine of the Trinity emphasizing God's relationship to His creation (primarily man). Unfortunately this does not even begin to expound on the deep truths of God. Multiplied volumes have attempted such an undertaking, however, the subject is so deep that all attempts will fail in revealing all of it's depths. It will not be until we get to heaven and we finally see God face to face that we will comprehend the subject in it's entirety. Perhaps the best definition which man has given for the Trinity is found in the writings of Dr. John F. Walvoord, the president of Dallas Theological Seminary, "God is one numerically, He subsists in three persons, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit who are equal in eternity, power and glory, each possessing all the divine attributes and yet having properties which distinguish them within the unity of the Trinity."
by Matt Slick
◦God is three persons
◦Each person is divine
◦There is only one God.
Many theologians admit that the term "person" is not a perfect word to describe the three individual aspects/foci found in God. When we normally use the word person, we understand it to mean physical individuals who exist as separate beings from other individuals. But in God there are not three entities, nor three beings. God is a trinity of persons consisting of one substance and one essence. God is numerically one. Yet, within the single divine essence are three individual subsistences that we call persons.
•Each of the three persons is not the other two persons.
•Each of the three persons is related to the other two, but are distinct from them.
The word "trinity" is not found in the Bible. But this does not mean that the concept is not taught there. The word "bible" is not found in the Bible either, but we use it anyway. Likewise, the words "omniscience, " which means "all knowing," "omnipotence, " which means "all powerful," and "omnipresence, " which means "present everywhere," are not found in the Bible either. But we use these words to describe the attributes of God. So, to say that the Trinity isn't true because the word isn't in the Bible is an invalid argument.
There is, apparently, a subordination within the Trinity in regard to order but not substance or essence. We can see that the Father is first, the Son is second, and the Holy Spirit is third. The Father is not begotten, but the Son is (John 3:16). The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father (John 5:26). The Father sent the Son (1 John 4:10). The Son and the Father send the Holy Spirit (John 14:26; 15:26). The Father creates (Isaiah 44:24), the Son redeems (Gal. 3:13), and the Holy Spirit sanctifies (Rom. 15:16).
Another important point about the Trinity is that it can be a difficult concept to grasp. But this does not necessitate an argument against its validity. On the contrary, the fact that it is difficult is an argument for its truth. The Bible is the self revelation of an infinite God. Therefore, we are bound to encounter concepts which are difficult to understand -- especially when dealing with an incomprehensible God who exists in all places at all times. So, when we view descriptions and attributes of God manifested in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we discover that a completely comprehensible and understandable explanation of God's essence and nature is not possible. What we have done, however, is derive from the Scripture the truths that we can grasp and combine them into the doctrine we call The Trinity. The Trinity is, to a large extent, a mystery. After all, we are dealing with God Himself.
•1 Cor. 12:4-6, "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. 6And there are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons."
•2 Cor. 13:14, "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all."
•Eph. 4:4-7, "There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. 7But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift."
•1 Pet. 1:2, "according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, that you may obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in fullest measure."
•Jude 20-21, "But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith; praying in the Holy Spirit; 21keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life."
____________ ______
Sources:
2.Berkhoff's Systematic Theology, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1988.
3.Grudem, Wayne, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, MI, 1994.
4.Hodge's Systematic Theology, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1981.
From: George <george_smith92530@ yahoo.com>
To: FamilyofGod@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Fri, February 26, 2010 5:24:26 PM
Subject: Re: [FamilyofGod] 25 Questions (type in your answer)
In Christ, George.....
"The LORD is God. The LORD is one."
From: Naomi Martin <choir_girl_2009@ yahoo.com>
To: FamilyofGod@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Fri, February 26, 2010 1:16:51 PM
Subject: Re: [FamilyofGod] 25 Questions (type in your answer)
From: George <george_smith92530@ yahoo.com>
To: FamilyofGod@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Fri, February 26, 2010 3:57:32 PM
Subject: Re: [FamilyofGod] 25 Questions (type in your answer)
In Christ, George.....
"The LORD is God. The LORD is one."
From: Naomi Martin <choir_girl_2009@ yahoo.com>
To: FamilyofGod@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Fri, February 26, 2010 12:18:43 PM
Subject: Re: [FamilyofGod] 25 Questions (type in your answer)
From: Shelley Cartwright <bugshell87@yahoo. com>
To: FamilyofGod@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Fri, February 26, 2010 1:03:16 AM
Subject: Re: [FamilyofGod] 25 Questions (type in your answer)
ShelleyGlitter
From: gubby <gubby1@sbcglobal. net>
To: familyofGod@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Thu, February 25, 2010 8:39:41 PM
Subject: Fw: [FamilyofGod] 25 Questions (type in your answer)
You were my strength when I was weak
You were my voice when I couldn't speak
You were my eyes when I couldn't see
You saw the best there was in me
Lifted me up when I couldn't reach
You gave me faith 'cause you believed
I'm everything I am
Because you loved me
Thank you Lord for carrying me through
all my storms.
Dee/aka sleepy
From: Wanda Ward <angelina56p47@ yahoo.com>
To: FamilyofGod@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Thu, February 25, 2010 8:27:45 PM
Subject: Re: [FamilyofGod] 25 Questions (type in your answer)
wanda
Prov.28:13- he that covereth his sin shall not prosper, but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them , shall have mercy.
From: George <george_smith92530@ yahoo.com>
To: FamilyofGod@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Thu, February 25, 2010 3:41:52 PM
Subject: Re: [FamilyofGod] 25 Questions (type in your answer)
In Christ, George.....
"The LORD is God. The LORD is one."
From: Naomi Martin <choir_girl_2009@ yahoo.com>
To: FamilyofGod@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Thu, February 25, 2010 11:07:43 AM
Subject: Re: [FamilyofGod] 25 Questions (type in your answer)
From: George <george_smith92530@ yahoo.com>
To: FamilyofGod@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Thu, February 25, 2010 10:20:20 AM
Subject: Re: [FamilyofGod] 25 Questions (type in your answer)
In Christ, George.....
"The LORD is God. The LORD is one."
From: Naomi Martin <choir_girl_2009@ yahoo.com>
To: FamilyofGod@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Thu, February 25, 2010 12:28:49 AM
Subject: Re: [FamilyofGod] 25 Questions (type in your answer)
I know that you are so set in your ways and that there is nothing I can do to pursuade you, so this is my last attempt. Scripture is all I know and all I base my faith on, but since you wont listen, let me show you what others have said and let God interpret them for you. I will be praying for you.
Gen 1:1-4 "In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless wasteland, and darkness covered the abyss, while a mighty wind swept over the waters. Then God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. God saw how good the light was. God then separated the light from the darkness."
It is clear from these verses that there was only "One God" who created the heavens and the earth. It is also clear to anyone who continues to read the First Story of Creation within the Book of Genesis, that there is no mention of "The True God" creating His Son "The lesser god" who in turn created all things. It just is not there. So much for Harold's interpretation of John 1:1-11.
Gen 1:26 reads: "Then God said: "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness."
It is my opinion that the First Story of Creation supports the doctrine of the Holy Trinity and at the very least, it does not oppose the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. However, there is no Biblical support here for the position proposed by Harold Kupp. For we know that "God" (singular) created the heavens and the earth. And we also know that "God" said "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness." Since there can only be one Creator or "God" then the "us" in Gen 1:26 must refer to the Persons of the Holy Trinity (co-equal and co-eternal). If the "us" in Gen 1:26 were other gods (lesser gods) it surely does not make that point clear in the Bible and would contradict the First Story of Creation. Also, if that were the case, why wouldn't the Bible simply state that "The God" created "the lesser god" who created all things? It does not say that because it is not true. Once again, so much for Harold's interpretation of John 1:1-11.
Exodus 20:2-6 reads: "I, the Lord, am your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that place of slavery. You shall not have other gods besides me. You shall not carve idols for yourselves in the shape of anything in the sky above or on the earth below or in the waters beneath the earth; you shall not bow down before them or worship them. For I, the Lord, your God, am a jealous God, inflicting punishment for their fathers' wickedness on the children of those who hate me, down to the third and fourth generation; but bestowing mercy down to those who love me and keep my commandments. "
Now if Jesus (the Son of God) was not one in being with the Father (Holy Trinity), but rather a "lesser god" as Harold Kupp would have you believe, then Harold would clearly be breaking the First Commandment. For it is written: "You shall not have other gods besides me." The only way any person could worship Jesus without breaking the First Commandment would be if Jesus is "The God" and not a "lesser god" as Harold would have you believe. Here we have a clear case of Old Testament Scripture supporting "One God", "Three Divine Persons." This scripture in no way supports Harold's position that God the Father and God the Son are separate Gods, the only logical conclusion is that they are One God, but separate Persons.
Jamie K. Roth
Section 1 - The Godhead (Trinity):
Matthew 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
Mark 12:29 Jesus answered him, "The first of all the commandments is: 'Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one.
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
God the Father
Revelation 4:11 "You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created."
Hebrews 1:1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; 3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
The Son
John 14:8 Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us." 9 Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, 'Show us the Father'? 10 "Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. 11 "Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.
Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
1Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.
Hebrews 7:25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,
2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
1 Peter 2:24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.
1Corinthians 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
Acts 13:38 "Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; 39 "and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. 40 "Beware therefore, lest what has been spoken in the prophets come upon you: 41 "Behold, you despisers, Marvel and perish! For I work a work in your days, A work which you will by no means believe, Though one were to declare it to you.'"
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Hebrews 9:2 For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lampstand, the table, and the showbread, which is called the sanctuary; 3 and behind the second veil, the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of All, 4 which had the golden censer and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the golden pot that had the manna, Aaron's rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant; 5 and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail. 6 Now when these things had been thus prepared, the priests always went into the first part of the tabernacle, performing the services. 7 But into the second part the high priest went alone once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people's sins committed in ignorance; 8 the Holy Spirit indicating this, that the way into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing. 9 It was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience— 10 concerned only with foods and drinks, various washings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation. 11 But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. 12 Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, 14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15 And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. 16 For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. 17 For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives. 18 Therefore not even the first covenant was dedicated without blood. 19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, 20 saying, "This is the blood of the covenant which God has commanded you." 21 Then likewise he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry. 22 And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission. 23 Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; 25 not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another—26 He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. 27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, 28 so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.
Hebrews 10:10 By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, 13 from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. 14 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
The Holy Spirit
John 16:14 "He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.
Titus 3:5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.
Ephesians 1:13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
1 Corinthians 3:16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
John 16:13 "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
John 14:26 "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.
Ephesians 5:18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,
John 14:16 "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever
Act 1:8 "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
John 16:8 "And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 "of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 "of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; 11 "of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
Section 2 - Scriptures
2 Peter 3:16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
Psalm 89:34 My covenant I will not break, Nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips.
John 17:17 "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
Section 3 - Man
Genesis 1:26 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth."
Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, "Has God indeed said, 'You shall not eat of every tree of the garden'?" 2 And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; 3 "but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.'" 4 Then the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die. 5 "For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.
Genesis 3:24 So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.
Romans 3:9 What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin. 10 As it is written: "There is none righteous, no, not one; 11 There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. 12 They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one."
Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
Section 4 - Salvation
1 Corinthians 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve.
2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Acts 26:20 "but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.
Romans 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
Romans 8:37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.
Ephesians 4:5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
Section 5 – Heaven and Hell and the return of Christ
1Thessalonians 4:13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
Matthew 25:34 "Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
John 14:2 "In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
2 Corinthians 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
Revelation 2:7 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God."'
Matthew 10:28 "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Matthew 13:49 "So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, 50 "and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth."
Mark 9:47 "And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire—— 48 "where 'Their worm does not die, And the fire is not quenched.'
Revelation 21:8 "But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."
Section 6 - Satan
Isaiah 14:12 "How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations! 13 For you have said in your heart: 'I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.' 15 Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, To the lowest depths of the Pit.
Job 1:6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. 7 And the LORD said to Satan, "From where do you come?" So Satan answered the LORD and said, "From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it." 8 Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?" 9 So Satan answered the LORD and said, "Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 "Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 "But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!" 12 And the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person." So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.
Ezekiel 28:15 You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, Till iniquity was found in you. 16 "By the abundance of your trading You became filled with violence within, And you sinned; Therefore I cast you as a profane thing Out of the mountain of God; And I destroyed you, O covering cherub, From the midst of the fiery stones. 17 "Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; You corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor; I cast you to the ground, I laid you before kings, That they might gaze at you.
Matthew 25:41 "Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels:
Revelation 20:10 The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
Section 7 – The Church
Ephesians 5:23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.
Ephesians 4:4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,
1 Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.
Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
Matthew 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
Titus 1:5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you
Ephesians 4:11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
Section 8 – Creation
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. 3 Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day. 6 Then God said, "Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters." 7 Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so. 8 And God called the firmament Heaven. So the evening and the morning were the second day. 9 Then God said, "Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear"; and it was so. 10 And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good. 11 Then God said, "Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth"; and it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 13 So the evening and the morning were the third day. 14 Then God said, "Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; 15 "and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth"; and it was so. 16 Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. 17 God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, 18 and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 So the evening and the morning were the fourth day. 20 Then God said, "Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens." 21 So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 22 And God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth." 23 So the evening and the morning were the fifth day. 24 Then God said, "Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind"; and it was so. 25 And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 26 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth." 29 And God said, "See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. 30 "Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food"; and it was so. 31 Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day. 2:1 Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. 2 And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made. 4 This is the history of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens, 5 before any plant of the field was in the earth and before any herb of the field had grown. For the LORD God had not caused it to rain on the earth, and there was no man to till the ground; 6 but a mist went up from the earth and watered the whole face of the ground. 7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. 8 The LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. 9 And out of the ground the LORD God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. 10 Now a river went out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it parted and became four riverheads. 11 The name of the first is Pishon; it is the one which skirts the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. 12 And the gold of that land is good. Bdellium and the onyx stone are there. 13 The name of the second river is Gihon; it is the one which goes around the whole land of Cush. 14 The name of the third river is Hiddekel; it is the one which goes toward the east of Assyria. The fourth river is the Euphrates. 15 Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. 16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 "but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." 18 And the LORD God said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him." 19 Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name. 20 So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him. 21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. 22 Then the rib which the LORD God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. 23 And Adam said: "This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man." 24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. 25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
Hebrews 11:3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
Section 9 – Marriage
Malachi 2:14 Yet you say, "For what reason?" Because the LORD has been witness Between you and the wife of your youth, With whom you have dealt treacherously; Yet she is your companion And your wife by covenant.
Ephesians 5:31 "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh."
Section 10 – Homosexuality
Romans 1:26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
Leviticus 20:13 'If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them.
Section 11 – Ordinances
1 Corinthians 11:24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me." 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes.
Acts 10:47 "Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.
Section 12 – Spiritual Gifts
1 Corinthians 12:4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.
1 Corinthians 12:11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. 12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.
1 Corinthians 13:8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
1 Corinthians 14:20 Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature. 21 In the law it is written: "With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me," says the Lord. 22 Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. 23 Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. 25 And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.
1 Corinthians 1:22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom;
Isaiah 28:11 For with stammering lips and another tongue He will speak to this people, 12 To whom He said, "This is the rest with which You may cause the weary to rest," And, "This is the refreshing"; Yet they would not hear.
Acts 2:1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. 7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, "Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? 8 "And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? 9 "Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 "Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 "Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God." 12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "Whatever could this mean?" 13 Others mocking said, "They are full of new wine." 14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. 15 "For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 "But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 'And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in heaven above And signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD. 21 And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved.'
Ephesians 2:19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,
1 Corinthians 14:12 Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel. 13 Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. 16 Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say "Amen" at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? 17 For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified. 18 I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; 19 yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
1 Corinthians 14:27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.
1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
1 Corinthians 14:39 Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
For instance, Gen.1:1 uses Elohim, then in verse 2, we read the spirit was on the face of the waters. Everyone is there!
Some other Trinity verses; (Isaiah 43:10-11, Acts 4:11-12, Luke 2:11, Titus 2:13 - Jesus is the Savior and God is the Savior, and there is only one God and only one Savior).
(Mark 2:7, John 8:24, Mark 2:10 - Only God can forgive sins and Jesus forgives sins).
Philippians 2:5-8, Colossians 2:9, John 20:28-29, Matthew 1:23, Isaiah 9:6, John 10:30, Jude 20, 1 Peter 1:2, 2 Cor. 13:14, Romans 1:1-4, 1 Cor. 12:4
From: George <george_smith92530@ yahoo.com>
To: FamilyofGod@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Wed, February 24, 2010 11:07:10 PM
Subject: Re: [FamilyofGod] 25 Questions (type in your answer)
In Christ, George.....
"The LORD is God. The LORD is one."
From: Naomi Martin <choir_girl_2009@ yahoo.com>
To: FamilyofGod@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Wed, February 24, 2010 7:47:27 PM
Subject: Re: [FamilyofGod] 25 Questions (type in your answer)
| Jhn 1:1 | In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. |
| Jhn 1:2 | He was with God in the beginning. |
| Jhn 1:3 | Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. |
| Jhn 1:4 | In him was life, and that life was the light of men. |
| Jhn 1:14 | The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, [fn] who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. |
From: George <george_smith92530@ yahoo.com>
To: FamilyofGod@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Wed, February 24, 2010 9:16:47 PM
Subject: Re: [FamilyofGod] 25 Questions (type in your answer)
In Christ, George.....
"The LORD is God. The LORD is one."
From: Naomi Martin <choir_girl_2009@ yahoo.com>
To: FamilyofGod@ yahoogroups. com
Sent: Wed, February 24, 2010 4:53:24 PM
Subject: Re: [FamilyofGod] 25 Questions (type in your answer)
|
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