Trinity or Unity

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,465
6,722
113
#22
In the prophet, Zephaniah we are taught that on His Day, God will return a pure tongue to all so they allmay be able to call upon Him with One Name. Until this fulfillment we are content to call Him by any or all of His titles.
 
Nov 23, 2021
502
105
43
#23
This may seem a strangely basic issue to many, as they have this matter entrenched in their mind, but my background makes me unsure of things. I'll briefly elaborate, although at the moment, I'm not thinking as clearly as I otherwise would.
I was not born into a Christian (or any other religious) home and in my teens was a vehement atheist. I was later more questioning and when I was 26, I met people from a religious group called "The Way" (I don't know how many readers have heard of them). They were unitarians (with a small "u" - not the main Unitarian church). At that time, I knew almost nothing about the Bible and precious little about science.
They invited me to attend their meetings, which after a bit I did. I bought some of their literature.
After reading something of theirs, I was stricken with terror. It was about the unforgivable sin. They rendered the matter as follows - paraphrasing:- "He who is born of God has eternal life and the love of God. He who is born of the Devil has eternal death and the hate of the Devil. You cannot repent of seed - it is permanent".
I thought about what I may have done in the past and my former vehemently ungodly attitude.
During the next few months, I frantically interacted with many (nominally) Christian people and denominations, trying to glean knowledge. On the whole to a lesser extent, this attempt at learning and uncertainty has been with me ever since - I'm now 63.
I've "seen" things from both Trinitarian and Unitarian perspectives. I'd say, in the NT, there is, at least on prima facie considerstion, some material that supports either view.
I'd be interested in reading others' (preferably Bible-based) reasoning on this matter.
Well Sir, My spin on the Godhead is Jesus the Son of God is called the Everlasting Father in the Book of Isaiah, the brightness of the Fathers Glory in Hebrews 1 . The one in whom it pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell. ( Colossians) For all the fullness of the Godhead dwells in Him bodily . Jesus Christ is the Creator His name is above every name that is named. Now the Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of God the Spirit of the Father The Spirit of Christ . What I have noticed if you try to separate the Godhead into three persons you get into error. You don't get one without the other . It's a package deal . I think we limit God
. How could he be controlling the universe while walking the dusty roads as God in the flesh. Hey , "We will understand it better by and by".
 

Aussie52

Active member
Aug 31, 2022
161
150
43
#24
Well Sir, My spin on the Godhead is Jesus the Son of God is called the Everlasting Father in the Book of Isaiah, the brightness of the Fathers Glory in Hebrews 1 . The one in whom it pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell. ( Colossians) For all the fullness of the Godhead dwells in Him bodily . Jesus Christ is the Creator His name is above every name that is named. Now the Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of God the Spirit of the Father The Spirit of Christ . What I have noticed if you try to separate the Godhead into three persons you get into error. You don't get one without the other . It's a package deal . I think we limit God
. How could he be controlling the universe while walking the dusty roads as God in the flesh. Hey , "We will understand it better by and by".
That would be the Oneness doctrine of the United Pentecostal Church, also called Modalism.
 

Inquisitor

Well-known member
Mar 17, 2022
3,390
1,006
113
#25
This may seem a strangely basic issue to many, as they have this matter entrenched in their mind, but my background makes me unsure of things. I'll briefly elaborate, although at the moment, I'm not thinking as clearly as I otherwise would.
I was not born into a Christian (or any other religious) home and in my teens was a vehement atheist. I was later more questioning and when I was 26, I met people from a religious group called "The Way" (I don't know how many readers have heard of them). They were unitarians (with a small "u" - not the main Unitarian church). At that time, I knew almost nothing about the Bible and precious little about science.
They invited me to attend their meetings, which after a bit I did. I bought some of their literature.
After reading something of theirs, I was stricken with terror. It was about the unforgivable sin. They rendered the matter as follows - paraphrasing:- "He who is born of God has eternal life and the love of God. He who is born of the Devil has eternal death and the hate of the Devil. You cannot repent of seed - it is permanent".
I thought about what I may have done in the past and my former vehemently ungodly attitude.
During the next few months, I frantically interacted with many (nominally) Christian people and denominations, trying to glean knowledge. On the whole to a lesser extent, this attempt at learning and uncertainty has been with me ever since - I'm now 63.
I've "seen" things from both Trinitarian and Unitarian perspectives. I'd say, in the NT, there is, at least on prima facie considerstion, some material that supports either view.
I'd be interested in reading others' (preferably Bible-based) reasoning on this matter.
John 1:18
No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.

John 5:37
And the Father who sent Me, He has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time nor seen His form.

John 6:46
Not that anyone has seen the Father, except the One who is from God; He has seen the Father.

John 14:7
If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.
 

soberxp

Senior Member
May 3, 2018
2,511
482
83
#26
Many believers say that Jesus is God. In fact, they misunderstand it. Jesus is the human as us, but the difference is that Jesus was born from the Holy Spirit. The spirit of God really lives in him, and Jesus is united with the spirit of God. This can be seen from Peter's seeing that Jesus walked on the sea. Jesus said that Peter could do the same. Peter did take two steps on the sea, But at the end Peter fell into the sea because of his little faith. Should we also say that Peter can walk on the sea that Is Peter God?
Some people say that only God is innocent. If Jesus is not God, he can not take the place of people to commit our sins. Jesus once expressed this to Pharisee. Can't God forgive sins? So Jesus was indeed innocent, and he took our Transgressions for us.
Jesus is the image of the invisible God
When we see Jesus, we see God, But this does not mean that Jesus is the God,
But the son and the father are united as one, just as we are united as one with Jesus, but we are not Jesus.

You must say that the word was God,and the word became flesh.
God created all things through the son even the Bible. Bible is God's plan. The Bible does not say that the world was created by the son, but came from God, and the son also came from God, but before all things.

God's spirit/father lives in the son and the son lives in the father, Jesus is human,so Jesus' name is God willing to live with human,Another implication of this sentence is that we will live with God in the kingdom of heaven in the future.

What the son does is not based on the will of the son. It means that what the son does is the will of the father. Their will are one. Therefore, the Bible says Jesus is the image of the invisible God.
 

Aussie52

Active member
Aug 31, 2022
161
150
43
#27
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word WAS GOD.
 

AndrewMorgan

Active member
Jul 10, 2022
375
81
28
#28
Thanks for your (plural) input. I'd address it later.
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,265
1,110
113
#30
@JaumeJ
@persistent
@The_Watchers_2017
@Aussie52
@XavierJesusLovesIndia


Father, Son and Holy Ghost are titles, they are not names.

The apostles consistently obeyed Jesus' command recorded in Matthew 29:18 by baptizing in a name. That name is Jesus. Every detailed water baptism account, without exception, indicates the apostles used the Name of the Lord Jesus in obedience to Jesus' command.

Acts 2:38-39 (Jewish)
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Acts 8:12-17 (Samaritans)
But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

Acts 10:43-48 (Gentiles)
43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord
. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Acts 19:2-6 (Disciples who were baptized by John the Baptist did not realize they had to water baptized in Jesus name. After being told they were re-baptized in water and afterward received the Holy Ghost.

He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Acts 22:14-16 (Paul's water baptism)
And he (Ananias) said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.
For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
 

Komentaja

Active member
Jul 29, 2022
450
235
43
#31
Just a fair warning, Christian Chat holds that any doctrine other that Trinitarianism is heresy and those promoting heresy risk being removed. I will allow a little leeway for the purposes of this thread.
Glad to know im not welcome.
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,602
13,861
113
#32
Still getting adjusted to this site and to understanding the Bible and its implications. Have had many unusual occurrences in my life. Now I realize that these occurrences were supernatural and around early 2021 have accepted Jesus Christ. But, what is Trinitarianism? I'll guess it means belief in Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
And you would be correct in your guess.

To be more clear, it means that the Father is God, Jesus is God, and the Holy Spirit is God, and that there is only one God. :)
 

AndrewMorgan

Active member
Jul 10, 2022
375
81
28
#33
Going to the Bible itself is the thing. What does it say in context?

Revelation has Jesus calling Himself the alpha and omega.. which is full diety.. a term for the Father..equality with the Father. Then Jesus speaks to the churches which is also the Spirit speaking.

At the beginning of John you've got Jesus as the Word being with God and all things being made thru Him. In Genesis you've got the Spirit of God there at the same time.

I see this as one being.. God in three expressions... at the same time.. equal.. all

Thanks for responding.
One issue in this exchange is that others' may well know more on this than I do. This being the case, I may not be aware of the biblically-based reasoning used, and others may not realise why I may be slow in understanding.
The point about about Jesus and God being referred to by the same term is a good point. If this didn't indicate they were the same, why use the same word? However, I think it's potentially dangerous to rely on that one thing to reach that conclusion. I'm not saying or thinking you do, but it's a potential pitfall. There are other instances in the Bible where certain people have been referred to by the same term as "more exalted" persons.
As for the beginning of John - I find there are certain things which are not easily understandable and should be carefully considered in themselves and in the context of other Scripture.
 

AndrewMorgan

Active member
Jul 10, 2022
375
81
28
#34
If Matthew 28:19 does not suffice (the words of Christ) then nothing will.

If you're referring to the inclusion of the "Father, Son and Holy Ghost" piece rather than the command to evangelise, I see no reason to jump to the conclusion that these are the same, simply from anything in THAT verse.
 
Nov 26, 2021
1,125
545
113
India
#35
Hi Wansvic:

Father, Son and Holy Ghost are titles, they are not names.
Disagree. The Father and Son are Two Persons, and the Holy Spirit is the Third.

In Jn 8:17-18, the Lord Jesus says: 17 In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. 18 I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.”

Did you see what He just said? He said He is One Person who testifies, and the Father is another Person who confirms the testimony. They are two witnesses which means they are Two Persons who give witness/testimony to the Lord's Mission.

Also, go back to Genesis 18:1-3: "18 Then the Lord appeared to him by the terebinth trees of Mamre, as he was sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day. 2 So he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing by him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the ground, 3 and said, “My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant."

Abraham sees Three Men and he addresses Them as One Lord. Who are these Three Persons? A Theophany/Manifestation of the Triune or Tri-Personal God. Again in Genesis, in many other places, God uses the "Our" or "Us" speaking of His Son and His Spirit, i.e. the Second and Third Persons in His Holy Trinity.

One of the prayers in the Eastern Orthodox Church is based on this passage: "Of old as you appeared clearly to Abraham, triple in person and single by the nature of the Godhead, you revealed in figure the pure doctrine of the Godhead, and faithfully we sing your praise, Almighty God". God is One and Triune.

God Bless.
 

AndrewMorgan

Active member
Jul 10, 2022
375
81
28
#36
Going to the Bible itself is the thing. What does it say in context?

Revelation has Jesus calling Himself the alpha and omega.. which is full diety.. a term for the Father..equality with the Father. Then Jesus speaks to the churches which is also the Spirit speaking.

At the beginning of John you've got Jesus as the Word being with God and all things being made thru Him. In Genesis you've got the Spirit of God there at the same time.

I see this as one being.. God in three expressions... at the same time.. equal.. all fully God.

Even 'though it's mysterious (at least to me), I tend to think these kinds of texts point to the idea that Jesus is God. But I need to consider it in light of other biblical things.
 
P

persistent

Guest
#37
I have been listening to a lot of Charles H. Spurgeon and he claims a lot of people get themselves tripped up on the Trinity.
Even 'though it's mysterious (at least to me), I tend to think these kinds of texts point to the idea that Jesus is God. But I need to consider it in light of other biblical things.
 

AndrewMorgan

Active member
Jul 10, 2022
375
81
28
#38
You have said it, Bible based. Anyone needing the title of a denomination is already strying from theWord, that is the Bible and with the Hoy Spirit guiding, that is Jesus.

Pray always in Jesus ' name and believe the Bible. Anyone bringing in titles of denominations in place of the Word is deceived for now.

You have already turned from darkness to the true Light. Do not be deceved any more.. If it is not in the Word, you are free t hold it in abeyance until you are given understanding,and that could be in this age or come the Kingdom. God Is good always, never an exception. You are in my prayers. All needed blessings in Jesus Yeshua.
BTW - I've said it a few times before, but I want to make it understood that, although I try to direct things to the right place and person, things sometimes go astray. Sorry about this. It may well be as frustrating for others as it is for me.
 

AndrewMorgan

Active member
Jul 10, 2022
375
81
28
#39
You have said it, Bible based. Anyone needing the title of a denomination is already strying from theWord, that is the Bible and with the Hoy Spirit guiding, that is Jesus.

Pray always in Jesus ' name and believe the Bible. Anyone bringing in titles of denominations in place of the Word is deceived for now.

You have already turned from darkness to the true Light. Do not be deceved any more.. If it is not in the Word, you are free t hold it in abeyance until you are given understanding,and that could be in this age or come the Kingdom. God Is good always, never an exception. You are in my prayers. All needed blessings in Jesus Yeshua.
Thanks for responding.
"Anyone needing the title of a denomination...". Does that mean the Baptists, Catholics, Pentecostals, etc. are 'up the creek'?
 

AndrewMorgan

Active member
Jul 10, 2022
375
81
28
#40
Well Sir, My spin on the Godhead is Jesus the Son of God is called the Everlasting Father in the Book of Isaiah, the brightness of the Fathers Glory in Hebrews 1 . The one in whom it pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell. ( Colossians) For all the fullness of the Godhead dwells in Him bodily . Jesus Christ is the Creator His name is above every name that is named. Now the Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of God the Spirit of the Father The Spirit of Christ . What I have noticed if you try to separate the Godhead into three persons you get into error. You don't get one without the other . It's a package deal . I think we limit God
. How could he be controlling the universe while walking the dusty roads as God in the flesh. Hey , "We will understand it better by and by".
Thanks , I've come across Isaiah 9:6 before and in isolation it does seem to refer to Jesus. Again, in Colossians, depending on translation, it seems to say Jesus is part of the Godhead