I recommend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea, that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well. ~ Romans 16:1-2 

The Berean Study Bible points out the following about Paul’s formal recommendation of Phoebe.

I commend to you: This phrase indicates a formal introduction or recommendation. In the ancient world, letters of commendation were common for travelers, especially within the early Christian community, to ensure they were received with hospitality and trust. Paul often used such commendations to vouch for the character and mission of individuals. 

The Pulpit Commentary says, This Phoebe was probably the bearer of the Epistle. She appears to have had business, perhaps of a legal kind, that took her to Rome; and St. Paul took advantage of her going to send the letter by her, desiring also to enlist the aid of her fellow-Christians at Rome in furtherance of her business, whatever it might be.

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers states, As the Roman Church is especially exhorted to receive Phebe, it has been inferred that she was one of the party to which St. Paul entrusted his Epistle, if not the actual bearer of it herself…

Benson Commentary says, I commend — Rather, recommend; unto you — That is, To your love and assistance; Phebe our sister — The bearer of this letter; a servant — Or deaconess, as the Greek word signifies; of the church at Cenchrea

Being entrusted to carry and deliver such a letter meant that Phoebe was likely the one who also read it to the believers in Rome, as this was a common practice in the first century. The bearer of the letter would read it aloud to the recipient. Thus, the original audience which heard what you and I know as the book of Romans, most likely heard it from the mouth of a woman, Phoebe.

Being entrusted with delivering and reading this letter also meant that Phoebe must have been trusted by Paul as capable of answering any questions the people might have had as to what Paul meant in any particular part of the letter.

Phoebe must have been a woman of great understanding of God’s Word, for Paul’s letter to the Romans is possibly the greatest theological composition that has ever been written. Paul would not have entrusted the delivery of this letter with just anyone, it had to be someone of Phoebe’s qualifications.

The word servant, referring to Phoebe as a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea, comes from the Greek word is diakonos, meaning, servant, minister, deacon. For this reason some Bible translations employ the word deaconess, and commentaries also point out that Phoebe was indeed a deaconess.

This Greek word is diakonos, is the same word that is used by Paul in 1 Timothy 3:8 and 12 where he gives the qualifications for a deacon.

One of the arguments that is made against women in ministry, especially as leaders, is the terminology used by Paul that bishops and deacons must be the husband of one wife.

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach… ~ 1 Timothy 3:5

Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. ~ 1 Timothy 3:12

Those who refer to these texts as prohibitions against women in leadership positions in ministry contend that the qualification of husbands of one wife means that such callings in ministry are limited, and only apply to men.

However, there are significant problems with such interpretations. The most glaring problem is that this interpretation would eliminate men who are single or who are widowers. It would also eliminate men who are married but do not have children at home. In addition it would eliminate men who for health reasons cannot father children, or men married to women who for health reasons could not bear children.

We would do well to follow Paul’s instructions for bishops and deacons as a guide for wisdom regarding who should be in leadership rather than treating with iron clad interpretations.

In Paul’s letter to Timothy, Paul is specifically addressing some of the issues among the lay people within the church, as the cult of Artemis had affected much of the culture and society in Ephesus where Timothy was ministering.

In particular, the women there needed to be taught correctly in the ways of the Lord in contrast to the indoctrination of the Artemis cult. They did not need to be in positions of leadership and teachings. Understanding this background would help us better understand Paul’s directive to Timothy that the women should not not be permitted to teach in contrast to Paul’s endorsements of women in ministry elsewhere. It would also help us better understand the qualifications that Paul places on men for serving as bishops and deacons. The qualifications were not meant to convey the thought that only men could be in leadership positions, as Phoebe, who was a deaconess dispels such claims.

The very fact that Phoebe served in the office of deaconess ought to be an indicator to us that Paul is not giving ironclad rules which would eliminate women from such honorable roles in ministry.

I recommend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant (a deaconess) of the church which is at Cenchrea, that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well. ~ Romans 16:1-2 

There has only ever been one nation that God chose to be a theocracy, and that was the nation of Israel under the Old Testament. God has never called another physical nation as a theocracy he sanctioned, and he never will. What christian nationalists fail to communicate to their followers is that God was the one who chose Israel to be a theocracy. Neither Moses nor any other Israelite made that decision.

Man cannot choose to have a theocracy in the Name of the One true God, because by definition, it is already corrupted if it originates with man. In God’s theocracy over Israel, it was God who started the theocracy, and it was God who ended it when Jesus died and rose again, which brings me to my next point.

The death and resurrection of Jesus was the end of Israel’s hope of ever rising to be a great theocracy again as it once had been under King David and King Solomon. The quest to Make Israel Great Again was what so many of the people were hoping for the day that Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on the colt of a donkey. The crowds were crying “Hosanna” which means Lord Save now! Yet too many of them were looking for Jesus to save them as a nation from the Romans. Before the end of the week, the sentiment went from “Hosanna” to “crucify him.”

Jesus did not come to establish a theocracy, he came to end the only one God ever sanctioned, because God’s Kingdom is not about one nation that God honors above all other people, God’s Kingdom is about redemption and salvation for all people.

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God a kingdom of priests: and we shall reign on the earth. ~ Revelation 5:9-10

God’s people are a kingdom of priests from every nation and together they a holy nation in the Lord.

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light… ~ 1 Peter 2:9

When Jesus stood before Pilate he said, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. ~ John 18:36

Those who belong to God’s Kingdom in Christ (the holy nation) are strangers and pilgrims in this world.

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul… ~ 1 Peter 2:11

For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ… ~ Philippians 3:18-20

Christian nationalism makes a person an enemy of the cross of Christ because it doesn’t afford the same grace to the outsider as it does for those within the group. Thus christian nationalism becomes a breeding ground for groups like the KKK who think they are christians, even though they are enemies of the cross of Christ.

True Christians (Christ followers) are called to be ambassadors for Christ in this world and are never taught to take over and dominate. We represent another Kingdom, one from above and not from beneath. Thus we are not struggling for dominance over others.

The only theocracy that God ever ordained was given its law personally by God through Moses. If any law is created by man for a theocracy, it ceases to be a theocracy from God. Those who want to turn the United States into a Christian theocracy think that Donald Trump is a God appointed leader, for good. All the while, they themselves act like the false prophets who told the wicked Kings in the Old Testament what they wanted to hear. They fail to hold Trump accountable because Trump, not Christ, reflects their values and their character.

The truth is, they are spiritually in bed with him. They are spiritual adulterers who stand behind Trump’s cruelty while the poor and oppressed are crushed. Christian nationalists stand in support of mass deportations of immigrants, while the only theocracy that God ever ordained commanded Israel’s tithe be given to help feed the foreigners among them.

At the end of every three years, bring all the tithes of that year’s produce and store it in your towns, so that the Levites (who have no allotment or inheritance of their own) and the foreigners, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, and so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. ~ Deuteronomy 14:28-29

When you have finished setting aside a tenth of all your produce in the third year, the year of the tithe, you shall give it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that they may eat in your towns and be satisfied. Then say to the Lord your God: “I have removed from my house the sacred portion and have given it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, according to all you commanded. I have not turned aside from your commands nor have I forgotten any of them. ~ Deuteronomy 26:12-13

The only theocracy that God ever sanctioned was commanded to give to the foreigner and not to forget them. Christian nationalist do not understand God’s heart for foreigners. They do not understand that God loves the foreigner.

Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt. ~ Deuteronomy 10:16-19

Under Donald Trump foreigners are being snatched up from the streets and given no due process, and some may never be seen again by their family and friends. And christian nationalists cheer it on in the name of securing our boarders. Such wickedness is not loving the foreigner.

Donald Trump’s hatred and cruelty towards foreigners, especially those of brown skin, is what christian nationalist want and have chosen for their christian theocracy. 

Jesus made it clear that his Kingdom is not of this world. It never has been, and never will be until the Lord comes. Until then, we should not be seeking to establish a christian theocracy, which is only a facade for advancing our hatred and bigotry. Instead, we should seek to represent Christ’s Kingdom as humble ambassadors for Christ, loving our neighbors as ourselves.

You cannot have a true christian theocracy, approved by God, under the covenant of grace. God has already established his Kingdom in Christ and he works by his Holy Spirit through the redeemed who are from all nations. A Christian theocracy is antithetical to the finished work of Christ and the ministry of the Holy Spirit of God. 

This is why christian nationalism is so dangerous. Christian nationalism is the precursor to authoritarianism because it preys on the carnal impulses of christians who are not seasoned in grace. Christian nationalism appeals to the flesh and seduces those who are unskilled in the word of righteousness. Christian nationalism makes you an enemy of the cross of Christ because it stirs you to culture wars and hate towards others for whom Jesus died.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. ~ John 1:1-4

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son,  which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. ~ John 1:14-18 

In the person of Jesus Christ we have an extraordinary revelation that we all need to ponder and embrace. The Word of the very God we serve, who created all things, became flesh, and is called the Son of God. Maybe I did not say that exactly perfectly, but I hope the magnitude of who this man is will give us all good reasons to pause and worship, because Jesus Christ is the Word of God in human flesh.

In his first epistle, John writes, That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. ~ 1 John 1:1-4 

John’s description of Jesus varies here in comparison to his statements in the Gospel of John, because he expounds more fully as to the meaning of Jesus as the Word of God. Here he calls him the Word of life, and describes Jesus as that eternal life that was with the Father from the beginning.

Jesus has always been with the Father. There was never a point in which Jesus did not exist. He has always been with God as a part of God, thus he is God with God. John tells us that Jesus is the eternal life that was with the Father in the begining and has been manifested to us. This immediately takes the mind back to Jesus’s prayer in John 17.

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. ~ John 17:3-5

As I write this, I am reminded of the Old Testament text which says, He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. ~ Psalm 107:20

In the person of Jesus Christ, God sent his word and healed us. Isaiah says, He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. ~ Isaiah 53:5-6

Peter citing Isaiah says, Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. ~ 1 Peter 2:24-25

When John introduces us to Jesus as the Word of God, he says, In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. ~ John 1:4-5

John goes on to say, There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. ~ John 1:6-11

Notice first that John speaks of the true light, who is also the Word of God coming into the world. He was in the very world (or creation) he had made. Jesus is the Creator who stepped into his own creation to save it. Because of sin, God’s good creation was in darkness, but God sent his word to heal, and the entrance of his word gives light. ~ Psalm 119:130

John tells us, He came unto his own, and his own received him not. In this text, his own refers to Israel because Israel was God’s creation within his creation.

I am the Lord, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King. ~ Isaiah 43:15 

Jesus was the God of Israel, or Israel’s creator coming to his people, but Israel as a nation rejected their creator, but as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name… ~ John 1:12

Jesus came into the world as an Israelite in the flesh, to save the people of Israel who had been created by God as the instrument by which he would save the entirety of his creation. In his wisdom God chose Abraham and swore with an oath that he would bring salvation through Abraham’s seed.

And the angel of the Lord called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time, and said, by myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice. ~ Genesis 22:15-18

For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. ~ Hebrews 6 13-14

Jesus is the word of promise and the oath God swore to Abraham. Not only so, but he is also the seed that fulfills that promise. He is the Word made flesh! 

For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us… ~ Hebrews 6:16-18

The Berean Study Bible says the following regarding the two immutable (unchangeable) things.

The “two unchangeable things” refer to God’s promise and His oath. In the context of Hebrews, this is a reference to God’s promise to Abraham, which is foundational for understanding God’s faithfulness. The unchangeable nature of these things underscores the certainty and reliability of God’s word, reflecting the immutability of His character. This concept is rooted in the Old Testament, where God’s promises are seen as steadfast and eternal (Numbers 23:19).

in which it is impossible for God to lie
This phrase emphasizes the absolute truthfulness of God, a key attribute of His divine nature. The impossibility of God lying is a foundational belief that assures believers of the reliability of His promises. This is consistent with other scriptural affirmations of God’s truthfulness, such as Titus 1:2 and 1 Samuel 15:29. The cultural context of the time, where oaths and promises were binding, further highlights the significance of God’s unbreakable word. ~ Berean Study Bible

When John speaks of Jesus as the Word of God who became flesh, there is a depth that I think we sometimes miss that could deeply impact our own personal lives. John 1:1 is often used as an apologetics text to support the case that Jesus is divine, and it should be referenced in that manner, but on a personal level we would all do well to allow this text to speak to our heart in a much deeper and personal way.

Jesus is the promise and the oath that God made to Abraham. He is God’s own truthfulness and impossibility of lying. When Jesus is referred to as the truth in the New Testament, it underscores this remarkable truth. The one we know as the Son of God is the very truthfulness and faithfulness of God in human flesh. When we consider God’s promise and oath to Abraham that through Abraham’s seed all nations would be blessed, we have the real meaning of what the gospel actually is.

Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. ~ Galatians 3:7-8

Paul references the promise and oath God gave to Abraham and calls it the gospel. The gospel that Abraham heard was that God himself would fulfill the promise, thus the Word became flesh!

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. ~ Hebrews 2:14-17

God created the nation of Israel to fulfill his promise and oath to Abraham. When John tells us, He came unto his own, and his own received him not, it was the people of Israel to which John refers as stated earlier. God’s relationship with Israel was in many ways a microcosm of his relationship with the world, thus God created Israel to model humanity’s need for God and God’s response to that need.

Paul tells us whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. ~ Romans 3:19 

God judges all humanity by the standard he gave to Israel, thus Jesus who is the Jewish Messiah is also the Savior of the whole world.

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; The oath which he swore to our father Abraham… ~ Luke 1:68-73

There it is again, the oath which he swore to our father Abraham! The oath God swore to Abraham was not simply to save one nation, but all nations.

… in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. ~ Genesis 12:3

Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. ~ Acts 3:25

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. ~ Galatians 3:13-16 

A distinctive characteristic of the Messianic promises was that the Messiah would bring the knowledge of salvation to all nations. 

Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and a smoking flax shall he not quench, till he sends forth judgment unto victory. And in his name shall the Gentiles trust. ~ Matthew 12:18-21

And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth. ~ Isaiah 49:6

The New Living Translation of Isaiah 49:6 says, He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” 

In Romans 15 the apostle Paul quoting the Old Testament says the following:

Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. ~ Romans 15:8-12

The Gentiles becoming the people of God through the Messiah of Israel was not an afterthought, but the fulfillment of the promise and oath of God. Jesus is God in the flesh fulfilling his own word! Jesus is both the Word (the promise and the oath) and the seed of Abraham (the fulfillment of the promise and the oath).

Jesus is the Word of God made flesh, who was with God in the beginning, and with regards to our redemption, he is both the promise made and the promise fulfilled. He is the Word of God!

Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of Me,) to do thy will, O God. ~ Hebrews 10:7

The volume of the book refers to the entirety of the Old Testament which testifies of Jesus. In the volume of the book it is written of him. At the beginning of this verse he says, “then said I.” This is a response to what has been said in the previous verses concerning God not desiring the sacrifices which were offered by the law.

According to the testimony of the law, God never desired those sacrifices upon which the law covenant was ratified and then renewed every year on the Day of Atonement. The reason the law covenant had to be renewed is because its representatives were imperfect and subject to death. Thus the sacrifices under the law, offered by those Priests, could never take away sin.

On the Day of Atonement, the High Priest had to first offer sacrifices for his own sins and the sins of the priesthood, and only then could he offer a sacrifice for the people. Jesus, however, is our perfect representative. He does not need to offer sacrifices every year as the High Priest under the law. Jesus offered himself once and for all and has put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.  

Jesus is perfected forever for us as our great High Priest, and by his own blood he has put away sin and forever consecrated access to God for us. Since God is so eternally pleased with Jesus there will never again be the necessity for another Priest to offer sacrifices for sins.

But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. ~ Hebrews 8:6

Those who served as priests under the law, could never please God because the work was never finished. The priests were limited by their own imperfections and did not continue forever because they were subject to death as fallen humanity. Jesus however, pleases God in every respect because he is holy and lives forever in resurrection power.

Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever. ~ Hebrews 7:23-28 NIV

As our holy, harmless, undefiled High Priest, Jesus willingly accomplished the Father’s will in everything he ever said and did, and his death on the cross was the culmination of his coming to do the will of God. When Jesus said from the cross, it is finished, he was speaking of the work that the Father sent him to accomplish. He had completely finished the will of God!

He did the will of God, not against his own will as one forced to serve, but as the expression of his love for the Father. Even when in great anguish in the garden of Gethsemane as he faced the dark hour of the cross, he chose the Father’s will over his own. 

It was his continuous delight to please the Father in everything. Jesus did the will of God from the heart and this is what God had always desired. It was by this will (always doing the Father’s will) that we are sanctified through the offering of the crucified body of Jesus Christ. This is what made Jesus the perfect representative to take away our sins and bring us near to God.

Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. ~ Hebrews 10:5-10

Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? ~ Hebrews 1:4-5

The more excellent name which Jesus has inherited from the Father is contextually, that of Son. The Greek word is ὄνομα, ατος, τό (onoma) and refers to a name, authority, and cause. The interlinear Bible Helps Word – Studies says (figuratively) the manifestation or revelation of someone’s character, i.e. as distinguishing them from all others.

Now, allow that sink in. Jesus has a character (as God’s Son) that distinguishes him from all others. Throughout Hebrews, the writer tells us repeatedly how Jesus is greater than all his predecessors (Moses, Joshua, and Aaron, etc). In chapter 1, he begins by making the distinction between Jesus and the prophets. God spoke through the prophets in time past, and always in a limited fashion, but in the person of his Son, God speaks the full revelation of himself.

God has spoken by the Son!

Not only is the Son greater than the prophets, he is greater than all the angelic hosts. After telling us that God has spoken to us by his Son in contrast to the prophets, the writer of Hebrews draws us into a glorious declaration of praise for the Son to whom even the angels do not compare.

Consider the first five verses of Hebrews 1 with all this mind.

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high: being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?  ~ Hebrews 1:1-3 

Jesus reveals God in a way that no one else ever could, because Jesus the Son in whose character God’s person and glory is fully revealed, in whom his exact likeness is known. The prophets and angels could speak for God as messengers, but no prophet or angel has ever spoken as the manifestation of God himself, only the Son has!

NOTE: This is a long post, but one that will hopefully benefit you in you Bible study and reading.

THE FATHER AND THE SON

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. ~ John 17:3

The words above are taken from Jesus’ prayer in John 17, a prayer that is filled with awe and reverence for the Father. For example, in verse 11 Jesus addresses the Father as, Holy Father, just as he had taught his disciples to pray.

And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name… ~ Luke 11:1-2a

Later in John 17 Jesus addresses the Father as, O righteous Father (v. 25). The reverence for the Father as God that Jesus continuously models for his disciples and others would be a great study if you are looking for one, but let’s continue.

Recently I posted a short article on the topic of the Trinity, wherein I shared some of my thoughts and ponderings over the past 15 years or so. Since that article, my heart has been stirred to dive more fully into the relationship that exists within the Godhead between the Father and the Son.

Now, I want to be very clear, I am a firm believer in the deity of Jesus Christ, and I have written plenty on this site to that end, but I firmly believe that the doctrine of the Trinity often misses the true messaging of the New Testament regarding the relationship of the Father and the Son, and sometimes leads people into doctrinal error in other areas. I will touch on this later in this article, but for now let’s dive right into this topic by considering some undeniable facts given to us in the New Testament as it relates to the Father and the Son.

Fact #1: The resurrected Christ has a God.

Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. ~ John 20:17

Notice that the resurrected Christ refers to the Father as both his Father and his God. Knowing this, we can dismiss any idea that God the Father was Jesus’s God only as a man before his death on the cross. Fact #2 will underscore this.

Facts #2: The glorified Jesus in Heaven has a God

Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. ~ Revelation 3:12

If in his resurrection and glorification, the Father is the God of Jesus, then we can safely conclude that God has always been the God of the Lord Jesus Christ, even before his incarnation.

In his prayer in John 17, Jesus prayed to the Father declaring that the Father is the only true God and in that prayer Jesus asked the Father to glorify him with himself and according to Jesus, this is the glory that Jesus had with the Father before the world existed.

And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. ~ John 17:5

In the first chapter of John, John speaks to this truth saying, No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. ~ John 1:18

As we move forward, the meaning of Jesus’ request to be glorified with the Father’s own self, will hopefully become clearer. 

Fact #3: God the Father refers to the Son as God, and also himself as the God of the Son.

But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. ~ Hebrews 1:8-19

Now, consider that in the Old Testament God revealed to Israel that He is One God. 

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. ~ Deuteronomy 6:4-5

This truth is carried over into the New Testament, and we see it in the ministry of Jesus and the letters written to believers.

In Mark’s gospel, we read the following:

And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. ~ Mark 12:28-30

Jesus repeatedly affirmed that his Father in Heaven was the One God that was revealed to Israel, and we also see the theme of the One God in the New Testament letters to believers.

Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. ~ Galatians 3:20

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus… ~ 1 Timothy 2:5

Notice the language, there is one God, and one mediator between God (the one God) and men, the man Jesus Christ. Thus Paul is referring to the Father (in this text) as the One God. This is consistent throughout the New Testament.

You believe that God is one. Good for you! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. ~ James 2:19 

Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. ~ Romans 3:30

At this point, those who are entrenched in the doctrine of the Trinity might respond, “yes but the One God is God in three persons.” To which I respond, “I hear you,  but is that what the New Testament writers were thinking when they used the terminology, One God?”

Every time we see the expression One God, in the New Testament, it is a reference to the Father 100% of the time.

This does not mean that Jesus is not divine or that he isn’t God. He is, and we will cover that as we move forward, but for now I want you to stay with me and follow the train of thought.

Back in the late 80’s, I memorized Hebrews 1. It was sometime between 87 and 89. Since that time I have quoted the first chapter of Hebrews many times over the years. Possibly more than a thousand times in the past 35 years. I can actually quote it faster than I can read it. It’s just in me and a part of me. Yet, I have never, ever, seen the truth I am about to share with you until I started studying the topic of the relationship between the Father and the Son.

The portrait of the Father as the One true God, can be clearly understood from Hebrews chapter 1. Yet I missed it for the past 35 plus years because I wasn’t looking for it and my understanding was somewhat hindered by the doctrine of the Trinity I had been taught.

I rejoiced in my heart when I saw it just this past week. Here is the portion I am referring to.

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high… ~ Hebrews 1:1-3

Did you see it? If not, here is what I am referring to: Notice the distinction that is made between God and the Son in the text above. It was the God, whose Son is his very image, who spoke in times past to the fathers by the prophets. Thus we can understand that this is none other than the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

According to the author of Hebrews, the Father of Jesus Christ is the God who spoke through the prophets in the Old Testament. Now, this is where rightly understanding the relationship between the Father and the Son becomes exciting, because it leads us into what it really means that God exalted Jesus.

Jesus is enthroned at the right hand of God, as God himself. Yet Jesus said that the Father is the only true God (John 17:3), and that the Father is his God (John 20:17 and Revelation 3:12). So how should we reconcile these two truths?

Well, there are three things we should keep in mind.

1. Jesus is the Son of the Father, and the Father is greater than the Son according to Jesus. Thus the Father is the one from whom the Son proceeds.

2. The Son is of the same exact divine nature as the Father because the Son truly is God’s Son. Jesus is sometimes referred to as the 2nd person of the trinity and there is nothing wrong with this description, but please understand that Jesus is not a second divine person simply role playing, Son of God in the redemption of humanity. Jesus is the authentic Son of God in every sense of the word. God really is his Father.

3. There are types (portraits) of Jesus Christ in the Old Testament that show us the relationship that exists between the Father and the Son. For instance, consider Joseph to whom Pharoah elevated as ruler over all of Egypt. Pharaoh said to Joseph, Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. ~ Genesis 41:40

Only in the throne will I be greater than you! What a beautiful portrait of the Father and the Son and this portrait can be seen throughout the book of Hebrews as Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Majesty on High. Jesus is the one that God exalted and has made the heir over all things! The government of God’s Kingdom is on his shoulders. Thus Paul refers to God’s Kingdom as the kingdom of Christ and of God. ~ Ephesians 5:5.

Notice that Jesus is Christ and the Father is God in that expression.

Fact #4: The apostles (Paul and Peter) referred to God as the God of Jesus Christ.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ… ~ Ephesians 1:3 

Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him… ~ Ephesians 1:15-17

We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you… ~ Colossians 1:3

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort… ~ 2 Corinthians 1:3

Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like minded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Romans 15:5-6

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead… ~1 Peter 1:3

Fact # 5: Paul refers to the Father as the One God.

For though there be many that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. ~ 1 Corinthians 8:5-6

In Ephesians, Paul tells us there is One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. ~ Ephesians 4:6

Fact #6: Jesus worshipped and praised the Father.

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. ~ John 4:21-24

Notice that in this section of scripture, Jesus speaks of worshipping the Father and refers to the Father as God. He also includes himself as a worshipper of the Father when he says, we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.

For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. ~ Hebrews 2:11-13

At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. ~ Matthew 11:25-26 

Fact #7: Jesus claimed that the Father is greater than he.

My Father, which gave them (the sheep) to me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. ~ John 10:29

Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. ~ John 14:28

Some points to consider here are as follows:

1. Jesus was sent by the Father.
2. Jesus obeyed the Father.
3. Jesus was appointed by the Father.
4. Jesus was anointed by the Father.
5. Jesus worshiped the Father.
6. Jesus testified of the Father.
7. Jesus glorified the Father.
8. Jesus manifested the name of the Father.
9. Jesus was chosen by the Father, and the list goes on.

Fact #8 Jesus claimed that the Father is the source of the life that is in him.

For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself… ~ John 5:26

Have you ever considered that God the Father is the source of the very divine life that is in his Son Jesus Christ. It is my firm conviction that this is why Jesus spoke of God as the Only true God. While Jesus is equal with God because he came from God, and the Holy Spirit also proceeds from te Father, the Father is the source of all life and he has granted to the Son to have life in himself even as he has life.

Please don’t think that I am trying to discredit the doctrine of the Trinity, entirely. I am simply appealing to you to allow the Lord to open your understanding so as to see truths from his word that you may have never seen before. The doctrine of the Trinity is not the inspired revelation of God to us, the scriptures are. And Jesus says following:

As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. ~ John 6:57

Notice that Jesus says he lives by the Father, the same Father that granted him to have life in himself. This is the eternal life that John speaks of when he says, That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. ~ 1 John 1:1-3 

And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. ~ 1 John 5:11

Fact #9: Jesus claimed that he came from God.

I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. ~ John 8:42 

In John 15:26, Jesus says something similar with regards to the Holy Spirit. But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me…

None of these texts contradict the deity of Christ or the personage of the Holy Spirit, but they may contradict some of our understanding and theology about the relationship between the Father and the Son, as well as how we understand the Holy Spirit.

Paul tells us that Jesus was in the form of God, and thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But (he) made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. ~ Philippians 2:6-7

This text clearly proves that Jesus pre-existed with God and was equal to God before his birth in Bethlehem. Yet in John 5, the Jews took exception to Jesus’ claim that God is his Father because they believed that by such claims Jesus was making himself to be equal with God.

Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God. ~ John 5:18

These texts indeed point us to the deity of Christ, and that when Jesus spoke of God as “my Father” they understood Jesus to be saying he was divine.

Similar to the language of proceeding forth and coming from God, Jesus also declared that he came out from God.

For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God. ~ John 16:27-30

Fact # 10: Jesus points us to the ONE who sent him.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. ~ John 5:24

Notice that Jesus says, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me. In John 14,  Jesus makes a distinction between he and God when he says to his disciples, Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. ~ John 14:1

Fact # 11: Jesus claimed that he could do nothing of himself.

Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. ~ John 5:19

Now let’s consider the impact of this verse by reading it with the following 8 verses.

Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. ~ John 5:19-27

Notice that Jesus says that the Father had given him the authority to execute judgment because he is the Son of man. Jesus often referred to himself as the Son of man. This is not simply a reference to his humanity, but his deity. I know that sounds backwards, but it refers to the Messianic truth that the Messiah would be a man from Heaven and not from this world.

In the Old Testament the prophet Daniel had a vision of the Son of Man receiving a Kingdom, along with dominion and glory as King!

I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. ~ Daniel 7: 13-14

Notice that the Son of man received dominion, glory and a Kingdom from the Ancient of Days. This is a portrait of Jesus receiving honor, glory and rule over the Kingdom of God from the Father.

This is what incited the Sanherdian in Acts 7 when Stephen declared that Jesus was the Son of man. The leaders of Israel knew that the Son of man was Messianic, and Stephen declared that Jesus, whom they had murdered, is the Messiah, the enthroned Son of Man in Heaven.

But he (Stephen,) being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord… ~ Acts 7:55-57

In the book of the Revelation, John sees Christ in his Heavenly glory and calls him the Son of man.

And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. ~ Revelation 1:13

And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. ~ Revelation 14:14

When Jesus spoke with Nicodemus in John chapter 3, Jesus said, no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

Jesus speaks of himself as the Son of man, and the only begotten Son of God in the same context in John 3. He also describes himself as the Son of man who came down from heaven, yet is in heaven. How could this be?  Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers may shed some light.

“If heaven is thought of as a place infinitely distant beyond clouds and sky, or as a time in the far future when this world’s life shall end, then it is indeed hard to understand what is here meant by “the Son of Man which is in heaven;” and a copyist may well have found in omission the easiest solution of the difficulty. But if heaven is something wholly different from this coldness of distance in space or time; if it is a state, a life, in which we are, which is in us–now in part, hereafter in its fulness–then may we understand and with glad hearts hold to the vital truth that the Son of Man, who came down from heaven, was ever in heaven; and that every son of man who is born of water and of the Spirit is “made a member of Christ, a child of God, and an inheritor (in the present, ??????????) of the kingdom of heaven.”

Fact # 12: Jesus claimed that he could do nothing of himself.

Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you,  the Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. ~ v.19 

I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. ~ v.30

Jesus sought to do the will of the Father. This truth comes through in Paul’s statement in Philippians 2 that even though Jesus was in the form of God, he made himself of no reputation and took upon himself the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of man.

This expresses that Jesus was concerned with doing the will of the Father, even when he was in the form of God before he was made in the likeness of man.

We need to be careful not to read John 5:30 with the notion that Jesus sought (in his humanity only) to do the will of the Father because as a man only, he was subordinate to God. This is not correct because Jesus is subordinate to God the Father as a man and in his divinity. The scriptures overwhelmingly point us to the truth that Jesus, though divine and equal with God, is subordinate to the Father.

For example, Paul tells us For he (God) hath put all things under his (Jesus) feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. ~ 1 Corinthians 15:27-28

That is an astounding truth! Notice that Paul makes a distinction between the Son and God. Thus God (in this text) is a reference to the Father, as is consistently the case throughout the New Testament.

Though divine, and pre-existing with the Father, the New Testament does make a distinction between God the Father as God, and Jesus his Son. Furthermore, even Jesus makes the distinction when he makes such statements as, Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. ~ John 14:1

Fact #13: Jesus is the Man who is the Lord from Heaven.

And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven. 1 Corinthians 15:45-47

Jesus is the Lord from Heaven.

Fact # 14: Jesus came in the Fathers name to reveal the Father to us.

I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.~ John 5:43.

I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. ~ John 17:6

Fact # 15: Jesus glorified God

I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. ~ John 17:4

Fact #16: The glory which Jesus had before his incarnation, was that being clothed in the Father’s own being. 

And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. ~ John 17:5

Before his incarnation, the Son was clothed in the Father’s own glory (his own self). In his incarnation Jesus was clothed with humanity, and anointed with the Holy Spirit without measure. Now in his glorification, he has both. He is still clothed in humanity, but is now glorified again with the Father (in the Father’s own person), He is also anointed as the King and rightful heir to all that the Father has.

That my friend is shouting ground, and if I can be honest, that is what we are missing out on if we are focused solely only on the doctrine of the Trinity with regards to the relationship between the Father and the Son. This is why I think so many also miss the power and the glory in the resurrection of Jesus. It’s all interconnected, for when God raised Jesus from the dead, he declared that Jesus is his Son.

This brings me to my next point.

Fact #17, The honor and glory of Jesus is that he is God’s Son.

For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. ~ 2 Peter 1:16-18

Notice that Peter tells us that he and his fellow apostles were eyewitnesses of Jesus’s majesty. Majesty refers to magnificence and glory. In his first epistle, Peter tells us that by Jesus we believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that our faith and hope might be in God. ~ 1 Peter 1:21

In Acts 3 Peter says, The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus… ~ v 13.

Notice the language, “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers” is the one who has glorified his Son Jesus. Thus Peter not only tells us that the Son has been glorified, but that the Father is the one who is referred to as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the God of our fathers.

This kind of language is all over the New Testament and we miss it all the time because we are reading the Bible regarding the deity of Christ through “Trinity doctrine” lenses. It’s time to take the lenses off and ask the Father of glory, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ to show us the relationship that exists between him and the Son. It will change everything and your faith in God will multiply!

There have been times over the years when certain truths have illuminated me as I sought God, and it opened the Bible to me in a whole new way. This is now one of those truths, and I see how it has been a missing link to other truths that God’s Spirit has so graciously taught me.

That Jesus is the Son of God in no way diminishes his glory. Instead, it is the honor and majesty that has been conferred on him by the One true God. Jesus is the beloved Son in whom the One true God is pleased, and because he is God’s own authentic Son, he is God as well for he is part of God himself coming out from God and being begotten of God.

God has a Son! And Paul tells us that we are to give thanks to the Father who has delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. Jesus is the Son in whom the Father is well pleased and Paul tells us that it pleased the Father than in him (in the Son) all fulness should dwell. The fullness mentioned there is the fullness of God, or the Godhead.

It pleases the Father that in Jesus dwells all the fullness of God’s glory, and honor, for he has enthroned Jesus at his own right hand and as  Pharaoh said to Joseph, only in the throne will I be greater than thee.

God’s Son is the express image of his own glory and Person, thus if we have seen the Son, we have seen the Father, for the Son is the image of the invisible God as Paul tells us in Colossians 1:15. 

Now, again, I am not opposed to the concept of the Trinity if we will leave it there (as a concept to help us in our understanding), but the problem is that too many have crafted entire theologies about God based on Trinity doctrines that are not in line with the messaging of the scriptures. The book, The Shack, is a perfect example of this. The mischaracterization by The Shack of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit was predicated on a Trinitrian ideas, and many Christians ate it up. Some Pastors even promoted the Book, I know because I was part of a Church that embraced it and I stood against it.

Furthermore, I once came across an article in which the author claimed that all Christians believe in the doctrine of the Trinity and anyone who doesn’t isn’t a Christian, but a heretic instead.

According to this author’s statement (assuming he still believes what he said), I qualify as a borderline heretic because I am telling you what the New Testament says over and over again, that the Father is the One true God and Jesus Christ is his beloved Son. This btw, means that Jesus is also God. Yet the Father is greater because Jesus came out from the Father, proceeded from the Father, was granted to have life himself by the Father, lived by the Father,  was sent by the Father, came not to do his own will but the will of the Father and the list goes on.

I dare you to read the New Testament again and see how the writers make a clear distinction between the Father as God, and the Son. All that the Son has comes from the Father according to the New Testament.

There is so much more to say on this topic, but let’s start winding it down for this article by taking a look at John 17 again, and notice the things that Jesus says to his God, the Father.

These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee… ~ v.1 

As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. ~ v. 2

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. ~ v. 3 

I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. ~ v. 4 

And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. ~ v. 5 

I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. ~ v.6

Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. ~ v. 7 

For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. ~ v. 8 

I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.  ~ v. 9 

And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. ~ v. 10

And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. ~ v. 11

While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. ~ v.12 

And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. ~ v. 13

I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. ~ v. 14 

I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. ~ v.15 

They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. ~ v.16 

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. ~ v. 17

As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. ~ v. 18

And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. ~ v. 19

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; ~ v. 20 

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. ~ v. 21

Now let’s stop for just a moment and notice how intimate the love that Jesus has for us is. In Hebrews 2, we read the following:

For both he that sanctifieth ( that’s Jesus) and they who are sanctified (that’s us) are all of one (that’s God): for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren.

Because of Jesus, who is God’s only begotten Son (of the same divine nature as the Father), we now share in the privilege of becoming God’s children through Jesus Christ who was sanctified for us, and who sanctifies us. Whereas Christ is the only begotten we are reborn through faith in Christ and adopted as children of God. Christ is the heir and the firstborn, and we become heirs with him as children of God. Yet only Christ bears the same divine nature as the Father and perfectly mirrors the Father’s person to us.

Now, notice what Jesus prays for his brethren.

And the glory which thou gavest me (the glory of being God’s Son) I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:  I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. ~ v. 22-23

Wait! Stop! Did Jesus just say that the father loves us as he loved Jesus? It sure sounds like it. Remember John tells us in his first epistle, Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. ~ 1 John 3:1-3

These words align with Jesus’ words in John 17. Now, let’s close with verse 22;26.Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them. v. 22 -26

OUR HEAVENLY FATHER 

I am going to begin this section by sharing a portion of a comment that I recently came across.

The person fulfilling the roll as the Father could have fulfilled the roll as the Son; the person fulfilling the roll as the Son could have fulfilled the roll as the Father…..

This statement was made on a YouTube video regarding the topic of the Trinity, and it demonstrates how a person can be led into error even by a widely accepted theological view such as the doctrine of the Trinity.

Now before we move forward, I want to make myself abundantly clear. I firmly believe and affirm the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, so I appeal to you to think critically and not to miss what I am sharing in this article.

While I absolutely affirm and teach the deity of Jesus Christ, I do have some issues with what is often referred to as the doctrine of the Trinity, and the comment I shared above highlights the main problem I have with it. Understand this: a doctrine can be technically correct, but poorly communicated and understood, and when this happens error easily follows.

Notice that the commenter speaks of the person fulfilling the role as the Father and the person who fulfilled the role as the Son, and that each could have taken the role of the other.

This comment represents a massive error that falls short of the most fundamental truth given to us in the New Testament, and that is that God has a Son, a divine Son. Thus the comment is in complete opposition to the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and it is in complete opposition to everything that Jesus ever said about the Father (both his relationship to the Father, and ours).

Now, why do I say this? I say this because the Father and the Son are not role playing. The Father and the Son are not actors in some cosmic divine theater. God, whom Jesus referred to as the Only true God, really is the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, and Jesus really is his only begotten Son. The relationship between the Father and the Son is authentic. Jesus really is God’s offspring.

According to the apostle John, Jesus is the Son of the Father, in truth and love ~ 2 John 1:3. And Mark begins his gospel by saying, The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God ~ Mark 1:1.

Without the truth that Jesus is the Son of God, we have no gospel. If God the Father, and Jesus Christ are merely role playing, then Jesus would not truly be begotten of the Father. Yet the New Testament unequivocally tells us that Jesus is God’s only begotten Son.

The relationship between the Father and the Son is not that of two deities deciding between themselves who will be the Father and who will be the Son. If your understanding of the Trinity is anywhere near the comment I started with, then your trinitarian doctrine is wrong and you need to tear it down and start over. The best way to start over is to embrace the New Testament “as it is written” without men’s theological input, and thus build yourself up in the truth of the person of Jesus Christ who is God’s Son in every sense of the word. Allow the Holy Spirit to glorify Christ who will reveal the Father to you.

Is God truly the Father or is he not? I am convinced that the Father is who Jesus said he is. Even though Jesus told his disciples, if you have seen me you have seen the Father, Jesus wanted them to draw close to the Father and know the Father as their very own Father.

And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father. At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. ~ John 16:23-27

In Matthew 7 Jesus makes a contrast between earthly Fathers and God, our heavenly Father.

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? ~ Matthew 7:7-11

Imagine what it would do for you personally, if you fully accepted that God truly is the Father of your Lord Jesus Christ, and also your Father through Christ? Remember Jesus says of the Father For the Father himself loves you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. ~ John 16:27

Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. ~ Luke 12:27-32

If God were simply role playing none of us would ever truly know the love of the Father, that is, if God were only acting and not truly a Father. Thank God he is a Father, our very own Father, The Father! And he loves us because we truly are his children through Jesus Christ.

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he (Jesus) shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. ~ 1 John 3:1-3

THE SPIRIT OF GOD 

God in three persons is a topic that I have pondered for a while, and I want to be very clear that I affirm and teach the deity of Jesus Christ and the person of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is God’s Son having the same divine nature as the Father and the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God.

The question I would like for you to ponder is how does the New Testament presents to us the person of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in contrast to some of the ideas we may have based on the version of the doctrine of the Trinity we have been taught? This, in no way calls into question the deity or unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Rather, it is intended to help us better understand the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

For example, within the doctrine of the Trinity, God is referred to as One God in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Three persons who constitute One God. The New Testament mentions God the Father (quite a few times I might add,) but It never once uses the language of God the Son or God the Holy Spirit. The Son is always referred to as the Son of God and the Holy Spirit has several titles, among them are the Spirit of God, God’s Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit, and the Spirit of the Lord.

Now why does this matter? It matters because the communication of the doctrine of the Trinity with regards to the Son of God and the Holy Spirit can sometimes be in conflict with the messaging of the New Testament.

Trinitarian theology has evolved throughout church history, thus it can often be a confusing topic for people to understand, and if the truth be known, many who teach some form of trinity doctrine often have difficulty explaining it. My aim is to point us back to the scriptures, primarily the New Testament, and work through this topic so as to have a better understanding of what we actually believe.

As stated, trinitarian theology has evolved throughout church history, and when we consider the teachings of the early church Fathers, it seems to be a much purer theology than later on. The early church Fathers seemed to teach trinitarian theology within the framework that God the Father is the source because he is the one true God, with Son and Spirit proceeding from the Father and having their being because of the Father.

This aligns with what I believe the Holy Spirit has been teaching me in recent times. I hope to share more on this in a future article, but for now allow me to share a couple of excerpts from two of the early church Fathers.

Ireneaus (a.d. 120–202) writes, “Therefore neither would the Lord, nor the Holy Spirit, nor the apostles, have ever named as God, definitely and absolutely, him who was not God, unless he were truly God; nor would they have named any one in his own person Lord, except God the Father ruling over all, and His Son who has received dominion from His Father over all creation, as this passage has it: “The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit Thou at my right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool.” Here the [Scripture] represents to us the Father addressing the Son; He who gave Him the inheritance of the heathen, and subjected to Him all His enemies. Since, therefore, the Father is truly Lord, and the Son truly Lord, the Holy Spirit has fitly designated them by the title of Lord.” ~ Against Heresies Book 2, Chapter VI

Tertullian (a.d. 145–220) writes, “… the Father is not the same as the Son, since they differ one from the other in the mode of their being. For the Father is the entire substance, but the Son is a derivation and portion of the whole, as He Himself acknowledges: “My Father is greater than I.” In the Psalm His inferiority is described as being “a little lower than the angels.” Thus the Father is distinct from the Son, being greater than the Son, inasmuch as He who begets is one, and He who is begotten is another; He, too, who sends is one, and He who is sent is another; and He, again, who makes is one, and He through whom the thing is made is another.” ~ Against Praxeas Chapter 2

It is exciting to me to find that some of the very things that I see from the scriptures and that I have pondered and of which I am also endeavoring to communicate, are in fact, in line with the teachings of the early church Fathers. As we move forward in this study, please understand that when I reference the doctrine of the Trinity such as I do in the next paragraph, I am mainly referring to commonly held views within Trinitarian teachings. Some are not exactly in line with New Testament language and teachings. Thus we ought to examine them in view of the teachings of the New Testament, and make corrections where needed.

For example, the doctrine of the Trinity (as it has evolved) states that the Holy Spirit is God the Holy Spirit, and is distinct and identifiable from the Father. Sometimes this can be confusing as some may think that the Holy Spirit is another Spirit outside of the person of God the Father.

That was exactly the conflict that I once had in my own understanding, so my teachings on this topic are somewhat personal because I found that seeking to know the Holy Spirit, independent of the Father, led me into fear and bondage. When I began to embrace the truth that the Holy Spirit is God’s own Spirit with me, I moved from fear and bondage, to freedom, peace, joy, and comfort.

So yeah, this topic is very personal to me.

The New Testament overwhelming teaches that the Holy Spirit is God’s own Spirit with us. Consider that on the Day of Pentecost the 120 disciples of Jesus who were gathered in one accord in the upper room, were filled with the Holy Spirit.

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. ~ Acts 2:1-4

A few verses later Peter stood up and explained exactly what had just happened.

… this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy… ~ Acts 2:16-18

Notice that God refers to the Holy Spirit who had filled the 120 disciples of Jesus as my Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God’s Spirit. He is not another Spirit distinct or separate from the Father (the Father is God in the context of Acts 2). While the (evolved) doctrine of the Trinity teaches that the Holy Spirit is distinct and identifiable from the Father, the New Testament reveals that the Holy Spirit is distinctly identified as God’s own Spirit from the Father, with us.

I will pour out of my Spirit. ~ Acts 2:17,18

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. ~ Ephesians 4:30

For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit. ~ 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. ~ 2 Timothy 1:7

And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us. ~ 1 John 3:24

Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. ~ 1 John 4:13

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man… ~ Ephesians 3:14-16

Let me say it again, the doctrine of the Trinity teaches that the Holy Spirit is distinct and identifiable from the Father, the New Testament reveals that the Holy Spirit is distinctly identified as God’s own Spirit from the Father, with us.

Overwhelmingly throughout the New Testament, God is a reference to the Father. Below are just some of the texts that support this.

Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Ephesians 1:2

To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Romans 1:7

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. ~  1 Corinthians 1:3

Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ 2 Corinthians 1:2

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ… ~ Ephesians 5:20 

Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Ephesians 6:23

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Philippians 1:2

Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. ~ Philippians 4:20 

To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Colossians 1:2 

We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you… ~ Colossians 1:3

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. ~ Colossians 3:17

Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ 1 Thessalonians 1:1 

Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father… ~ 1 Thessalonians 1:3

Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. ~ 1 Thessalonians 3:11

Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ 2 Thessalonians 1:1-2 

Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace… ~ 2 Thessalonians 2:16

Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. ~ 1 Timothy 1:2

Now, you may have noticed that God is referenced in the texts above along with the Lord Jesus Christ. We have many such texts throughout the New Testament, so we can understand based on the language that the writers of the New Testament are not referring to the trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) when they mention God in those places. Instead, they are referring to the Father. Many times throughout the New Testament when the Father and Son are mentioned in the same thought, the Father is said to be God and the Son is referred to as Lord.

Later on I may write an article on the Lordship of Jesus, and how the Lordship of Jesus speaks to Christ’s exaltation by God the Father, but that’s an article for another time. For now I want to point out to you how often we see God and Christ and the description of “God” as a reference to the Father only and not Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. For example, consider the following texts.

Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. ~ Philippians 1:11

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. ~ Philippians 2:9-11

I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. ~ 1 Timothy 5:21

To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. ~ 2 Timothy 1:2 

To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour… ~ Titus 1:4

Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Philemon 1:3

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.  ~ James 1:27

For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. ~ 2 Peter 1:17

Again, these are just some of the texts. Overwhelmingly, the title of God applies to the Father throughout the New Testament. If you don’t believe me, go look up every use of the word God in the New Testament and you will quickly find out that what I am telling you is the truth.

Now, if the New Testament writers thought they were referring to the Father in the vast majority of the texts where they mention God, then that ought to influence how we read the New Testament, and it ought to have some influence on our theology regarding the Trinity.

We are all familiar with the words, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son ~ John 3:16. In this text, God is a reference to the Father and the witness of the New Testament overwhelmingly teaches us that God has a Son!

No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. ~ John 1:18

And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. ~ John 1:34

Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. ~ John 1:49

And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. ~ Matthew 16:16

I could go on listing scripture after scripture, but these will suffice for now. The point is, the description “God,” is a reference to the Father overwhelmingly throughout the New Testament, and when the Holy Spirit is referred to as the Spirit of God, we ought to know that He is the Spirit that is given to us by the Father. Not distinct from the Father, but distinctly the Spirit from the Father!

In Matthew 10 Jesus had said the following to his disciples.

But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. ~ Matthew 10:17-20

Notice that Jesus uses the language of the Spirit of your Father, but In Luke’s gospel, Luke quotes Jesus as saying the Holy Ghost. And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say. ~ Luke 12:11-12

We see Jesus’s words fulfilled multiple times in the book of Acts. For example, after the lame man was healed in Acts 3, Peter and John were arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin. After being questioned concerning by what power, or by what name, they had done this? We read, “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said…”

This is one of several examples of the Spirit of the Father (the Holy Ghost) giving the disciples the very words they were to speak at a precise moment in time as they answered to the authorities.

When we teach that the Holy Spirit is a distinct person separate from the Father, I think we can do a great disservice to the people and without awareness bring harm onto the body of Christ. If we communicate that the Holy Spirit is another person (distinct and identifiable from the Father and the Son,) then we could be indoctrinating people to seek intimacy with a Spirit that doesn’t draw them into fellowship with the Father and the Son.

Personally, I think this a contributing factor to the abundance of error among many ho claim to be Spirit filled believers. When the Spirit is considered to be independently God, people can easily be led into error. When the Spirit is understood as God’s Spirit (God’s personal presence with us), everything changes and we are driven to follow after truth.

The apostle John tells us that our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. Notice that John does not mention the Holy Spirit when he tells us who our fellowship is with the Father and the Son. Yet he does tell us that we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us ~ 3:24. And  we know that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. ~ 1 John 4:16

The Holy Spirit draws us into fellowship with the Father and the Son. Notice how John refers to the Spirit in correlation to the Father and the Son in the follow verses.

Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing (The Spirit) which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing (Spirit) teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. ~ 1 John 2:23-27

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit given to us from the Father, he is the Spirit of God! He is the promise of the Father and proceeds from the Father. He abides with us and in us, to lead us into all truth and into continual abiding in fellowship with the Father and the Son.

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him…But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. ~ John 14:23, 26

The Comforter, who is the Holy Spirit is God’s very own Spirit through whom the Father and Son make their abode with us.

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. ~ John 16:13-15

Another clear example to understand that the Holy Spirit is indeed the Spirit of the One true God can be found in Paul’s letter to the Romans. Notice the language: But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. ~ Romans 8:11

Who is he who raised up Jesus from the dead, whose Spirit will also quicken our mortal bodies? It is God the Father. Paul says that the Spirit is the Spirit of him, and his Spirit, of the One who raised Jesus from the dead.

As stated earlier, the New Testament doesn’t employ the language God the Holy Spirit but rather, the Spirit of God.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. ~ Romans 8:14

The sons of God being led by the Spirit of God denotes a relationship with the Father. Now consider Paul’s words to the Corinthians.

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ. ~ 1 Corinthians 2: 9-16

Notice that the Spirit of God, also referred to as the Holy Ghost, is God’s own Spirit. 

But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit…

… we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God…

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. ~ Romans 8:14-17 

And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. ~ Galatians 4:6

The Holy Spirit we receive through faith is also called the Spirit of Christ, and in the text above we see that he is referred to as the Spirit of his Son.

The Spirit that was upon Jesus is the Spirit of God, and the prophets in the Old Testament prophesied that the Messiah would be anointed with God’s own Spirit.

Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. ~ Isaiah 42:1

Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. ~ Matthew 12:10

Notice that concerning Jesus God says, I will put my Spirit upon him. He does not say, “I will send another Spirit distinct from me.” No! A thousand times, no! It is God’s own Spirit that was upon Jesus.

For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. ~ John 3:34-25

God in the text above is the Father. Jesus spoke the words he heard by the Spirit from the Father. The Father gives the Spirit from himself. This is exactly what happened at Jesus’ baptism.

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. ~ Matthew 3:16-17

Notice again, the Holy Spirit is referred to as the Spirit of God, and not God the Holy Spirit, because the Spirit comes from God, and not distinct or separate from God himself. The Holy Spirit comes from God because he is God’s own Holy Spirit!

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound… ~ Isaiah 61:1

In the text above, the Holy Spirit is referred to as the Spirit of the Lord God. The description “Lord God,” refers to God the Father throughout the New Testament. For example, consider Acts 4:24-26

And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. ~ Acts 4:24-26

Though Jesus is often referred to as Lord throughout the New Testament,  this text Lord is a reference to God the Father, for they were citing from Psalm 2 in their prayer.

Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. ~ Psalm 2:1-7

It can be easily understood from this text that the Lord is a reference to God who has his anointed, who is also his Son. In Acts 10, Peter preached, How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. ~ Acts 10:38

Now, let’s consider some other texts that refer to the Holy Spirit that we are prone to miss if we are entrenched in Trinity doctrine. Consider that the New Testament teaches us that we are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in us.

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. ~ 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

Now compare this text to a similar one in Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians.

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. ~ 2 Corinthians 6:16-18 

Notice that the Living God whose temple we are, is the Father ~ And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Also notice that the one who is the Father is the God who says, I will dwell in them. How does God our Father dwell in us? By his Holy Spirit.

Now notice the language that Paul uses regarding being justified from our old sins. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. ~ 1 Corinthians 6:11

The Spirit of our God!

Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. ~ 2 Corinthians 1:21-22

God our Father, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is the one who gives us the earnest of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.You will not find a single text anywhere in the New Testament that refers to the Holy Spirit as God the Holy Spirit because that description teaches that the Holy Spirit is a distinct person (separate) from the Father, but the New Testament reveals that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit that comes from the Father, through Jesus Christ.