Informational Only -- The Subject of the Christadelphians came up in another thread.

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TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
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#1
Christadelphians

"2. That Jesus of Nazareth was the Son of God [not "God the Son"], begotten of the virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit, without the intervention of man, and afterwards anointed with the same Spirit, without measure, at his baptism. (Isa. 7:14; 11:2; 41:1; 21:1; Matt. 1:18-25; 3:16-17; Luke 1:26-35; John 3:34; 7:16; 8:26-28; 14:10-24; Acts 2:22-24; Gal.4:4). "
http://orlandounamendedchristadelph...mended_Christadelphian_Statement_of_Faith.pdf

"
How could this possibly be true if Jesus is co-equal with God. The doctrine of the Trinity is false; God is one, not three; and Jesus Christ is His only begotten son.

Concerning The Title: God.

But some may draw attention to the fact that the title of God is sometimes applied to Jesus Christ. For example, when Thomas saw the risen Christ, he exclaimed: "My Lord and my God!"

Does the use of such titles in relation to Jesus prove that he is the second person of a Trinity.

We answer, No
, on the grounds that if it did, it would present a contradiction to many passages which show that he is not co- equal with the Father. In addition the same titles are used for angels and men who stood in a special relationship to the Creator.

This may sound confusing at first sight, but it is not really so. Consider. An agent goes forth in the name of the one who employs him; the representative of a firm merges his individuality in the name of the company he represents. On the same basis, angels and men used God's name when they went forth as His accredited agents.

The Lord himself reminded the Jews of this when they accused him of using the name of God blasphemously. He replied:

"Is it not written in your Law, 'I said, Ye are gods?' If He (God) called them 'gods' unto whom the word of God came, and the Scripture cannot be broken (i.e. -- you cannot refute this fact), why say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified and sent into the world, 'Thou blasphemest,' because I said, I am the son of God?" (John 10:34-35).

The Lord was quoting from Psalm 82, where the divinely appointed priests and elders of Israel are given the title of "Gods" because they acted and spake in the name of God. The fact that they used the title and applied it to themselves, did not make them part of the Godhead, anymore than it did Jesus when it was applied to him. That is the point of his reasoning with the Jews. He made it perfectly clear that lie was not claiming equality with the Father.

Those "to whom the word of God came," such as the priests in Israel, derived their authority from God, judged on His behalf, and were His accredited representatives among the people. They were "Gods" by deputy (2 Chron. 19:6). To stand before the priests was to stand "before the Lord" (Deut. 19:17), so that Paul taught: "Though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, to us there is but one God, the Father . . . and one Lord, Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 8:6). The "gods" in heaven and on earth besides the Father are His angels and rulers, who, in consequence assumed the title. In Exodus 7:1; 4:16, Moses is called "God," and in Joshua 22:22, the Father is described as a "God of gods and Lord of lords."

Any humble believer can attain unto that high and lofty title in a more complete sense than did the mortal rulers of Israel in ages past who though called Gods, nevertheless "died like men" (Ps. 82:6-7). Believers are described as "heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ" (Rom. 8:17), rejoicing in hope "of the glory of God" (Rom. 5:2). Peter taught that they can become "partakers of divine nature," (2 Pet. 1:4), and Christ promised that he would "write" upon those who overcome "the name of my God" (Rev. 3:12). If mortal man can attain unto the glory, nature and name of God, surely the Lord Jesus can claim the privilege of the title "God" without teaching that he is part of the Trinity.

The angels also spake and acted in the name of God, without claiming co-equality with Him. There was one placed over the affairs of Israel, concerning whom, God told Moses:

"Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not, for he will not pardon your transgressions; for My name is in him" (Exod. 23:20-21).

That angel spake and acted as God, but it would be folly to claim that he was part of the Trinity. In the Age to come, the faithful will be "equal unto the angels" (Luke 20:36), and will go forth in the name of God.

The Holy Spirit.

This is frequently translated Holy Ghost in the Bible, but should always be rendered Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the energy or power of God by which all creation came into being and is sustained. Whilst God dwells personally and corporeally in the heavens, His spirit is diffused throughout the universe (Ps. 139:7-12), and is the substratum of all creation (Acts 17:25).


"
http://www.christadelphia.org/books/keystudy16.php

"The angel told her that God's power would cause her to conceive a son.

...

Are God and Jesus the same?

We have seen that the Bible teaches there is only one God and Jesus Christ is His son. Is it possible that Jesus and God are both made of the same substance, or are both co-equal and co-eternal?

The following tables highlight some of the differences between Jesus and God, which have been recorded for us in God's Word:

These differences demonstrate that God and Jesus are two unique, different beings.
 

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
8,221
1,584
113
68
Brighton, MI
#2
The change in belief is summarized as follows:

God cannot be tempted
"Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted by God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, nor does he tempt any man:" (James 1:13)
Jesus was tempted
"Because himself hath suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted." (Hebrews 2:18)
"For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses; but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:14-15)
God cannot be seen
"dwelling in inapproachable light; whom no man has seen, nor can see." (1Timothy 6:16)
Jesus was seen
"This is now the third time that Jesus showed himself to his disciples, after he was raised from the dead." (John 21:14)
God knows everything
"Can anyone hide himself in secret places so that I will not see him? says the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth?" (Jeremiah 23:24)
Jesus learnt
"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man." (Luke 2:52)
"Though he was a Son, yet he learned obedience by the things which he suffered;" (Hebrews 5:8)
"But of that day and that hour no one knows, neither the angels which are in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (Mark 13:32)
God cannot die
"See now that I, even I, am He, and there is no god with me... I live for ever." (Deuteronomy 32:39-40)
"Who only hath immortality" (1 Timothy 6:16)
Jesus died
"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures." (1Corinthians 15:3)
"I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen;" (Revelation 1:18)
God is subject to no one
"I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another," (Isaiah 42:8)
Jesus is subject to God
"my Father is greater than I." (John 14:28)
"But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of woman is man; and the head of Christ is God." (1 Corinthians 11:3)
"Then the son also will be subject to Him that put all things under him" (1Corinthians 15:28)
God is everlasting
"Now unto the King, eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever" (1 Timothy 1:17)
Jesus was created
"But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law." (Galatians 4:4)
"... You are my Son, today I have begotten you" (Hebrews 1:5)
God is all powerful
"Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?" (Jeremiah 32:27)
"Thus says the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker; "Ask me of things to come concerning My sons, and concerning the work of My hands, you command Me. I have made the earth, and created man on it. It was I - My hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host I have commanded." (Isaiah 45:11-12)
Jesus is not all powerful
"Then answered Jesus and said to them; Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what he sees the Father do: for whatever he does, the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son, and shows him all things that himself does" (John 5:19-20)
"Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with vehement crys and tears to Him who was able to save him from death, and was heard because of his godly fear;" (Hebrews 5:7-8)
God is Perfect
"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." (Matthew 5:48)
Jesus had to be made perfect
"And having been perfected, he became the author of eternal salvation" (Hebrews 5:9)
"Why do you call me good? No one is good but One, that is, God" (Luke 18:19)
God does not change
"For I am the LORD, I do not change not; therefore you sons of Jacob are not consumed." (Malachi 3:6)
Jesus did change
"You (God) made him a little lower than the angels, You crowned him with glory and honour, and set him over the work of Your hands" (Hebrews 2:7).
God has no god
"Thus says the LORD... I am the first, and I am the last. besides me there is no God.... Is there a God besides me? Indeed there is no other rock; I know not one." (Isaiah 44:6,8)
Jesus has a God
"Do not cling to me; for I am not yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brethren, and say to them, I am ascending to my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God." (John 20:17)
God is not a man
"God is not a man, that He should lie; nor a son of man, that he should repent: Has he said, and will not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not make it good?" (Numbers 23:19)
Jesus is a man
"Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves also know:" (Acts 2:22)
"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;" (1 Timothy 2:5).


These differences demonstrate that God and Jesus are two unique, different beings.

"http://www.christadelphia.org/pamphlet/p_onegod.php#4
 

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
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#3

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,661
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#5
Probably the best idea, it’s a touchy subject for many
 

Gideon300

Well-known member
Mar 18, 2021
5,441
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#6
Christadelphians

"2. That Jesus of Nazareth was the Son of God [not "God the Son"], begotten of the virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit, without the intervention of man, and afterwards anointed with the same Spirit, without measure, at his baptism. (Isa. 7:14; 11:2; 41:1; 21:1; Matt. 1:18-25; 3:16-17; Luke 1:26-35; John 3:34; 7:16; 8:26-28; 14:10-24; Acts 2:22-24; Gal.4:4). "
http://orlandounamendedchristadelph...mended_Christadelphian_Statement_of_Faith.pdf

"
How could this possibly be true if Jesus is co-equal with God. The doctrine of the Trinity is false; God is one, not three; and Jesus Christ is His only begotten son.

Concerning The Title: God.

But some may draw attention to the fact that the title of God is sometimes applied to Jesus Christ. For example, when Thomas saw the risen Christ, he exclaimed: "My Lord and my God!"

Does the use of such titles in relation to Jesus prove that he is the second person of a Trinity.

We answer, No, on the grounds that if it did, it would present a contradiction to many passages which show that he is not co- equal with the Father. In addition the same titles are used for angels and men who stood in a special relationship to the Creator.

This may sound confusing at first sight, but it is not really so. Consider. An agent goes forth in the name of the one who employs him; the representative of a firm merges his individuality in the name of the company he represents. On the same basis, angels and men used God's name when they went forth as His accredited agents.

The Lord himself reminded the Jews of this when they accused him of using the name of God blasphemously. He replied:

"Is it not written in your Law, 'I said, Ye are gods?' If He (God) called them 'gods' unto whom the word of God came, and the Scripture cannot be broken (i.e. -- you cannot refute this fact), why say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified and sent into the world, 'Thou blasphemest,' because I said, I am the son of God?" (John 10:34-35).

The Lord was quoting from Psalm 82, where the divinely appointed priests and elders of Israel are given the title of "Gods" because they acted and spake in the name of God. The fact that they used the title and applied it to themselves, did not make them part of the Godhead, anymore than it did Jesus when it was applied to him. That is the point of his reasoning with the Jews. He made it perfectly clear that lie was not claiming equality with the Father.

Those "to whom the word of God came," such as the priests in Israel, derived their authority from God, judged on His behalf, and were His accredited representatives among the people. They were "Gods" by deputy (2 Chron. 19:6). To stand before the priests was to stand "before the Lord" (Deut. 19:17), so that Paul taught: "Though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, to us there is but one God, the Father . . . and one Lord, Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 8:6). The "gods" in heaven and on earth besides the Father are His angels and rulers, who, in consequence assumed the title. In Exodus 7:1; 4:16, Moses is called "God," and in Joshua 22:22, the Father is described as a "God of gods and Lord of lords."

Any humble believer can attain unto that high and lofty title in a more complete sense than did the mortal rulers of Israel in ages past who though called Gods, nevertheless "died like men" (Ps. 82:6-7). Believers are described as "heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ" (Rom. 8:17), rejoicing in hope "of the glory of God" (Rom. 5:2). Peter taught that they can become "partakers of divine nature," (2 Pet. 1:4), and Christ promised that he would "write" upon those who overcome "the name of my God" (Rev. 3:12). If mortal man can attain unto the glory, nature and name of God, surely the Lord Jesus can claim the privilege of the title "God" without teaching that he is part of the Trinity.

The angels also spake and acted in the name of God, without claiming co-equality with Him. There was one placed over the affairs of Israel, concerning whom, God told Moses:

"Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not, for he will not pardon your transgressions; for My name is in him" (Exod. 23:20-21).

That angel spake and acted as God, but it would be folly to claim that he was part of the Trinity. In the Age to come, the faithful will be "equal unto the angels" (Luke 20:36), and will go forth in the name of God.

The Holy Spirit.

This is frequently translated Holy Ghost in the Bible, but should always be rendered Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the energy or power of God by which all creation came into being and is sustained. Whilst God dwells personally and corporeally in the heavens, His spirit is diffused throughout the universe (Ps. 139:7-12), and is the substratum of all creation (Acts 17:25).


"
http://www.christadelphia.org/books/keystudy16.php

"The angel told her that God's power would cause her to conceive a son.

...

Are God and Jesus the same?

We have seen that the Bible teaches there is only one God and Jesus Christ is His son. Is it possible that Jesus and God are both made of the same substance, or are both co-equal and co-eternal?

The following tables highlight some of the differences between Jesus and God, which have been recorded for us in God's Word:

These differences demonstrate that God and Jesus are two unique, different beings.
The Bible states categorically that Jesus is simultaneously God and Man. Jesus claimed to be God also. John 1:1 is as clear as day. Lord Jesus several times stated that He was God - "Before Abraham was, I Am" for example. "I am" is who spoke to Moses from the burning bush. Pharisees complained that Jesus was forgiving sin, which is God's right alone. What did Jesus say? "Watch this. I'll heal him as well". Read psalm 103 to see what that means.

I'm 70 and I've never met a Christadelphian. There are about 50,000 world wide. Not exactly a mass movement. There are mega churches nearly as big.
 

tourist

Senior Member
Mar 13, 2014
42,663
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Tennessee
#8
Administrators please approve and close this thread to avoid necessary debate.
Thread has obviously already been approved. Can't see a valid reason why a mod should delete it. Debate in the BDF is the nature of the beast.
 

tourist

Senior Member
Mar 13, 2014
42,663
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Tennessee
#9

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,188
113
#12
TMI

the christadelphians are a boring bunch. IMHO. The collect so many bibles and cross out and underline words and patch different scriptures together instead of actually reading the Bible normally.

Im sure other people do that as well not just christadelphians.
 

Subhumanoidal

Well-known member
Sep 17, 2018
4,100
3,197
113
#13
Administrators please approve and close this thread to avoid necessary debate.
It's a chat site. The entire point is to post subjects for people to discuss. Granting people the ability to make statements and not allow comments or rebuttals defeats the purpose of the site.
If this were allowed then the site would be full of locked posts, reducing participation because who wants to come here and not be able to interact?
Also I'm pretty sure the sites official position is pro-Trinity. So you're asking them to grant you special privileges to speak against their official stance and at the same time stop others from disagreeing? Wow.
Also, to me, it feels a bit arrogant to believe your post is so ultimately right that disagreements should be forbidden.
If you have such a need to be heard, and censor the voices of others that may speak against you, perhaps you'd be better off creating your own website and not allowing a comments section. That way only your voice could be heard and you could censor others.
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
13,778
113
#14
The doctrine of the Trinity is false; God is one, not three; and Jesus Christ is His only begotten son.
Are you trying to support the false teachings of the cult of Christadelphians? Be aware that what you have stated above is nonsense and heresy. Or have you simply quoted the Christadelphians, but believe what all Christians believe?
 

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
8,221
1,584
113
68
Brighton, MI
#15
The Bible states categorically that Jesus is simultaneously God and Man. Jesus claimed to be God also. John 1:1 is as clear as day. Lord Jesus several times stated that He was God - "Before Abraham was, I Am" for example. "I am" is who spoke to Moses from the burning bush. Pharisees complained that Jesus was forgiving sin, which is God's right alone. What did Jesus say? "Watch this. I'll heal him as well". Read psalm 103 to see what that means.

I'm 70 and I've never met a Christadelphian. There are about 50,000 world wide. Not exactly a mass movement. There are mega churches nearly as big.
Their USA head quarters is near where I live in Livonia Michigan. I often encounter them and witness to them about the real Jesus.
I will not allow them to side track me in minor issues like who Satan really is or end time prophecy. They deny that Satan is a fallen angel. They view him as an adversary against humans assigned by God.
 

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
8,221
1,584
113
68
Brighton, MI
#16
Are you trying to support the false teachings of the cult of Christadelphians? Be aware that what you have stated above is nonsense and heresy. Or have you simply quoted the Christadelphians, but believe what all Christians believe?
This thread is informational only. They came up in another thread. I believe in the historical definition of the Trinity like other mainline churches.
 

SteveEpperson

Junior Member
May 12, 2018
552
222
43
#17
Are you trying to support the false teachings of the cult of Christadelphians? Be aware that what you have stated above is nonsense and heresy. Or have you simply quoted the Christadelphians, but believe what all Christians believe?
Make no mistake. This thread is yet another pitch for the apostate beliefs of the JWs. And it's cleverly disguised as being "informational only."

It drives me crazy how brazen the JWs are. They go door-to-door spreading their disgusting filth.

Let's call it what it is: Satan's lies.

To blatantly re-write the Holy word of God is the worst form of blasphemy imaginable. And I don't want any part of it on this site. It makes me vomit.
 
Aug 2, 2021
7,317
2,048
113
#18
The change in belief is summarized as follows:

God cannot be tempted
"Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted by God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, nor does he tempt any man:" (James 1:13)
Jesus was tempted
"Because himself hath suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted." (Hebrews 2:18)
"For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses; but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:14-15)
God cannot be seen
"dwelling in inapproachable light; whom no man has seen, nor can see." (1Timothy 6:16)
Jesus was seen
"This is now the third time that Jesus showed himself to his disciples, after he was raised from the dead." (John 21:14)
God knows everything
"Can anyone hide himself in secret places so that I will not see him? says the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth?" (Jeremiah 23:24)
Jesus learnt
"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man." (Luke 2:52)
"Though he was a Son, yet he learned obedience by the things which he suffered;" (Hebrews 5:8)
"But of that day and that hour no one knows, neither the angels which are in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (Mark 13:32)
God cannot die
"See now that I, even I, am He, and there is no god with me... I live for ever." (Deuteronomy 32:39-40)
"Who only hath immortality" (1 Timothy 6:16)
Jesus died
"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures." (1Corinthians 15:3)
"I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen;" (Revelation 1:18)
God is subject to no one
"I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another," (Isaiah 42:8)
Jesus is subject to God
"my Father is greater than I." (John 14:28)
"But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of woman is man; and the head of Christ is God." (1 Corinthians 11:3)
"Then the son also will be subject to Him that put all things under him" (1Corinthians 15:28)
God is everlasting
"Now unto the King, eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever" (1 Timothy 1:17)
Jesus was created
"But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law." (Galatians 4:4)
"... You are my Son, today I have begotten you" (Hebrews 1:5)
God is all powerful
"Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?" (Jeremiah 32:27)
"Thus says the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker; "Ask me of things to come concerning My sons, and concerning the work of My hands, you command Me. I have made the earth, and created man on it. It was I - My hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host I have commanded." (Isaiah 45:11-12)
Jesus is not all powerful
"Then answered Jesus and said to them; Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what he sees the Father do: for whatever he does, the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son, and shows him all things that himself does" (John 5:19-20)
"Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with vehement crys and tears to Him who was able to save him from death, and was heard because of his godly fear;" (Hebrews 5:7-8)
God is Perfect
"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." (Matthew 5:48)
Jesus had to be made perfect
"And having been perfected, he became the author of eternal salvation" (Hebrews 5:9)
"Why do you call me good? No one is good but One, that is, God" (Luke 18:19)
God does not change
"For I am the LORD, I do not change not; therefore you sons of Jacob are not consumed." (Malachi 3:6)
Jesus did change
"You (God) made him a little lower than the angels, You crowned him with glory and honour, and set him over the work of Your hands" (Hebrews 2:7).
God has no god
"Thus says the LORD... I am the first, and I am the last. besides me there is no God.... Is there a God besides me? Indeed there is no other rock; I know not one." (Isaiah 44:6,8)
Jesus has a God
"Do not cling to me; for I am not yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brethren, and say to them, I am ascending to my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God." (John 20:17)
God is not a man
"God is not a man, that He should lie; nor a son of man, that he should repent: Has he said, and will not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not make it good?" (Numbers 23:19)
Jesus is a man
"Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves also know:" (Acts 2:22)
"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;" (1 Timothy 2:5).


These differences demonstrate that God and Jesus are two unique, different beings.

"http://www.christadelphia.org/pamphlet/p_onegod.php#4
THREE UNIQUE BEINGS = ONE (Echad) Eternal God = Just as the WORD declares to man.
 

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
8,221
1,584
113
68
Brighton, MI
#19
Make no mistake. This thread is yet another pitch for the apostate beliefs of the JWs. And it's cleverly disguised as being "informational only."

It drives me crazy how brazen the JWs are. They go door-to-door spreading their disgusting filth.

Let's call it what it is: Satan's lies.

To blatantly re-write the Holy word of God is the worst form of blasphemy imaginable. And I don't want any part of it on this site. It makes me vomit.
I want an apology for falsely accusing me.