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The Doctrine of the Trinity - Bible Study: Difference between revisions
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This Bible study presents a number of scriptures that prove that the doctrine of the Trinity is the only doctrine that fits best into the text of the Bible. | This Bible study presents a number of scriptures that prove that the doctrine of the Trinity is the only doctrine that fits best into the text of the Bible. The Bible requires that we affirm the following three statements: | ||
==The Old Testament== | #God is three persons. | ||
#Each person is fully God. | |||
#There is one God. | |||
==God is Three Persons== | |||
First we will examine the Old and New Testaments for references for a disctinction between the members of the Godhead. | |||
===The Old Testament=== | |||
There are a number of Old Testament passages that refer to one person as “God” or “the Lord” while this individual is distinguished from another person who is also said to be God. These are some examples. | There are a number of Old Testament passages that refer to one person as “God” or “the Lord” while this individual is distinguished from another person who is also said to be God. These are some examples. | ||
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In Psalm 45, two separate persons are called “God”. | In Psalm 45, two separate persons are called “God”. | ||
:''Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness; you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions…<ref> The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ps 45:6–7.</ref> | :'''''Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.''' The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness; you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. '''Therefore God, your God,''' has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions…<ref> The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ps 45:6–7.</ref> | ||
In the New Testament, the author of Hebrews quotes this passage and applies it to Christ: | In the New Testament, the author of Hebrews quotes this passage and applies it to Christ: | ||
:''But of the Son he says | :'''''But of the Son he says''', “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore '''God, your God''', has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” <ref> The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Heb 1:8–9.</ref> | ||
Jesus rightly understands that in Psalm 110, David is referring to two separate persons as “Lord”, but who is David’s “Lord” if not God himself? And who could be saying to God, “Sit at my right hand” except someone else who is also fully God?<ref>Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; Zondervan Pub. House, 2004), 228.</ref> | Jesus rightly understands that in Psalm 110, David is referring to two separate persons as “Lord”, but who is David’s “Lord” if not God himself? And who could be saying to God, “Sit at my right hand” except someone else who is also fully God?<ref>Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; Zondervan Pub. House, 2004), 228.</ref> | ||
:''The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ps 110:1.</ref> | :'''''The LORD says to my Lord''': “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ps 110:1.</ref> | ||
:''Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question, saying, “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?” They said to him, “The son of David.” He said to them, “How is it then that David, in the Spirit, calls him Lord, saying, “ ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet” ’? If then David calls him Lord, how is he his son?” And no one was able to answer him a word, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Mt 22:41–46.</ref> | :''Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question, saying, '''“What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?”''' They said to him, “The son of David.” He said to them, “How is it then that David, in the Spirit, calls him Lord, saying, “ ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet” ’? If then David calls him Lord, how is he his son?” And no one was able to answer him a word, nor from that day did anyone dare to ask him any more questions.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Mt 22:41–46.</ref> | ||
Isaiah 63:10 appears to suggest both that the Holy Spirit is distinct from God himself (it is “his Holy Spirit”), and that this Holy Spirit can be “grieved,” thus suggesting emotional capabilities characteristic of a distinct person.<ref>Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; Zondervan Pub. House, 2004), 228.</ref> | Isaiah 63:10 appears to suggest both that the Holy Spirit is distinct from God himself (it is “his Holy Spirit”), and that this Holy Spirit can be “grieved,” thus suggesting emotional capabilities characteristic of a distinct person.<ref>Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; Zondervan Pub. House, 2004), 228.</ref> | ||
:''But they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit; therefore he turned to be their enemy, and himself fought against them.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Is 63:10.</ref> | :''But they rebelled and grieved '''his Holy Spirit'''; therefore he turned to be their enemy, and himself fought against them.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Is 63:10.</ref> | ||
Isaiah 61:1 also distinguishes “The Spirit of the Lord GOD” from “the LORD”: | Isaiah 61:1 also distinguishes “The Spirit of the Lord GOD” from “the LORD”: | ||
:''The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor…<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Is 61:1.</ref> | :'''''The Spirit of the Lord GOD''' is upon me, because '''the LORD''' has anointed me to bring good news to the poor…<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Is 61:1.</ref> | ||
In Isaiah 48:16, the Spirit of the Lord, like the servant of the Lord, has been “sent” by the Lord GOD on a particular mission. | In Isaiah 48:16, the Spirit of the Lord, like the servant of the Lord, has been “sent” by the Lord GOD on a particular mission. | ||
:''Draw near to me, hear this: from the beginning I have not spoken in secret, from the time it came to be I have been there.” And now the Lord GOD has sent me, and his Spirit.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Is 48:16.</ref> | :''Draw near to me, hear this: from the beginning I have not spoken in secret, from the time it came to be I have been there.” And now '''the Lord GOD has sent me''', and '''his Spirit'''.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Is 48:16.</ref> | ||
==The New Testament== | ===The New Testament=== | ||
The New Testament refers clearly to God in three persons. | The New Testament refers clearly to God in three persons. | ||
===Passages that refer to all three persons=== | ====Passages that refer to all three persons==== | ||
The following passages refer explicitly to each of the three members of the Godhead: | The following passages refer explicitly to each of the three members of the Godhead: | ||
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:''There is one body and one '''Spirit'''—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call — one '''Lord''', one faith, one baptism, one '''God and Father''' of all, who is over all and through all and in all.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Eph 4:4–6.</ref> | :''There is one body and one '''Spirit'''—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call — one '''Lord''', one faith, one baptism, one '''God and Father''' of all, who is over all and through all and in all.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Eph 4:4–6.</ref> | ||
===Distinctions between the Three Persons=== | ====Distinctions between the Three Persons==== | ||
The fact that God is three persons means that the Father is not the Son; the Father is not the Holy Spirit; and the Son is not the Holy Spirit. For a discussion of what is meant by separate person, we would refer you to this article which specifically deals with this issue – [[Three Persons]] | The fact that God is three persons means that the Father is not the Son; the Father is not the Holy Spirit; and the Son is not the Holy Spirit. For a discussion of what is meant by separate person, we would refer you to this article which specifically deals with this issue – [[Three Persons]] | ||
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Jesus distinguishes the Spirit from the Father: | Jesus distinguishes the Spirit from the Father: | ||
:''But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Jn 14:26.</ref> | :''But the Helper, '''the Holy Spirit''', whom '''the Father''' will send '''in my name''', he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Jn 14:26.</ref> | ||
He also distinguishes the Holy Spirit from himself: | He also distinguishes the Holy Spirit from himself: | ||
:''Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Jn 16:7.</ref> | :''Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, '''I will send him to you.'''<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Jn 16:7.</ref> | ||
Paul says that the Holy Spirit also prays or “intercedes” for us, indicating a distinction between the Holy Spirit and God the Father to whom the intercession is made: | Paul says that the Holy Spirit also prays or “intercedes” for us, indicating a distinction between the Holy Spirit and God the Father to whom the intercession is made: | ||
:''And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ro 8:27.</ref> | :''And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because '''the Spirit intercedes''' for the saints according to the will of God.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ro 8:27.</ref> | ||
===The role of the Holy Spirit=== | ====The role of the Holy Spirit==== | ||
Some have questioned whether the Holy Spirit is indeed a distinct person, rather than just the “power” or “force” of God at work in the world. But the New Testament evidence is quite clear and strong. First are the several verses mentioned above where the Holy Spirit is put in a coordinate relationship with the Father and the Son since the Father and Son are both persons, the coordinate expression strongly intimates that the Holy Spirit is a person also. | Some have questioned whether the Holy Spirit is indeed a distinct person, rather than just the “power” or “force” of God at work in the world. But the New Testament evidence is quite clear and strong. First are the several verses mentioned above where the Holy Spirit is put in a coordinate relationship with the Father and the Son since the Father and Son are both persons, the coordinate expression strongly intimates that the Holy Spirit is a person also. | ||
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:''And Jesus returned in '''the power of the Spirit''' to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Lk 4:14.</ref> | :''And Jesus returned in '''the power of the Spirit''' to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Lk 4:14.</ref> | ||
:''...John proclaimed: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit '''and''' | :''...John proclaimed: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit '''and with power'''.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ac 10:37–38.</ref> | ||
:''May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ro 15:13.</ref> | :''May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by '''the power of the Holy Spirit''' you may abound in hope.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ro 15:13.</ref> | ||
:''...and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power...<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Co 2:4.</ref> | :''...and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration '''of the Spirit and of power'''...<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Co 2:4.</ref> | ||
The Holy Spirit is also involved in the following activities: | The Holy Spirit is also involved in the following activities: | ||
====Teaching==== | =====Teaching===== | ||
:''But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, '''he will teach you''' all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Jn 14:26.</ref> | :''But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, '''he will teach you''' all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Jn 14:26.</ref> | ||
====Bearing witness==== | =====Bearing witness===== | ||
:''But when the Helper comes, whom '''I will send''' to you '''from the Father''', the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, '''he will bear witness''' about me.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Jn 15:26.</ref> | :''But when the Helper comes, whom '''I will send''' to you '''from the Father''', the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, '''he will bear witness''' about me.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Jn 15:26.</ref> | ||
;:''The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ro 8:16.</ref> | ;:''The Spirit himself '''bears witness''' with our spirit that we are children of God.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ro 8:16.</ref> | ||
====Interceding or praying on behalf of others==== | =====Interceding or praying on behalf of others===== | ||
:''Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ro 8:26–27.</ref> | :''Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but '''the Spirit himself intercedes''' for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ro 8:26–27.</ref> | ||
====Searching the depths of God/Knowing the thoughts of God==== | =====Searching the depths of God/Knowing the thoughts of God===== | ||
:''These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. | :''These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For '''the Spirit searches everything''', even '''the depths of God'''. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also '''no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God'''.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Co 2:10–11.</ref> | ||
==== | =====Distributes gifts to some and other gifts to others===== | ||
:''All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Co 12:11.</ref> | :''All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, '''who apportions to each one individually as he wills'''.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Co 12:11.</ref> | ||
====Preventing certain activities==== | =====Preventing certain activities===== | ||
:''And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. | :''And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been '''forbidden by the Holy Spirit''' to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but '''the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them'''.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ac 16:6–7.</ref> | ||
====Speaking==== | =====Speaking===== | ||
:''And '''the Spirit said''' to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.”<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ac 8:29.</ref> | :''And '''the Spirit said''' to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.”<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ac 8:29.</ref> | ||
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:''While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, '''the Holy Spirit said''', “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ac 13:2.</ref> | :''While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, '''the Holy Spirit said''', “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ac 13:2.</ref> | ||
====Evaluating and approving==== | =====Evaluating and approving===== | ||
:''For it has '''seemed good to the Holy Spirit''' and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements...<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ac 15:28.</ref> | :''For it has '''seemed good to the Holy Spirit''' and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements...<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ac 15:28.</ref> | ||
====Being grieved by sin in the lives of Christians==== | =====Being grieved by sin in the lives of Christians===== | ||
:''And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Eph 4:30.</ref> | :''And '''do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God''', by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Eph 4:30.</ref> | ||
==Each of the person is fully God== | |||
While there should be not question that the Father is fully God, there are people in the message that do not believe that the Son is fully God (see [[Vaylism]]) | While there should be not question that the Father is fully God, there are people in the message that do not believe that the Son is fully God (see [[Vaylism]]) | ||
===The Son is fully God=== | |||
The first chapter of John clearly affirms the full deity of Christ: | The first chapter of John clearly affirms the full deity of Christ: | ||
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:''Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, '''“My Lord and my God!”''' Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Jn 20:27–29.</ref> | :''Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, '''“My Lord and my God!”''' Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Jn 20:27–29.</ref> | ||
Other passages speaking of Jesus as fully divine include Hebrews 1, where the author says that Christ is the “exact representation” (vs. 3, Gk. χαρακτήρ, G5917, “exact duplicate”) of the nature or being (Gk. ὑπόστασις, G5712) of | Other passages speaking of Jesus as fully divine include Hebrews 1, where the author says that Christ is the “exact representation” (vs. 3, Gk. χαρακτήρ, G5917, “exact duplicate”) of the nature or being (Gk. ὑπόστασις, G5712) of God, meaning that the Son exactly duplicates the being or nature of God the Father in every way: whatever attributes or power God the Father has, the Son has them as well.<ref>Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; Zondervan Pub. House, 2004), 235–236.</ref> | ||
:''He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Heb 1:3.</ref> | :''He is the radiance of the glory of God and '''the exact imprint''' of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Heb 1:3.</ref> | ||
:''But of the Son he says... You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Heb 1:10–12.</ref> | :'''''But of the Son he says'''... You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. '''But you are the same, and your years will have no end.'''<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Heb 1:10–12.</ref> | ||
:''...waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of '''our great God and Savior Jesus Christ'''...<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Tt 2:13.</ref> | :''...waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of '''our great God and Savior Jesus Christ'''...<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Tt 2:13.</ref> | ||
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:''To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the '''Christ, who is God over all''', blessed forever. Amen.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Rom 9:5.</ref> | :''To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the '''Christ, who is God over all''', blessed forever. Amen.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Rom 9:5.</ref> | ||
:''For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, | :''For in him '''the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily''', and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Col 2:9–10.</ref> | ||
===The Holy Spirit is fully God=== | |||
The Holy Spirit is classified on an equal level with the Father and the Son. According to Peter’s words, to lie to the Holy Spirit is to lie to God. | The Holy Spirit is classified on an equal level with the Father and the Son. According to Peter’s words, to lie to the Holy Spirit is to lie to God. | ||
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God’s temple is the place where God himself dwells, which Paul explains by the fact that “God’s Spirit” dwells in it, thus apparently equating God’s Spirit with God himself. | God’s temple is the place where God himself dwells, which Paul explains by the fact that “God’s Spirit” dwells in it, thus apparently equating God’s Spirit with God himself. | ||
:''Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Co 3:16.</ref> | :''Do you not know that you are '''God’s temple''' and that '''God’s Spirit dwells in you'''?<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Co 3:16.</ref> | ||
David attributes the divine characteristic of omnipresence to the Holy Spirit, something that is not true of any of God’s creatures. It seems that David is equating God’s Spirit with God’s presence. To go from God’s Spirit is to go from his presence, but if there is nowhere that David can flee from God’s Spirit, then he knows that wherever he goes he will have to say, “You are there.”<ref>Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; Zondervan Pub. House, 2004), 237.</ref> | David attributes the divine characteristic of omnipresence to the Holy Spirit, something that is not true of any of God’s creatures. It seems that David is equating God’s Spirit with God’s presence. To go from God’s Spirit is to go from his presence, but if there is nowhere that David can flee from God’s Spirit, then he knows that wherever he goes he will have to say, “You are there.”<ref>Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; Zondervan Pub. House, 2004), 237.</ref> | ||
:''Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ps 139:7–8.</ref> | :'''''Where shall I go from your Spirit?''' Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Ps 139:7–8.</ref> | ||
Paul attributes the divine characteristic of omniscience to the Holy Spirit: | Paul attributes the divine characteristic of omniscience to the Holy Spirit: | ||
:''For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. | :''For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also '''no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God'''.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Co 2:10–11.</ref> | ||
Jesus attributes the activity of giving new birth to everyone who is born again to the Holy Spirit: | Jesus attributes the activity of giving new birth to everyone who is born again to the Holy Spirit: | ||
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And John attributes it to God, meaning that the Holy Spirit is God: | And John attributes it to God, meaning that the Holy Spirit is God: | ||
:''No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been '''born of God'''.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Jn 3:9.</ref> | :''No one '''born of God''' makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been '''born of God'''.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Jn 3:9.</ref> | ||
==There is one God== | ==There is one God== | ||
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:''Declare and present your case; let them take counsel together! Who told this long ago? Who declared it of old? Was it not I, the LORD? And '''there is no other god besides me''', a righteous God and a Savior; '''there is none besides me'''.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Is 45:21.</ref> | :''Declare and present your case; let them take counsel together! Who told this long ago? Who declared it of old? Was it not I, the LORD? And '''there is no other god besides me''', a righteous God and a Savior; '''there is none besides me'''.<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Is 45:21.</ref> | ||
:''Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god. Who is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and set it before me, since I appointed an ancient people. Let them declare what is to come, and what will happen. Fear not, nor be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it? And you are my witnesses! Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not any.”<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Is 44:6–8.</ref> | :''Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god. Who is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and set it before me, since I appointed an ancient people. Let them declare what is to come, and what will happen. Fear not, nor be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it? And you are my witnesses! '''Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not any.'''”<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Is 44:6–8.</ref> | ||
===The New Testament=== | ===The New Testament=== | ||
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:''You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Jas 2:19.</ref> | :''You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!<ref>The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), Jas 2:19.</ref> | ||
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