“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 2:7,11,17,29; 3:6,13,22 NIV). The messages to the seven churches of Revelation all conclude with the above statement. This indicates that the message is for “everyone” who will “listen to” the word of God, the Bible (ISV). But how is the modern church pictured in the Bible?
Why is Christianity so confusing? Why are there so many diverse groups in Christianity today? Is there only one true Christian religion, group, or denomination, that has God’s special favor, and who are in a “spiritual paradise,” the modern day, one and only, “ark of salvation,” whereas others who are not part of this group are outside of God’s favor, and thus in spiritual darkness? If so, does this one special group contain all the true Christians within it? Or, are individual genuine Christians scattered throughout many diverse groups? Since beliefs and practices among various Christian groups vary widely, and this has caused much “confusion” (Galatians 1:7 NIV), these are questions that need Biblical answers.read more
Trinitarians focus on a few scriptures in which the holy spirit is personified, which, when taken literally, make it appear to be an actual spirit person. Let’s examine the uses in John of the word spirit, wherever it means the holy spirit.
Is the holy spirit a person in the Gospel of John?
The Bible is the court of final arbitration, so if something is true it has to be in agreement with the Bible. Otherwise, it is false. So if Trinitarians want to provide evidence for the Trinity doctrine, their argument should be in agreement with the Bible. Likewise, if we believe the Trinity is false, our belief should be in agreement with the scriptures.
Does Bible teach the Trinity?
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim 3:16-17)
The Bible says that God is one, not three:
“The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” (Mark 12:29 HCSB)
This is the same God referred to in Galatians 1:1 (NASB): “Through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised him from the dead.”
God and Jesus are separate and distinct. When someone says “One Divine Being who exists in three persons,” they are using a very different definition of God from what the Bible uses.
“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” (Pr 16:25)
Trinitarian “evidence” is not found in the Bible. How could someone say such a thing?
“They will believe what is false.” (2 Thess 2:11 HCSB)
We respect them as persons and know they sincerely believe what they think is true. However, sincerity of belief does not equate to truth.
“No lie comes from the truth.” (1 Jn 2:21 HCSB; NIV) The Trinity is a lie, which is viewed by God as a very serious problem. We mean no disrespect to them when we point out the falsehood of the Trinity.
Trinitarians use several scriptures to “prove” that Jesus has always existed. Let’s consider some examples:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” (Jn 1:1-3)
This says that Jesus was “with God” at the “beginning” of the universe. It does not say that Jesus has always existed.
“‘Very truly I tell you,’ Jesus answered, ‘before Abraham was born, I am!'” (Jn 8:58)
Jesus says he existed before Abraham was born, but he does not say he always existed.
“And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.” (Jn 17:5)
Jesus says he was with his Father “before the world began,” but he does not say he always existed.
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” (Heb 1:3)read more
Is there any evidence for the death and resurrection of Jesus?
What scriptural evidence do we have about the resurrection of Jesus? What did people living in the first century think about reports of Jesus’ death and resurrection? Are there clues in the Bible as to whether the story is true or not? Let’s examine some Bible verses to find out.
Matthew 27:57-60; Mark 15:42-46; Luke 23:54-60;John 19:38-42– Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, prominent members of the Jewish ruling council, would have been well known in Jerusalem, as well as to Pilate. This could not be fiction, since this could easily be refuted, if false.
John 19:39,40 – Spices – 75 lbs – a very large amount, such as used in royal burials.
Matthew 27:57-60 – Buried just before the Sabbath, or evening. Big stone in front of the tomb. Jews rested on the Sabbath.
“The chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate . . . ‘Take a guard,’ Pilate answered, ‘Go, make the tombs as secure as you know how.’ So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard” (NIV). read more
“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 2:7,11,17,29; 3:6,13,22 NIV). The messages to the seven churches of Revelation all conclude with the above statement. This indicates that the message is for “everyone” who will “listen to” the word of God, the Bible (ISV). But how is the modern church pictured in the Bible?
