What About the Terms "Godhead" And "Trinity"?
June 15, 2004
[/align]by Wayne Jackson
[/align]
What about the terms "Godhead" and "Trinity"? Is it appropriate to use these words? Do they represent biblical ideas? Study this issue with us in this week"s Q&A session.
[/align] "Often I hear about the "Godhead" or the "Trinity." My questions are: What do these terms mean? Are these purely man-made doctrines, or do they have a Scriptural basis?"
The term "Godhead" is found three times in the King James Version of the Bible (Acts 17:29; Rom. 1:20; Col. 2:9). In Acts 17:29 the Greek term is theion, signifying "divinity" or "the Deity" (with the definite article) " a perfect way to express the concept of the true God as opposed to the conflicting gods of Greek paganism. The kindred word in Romans 1:20 is theiotes, which refers to the Creator"s "Divine nature." God"s "divine essence," e.g., his limitless power and infinite wisdom, are demonstrated to perceptive humanity by means of the marvelous works of his creation " and such has been evident since the dawn of time. In Colossians 2:9 the Greek theotes carries the meaning of "Deity" or "Divinity." This text affirms that the fullness of the Divine nature is manifest in the person of Jesus Christ.
In a more popular sense, the English term "Godhead" has come to represent the idea that the "Divine" essence is shared by three distinct Personalities. These are delineated clearly in the New Testament as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (see: Mt. 28:19; cf. 1 Cor. 12:4-6; 2 Cor. 13:14; Eph. 4:4-6; 1 Pet. 1:2; Rev. 1:4-5).
The term "trinity" is not found in the Scriptures per se, but the idea certainly is there. The word derives from the Latin, trinus, which means "three-fold." In the Christian vocabulary, the idea is that of "three" divine Persons who function as an absolute unity. This is not related to polytheism (many gods), as with the divergent, antagonistic "gods" of ancient paganism. Rather the concept is that of three distinct personalities, each fully share the identical Divine nature (i.e., the sum of those distinguishing, essential, and permanent traits by which a Being may be defined as Deity).
In the Scriptures the three sacred Persons are, in a certain sense, represented as "one" (Dt. 6:4; Jn. 10:30; Gal. 3:20; Jas. 2:19). They are one in nature; each shares the essence of deity. The Father is God (Eph. 1:3); Christ, the Son, is God (Jn. 1:1,14; Heb. 1:8), and the Holy Spirit likewise is Deity (Acts 5:3-4). Any person who subscribes to the notion that neither the Son nor the Spirit is "Deity" in nature is seriously mistaken. On the other hand, there is another sense in which these entities are "three," that is, they are distinct personalities. The Father is not the Son (Mk. 13:32), the Son is not the Spirit (Jn. 14:16), and the Spirit is not the Father (Gal. 4:6). Those who allege that "Father," "Son," and "Holy Spirit" are but three "manifestations" of a solitary Divine Person, are deeply in error. The terms "Godhead" and "Trinity" are respectable words, each representing concepts that are taught in the Holy Scriptures.
If you would like to comment on this article, please
TF
I took out the line's I think you were talking about with all due respect of the Author. However, I know his interest is to teach the Truth. Did I miss anything cr422? Thanks!
What About the Terms "Godhead" And "Trinity"?
June 15, 2004
[/align]by Wayne Jackson
[/align]
What about the terms "Godhead" and "Trinity"? Is it appropriate to use these words? Do they represent biblical ideas? Study this issue with us in this week"s Q&A session.
[/align] "Often I hear about the "Godhead" or the "Trinity." My questions are: What do these terms mean? Are these purely man-made doctrines, or do they have a Scriptural basis?"
The term "Godhead" is found three times in the King James Version of the Bible (Acts 17:29; Rom. 1:20; Col. 2:9). In Acts 17:29 the Greek term is theion, signifying "divinity" or "the Deity" (with the definite article) " a perfect way to express the concept of the true God as opposed to the conflicting gods of Greek paganism. The kindred word in Romans 1:20 is theiotes, which refers to the Creator"s "Divine nature." God"s "divine essence," e.g., his limitless power and infinite wisdom, are demonstrated to perceptive humanity by means of the marvelous works of his creation " and such has been evident since the dawn of time. In Colossians 2:9 the Greek theotes carries the meaning of "Deity" or "Divinity." This text affirms that the fullness of the Divine nature is manifest in the person of Jesus Christ.
In a more popular sense, the English term "Godhead" has come to represent the idea that the "Divine" essence is shared by three distinct Personalities. These are delineated clearly in the New Testament as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (see: Mt. 28:19; cf. 1 Cor. 12:4-6; 2 Cor. 13:14; Eph. 4:4-6; 1 Pet. 1:2; Rev. 1:4-5).
The term "trinity" is not found in the Scriptures per se, but the idea certainly is there. The word derives from the Latin, trinus, which means "three-fold." In the Christian vocabulary, the idea is that of "three" divine Persons who function as an absolute unity. This is not related to polytheism (many gods), as with the divergent, antagonistic "gods" of ancient paganism. Rather the concept is that of three distinct personalities, each fully share the identical Divine nature (i.e., the sum of those distinguishing, essential, and permanent traits by which a Being may be defined as Deity).
In the Scriptures the three sacred Persons are, in a certain sense, represented as "one" (Dt. 6:4; Jn. 10:30; Gal. 3:20; Jas. 2:19). They are one in nature; each shares the essence of deity. The Father is God (Eph. 1:3); Christ, the Son, is God (Jn. 1:1,14; Heb. 1:8), and the Holy Spirit likewise is Deity (Acts 5:3-4). On the other hand, there is another sense in which these entities are "three," that is, they are distinct personalities. The Father is not the Son (Mk. 13:32), the Son is not the Spirit (Jn. 14:16), and the Spirit is not the Father (Gal. 4:6). The terms "Godhead" and "Trinity" are respectable words, each representing concepts that are taught in the Holy Scriptures.
If you would like to comment on this article, please
TF
[/align]
Interesting analysis. I took the liberty though of editing the article to remove a couple or three lines that I thought were unnecessary to the main thesis and might interfere with the ability of some to consider the analysis objectively.
Christian Courierthis is the Link where the artical was taken. You can Search "Godhead" and you can talk directly to Wayne or his Staff if you like. I hope you like it. This is a church of Christ link.
Good read TF. I will have to read it again to really digest all that was said. Hower here is one phrase that I think reveals the differences from the Oneness prospective;
In a more popular sense, the English term "Godhead" has come to represent the idea that the "Divine" essence is shared by three distinct Personalities.
As we both demand that all doctrinal issuses be built firmly upon what the scripture says, the phrease "has come to mean" throws up red flags instantly, and detracts from the truths that follow. What was set in stone in the scriptures, does not come to mean some over time. If it ever was, it yet remains. If it never was, it never will be. Gods word doesn't evolve. There is no spiritural evolution. God declared the ending from the beginning. As you know, I believe in spiritual gifts, however if one has a revelation or some sort of gift, and that revelation or gift differs in any way from the written word, it is not of God! The doctrine must be according to godliness.
Christian Courierthis is the Link where the artical was taken. You can Search "Godhead" and you can talk directly to Wayne or his Staff if you like. I hope you like it. This is a church of Christ link.
TF
So TF, why is it that we Oneness folk should subscribe to this OPINION?
Remember, for manywill be deceived..... Just because some people believe something, that does not make it correct. .... Many people worship Satan. Should I believe what they do because one man posts an article that says they are right? Should all Protistants stop, drop, and roll, and follow the Pope, because He says that Roman Catholics have the inside track? For many will be deceived.......
If I post a paragraph that explains why Oneness is correct, and right, will you leave your C. O. C. roots and admit you are wrong, and join us?
The term "trinity" is not found in the Scriptures per se, but the idea certainly is there. The word derives from the Latin, trinus, which means "three-fold." In the Christian vocabulary, the idea is that of "three" divine Persons who function as an absolute unity. This is not related to polytheism (many gods), as with the divergent, antagonistic "gods" of ancient paganism. Rather the concept is that of three distinct personalities, each fully share the identical Divine nature (i.e., the sum of those distinguishing, essential, and permanent traits by which a Being may be defined as Deity).
This is not related to polytheism (many gods), as with the divergent, antagonistic "gods" of ancient paganism. Rather the concept is that of three distinct personalities, each fully share the identical Divine nature (i.e., the sum of those distinguishing, essential, and permanent traits by which a Being may be defined as Deity).
The term "Trinity" is not found is true, but in fairness, the term "oneness" is not found either. However the phrase, "God is One" is found whereas the term "God is three" is not found.
qoute;
The term "trinity" is not found in the Scriptures per se, but the idea certainly is there. The word derives from the Latin, trinus, which means "three-fold." In the Christian vocabulary, the idea is that of "three" divine Persons who function as an absolute unity. This is not related to polytheism (many gods), as with the divergent, antagonistic "gods" of ancient paganism. Rather the concept is that of three distinct personalities, each fully share the identical Divine nature (i.e., the sum of those distinguishing, essential, and permanent traits by which a Being may be defined as Deity).
The author kills his credibility by using the term, "christian vocabulary" instead of the term, "the bible says". Isaiah 8:20 The bible says: To the Law and to the Testimony, if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. The bible doesn't need, nor does it depend upon outside help to stand true. The bible remains the only source of real truth. Why look for an outside source to build a foundation upon which our spiritual house must stand. There is only one foundation laid, that can be laid, and that foundation is Christ, Not the doctrine of a triune God.
The author admits to the fact that ancient pagan godheads contained a "trinity". Why would the only True God, pattern after a pagan godhead in any way. The only true God has set himself apart from all other imitators when he declared that there was no God with him, beside him, nor coming after him. He is God alone, not in compamy with others. The Lord thy God is One Lord.
Christian Courierthis is the Link where the artical was taken. You can Search "Godhead" and you can talk directly to Wayne or his Staff if you like. I hope you like it. This is a church of Christ link.
TF
So TF, why is it that we Oneness folk should subscribe to this OPINION?
Remember, for manywill be deceived..... Just because some people believe something, that does not make it correct. .... Many people worship Satan. Should I believe what they do because one man posts an article that says they are right? Should all Protistants stop, drop, and roll, and follow the Pope, because He says that Roman Catholics have the inside track? For many will be deceived.......
If I post a paragraph that explains why Oneness is correct, and right, will you leave your C. O. C. roots and admit you are wrong, and join us?
For MANY will be decieved....
God Bless ( and that is one God ...by the way )
MET
EXECELLENT POST Michael. I am inbetween these views even though I was initially a trinitarian. I am allowing God to show me the truth over time. However I totally agree with your point about leaving the C.O.C roots and admint wrong. This is why it bothers me that some think everything of their belief is the true gosple. I can see where both sides can be right and I figure God will show me the truth when I get there b/c it is not a salvation issue. However, thanks for the good reply.
Bottom line, The baptist, Church of Christ, Methodist, Pentacostiles, etc, etc didn't wright the bible,.........GOD WROTE IT!!!! I will go by HIS written word and not what other denominations or "called people" say since they didn't wright it.
Bottom line, The baptist, Church of Christ, Methodist, Pentacostiles, etc, etc didn't wright the bible,.........GOD WROTE IT!!!! I will go by HIS written word and not what other denominations or "called people" say since they didn't wright it.
I'm Pentebaptistofchrist!..........All you brothers are rubbing off on me!...........Christ my Savior!!!
__________________
Jesus said, "he who stands firm to the end will be saved" Mark 13:13.
Live Life in such a way that those who do not know Christ will come to know Him because they know you
Bottom line, The baptist, Church of Christ, Methodist, Pentacostiles, etc, etc didn't wright the bible,.........GOD WROTE IT!!!! I will go by HIS written word and not what other denominations or "called people" say since they didn't wright it.
I'm Pentebaptistofchrist!..........All you brothers are rubbing off on me!...........Christ my Savior!!!
All I can say is brother Reb, you have spoken truth in that post..... Good words.
For our FINE Oneness Hunters with Love!
..........All you brothers are rubbing off on me!...........Christ my Savior!!!
