Answer to Lone Ranger: Is Jesus the Father?
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Is Jesus the Father?
My brother in Christ, Lone Ranger, recently read my hub “GOD: Let Us Make Man In Our Image?” and had some very good questions. The answer to each one of them could be a hub all its own, but I am attempting to summarize, to the best of my ability, what I have learned about God thus far. I cannot bring the knowledge and understanding, any more than any of us can understand the written Word without the anointed teaching of the Holy Spirit. So, for Lone Ranger and anyone else who may be struggling with the question “Is Jesus the Father?”, here we go:
Lone Ranger stated: “Wow, heavy stuff, J.D., but the time spent reading your post is well worth it!”
Answer: I hope the “Let Us Make Man” question has been answered sufficiently for you in the hub you recently read. There is vast information in the Bible to answer each and every question, of which I am yet laboring to learn more and more and minister to those who are thirsty. I appreciate your questions and want to carefully and patiently take time to answer each one. Again, I can only summarize here what I have learned thus far and direct you to more of my hubs, where I go into more detail and depth.
Lone Ranger said, “I'll be honest with you, I am still struggling with this concept of Jesus being The Father.”
Answer: Yes, I can imagine. I too, struggled greatly to ask God these questions. The struggle was not in the asking, but in shedding indoctrination, as I received the answers. The Truth is so refreshing! You can witness my initial struggle and writing of this revelation in my hub “Let Me Tell You WHO God Is!". Once I received the rain-drop of Truth, the flood-gates were opened wide and I have written more and more. I’m still learning, growing and writing.
While there’s a myriad of scriptures that prove YHWH is the LORD and Jesus is YHWH, the LORD, let’s confirm a few verses in the Bible, where no one can refute or deny Jesus is the Father: Isaiah 9:6 tells us The Son will be called “Mighty God [El], Everlasting Father”. In John 14:7 Jesus told His disciples that if they had seen Him, they had seen the Father and from then on they had not only seen the Father, but knew Him. Are multitudes yet expecting to ask Jesus to 'show us the Father' when they cross the pearly gates? Notice what Jesus said to the woman with the issue of blood, who had faith in Him enough to touch His garment and be healed (Mat 9:20): “DAUGHTER, take courage; your faith has made you well.” And look at the words of Jesus in Rev 21:7 “He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.”
Lone Ranger asked: “If They are one and the same, then how were all three Persons of the Godhead seen or heard at the same time during Christ's baptism?”
Answer: God is able to manifest Himself in any way, whether in one form or many at the same time. Did you know that when Phil 2:6-7 states that Jesus existed in the ‘form of God’ and the 'form of a bondservant', the Greek word for ‘form’ is ‘morphe’? Jesus also appeared in 'another form' [morphe] to the two men walking on the road, after His resurrection (Mark 16:12) ~ they did not recognize Him. God morphes! Jesus IS THE IMAGE of the invisible God (Col 1:15; Heb 1:3) ~ always has been and always will be. I ask Trinitarians why are there only three ‘persons’ in the Godhead, when there should be seven, if they consider ALL the manifestations of God throughout the Bible. Let’s just look at the Old Testament first: immortal flesh appearing to Abraham and Jacob (Gen 18:2; 19:1; Gen 32:24, 28, 30); the Angel of the LORD (Ex 3:2; Josh 5:13; 6:2; Jud 6:11, 14); the Rock at Horeb (Ex 17:6. 1 Cor 10:4); clouds by day and fire by night (Num 14:14). For 4,000 years before Christ’s birth, the Jews saw God in all these manifestations, yet never split Him into persons. They were God’s chosen. If they did not split Him up, why should we? In the New Testament, we see God manifested in the invisible, speaking Spirit of the OT (the Word), and mortal flesh (the Word), as well as the dove = 7 total. All of these manifestations are the same, singular God.
Lone Ranger asked: “Why did Jesus say, ‘My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not what I want but what You want." (Matt 26:39) I do not understand how God The Father, posing as Jesus in the Flesh could have a conflict of interest? How could God be experiencing a conflict between His heavenly will and His earthly will while posing as Christ in the Flesh and acting as God The Father simultaneously?”
Answer: God is invisible and omnipresent. God is the Holy Spirit, who overshadowed Mary to beget a fleshly body that would shed His holy blood (Acts 20:28). The flesh of Mary (not even of Joseph) “was made a little lower than the angels to suffer death” (Heb 2:9). This is why Jesus was called the Son of Man, yet because He was begotten of The Holy Spirit (God), He was the Son of God (also known as the Lamb of God). Our immortal, invisible Creator became one of His mortal, visible created beings. His flesh was limited to being in one place at one time, while His Spirit remained omnipresent, thus "Greater than I" (John 14:28). Consider God's immortal flesh appearance to Abraham. Did He leave all of heaven at that time? I don't think so! Truly, it was the Son of Mary that submitted to the will of the Holy Spirit (God – the Father), just as we do. His fleshly existence was tempted and tried in every way that we are. God in the flesh became the second Adam (the life-giving Spirit) to conquer and redeem the fall of the first Adam (the first living being) – 1 Cor 15:45.
Lone Ranger asked: “How is it that Jesus cried out, ‘My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?" (Matt 27:46) How could The Almighty forsake Himself in the Flesh?”
Answer: The flesh of Mary, sinless because of the Deity of God indwelling Him, took on the sin of the whole world. It was His flesh that was forsaken, and only His flesh. The Son of Mary felt the separation from the Holy Spirit (God) because of sin. God nailed our sin to the cross and shed His holy blood to cover us. Let’s look at Acts 20:28 "Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit [God] has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He [God] purchased with His own blood.” Again, the flesh that appeared to Abraham was immortal and could not shed blood (1 Cor 15:20). God had to take on human flesh to shed blood, because without the shedding of blood, there can be no remission of sins (Heb 9:22).
Lone Ranger said: “Please recall that Abraham was prepared to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, on the altar. It wasn't as if Abraham went there himself and lifted the dagger into the air and then paused while he put on a wig and threw himself on the altar before stabbing himself. It just sounds as if The Almighty is displaying split personalities in your scenario and I just cannot get behind that. Isaac was real and was a completely different entity from Abraham.”
Answer: I have a hub called “The RAM for Abraham” I invite you to read. Trinitarians use this passage to propagate Abraham representing the Father and Isaac representing the Son. Who did the RAM represent? Let me tell you, it was the Ram that was sacrificed on that altar as a burnt offering to SAVE Abraham’s offspring, of which we are (Gal 3:29). Burnt offerings were completely consumed by fire, in order to impute the righteousness of God to us (I see this as relational to the baptism of fire). Isaac was to be a burnt offering (Gen 22:2; Lev 1), not a sin offering (Lev 4). Isaac was sinful, just like Abraham, you and I. He could not be a sacrifice for our sin, let alone our righteousness. Yes, this story is a ‘picture’ of what God was going to do for us, but it is not to be used to support a polytheistic doctrine of God in three, distinct or separate persons = three gods in unity. In fact, God abhors child sacrifice, which you can read about in my hub "With His Own Blood".
Lone Ranger asked: “How is it in the Book of Revelation that the temple is described as being the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb? (Rev 21:22) "I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb."
“Then again, how do you explain Revelation 22:1 "Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb...."
“Why the differentiation? Why the two thrones? Since Christ arose to heaven and completed His earthly mission, why wouldn't He go back to being The Father once He arrived in heaven? Why confuse the matter?”
Answer: The English word ‘and’ is the Greek word ‘kai’, which means ‘and’ in the sense of ‘even’, ‘also’. ‘God and the Lamb’ is equal to the usage of ‘God and Savior’ shown in 54 other passages in the Bible. God is also called ‘God and Redeemer’ (Isa 44:6; 48:17; Ps 78:35; Acts 7:35); the prophets not only called the LORD God ‘God and Savior’ (Is 45:15; Mic 7:7; 1 Chr 16:35, Ps 65:5; Hab 3:18), the Apostles referred to Jesus as 'God and Savior' (1 Tim 1:1; Tit 2:13; 2 Pet 1:1). In John 14:7, Jesus said, "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also [kai]; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him."
Speaking of Revelation, note who calls Himself the ‘Alpha and Omega’ and the ‘First and the Last’ in Isa 44:6 (Rev 1:8, 11; 2:8; 21:6 and 22:13). Please pick up your Bible and read these passages. "This is what the LORD says--Israel's King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from Me there is no God.” Jesus is both King and Redeemer of Israel. Rev 2:8 states, “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this:”. I do not see an ‘s’ on the word ‘throne’ in Rev 22:1. There is one throne. Note who is in the midst of the throne in Rev 7:17? Jesus.
Lone Ranger asked: “Then again, why did The Almighty say that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit would not be forgiven, implying that blasphemy against The Father would?”
Answer: There should be no implication of this statement by Jesus. In Mat 12:31 we can see Jesus confirming what I am attempting to share with you. Separate the flesh and Spirit of God. The flesh (the Son of Man) can be blasphemed, but NOT the Holy Spirit (God). The Holy Spirit IS the Father that indwelt the Son. Actually, it was by ‘the finger of God’ Jesus cast out demons, and the religious leaders were accusing Him of casting them out by the spirit of Beelzebub [Satan] (Luke 11:20). That is what it means to blaspheme the Holy Spirit. Isn’t it absolutely fascinating to realize ‘the finger of God’ also inscribed the commandments given to Moses (Deut 9:10)?
“I AM” delivered Israel from Egypt (Ex 3:14) and Jesus admitted to His people that “Before Abraham was born, I AM [Ego Eimi]” (John 8:58). And this wasn’t the only time they took up stones to kill Him for blasphemy (John 10:33). If you look at the Greek, did you know that Jesus, after His resurrection, calmed the waves as He walked on the water by saying, “Ego Eimi” (John 6:20)?!! Now, read Job 9:8 "Which alone spreadeth out the heavens, and treadeth upon the waves of the sea..." It's amazing to me today, that to believe Jesus IS the Father in the flesh is considered blasphemous! Really?
Back to your question ~ The Father is not separate from the Holy Spirit; this is WHY ‘the Father’ is NOT typed out in Mat 12:31 (because we understand that the Father IS the Holy Spirit). We are not to blaspheme or lie to God (Acts 5:3-4).
Lone Ranger closed with: "J.D., I thoroughly appreciate all the work you do and I am grateful that you are a badger when it comes to digging for the truth. But, having said that, you must understand that I am a mere mortal that is trying to successfully navigate my way through the universe, but I'm running into a little turbulence at the moment. I mean well, but I am also not the sharpest tool in the shed, which means you have your work cut out for you. :0)
I just need help on this, J.D., because I am just not seeing it. Please be patient with me, because, I too, want to know the truth, but I also can't take that leap of faith without taking a good look first.
May God grant you grace and thanks again for all the hard work and excellent research! - L.R."
Lone Ranger, I am your sister. I am walking in your shoes and perhaps God will bear fruit in my efforts to those, like you, who are seeking. I have many, many more hubs on this subject. Please read the links provided in each one, which will lead you to other links. Just click on any of the links provided in this hub in blue as a great start ~ Again, I have only summarized here the answers to your questions, to the best of my English ability. There is so much more to the revelation of Who God is. I pray you will glean what the LORD provides and continue to prayerfully ask to grow into the knowledge of Him, your Creator God, LORD, Savior, Redeemer, Provider, Protector, Comforter, Friend…oh, God is so awesome!! In His great love, JD.
Excellent 10-Part Teaching
If you must use the word 'Triune' or 'Trinity', understand...
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I just love you, WD Curry 111!! You KNOW what YeHoWsHua said and embrace it ~ while the Jews of His day knew also and were greatly offended by it! Hallelujah to the One, True God, our LORD and Savior!! (1 John 5:20) I praise God for you!!
It took some doing, but we are on the same page. "Lean not on your own understanding."
You are obviously a person of prayer. I need more.
I WILL pray for you, brother. To God be the glory! He wants His children to KNOW Him and embrace Him.
Dear Judah's daughter I am bookmarking this..I love the way you explain things and you certainly have a gift for teaching. Thank you.
God bless,
Sunnie
Oh Sunnie Day, what a joy you are to my heart. I appreciate your encouragement. I pray all who read will find this enlightening and that they will ponder these things, asking God to confirm. May they rejoice in the great love of our LORD God and Savior. I love you, sister, and God bless you as you have blessed me.
Judah's Daughter dear sister: In your responding to Lone Ranger, you have graciously shared Our Father God's Holy Word in answering his questions. God bless you dear sister and continue to build up and strengthen you faith and your knowledge of Him. As I was reading through the dialogue, I too was thinking of how I would have answered, and several other scriptures came to mind but your responses served Our Father just as well.
In the Lord's peace we have ALL understanding (Phil 4:7)... Most often we try to over-complicate things (especially in pertaining to matters of a divine nature). That is why scripture refers to many of these type of facts about the Lord as the "mysteries of God" (1 Corinthians 4:1; Colossians 2:2; Revelation 10:7).
“Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?" (Job 11:7 NKJ)
Probably only an omniscient God can truly understand or grasp much of this mystery, so therefore a lot of it is left completely unanswered until some point in the future when all things will be revealed to us (when we can handle it).
Until then, he gives us HIS PEACE so that we do not trouble our minds with the more intricate details - If we cannot fully grasp something of the divine nature, then we should merely accept that it is not meant to be understood at this time (and be left with peace about it). This is the true wisdom in the Lord - FAITH and Acceptance.
Otherwise, this article was excellently written! A great read and explanation into some of the "mystery" that we all are curious about at times (with good scripture references too) Up and awesome!... Blessings always in His peace - Rev.Ted
JD, no Jesus is not the Father.
Hi brother Dave ~ thank you for your kindness. I hope Lone Ranger comes by soon. It's always a blessing to know you've come by to read and I appreciate your comments. God bless you.
Hi dear Christ4ever ~ it's a blessing to hear from you! The world of Christiandom is doctrinally divided on so many things, the Oneness of God being paramount. However, if we know that Jesus is God and Jesus is our Lord and Savior, we are doing well. There are mysteries in the Bible and yet God chooses to reveal things to each one of His children, as we are able to receive, amen? His grace is sufficient.
Remember when He told His disciples, "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now"? We can't possibly receive more than we can bear. What we don't understand will remain a mystery until we are given understanding ~ if the LORD wills. Jesus said in Mat 13:11 "To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted."
We will continue to pray and grow and live by faith. I serve One God, YHWH my Savior and LORD. Ps 23:1 "The LORD [YHWH] is my Shepherd" - "I AM [Ego Imi] the Good Shepherd" (John 10:11), spoken by Jesus. Amen and amen. God bless you and thank you for the VOTE UP!
Vladimir, Eze 2:5 “For whether they hear or refuse to hear for they are a rebellious house...” Let the Word speak:
Isa 9:6 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His NAME shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
John 14:7, 9 “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also [kai]; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him." “Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; HOW CAN YOU SAY, 'Show us the Father '?”
Isa 44:6 "This is what the LORD says--Israel's King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty: I AM the First and I AM the Last; APART from Me THERE IS NO GOD." Rev 2:8 "To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of Him who IS the First and the Last, who DIED and came to life again."
Rev 1:8 “I AM the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." Rev 21:7 “Then He said to me, ‘It is done. I AM the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I WILL GIVE to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.” John 4:14 Jesus said, “whoever drinks the water I GIVE him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I GIVE him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
Isa 44:24 "This is what the LORD says--your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb: I AM the LORD, who has made ALL things, who ALONE stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth BY MYSELF." John 1:3 “All things were made by Him [Jesus]; and without Him was not any thing made that was made.”
Acts 20:28 "Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of GOD, which HE BOUGHT with HIS OWN BLOOD."
1 Tim 6:15 "which He will display at the proper time—He who is the blessed and ONLY SOVEREIGN, the King of kings and Lord of lords" Jude 1:4 "For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and DENY Jesus Christ our ONLY SOVEREIGN and LORD [Kurios/Yehovah]."
1 Cor 12:3 "No one can say Jesus is LORD (Kurios/Yehovah), except by the Holy Spirit".
Wow, J.D., you have really outdone yourself this time!!! :0)
I am speechless! What a gift!
I don't know what to say other than I am going to have to read what you have written above multiple times. It may be a few days before I can digest everything you have listed, but I will get to it first thing in the morning.
And, a big "Thank You" to the community of believers who are also helping out.
Best wishes to all - L.R.
Vladimir said, "JD, no Jesus is not the Father."
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My friend, why do think that Jesus is not the Father? I honestly don't know, but I would like to read more about why you believe this way. - L.R.
J.D., my response to your awesome article is gone. It was here a moment ago and now it's M.I.A.. Any thoughts?
J.D., both the posts that I have left over the past hour are missing. Do you have any idea what is happening?
Hi brother Lone Ranger! I have 'pre-approved' comments set on my comments capsule BECAUSE there are many who HATE this teaching and flat out reject it. I once believed in the 'Trinity' because everyone said Jesus is God, the Holy Spirit is God, that He is ONE. That's truth, but when I later found out that it REALLY teaches that the Father is NOT the Son; the Son is NOT the Father and neither ARE the Holy Spirit, that equals THREE gods, not One, singular God. I then asked God to answer my questions, because in my heart I knew He is ONE God, One invisible and visible Person. He has answered my questions and is still walking with me and teaching me, even though the doctrine of the 'Trinity' is so paramount in this latter-day church. In my hub, "Should You Believe in the Trinity? 1 of 2" I go into the root of the teaching and begin to expose its origins. I can only remain true to the LORD and what He's shown me; there is no turning with Him. I so appreciate your heart for the LORD and willingness to take it all in and let Him sort it out for you. He loves you dearly; that I know ~ because you genuinely love Him. Be blessed as you go, for you are never alone. JD
That's the kicker . . . Jesus is and is not the Father. The Father is and is not the son. God is one. There are three persons. Everyone is right and no one has any idea of what we are talking about . . . for real. Can you get your mind around the fact that Christ holds all things together? Christ is actually the force that scientist are searching for in their quest to find the mono-pole.
God is not limited by space or time. We are. God is quantum as demonstrated in the lyrics of a well known hymn, "We will stand in scenes of Glory to sing the new new song. it will be the old old story that we have loved so long!"
Hi WD Curry 111 - Mat 13:20-21
It appears you are oscillating between Jesus being the Father, which means the Father came in the flesh, and yet you are also saying the Father and Son and the Holy Spirit are three, separate persons. It cannot be both. The Father is Spirit, the Holy Spirit that took on flesh, the Son. He is the same God, not three persons. I can accept that Christ holds all things together, for He is the Almighty, our Creator.
Wanna bet?
Bet on what? See, if you take water in its liquid form and freeze it, it becomes ice. If you melt and boil the ice, it becomes steam. This is all done with the same water. Trinitarian theology teaches apples, oranges and pineapple = three different fruits, each different than the other. They squeeze all the juice out of each and blend them together, calling it 'fruit juice', of which they drink. It is neither pure apple juice, pure orange juice or pure pineapple juice. So, attempt to explain how three distinct and separate persons that are not the other(s) = One, Pure God.
You are trying to apply the limits of Greek Logic to the unlimited God of the Hebrews. Do you want to answer a question with logic?
Jesus cried out from the cross, “My God, My God, Why do you forsake me?” Who was Jesus addressing?
You are a Bible scholar. Should you be standing over me, and teaching me the Word? You are stubborn. You should be quiet, listen to the truth, and learn.
WD Curry 111, I'm not here to contend. My writing is to share with those who are asking, as Lone Ranger. I didn't force you to come to read and you have the choice to disagree. You asked me a question that is already answered in this hub. It makes me wonder if you even read it? I don't stand over you ~ I stand next to you. We are all at the foot of the cross and Jesus is LORD.
nice try. You are here to contend.
WD Curry 111, Job 13:8 (KJV) "Will ye accept His person? Will ye contend for God?" I will contend FOR God, but not against you. I love you, as I said. I have prayed for you, as I said. I pray peace to your heart.
You want to share your interpretation and contend with the truth. You did not answer the question accurately, or even comprehensively. You went into your esoteric interpretation .
Mary?
Read psalm 22. It starts out,"My God, My God, Why do you forsake me . . ." It goes on to describe the scene being played out before all of the witnesses that were present at the Crucifixion. Mary was there, but it had little to do with her at that point, she was a witness. Jesus was authenticating himself as the Messiah.
You need to come to terms with the absolute fact that you don't understand the nature of God, or know how to explain Him. God is one, yet The Trinity is real.
You would do better to focus on the Holy Spirit for awhile. In the same breath that the prophet said, "Everlasting Father" . . . he called him "Wonderful Counselor" (Holy Spirit). So Jesus is the Son, The Father and the Holy Spirit. Of course you don't comprehend. No one ever has, and no one ever will. You do not have the mystery of Christ solved. You are confused, yet you have set yourself up as a teacher.
I explained to you before that Satan hates the Trinity. It is a point of contention. You are here to contend against the Trinity, and that is not advisable.
WD Curry 111, you stated, "So Jesus is the Son, The Father and the Holy Spirit." Yes and amen.
Glad to see someone here is fighting for correct doctrine. Thanks WD Curry 111. JD, we've been over this before, so I'm being repetitive, but orthodoxy and theology matters, and this is FALSE theology and heretical teaching, plain and simple. I'm amazed that someone can twist scripture and completely ignore countless writing of patristic fathers on the subject so stubbornly. Sabellianism was defeated many, many years ago, for good reason: The argument was baseless from a scriptural standpoint. I suggest taking a course on patristic theology from your local seminary. It should be a real eye-opener.
jreuter, I think last time we had a comment discussion I had asked if you would write a hub, proving that God is three, separate persons, rather than One, singular God. Have you read the scriptures I posted above to Vladimir? How can you refute that Jesus is the Father, the LORD God Almighty? Jesus is the Holy Spirit because the Holy Spirit is the Father. He is "I AM".
So, if you want to convince me that Jesus is not the Father and He is not the Holy Spirit, write something scriptural that will back up your doctrine. Of course, you won't be able to use the Johannine Comma (1 John 5:7 - added to the Bible - check out the Greek) or prove that Jesus commanded to baptize in the name of a three-person Godhead in Mat 28:19, a command not one of the Apostles ever followed.
As I said, believing God is One rather than three persons is a HATED theology by latter-day Trinitarians. And no sooner did I state that, WD Curry 111 and now you have come along to confirm it. May God open your mind to understand the scriptures (Luke 24:45).
WD Curry 111 and jreuter, I've just posted a video called "A Jewish Christian Explains the Holy Trinity". I do not use the word 'Trinity' in teaching about the identity of God because of the corruption to it - that God is three, separate persons, each God = 3 gods. That is incorrect. The invisible Spirit (God the Father) manifested Himself in visible form (as to Abraham) and to shed His OWN blood for us, in His Son. I pray we 'get it' and explain Him correctly, for we are called to be His witnesses.
Greetings to all!
Please know that I am still conducting research on this matter as I said I would, yet I still have not come to a conclusion and it may be some time before I do. I must admit that the vastness of the Almighty just blows me away and there is truly none like Him!
I would like to say at this time that I deeply appreciate all the insightful perspectives and the high level of scholarship from each of the above commentators who have devoted their time to address one of the greatest questions known to man. I am indeed in good company!
Having said that, I would like to keep this friendly debate in perspective, not for my benefit, but for those who may not understand that we are not questioning Christ Yeshua as the Only Beggoten Son of God and Savior of the world. It is, however, upon this belief that our eternal hope and salvation rests, and not whether Christ is also The Father.
Best wishes to all and keep fighting the good fight!
Hi brother Lone Ranger ~ I have added a couple of videos that may give you some more important insight in your research.
Speaking of the Savior:
Isaiah 43:11 "I, even I, am the LORD, And there is no savior besides Me."
Hosea 13:4 "Yet I have been the LORD your God Since the land of Egypt; And you were not to know any god except Me, For there is no savior besides Me."
Acts 4:12 "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved."
I appreciate you and know God is faithful to answer us.
The scriptures teach that God is One, and that beside Him there is no God. The question might arise, " How could God have any felowship before finite creatures came into existence?" The answer is that the Divine Unity is a compound unity, and that in this unity there are really Three distinct Persons, every One of whom is the Godhead, and yet is supremely conscious of the other Two. So we see that there was an Eternal Fellowship before any finite creatures were created, therefore, God was never alone. Not that there are three Gods, all of whom are independent and self-existing. The three cooperate with one mind and purpose, so that in the truest sense of the word they are " One ." The Father creates, the son redeems, and the Holy Spirit sanctifies, and yet in each operation the Three are present. The Father is pre-eminently Creator, yet the Son and the Spirit are described as co-operating in that work. The Son is preeminently the Redeemer, yet God the Father and the Spirit are described as sending the Son to redeem. The Holy Spirit is the Sanctifier, yet the Father and the Son co-operate in that work. I could go on, me and Judah's Daughter had this debate before. I believe Judah's Daughter to be very knowledgeable in the Word of God, but you have to let the Spirt give you insight into the Word, and push self out the way (in other words your personal feelings have no place in the Word of God). Judah's Daughter I love you in the Lord, but, you are leading people astray. It is true that the word " Trinity " does not appear in the New Testament, it is a theological expression, invented during the second century to describe the Godhead. But the planet Jupiter existed before it was so named, and the doctrine of the Trinity was in the Bible before it was technically called the Trinity. Give God All The Glory!
Thanks, J.D., but unfortunately I still have an old dial-up connection and even 5 minute videos can take a couple of hours to download.
Thank you for the other verses...I'll be sure to incorporate them into my study! :0)
Right now I'm going to try to print your wonderful essay, so I can have it at my fingertips.
Best wishes - L.R.
VOICE CIW,
The Greatest of ALL Commandments: Mark 12:29 "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one."
You said, “The scriptures teach that God is One, and that beside Him there is no God.” That’s the only scripturally sound thing you’ve stated here.
Not to cause you offense, but the rest of what you wrote is nothing more than indoctrination. You are writing of fellowship God the Father had with the other two members of the Trinity before finite creatures came into existence; you’ve called God a “compound unity” of three, distinct Persons. Then, you contradict all this by stating, “Not that there are three Gods, all of whom are independent and self-existing”. You’re preaching fruit juice, not pure water. You have breath inside you; you speak words; you have a body. Does that make you three, distinct persons? Absolutely not.
Let’s look up the synonyms for ‘distinct’ for a moment: DISPARATE, DISSIMILAR, DISTANT, DIFFERENT, DISTINCTIVE, DISTINGUISHABLE, DIVERSE, NONIDENTICAL, OTHER, UNALIKE, UNLIKE
Let’s now look up the antonyms for ‘distinct’: ALIKE, IDENTICAL, INDISTINGUISHABLE, KIN, KINDRED, LIKE, PARALLEL, SAME, SIMILAR
You believe in the synonyms; I believe in the antonyms. I cannot convince you that God is One (invisible Spirit, visible Christ). I say this as respectfully as I can: if you are unwilling to shed your Roman Catholic, Nicene indoctrination, that is your own rebellion. Telling me I am leading people astray does not make it truth. I came out of this false, man-made teaching, by the Teaching of the Holy Spirit, and will not return to ignorance. I pray the same for those who are genuinely seeking to know the One, True God.
Awe, that's a bit of a challenge, Lone Ranger ~ however, I have written several hubs, so you have a lot of information to read and test. Again, I pray that what I've written will bear the fruit of the Spirit. I use plenty of scripture in all of my writings, so everything can be tested by the Word. It takes labor to look up the Greek and Hebrew wording, compare the Old and New Testaments and cross-reference ~ all of which I have done.
This doesn't mean there won't be those who simply choose to deny what the Bible clearly states, for some have such deeply ingrained indoctrination, they are blinded by anything in the Word that clearly challenges those beliefs. This is why we must be born of God and be taught by Him. I don't know even the two men that are teaching in the videos above; they don't know me. The same Spirit taught them what He's taught me. This is a 'sign' unto me and even to them, that God is able to teach anyone willing to learn ~ and we bear witness to the Truth. Praise God and He is with you. JD
Hi, J.D.:
Just out of curiosity, what reference are you using when you look up the meaning of Greek words in the Bible? I think that would be a wise investment for any serious Bible student to own. Where would a guy like me, be able to score a book like that?
Hi Lone Ranger! To have a hard copy book, I recommend the Strongs Comprehensive or Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. It is based on the KJV. It's more than a dictionary. You look up a word (say 'hell') and it will list all the scriptures that use that word. Each verse reference will have a number next to it, which you can look up in the Hebrew (OT) or Greek (NT) dictionaries in the back of the book. For example, the English word 'hell' shows several scriptures that can be grouped under four numbers = four definitions. This word doesn't always mean the same thing, depending on the verse. When you read the verses again, knowing which definition of 'hell' applies, you have greater understanding. Cross-referencing is important, as well. Usually, these are listed in the margin of your Bible.
I also use biblos.com, which gives you various English translations (NIV, NAS, KJV, etc), and has a 'parallel' tab to show a single verse in all the translations on one page. Cross-references to that verse are provided on the right side of the page. There is a tab that takes you to the Hebrew or Greek text (with English translation) and when you click on any word, it will take you to its definition: http://bible.cc/isaiah/9-6.htm The Strongs definitions are included.
I have another hub that may assist you called "How To Do An Inductive Bible Study" http://judahsdaughter.hubpages.com/_ui1xcnn62gpk/h
I will be happy to assist you in any way I can. Feel free to email me at judahsdaughter@gmail.com. Bless you!
Lone Ranger, if you've already printed this, please note I had the burnt and sin offering references backwards (Lev 1 is the burnt offering; Lev 4 is the sin offering) in the answer about Abraham and Isaac. I had also accidentally typed 'immortal' flesh in reference to God's manifestation as the Word in the NT, and have corrected it to read 'mortal flesh'. Sorry about that! :-/ God bless you as you continue your study.
Consider that the entirety of Eastern Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, and Protestantism hold to the doctrine of the Trinity. Furthermore, consider that the Holy Spirit was promised to deliver the early church into all truth. So essentially, you are contending that within ONE generation of the apostles, church doctrine was effectively corrupted and has remained so for nearly 2000 years? Honestly, I've already given you enough scripture to topple your contention of modalism. This controversy took up very little of the apostolic and patristic fathers' time, and for good reason: The New Testament is indisputably clear on the distinct personhoods of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Every verse I've ever seen you quote merely validates the oneness of God, a oneness that trinitarians fully agree with. Can you offer any reasonable response to Christ's prayers to the Father, to John 17:5 (and now glorify me and together with yourself Father, with the glory I had with you before the world was) and John 17:24 (For you loved me before the foundation of the world). In John 14, Christ says he will "go to the Father," and yet somehow we should read that as he will "transform into the Father?"
How about the Son and the Father sending the Spirit?
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 that I said to you."
So, the Father is sending Himself? Does this verse really support three modes?
And Christ has his own throne, and yet he is but one mode of God?
Acts 2:32- 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.
Jn 16:19 So then, when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.
Wouldn't Christ, being one mode, merely transform into the Father, not sit at the right hand of him?
Shouldn't John 8:16-20 be the end of this debate?
"I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me. It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me bear witness of me" (John 8:16-18).
Good afternoon, J.D.!
I have a quick question that is un-related to the topic at hand. Could you please tell me what those greenish/yellow numbers next to the title of this article means (74). I see numbers each time I read a Hub article, but have no idea what the meaning of it is. Thanks - L.R.
Hi Lone Ranger, I'm thinking you're asking about the numbers next to the Hub Title? That is a 'hub score', which is based on many factors. Currently, this score is 75, but can go up or down :-)
jreuter, I really should write a hub, but this is pertinent to this hub:
The idea of a three-person god has been around a very long time, long before Tertullian (150 - 225 AD), who coined the term in regard to our God in 200 AD, just after converting to Catholicism in 195 AD. The early Catholic congregants were subject to the brainwashing of the Catholic Papacy, until the Reformation in the 16th century. It was Catholic monks/priests that translated the Hebrew and Greek texts, even obtained the well-known Codex 61, created in 1520 (1 John 5:7), in order to insert the ‘Trinity’ into the Latin Textus Receptus, from where the revered King James Version was translated in 1611. This is 2011, so we’re talking the latter-day Church has only had the KJV to rely on for 400 years.
Eastern Orthodoxy is officially called the Orthodox Catholic Church and Protestant churches are yet ‘daughters’ of the RCC with respect to the doctrine of the Trinity, infant baptism, etc. There is absolute, historical proof, even admissions by the Catholic Papacy, that the Bible texts of 1 John 5:7 and Mat 28:19 were altered by them. Mat 28:19 originally stated, “Go ye and make disciples of all nations in My name” and that’s exactly what they did (Acts 2:38; 10:48; 19:5). Notice the word ‘name’ is singular, even in the alteration. Consider how they’ve taken out the second commandment in their Catechism set, because teaching their little converts to worship idols is what they do. They are corrupt, and if they weren’t we’d all be worshiping the Pope and those idols today.
Here is a good read on the history of pagan ‘trinities’ that existed before and at the time the RCC brought the doctrine into the Textus Receptus: http://mikeblume.com/pagantr.htm
Let’s list a few of the Oneness patriarchs of the early church, prior to Tertullian (200 AD) and the Council of Nicea (325 AD): First of all, did you know even Tertullian admitted that Oneness doctrine constituted the majority of believers in his day?
Here’s the list:
Ignatius of Antioch (AD 35 or 50-115) “Disciple of the Apostles”; Polycarp of Smyrna (AD 69-155) “Disciple of the Apostle John”; Noetus of Smyrna (AD 130); Irenaeus of Lyons (AD 135-200); Praxeas (AD 150-220); Sabellius (AD 180); Callistus, Bishop of Rome (AD 220); Beryllus (AD 240); Dionysius, Bishop of Rome (AD 265)
Then along comes the Council of Nicea (AD 325), which required all Oneness, Monotheistic believers to be re-baptized for re-ordination or have their property confiscated; thus Oneness, Monotheistic believers went underground.
You stated, “the New Testament is indisputably clear on the distinct personhoods of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.” Let me tell you something; the NT cannot be interpreted correctly without understanding the Old Testament, and if those alterations had not been made (who knows how many there are?), we wouldn’t have this ‘confusion’ or debate.
You then said, “Every verse I've ever seen you quote merely validates the oneness of God, a oneness that trinitarians fully agree with.” If the scriptures validate God’s oneness (one Spirit, one Person), and if you as a Trinitarian agree with me, then why are we contending? Obviously, the latter part of your statement is not accurate.
Regarding your questions from John 17:5, 24: Do you see the word, “NOW” in John 17:5? “NOW, glorify Me together with Yourself with the glory I had with You before the world was.” To have greater understanding, let’s go up to verse 1: “Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, ‘Father, THE HOUR HAS COME; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You.” God knew us and loved us even before we were born (Ps 139:16), which is the understanding of John 17:24. God predestined Himself coming in the flesh of Mary to shed His own, holy blood for us on the cross (Acts 20:28), thus we can see confirmation of this in Rev 13:8 “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” The Lamb was not slain until that day at Calvary. Jesus was in the world, having come forth from the Father (begotten of a woman, born under the Law – Gal 4:4), so He returned to His pre-flesh state, which is Spirit and is yet the spiritual image of the invisible God. Consider His invisible appearance to Saul on the road to Damascus (Acts 26).
Regarding John 14:26, it is critical we take note of verse 18 where Jesus said, “I will not leave you as orphans; I WILL COME TO YOU.” Note the Greek word for ‘orphan’ is ‘orphanous’, while the KJV used the word ‘comfortless’. Hmmm. Either way, the Comforter IS the Holy Spirit. In addition, an orphan is a Fatherless child. We know Jesus was speaking of the coming of the Holy Spirit, who IS the Father. The Father was to send the Spirit in this verse, the same Spirit Jesus breathed upon His disciples in John 20:22.
Regarding John 16:19 and Acts 2:32, the ‘right hand of God’ is the ‘power of God’ (Ex 15:6; Ps 89:13; Heb 1:3, 8 – and note Mat 27:29). God is like pure water, poured into Christ, poured into us.
Where do you see more than one throne in Revelation? I covered this in my hub.
To answer you on John 8:16-20, we need to look up the Greek word for ‘witness/testify’, which is G3141 martyria: something evidential, i.e. (gen.) evidence given or (spec.) the Decalogue (in the sacred Tabernacle):-to be testified, testimony, witness. This is where we get the word ‘martyr’. This type of witness points to signs of confirmation or evidence, signs of conduct, as well as accountability of those to whom the signs are made manifest (Mat 8:4; 1 Cor 1:6-8; 2 Cor 1:12; Mar 6:11). We can now compare vs. 19: “So they were saying to Him, ‘Where is Your Father?’ Jesus answered, ‘You know neither Me nor My Father; if you knew Me, you would know My Father also [kai]" with what Jesus stated in 14:7-11. In vs. 9, He said, “Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?” and then said in vs. 11, “Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves.”
J.D. questioned, Jreuter:
"Where do you see more than one throne in Revelation?"
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Now, I know I'm a can short of a six-pack, but Revelation 22:1 seems to be pretty clear:
"Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb."
And again...
Revelation 22:3 "There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his bond-servants will serve Him...."
I do not claim to be an English major, in fact, I was raised speaking "pig-latin", but that sounds like John is talking about two thrones to me. Am I wrong?
Best wishes - L.R.
Hi Lone Ranger, you asked this question, quoting the two verses, which are answered in this hub. However, we'll delve a little deeper: Look at the word 'throne'. It is singular. The Greek word for 'throne' in both these passages is 'thronou' (singular); however when the 24 elders sit on their thrones in Rev 4:4, the Greek word is 'thronous' (plural). In fact, they are sitting around the throne (thronou) of God.
God and the Lamb is equivalent to God and [a] Savior or God and Redeemer (Isa 44:6; 48:17; Ps 78:35; Acts 7:35). There are not two Persons sitting on two thrones, nor are there two Persons sitting on one throne. There is One God sitting on one throne. Note the latter part of Rev 22:3 "and His bond-servants will serve Him...." not "Them".
Isaiah 45:21 "Declare and set forth your case; Indeed, let them consult together. Who has announced this from of old? Who has long since declared it? Is it not I, the LORD? And there is no other God besides Me, A righteous God and a Savior; There is none except Me."
Titus 2:15 "looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus."
2 Pet 1:1 "Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ."
And, if anyone think there is a God separate from a Savior, I shared with you the following verses above:
Isaiah 43:11 "I, even I, am the LORD, And there is no savior besides Me."
Hosea 13:4 "Yet I have been the LORD your God Since the land of Egypt; And you were not to know any god except Me, For there is no savior besides Me."
Acts 4:12 "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved."
I pray this is helpful to you. God bless you as you continue to pray and study. Your sister in Him, JD.
Hi, J.D.!
For the sake of clarification you quoted:
"Isaiah 45:21 "Declare and set forth your case; Indeed, let them consult together. Who has announced this from of old? Who has long since declared it? Is it not I, the LORD? And there is no other God besides Me, A righteous God and a Savior; There is none except Me."
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Now, my dad always told me that I was a pint shy of a full gallon, but taking my cerebral limitations into account, it should come as no surprise that I see something a little different in the aforementioned verse.
Could it be that, King Arthur, for instance, may be regarded as both King and savior, not by personally fighting to free an oppressed people from tyranny, but by sending his finest general to do his bidding? Why should he not then be regarded as both king and savior?
It's just a thought. Best wishes - L.R.
Hi Lone Ranger! Well, when God said, "There is NONE except ME", that's what He means, amen?
Acts 20:28 states, "Be on guard for yourselves and 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." Jesus (visible) is the transcendent God (Spirit), Who is KING of kings and LORD of lords. There is only ONE LORD (Eph 4:5) and the LORD is the Spirit (2 Cor 3:17) and Jesus Christ is LORD (1 Cor 12:3; Luke 2:11).
I invite you read my hub "Jesus Christ, Our ONLY Sovereign" (on my home page), which will show you that as Simon the priest held the baby Jesus in His arms, Whom Timothy and Jude testified was our ONLY Soveriegn, he prayed to the Sovereign LORD. How is that possible? Spirit and flesh...SAME GOD. What an AWESOME God we have!! Praise Him forevermore!!
JD God Bless you my sister. In reading the comments I got such mixed answers on what I believe is pure and simple truth and not complex. Your hub to me is powerful truth and sound backed with Gods Holy word and instruction manual for living. I agree with you and may God Bless you sis for the dedication and hours you put into sharing the truth of Almighty God and leading the flock.
When I read a few comments I got lost in words and do not understand what the argument is?? God is God. There is one God Almighty. He came in the flesh and is manifest in us when invited in as Lord and Savior of our lives. The Holy Spirit is our helper teacher comforter guide to direct us. When Jesus ascended into heaven He said I leave you not alone for IAM with you. The comments threw me for a loop and JD I was shaken. It seems that all are saying the same thing yet saying it with different words.
The enemy tries to come in and stir up doubt. He is a liar and thief doomed to judgment of hell.
God is sovereign. God is one and like you use the water, ice cubes so on for example the clarity is so simple. It seems the comments are more like a play on words getting all mixed up in a Blender. I do not understand how it is so difficult to understand God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The enemy tries to come in and twist words and raise questions and or doubt. Well he is defeated to hell and the victory is in Christ Jesus. U Keep on sister. u will Phil 4:13. Keep on Children of GOD Almighty.
The most wonderful gift in all of time Jesus Christ. Emanuel, God with us who was sent by God the Father for the sins of the World. Amen. Merry Christmas JD. I pray you and yours are Blessed in Glorious abundance sister.
I just love you and your love for Christ flows in your heart and Spirit to share the truth of the fresh living waters. While the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are three they are one God head. Hugs Galore.
Hi Skye ~ the heart of the matter is not whether Jesus is God or the Holy Spirit is God or the Father is God. As this hub title addresses, the question at hand is "Is Jesus the Father"? I could write another hub called "Is Jesus the Holy Spirit?" And I could write another hub, "Is the Father the Holy Spirit?" YES, He is. On the other hand, Catholicized Trinity theology teaches the answer is NO to these three questions.
So, the question is, is God One (1) invisible Holy Spirit, visible in the Person of Jesus Christ (Old and New Testaments), or is God three (3) eternal Persons in unity, "one" as the body of Christ is one? "Godhead" is the English translation for the Greek word Deity. Do we have One Deity or a three-in-one Deity? Do we have One King or three kings? (Oh, I can just hear them now, "We three kings of orient are..." - the Bible does not even specifiy 'three' kings)...Do we have the Living Water living in us or fruit juice?
God knows our hearts. He knows our understanding and why we have the interpretations we do. All that really matters is, do we entrust our salvation to the LORD, Jesus Christ? I just know that when I stand before Jesus, I will be standing before the Almighty God and won't even think to ask Him to introduce me to the Father, let alone the Holy Spirit. He's already in me, praise God and I know Him. The LORD is my Shepherd (Ps 23:1). In Jesus Christ dwells the fullness of the Deity bodily. Always did and always will. He IS..."I AM", YHWH. Halleluyah!!
I appreciate you, sister, and I love you in the love our LORD, Jesus Christ. May He bless you always
I have been otherwise occupied for awhile. I am humbled by your response. The fruit is always evident. Your prayers mean more to me than doctrine. The Lord knows were are "seeing through a glass dimly". Thank you.
Bless your heart, WD Curry 111 ~ His banner over us is LOVE, amen!! I am continually in prayer for the Seed of Truth to root deeply in our soil. All praise to His Name!
Hello JD, I really appreciate you standing for the Truth about the One God, and refuting the paganistic teaching of the trinity. I also am absolutely a one God believer.
I love how the trinitarians use all the One God scriptures to try to prove their theory, like other hubbers around here.
but nevertheless very good hub and keep up the good work!
I very much appreciate your uplifting encouragement, chevyssbowtie! Thank you and I'm glad we stand united in the name of our LORD, Jesus Christ!!! God bless you always.
Great video, thanks!
Praise God! Not sure if you watched them all, WD Curry 111, but I am thoroughly blessed by all of them. Love to share the blessing!!
You go, girl!
Interesting read. I believe in the Holy Trinity of God. God in three persons. Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Heavenly Father. Romans 8:34 refers to Jesus being at the right hand of the Father. As your profile picture displays, I think of God the Father as the Lion and God the Son as the Lamb. This is a very thought provoking hub and had me digging to find that verse mentioned here in this post.
I'm glad you found this interesting, Cathleena Beams, and I understand why you believe in the 'Holy Trinity of God...God in three persons, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Heavenly Father." One reason is due to the traditional teaching of this concept since Tertullian first coined the term in the year 200 AD, after converting to Catholicism in 195 AD. The 'Trinity' language was actually added to the text of the Holy Bible in such verses as Mat 28:19 and 1 John 5:7-8, admittedly, by the Catholic Church in the well-known Latin 'Textus Receptus' from where all Bible translations were produced. Though Protestants left the Catholic church, they took this doctrine with them.
Jesus Christ is the Lion of Judah (Rev 5:5), and we are His sheep (John 10:27; Ps 23:1; John 10:14). This is how I view my picture. There is only One God. He became the Lamb as you and I are lambs, in order to redeem us from Satan's power back to the kingdom relationship He gave us in the Garden - God ruling over man who will rule over the earth.
Let's take a moment to look at "God and the Lamb" in Rev 21:22. It is translated (not interpreted - there is a difference) as "I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb ARE its temple." The Greek word translated 'ARE' is 'estin', which is actually the word 'IS' [singular]. You can view this in the interlinear link here (from biblos.com):
http://biblos.com/revelation/21-22.htm
Let's go on to Rev 22:3-4 "There will no longer be any curse; and the throne [singular] of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His (Whose? God's or the Lamb's?) bond-servants will serve Him (Who? God or the Lamb?); they will see His face (Whose face?), and His name (Whose name?) will be on their foreheads." There is only One Throne, One God, who is both God and the Lamb. He is not two or three separate/distinct 'persons'. God is invisible Spirit, visible in the Person of Jesus Christ.
I pray this will make some sense to you...I love you in the love of the LORD (and there is only One LORD - Eph 4:5). God bless.
I believe in One God and One Lord as you, and that Jesus is the sacrificial lamb. His blood was shed for us, the atonement for our sins. Jesus is God incarnate (in the flesh). This is complex to us because we are not God and we do not understand Him completely. His ways are higher than ours. I don't think our beliefs are that far apart. You believe in Jesus (the Son of God and man), in the Father, and in the Holy Spirit, right? If so, we believe the same, that they are three forms of the one and only Living God.
Yes, there is only one Living LORD God and His name is "I AM" ~ HalleluYah! Blessings to you, Cathleena.
WD Curry 111 Level 8 Commenter 5 months ago
"I and the Father are one."