FREEDOMJOURNAL
RESPONDS TO QUESTIONS JESUS IS NOT GOD
My Beloved Sister,
FJ: We are so grateful for your comments and Spirit. Please bear
with us as we attempt to bring clarity to our statements and render to you what
the Bible states. First we note that we have made a considerable inquiry into
this subject. We will forward those statements but for now we will pay
particular attention to the concerns you have raised. We also note that we are
on one accord you only have a slight misunderstanding. We also admit that
anyone can become confused about this subject especially the unbelievers.
So if you truly embrace the Word of God and not some other notion we
will be able to see clearly what the Word is saying. We also note at the outset
that please pray and ask God to lead and guide you. We ask this because anyone
that believes that Jesus is God flirts with the ungodly notion of man in the
flesh as God.
Brother Cal,
Sister: This statement in your text I believe is very much on point
and should be heeded by anyone who attempts to dissect the Word of God.
FJ Previously: We bear witness that there are many things that we
(believers) don't understand about God. Therefore all those that come to know
God and grow in Truth realize that we will never know everything about God on
this side of the river.
Sister: And knowing that this is true, I must then disagree with
your interpretation of Jesus, the Father and Holy Ghost. I disagree because
your interpretation contradicts the Word of God. Was it not you in an earlier
post who said that we as believers should not pick and choose the parts of the
Bible that we wish to believe but to honor it in its entirety? For it is within
the first book of the Gospel of John in the first verse that it is written,
" In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word
was God" And later in verse 14, "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."
FJ: Often the verses you mentioned from the Book of John are
confused and mis-understood. However if you keep God Supreme and stop looking
for other things equal that are separate you can see this. God has no beginning
nor does time.
The writer John notes the work of the Creation of the heavens and
earth and this is the subject of Genesis the 1st Chapter. The Being
whom we call the Son of God was in existence before the Creation of the
universe. However, in the Book of John He is called the Word.
Now for the phrase "The Word was God." We are sure you
understand that there are literal and figurative phrases, words etc. noted in
the Bible. But let us note a point of information at this point. NONBELIEVERS
WILL ALWAYS HAVE DIFFICULTY UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT OF FATHER, SON AND HOLY
SPIRIT AS ONE. AS EXTENSIONS OF THE FATHER THE TRIUNE IS ALSO SEPARATE.
HOWEVER, NONE ARE DEFINED AS GOD ALL BY HIMSELF EXCEPT THE FATHER.
We will now continue: "The Word was God" is said on the
basis that God is the family name of the Deity. Therefore, any member of that
family will rightfully take that name. Members of my family all take the Patton
name as they are part of a particular family.
Furthermore this is why Jesus is called God in Isaiah 9:6, Matthew
19:17 and Acts 20:28. This also explains why Church of Christ and Church of God
all mean the same thing. Thus, you see these terms used interchangeably
throughout the New Testament.
Now we call your attention to the second verse that you did not mention. But we feel it is necessary to bring more clarity to your concerns. "The same was in the beginning with God."
Here we see a line of thought extending from the 1st
verse. But while the term "God" applies to each of the Beings
considered, yet they are to be understood as two separate personalities else
one of them could not be with the other.
For your thought and mediation. The separateness of God and Jesus
does not mean that Jesus was also God. It means that Jesus was an extension of
His Father and had many of the qualities, powers etc. of His Father. But the
Father is the Father and the Son is the Son. My sons could never be me. However
they may have many qualities that I possess.
Sister: Now, I do not dare attempt to define, interpret or translate
God's Word with a definitive answer. I believe that when reading, God reveals
through our spirits the interpretation and meaning of His Word. I also believe
that man's wisdom will never understand or fully comprehend the fullness of the
acts of God and for us to stand absolute on doctrine and interpretation is what
separates us.
FJ: True so true. However this Spirt is the Holy Spirt that is part
of Triune God-Head. You may have also implied that there is very little or no
scripture that support the Triune. However there is scripture that supports the
existence of the Holy Spirit.
Now for a look at verse 14 in the Book of John. "And the Word
was made flesh." We believe that this is what is troubling you and has
caused your statement that Jesus is God. Again we note that you have to realize
the literal and figurative meanings noted in scripture.
The Word was wholly Spiritual until the time for God's great will (see Hebrews 10: 7, 9).
The purpose of this will was to have as Son sent by God begotten by
a virgin and of Divine quality to be a sacrifice for sin. Thus, He would have
to come in the flesh.
My Beloved turn now to Luke 1: 34-35 for an additional note on this subject.
Luke 1:34. "Then said Mary unto the angel, how shall this be, seeing I know not a man?"
1:35. And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall
come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore
also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of
God."
The Holy Ghost/Spirt is invisible although it is a personal being.
Thus it can lead and guide us if we embrace God. This Spirit is what entered
Mary and created the birth of Jesus. However, this Spirit was sent directly by
God. Therefore the angel concluded that the person brought forth from this
union was the Son of God. (Also see Matthew 1:20).
Sister: Is it important to believe that God and Jesus are one, or is
the importance in showing reverence to the Almighty and praising Him for
providing the source of salvation through the Lord and Saviour? Just my
thoughts Singa ------------------------
FJ: Beloved Sister Singa. We are grateful for your comments. This
last statement is most important. We are to give reverence to God the Son and
the Holy Spirit. (For example we pray to the Father but in the name of our
Savior Jesus Christ. This sounds illogical to the unbelievers but to the
believers it makes God Sense). However we must always be mindful that the Power
of Jesus Christ comes from God and so does the power of the Holy Spirit
although sent by Jesus its origin is God.
Therefore we pray that you will continue to read and study the
Bible. Keep in mind that God is Supreme. This is what the Bible renders as it’s
most central and crucial message. This is clear in that many come to call upon
other Christ’s and Messiahs. Thus we must understand who is the Messiah and His
relationship to God to discern the many False Prophets.
Peace and Love,
Carl Patton writing for the FreedomJournal May 8, 2002 in the year of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
carl@freedomjournalpress.comcastbiz.net
