Is Jesus Christ equal to God? Based on the following scripture, and what they have heard, or been told, many people think so.
“For this reason the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the sabbath, but was also calling God his own Father, thereby making himself equal to God” (John 5:19 NRSV).
If we look at this scripture closely, and think about it logically, there are three serious problems with the claim that Jesus made himself equal with God, and so he must be God..read more
Are God, Jesus, and the holy Spirit a Trinity? – 2 Corinthians
The New Testament book of 2 Corinthians was written about 25 years after Jesus’ death and the start of Christianity. Is the Trinity doctrine in 2 Corinthians?
“The Trinity is one of the most important teachings of the Christian faith. It defines God’s very essence and describes how he relates to us”—The Forgotten Trinity, back cover
Since Second Corinthians was written about twenty-fives after the start of Christianity, we would expect to see at least some evidence of such an important doctrine as the Trinity in the letter’s 13 chapters, if it is a true Christian doctrine. Let’s examine scriptures from this book which tell us something about God, Jesus, and the holy Spirit.read more
The Bible’s final book, Revelation, predicts the future for the Church and humankind. The Trinity doctrine is said to be the main doctrine of Christianity, so we would expect to find the Trinity in Revelation, if the doctrine is true. The very first verse of the Book of Revelation gives us a clue as to the answer to the question of whether the Trinity doctrine is in Revelation:
“The revelation from Jesus Christ, WHICH GOD GAVE HIM to show his servants what must soon take place” (Revelation 1:1 NIV). [Emphasis ours].read more
Is the Trinity Doctrine Taught in 1 Peter, or Contradicted?
The book 1 Peter opens up with a statement that has been that has been used to support the Trinity doctrine. The question for us to consider is, “Do we find the Trinity in 1 Peter?” Trinitarians point to the naming of the three who are said to be in the Trinity as proof of its existence. For example:
“Who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood” (1 Peter 1:2 NIV). Yes, the three are mentioned. Trinitarians count 1,2,3, and say, ‘There’s the Trinity!” The mention of three does not tell us anything about their supposed equality, nor the “personhood” of the Spirit, nor their supposed “oneness” of substance. In fact, only one of the three is identified as God, something Trinitarians overlook. Rather, “God the Father” is shown to be in control with his “foreknowledge”. In fact, only “the Father” is said to have such “foreknowledge”, meaning that he knows things that “Jesus Christ” doesn’t know, which is a very clear indication of their separateness and distinction. The holy Spirit is always described by “the”, indicating that it is not a person, and therefore cannot know anything. Being “sprinkled with” “Jesus” Christ’s “blood” indicates that he died, which also means that he cannot be Almighty God, since God cannot die (Habakkuk 1:12).
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . he has given us new birth . . . through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3 NIV). “The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” indicates that “God the Father” is the God of, or over, Jesus Christ, thus denoting his superiority. “The resurrection of Jesus Christ” implies his Father’s superiority because he brought his Son back from death. “From the dead” implies that Jesus was dead, which means he cannot be God, since God cannot die (Habakkuk 1:12). Jesus admits that, “I was dead” (Revelation 1:18), meaning that his entire person was “dead,” not just the Trinitarian imagined “human part” of him. The “God-man” dogma of Trinitarianism is contradicted by 1 Peter.
“Investigating the time and circumstances that the Spirit of Christ within them indicated when it testified in advance to the sufferings destined for Christ” (1 Peter 1:11 NAB). Trinitarians claim that “the Spirit of Christ” indicating things means it is a person. Many translation use “he” rather than “it.” However, “it” is the more accurate translation, as also rendered in the NRSV, and KJV. Additionally, Trinitarians overlook the very next verse, which talks about “the good news” which was “preached to you [through] the holy Spirit sent from heaven” (1 Peter 1:12 NAB). “The holy Spirit” was “sent from heaven,” by God.
“No slave is greater than his master nor any messenger greater than the one who sent him” (John 13:16 NAB). read more
Can God the Father of the Bible be the only Almighty?
“The Father is Almighty, the Son is Almighty, and the Holy Spirit Almighty. And yet they are not three Almighties, but one Almighty. So the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God. And yet there are not three Gods, but one God”—The Athanasian Creed
Trinitarians assert, in probably their main creed, above, that ‘God is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,’ all rolled into one Almighty God, but three entities at the same time. Of course, this makes no sense, but let’s see what the Bible says:
“We know that, ‘An idol is nothing at all in the world’ and that ‘There is no God but one’. For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many ‘gods’ and many ‘lords’), yet for us
there is one God, the Father . . . and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christread more
Are God, Jesus, and the holy Spirit a Trinity in 2 Thessalonians?
In the Bible book of 2 Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul speaks of God, Jesus Christ, and the holy Spirit. If Paul and/or the early Christians believed Jesus is God or part of a Trinity, we should be able to find evidence of this in the New Testament letters. But is this the case in 2 Thessalonians? Is the Trinity in 2 Thessalonians? Let’s examine some of the pertinent verses to find out.
Paul speaks of both God, Jesus, and the holy Spirit in 2 Thessalonians. But does he believe God is a Trinity?
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Is the Trinity in Philippians? Is Jesus Christ Almighty God?
This article is part of our series about what is stated concerning God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and whether they together comprise a Trinity, in the various books of the New Testament. We will examine the four chapter book of Philippians. Notice the distinctive relationship between God and Jesus throughout this book of Philippians, especially the superior role of God compared to Jesus. What does it say about the holy Spirit? Is the Trinity in Philippians?
Is the Trinity found in Philippians? The superior role of God compared to Jesus is evident from the Bible book of Philippians
“To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi.” (Philippians 1:1) God is always the one in control, and using Christ to gather his people.
“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:2) God and Jesus are separate and distinct. The holy Spirit, since it is not a person, does not give greetings. Neither does the Trinity, since it doesn’t exist.
“God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:8) God and Jesus are spoken of as separate and distinct individuals.
“Filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:11) Fruitage from God flows through Jesus and brings glory and praise to God.
“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who although he existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped.” (Philippians 2:5-6 NASB) Being,”in the form of God”, means that Jesus is not God! Someone who already has something does not have to ‘grasp’ for it. Jesus would not even think about trying to be equal to God. Christians are to have the same attitude of humility. Obviously, Jesus is separate from, and inferior to, God.
“He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted him.” (Philippians 2:8-9 NASB) Jesus’ obedience bespeaks of his submission to his Father. His death means he is not God, and not eternal, since he was not in existence while he was dead. The makes clear that “Yahweh . . . God . . . never dies” (Habakkuk 1:12 NJB). God, the superior one, highly exalted Jesus, not the other way around.
“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow . . . and every tongue should acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:10,11a NIV). Trinitarians often stop their quote of the scripture at this point, and use this to “prove” that Jesus is God. However, when we actually look at the rest of the scripture, we find that it is, “to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:11b NIV). By reading the full scripture, we find that the scripture actually proves that Jesus is inferior to God, contradicting the Trinity doctrine.
“It is we who are in the circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God, and boast in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh” (Philippians 3:3 NRSV). Christians serve God and worship him, not Christ. Notice, though, that they do it “in the Spirit of God.” “In the Spirit,” and “of God,” are evidences that the holy Spirit is not a person.
“But that which is through faith in Christ – the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.” (Philippians 3:9) “God” is shown to be someone other than “Christ”. The righteousness from God comes through faith in Christ. God and Christ are separate individuals, with God as superior.
“The prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14) God calls Paul heavenward through Jesus. Same point as above.
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7) Same point as above.
“My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19) “My God” is obviously the Father. His gift is “Christ Jesus.” Therefore, Jesus is not God!
Throughout the book of Philippians, we find the distinctive relationship between God and Jesus. The superior role of God compared to Jesus is evident upon examination of the above verses. The holy Spirit is shown to not be a person. From our analysis, we have found that the Trinity is not found in Philippians.
All scriptures quoted from New International Version (NIV) unless noted otherwise.
Is Jesus Christ Almighty God, or Part of a Trinity? – Ephesians
This article is one of a series about what is stated concerning Jesus in the various books of the New Testament, the book of Ephesians. Almighty God and the holy Spirit are also discussed to see if there is any evidence of a Trinity doctrine in this Biblical letter, which is all about doctrine. A key component of the Trinity doctrine is that the holy Spirit is a person. In this article, we’ll see what Ephesians indicates about that.
The Book of Ephesians provides some clues as to whether or not Jesus Christ is Almighty God
Ephesians 1:1,2 – “…apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God . . . from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” God are Jesus are separate individuals. “To God’s holy people… in the Lord Jesus Christ.” Notice how many times in this letter God and Jesus are both mentioned, but as separate and distinct, with God being superior and Jesus as inferior. Why is Paul not also an apostle of the holy Spirit or the Trinity? Why is the letter not also from the holy Spirit or the Trinity? It’s because the holy Spirit is not a person, and the Trinity does not exist!
Ephesians 1:3 – “…to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This verse clearly indicates that Jesus has a God over him. This God of Jesus is his Father.
Ephesians 1:5 – “God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ” (NLT). God is obviously calling the shots, operating through his Son Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:6,7 – “We praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins” (NLT). Almighty God the Father, who is the one in control, gave Jesus as redeemer of sinful humans.
Ephesians 1:9 – “He [God] made known to us the mystery… which he purposed in Christ.” God is the one who decided in advance what was going to happen, in Christ.
Does the Trinity matter? It matters because the Bible says:
“No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the LORD [Yahweh]”—Proverbs 21:30 NLT
Does this picture make sense? It is confusing and contradictory!
“Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ.” (John 17:3)
The Bible says our eternal life depends on knowing the only true God the Father, and His Son, whom he sent, Jesus Christ. “Knowing” would have to include knowing who they are.
The Athanasian Creed, which many denominations accept, says a person’s eternal life depends on acceptance of certain statements of belief about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit (Ghost).
“Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the catholic faith. Which faith except every one do keep whole and undefiled; without doubt he shall perish everlastingly.”
“So that in all things, as aforesaid; the Unity in Trinity, and the Trinity in Unity, is to be worshipped. He therefore that will be saved, let him thus think of the Trinity.”
“Furthermore, it is necessary to everlasting salvation; that he also believe faithfully the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. For the right Faith is, that we believe and confess; that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is God and Man; God, of the Substance [Essence] of the Father; begotten before the worlds; and Man, of the Substance [Essence] of his Mother, born in the world. Perfect God; and perfect Man, of a reasonable soul and human flesh subsisting.”
“And they that have done good shall go into life everlasting; and they that have done evil, into everlasting fire. This is the catholic faith; which except a man believe truly and firmly, he cannot be saved.”
We continue our series about what is stated concerning Jesus in the various books of the New Testament. Today, we will examine the book of Colossians.
Col1:1 – “Apostle of Christ by the will of God.” – Christ subordinate
Col 1:2 – “Brothers in Christ… peace from God our Father.” – Notice the relationship these Christians have – they are brothers of Christ, but children of God.
Col 1:3 – “God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Col 1:12-13 – “giving thanks to the Father… transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.” – Notice the Father is in control and effects this transference.
Col 1:15 – “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.” – The image is not the same as the Father. Jesus is also referred to as a creature, not creator.
Col 1:16 – “All things were created through him and for him.” – Jesus is not the originator, but was used by God mightily in creation.
Col 1:18 – “The firstborn from the dead.” – The first one resurrected by God to heaven “that in all things he himself might be preeminent.” – NAB ftn – When Christ was raised by God as firstborn from the dead he was placed (by God) over the Church.
Col 1:19-20 (NIV) – “God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him.” – God in control of Christ.
Col 1:20 (NIV) –“Through him [Christ] to reconcile to himself all things.” God uses Christ to reconcile “by making peace through his blood.” – God used Christ to make peace.
Col 1:21-22 (NLT) – “This includes you who were once far away from God… now he reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ… as a result he has brought you into his own presence.” – God uses Christ to bring people to him. God and Christ are obviously not the same.
Col 1:27 (NLT) – “God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too.”
Col 1:28 – “So we tell others about Christ… We want to present them to God.” – God and Jesus are separate.
Col 2:2 – “and grasp God’s secret, which is Christ himself.” – REB
Col 2:8-9 – “Christ. For it is in him that all the fullness if God’s nature lives bodily.”
Col 2:10 – “You have been filled by Him, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” – God used/uses Jesus, and God also uses Christians, but this does not make anyone else God Almighty, including Jesus.
Col 2:12 – “God, who raised him from the dead.” – Jesus did not resurrect God.
Col
3:1 – “Where the Messiah is, seated at the right hand of God.” – Jesus is favored by God, but is not God.read more
The Bible’s final book, Revelation, predicts the future for the Church and humankind. The Trinity doctrine is said to be the main doctrine of Christianity, so we would expect to find the Trinity in Revelation, if the doctrine is true. The very first verse of the Book of Revelation gives us a clue as to the answer to the question of whether the Trinity doctrine is in Revelation:
The book 1 Peter opens up with a statement that has been that has been used to support the Trinity doctrine. The question for us to consider is, “Do we find the Trinity in 1 Peter?” Trinitarians point to the naming of the three who are said to be in the Trinity as proof of its existence. For example:
