Many Christians have been taught and believe that Jesus Christ is Almighty God because he actually forgave sins while he was on earth. Does forgiving sins mean that Jesus is God? Let’s analyze the scriptures objectively, and see for ourselves.
Mark 2:5-7 – “When Jesus saw their faith, he saw to the paralytic, ‘Child, your sins are forgiven.’ Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, ‘ Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?” (NAB). Does this assertion by Jesus’ enemies that, ‘only God can forgive sins’, mean that Jesus is God? Notice next what term Jesus uses to describe himself:read more
Jesus is the Son of God. But is he “God the Son”?
A discussion with a Trinitarian about whether Jesus Christ is “God the Son” follows. “
T” stands for the Trinitarian and “BA” stands for us at Bible Authenticity.
T—The author of BA believes the Word was a created being, not a man or angel, but some being not identified.
BA—He is Biblically identified. “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God” (John 20:31 NASB). T- We are talking about the pre-incarnate Jesus Christ. You said the Word was created by God before creation.
BA—Since the Bible says he is “the firstborn of every creature” (Col 1:15 KJV), “whose origin is from of old, from ancient days” (Micah 5:2 NRSV).
T—I say and John 1:1 says He was God, therefore not a created being.
BA—The Bible says Jesus is “the only begotten God was is in the bosom of his Father”, but is not the “God” that “no one has seen” (John 1:T18 NASB). Being “begotten” means his life had a beginning, therefore he was created.read more
Can Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Be God’s Servant?
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is said by many to be Almighty God, “God the Son,” the second person of the Trinity. However, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is mentioned in the Bible as being God’s “servant.” In view of the claims that Jesus is Almighty God, how can he be God’s servant? First, let’s look at some of the claims about him:
“Peter’s sermon identifies Jesus with the ‘I Am’ of Israel’s history”—The Word In Life Study Bible, page 1928, citing Acts 3:11-26 as “proof.”read more
Ultimate Authority – Is it the Father, Jesus, holy Spirit, or Trinity?
Who is the ultimate authority? Most Churches believe, preach and teach the following:
“In this Trinity . . . None is greater, or less, than another. But the whole three Persons are . . . coequal”—Athanasian Creed
The Trinity is implied to be the ultimate authority in the famous creed quoted above. Not all Christians are in agreement about the roles of God the Father, Jesus, the holy Spirit and the Trinity. Some say God is the ultimate authority, some say Jesus is the ultimate authority, and some say the Trinity is the ultimate authority, and a few even say the holy Spirit is the ultimate authority . Some say they are equal. And some say Jesus is Almighty God. Red-letter Bibles put words the editors think were spoken by Jesus in red, which implies that Jesus’ words are more important than God’s words. But what does the Bible say? Let’s examine some scriptures to find the answer.
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me…” – by whom?
“He has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man” (John 5:27). “I am not here on my own authority but he who sent me is true.” (John 7:28) Jesus plainly states his authority came from his Father, and that he didn’t come on his own authority, but God sent him.
“If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.” (John 7:17 ESV).”I do not speak on my own authority.” (John 14:10)read 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?
Is the Trinity in 1 Thessalonians? In the Bible book of 1 Thessalonians, are God and Jesus and spoken of as separate and distinct? Is the holy Spirit a person? Let’s examine these questions in some of the verses in 1 Thessalonians.
Is the Trinity in 1 Thessalonians? God and Jesus are spoken of as separate and distinct in 1 Thessalonians
“In God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 1:1) Here, God and Jesus are referred to as two separate and distinct individuals. Why are they not “in” the holy Spirit, if it is a person?
“Before our God and Father… inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 1:3) God, the Father, is one person, and the Lord Jesus Christ is another person.
“Beloved by God . . . also in power and in the =&0=&The holy Spirit is twice qualified by “the,” which is indicative of the fact that it is not a person.
“They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead – Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10) These verses are very instructive. Notice God is called “the living and true God,” while Jesus is called “his Son,” “whom he” [God] “raised from the dead.” Jesus “was dead” (Revelation 1:18). “God” was alive, because he “never dies” (Habakkuk 1:12 NJB), but had the power to bring him back to life.
“God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 2:14) Both God and Jesus are mentioned separately. Where is the holy Spirit, if it is a person?
“Who killed the Lord Jesus…. They displease God.” (1 Thessalonians 2:15) Both God and Jesus are mentioned here, but Jesus died. He cannot be God since God cannot die. (Habakkuk 1:12)
“Who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 3:2) God and Jesus are mentioned separately again here.
“Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you.” (1 Thessalonians 3:11) Once again, both are mentioned separately, as individuals, but the holy Spirit is conspicuously absent, which is strange, if it’s a person.
“In the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes.” (1 Thessalonians 3:13) Same point as above. Notice “God” is referred to as “the Father,” someone other than Jesus.
“Live in order to please God… and urge you in the Lord Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 4:1) Both God and Jesus are mentioned here again.
“God, who gives [also] gives his holy Spirit to you” (1 Thessalonians 4:8 NAB). The holy Spirit is described as “his,” that is, God’s holy Spirit. This is, yet again, another indication that the holy Spirit is not person.
“We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” (1 Thessalonians 4:14) God is obviously in control and is distinct from Jesus.
“God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:9) Again, God is in control, and he uses Christ to accomplish his purpose.
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 is 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).read more
The Trinity is said to be the main doctrine of Christianity. Verses from Hebrews chapter 1 are often used to support the doctrine. However, there are some very valid and legitimate questions about what the verses in Hebrews actually say about the Trinity issue that need to be answered.
Hebrews 1:1 – “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways” (NIV). Who is the “God” mentioned here?
Hebrews 1:2 – “in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things and through whom he made the universe” (NIV).
·Who is “his Son” that God has spoken by?
·Who appointed Jesus to be “heir”?
·What does it mean that God made the universe through Jesus?
Hebrews 1:3 – How does being “the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being” make Jesus equal to God?
Hebrews 1:5 – Who made the Father-Son declaration? Who decided this relationship? Explain how this makes the Father and Jesus equal?
Hebrews 1:8 – Does “about the Son he says, ‘Your throne, God'” make Jesus equal to the Father? If so, then what does it make the human king about which it was originally said at Psalm 45:6?
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.”
Jesus is the Son of God. But is he “God the Son”?
A discussion with a Trinitarian about whether Jesus Christ is “God the Son” follows. “
T” stands for the Trinitarian and “BA” stands for us at Bible Authenticity.
T—The author of BA believes the Word was a created being, not a man or angel, but some being not identified.
The Trinity is said to be the main doctrine of Christianity. Verses from Hebrews chapter 1 are often used to support the doctrine. However, there are some very valid and legitimate questions about what the verses in Hebrews actually say about the Trinity issue that need to be answered.
