Is/Was Jesus - - - - God?

OR the “Son” of God?

Lorraine Day, M.D.

The Trinity

In Christianity, the doctrine of the Trinity, a term not found in the Bible, states that God is one being who exists, simultaneously and eternally, as a mutual indwelling of three persons: the Father, the Son (incarnate as Jesus of Nazareth), and the Holy Spirit. Since the 4^th century, in both Eastern and Western Christianity, this doctrine has been stated as “one God in three persons,” all three of whom, as distinct and co-eternal persons, are of one indivisible Divine essence, a simple being. Supporting the doctrine of the Trinity is known as Trinitarianism. The majority of Christians are Trinitarians, and regard belief in the Trinity as a test of orthodoxy.

How Did the Trinity Doctrine Develop?

Man defines GOD!

The early church did not believe in the Doctrine of the Trinity. However, upon the death of the apostles, this doctrine gained more followers. But, as it is with all doctrinal dogma, different groups promoted varying doctrines, debating them with vigor.

By the fourth century after Christ, mounting opposition was developing to the idea that Jesus was God. To try to solve the dispute, Roman emperor Constantine summoned all bishops to Nicaea. Over 1,800 were invited, their way to be paid by Constantine, but only about 300 actually attended. It was this group, less than 1/6 of the total bishops, that voted on – and decided – doctrine for the entire Christian church!

The purpose of the council was to resolve disagreements in the Church of Alexandria over the nature of Jesus in relationship to the Father; in particular, whether Jesus was of the same substance as God, the Father or merely of similar substance. This council of Bishops’ (Synods) was called to create statements of belief and canons of doctrinal orthodoxy - - the intent being to define unity of beliefs for the whole of Christendom. With the First Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. a precedent was set. It established a nearly universal Trinitarian dogma and expressly rejected any heresies (defined as NOT believing in the Trinity).

“Resplendent in purple and gold, Constantine made a ceremonial entrance at the opening of the council and ”proceeded through the midst of the assembly, like some heavenly messenger of God, clothed in raiment which glittered as it were the rays of light, reflecting the glowing radiance of a purple robe, and adorned with the brilliant splendor of gold and precious stones.” (Eusebius, The Life of the Blessed Emperor Constantine, Book 3, Chapter 10.

Constantine was not a Christian. Supposedly, he converted later in life (the sincerity of his conversion is still hotly debated), but he was not baptized until he lay dying. Regarding him, Henry Chadwick says in The Early Church: “Constantine, like his father, worshipped the Unconquered Sun; . . . his conversion should not be interpreted as an inward experience of grace. . . It was a military matter. His comprehension of Christian doctrine was never very clear, but he was sure that victory in battle lay in the gift of the God of the Christians.”

Constantine’s role was crucial After two months of furious religious debate, this pagan politician decided in favor of the Trinity. “Constantine had basically no understanding whatsoever of the questions that were being asked in Greek theology,” says A Short History of Christian Doctrine. What he did understand was that religious division was a threat to his empire, and he wanted to solidify his domain.

The Trinity was defined more fully in the Athanasian Creed. Athanasius was a clergyman who supported Constantine in Nicaea. The creed that bears his name declares: “ We worship one God in Trinity. . . The Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Ghost is God; and yet they are not three gods, but one God.”

Well-informed scholars agree, however, that Athanasius did not compose this creed. The New Encyclopaedia Britannica comments: “ The Creed was unknown to the Eastern Church until the 12^th century. Since the 17^th century, scholars have generally agreed that the Athanasian Creed was not written by Athanasius (died 373) but was probably composed in southern France during the 5^th century.

So it took centuries from the time of Christ for the Trinity to become widely accepted in Christendom. And in all of this, what guided the decisions? Was it the Word of God, or was it clerical and political considerations? In Origin and Evolution of Religion, E. W. Hopkins answers: “The final orthodox definition of the trinity was largely a matter of church politics.”

What Influenced the Doctrine of the Trinity?

Many centuries before the time of Christ, there were triads, or trinities, of gods in ancient Babylonia and Assyria. The French “Larousse Encyclopedia of Mythology” notes one such triad in that Mesopotamian area: “The universe was divided into three regions each of which became the domain of a god. Anu’s share was the sky. The earth was given to Enlil. Ea became the ruler of the waters. Together they constituted the triad of the Great Gods.”

Throughout the ancient world, as far back as Babylonia, the worship of pagan gods grouped in threes, or triads, was common. That influence was also prevalent in Egypt, Greece, and Rome in the centuries before, during, and after Christ. And after the death of the apostles, such pagan beliefs began to invade Christianity.

Historian Will Durant observed: “Christianity did not destroy paganism; it adopted it. . . . From Egypt came the ideas of a divine trinity.” And in the book Egyptian Religion, Siegfried Morenz notes: “The trinity was a major preoccupation of Egyptian theologians. . . Three gods are combined and treated as a single being, addressed in the singular. In this way the spiritual force of Egyptian religion shows a direct link with Christian theology.”

Thus, in Alexandria, Egypt, churchmen of the late third and early fourth centuries, such as Athanasius, reflected this influence as they formulated ideas that led to the Trinity.

In the preface to Edward Gibbon’s History of Christianity, we read: “If Paganism was conquered by Christianity, it is equally true that Christianity was corrupted by Paganism. The pure Deism of the first Christians. . . was changed, by the Church of Rome, into the incomprehensible dogma of the trinity. Many of the pagan tenets, invented by the Egyptians and idealized by Plato, were retained as being worthy of belief.”

A Dictionary of Religious Knowledge notes that many say that the Trinity “is a corruption borrowed from the heathen religions, and ingrafted on the Christian faith.” And The Paganism in Our Christianity declares: “The origin of the Trinity is entirely pagan.”

That is why, in the Encyclopaedia of Religion and Ethics, James Hastings wrote: “In Indian religion, e.g., we meet with the Trinitarian group of Brahma, Siva, and Visnu; and in Egyptian religion with the Trinitarian group of Osiris, Isis, and Horus. . . Nor is it only in historical religions that we find God viewed as a Trinity. One recalls in particular the Neo-Platonic view of the Supreme or Ultimate Reality,” which is “triadically represented.”

What does the Greek philosopher Plato have to do with the Trinity?

Plato, it is thought, lived from 428 to 347 before Christ. While he did not teach the Trinity in its present form, his philosophies paved the way for it. Later, philosophical movements that included triadic beliefs sprang up, and these were influenced by Plato’s ideas of God and nature.

The French Nouveau Dictionnaire Universel (New Universal Dictionary) says of Plato’s influence: “The Platonic trinity, itself merely a rearrangement of older trinities dating back to earlier peoples, appears to be the rational philosophic trinity of attributes that gave birth to the three hypostases or divine persons taught by the Christian churches. . . . This Greek philosopher’s conception of the divine trinity. . . can be found in all the ancient pagan religions.”

Why Did God’s Prophets Not Teach the Doctrine of the Trinity?

Why, for thousands of years, did none of God’s prophets teach His people about the Trinity? At the latest, would Jesus not use His ability as the Great Teacher to make the Trinity clear to His followers? Would God inspire hundreds of pages of Scripture and yet not use any of this instruction to teach the Trinity if it were the “central doctrine” of faith?

Are Christians to believe that centuries after Christ and after having inspired the writing of the Bible, God would back the formulation of a doctrine that was unknown to His servants for thousands of years, one that is an “inscrutable mystery” “beyond the grasp of human reason,” one that admittedly had a pagan background and was “largely a matter of church politics”?

Definition of a Cult

The Doctrine of the Trinity, in spite of its patently pagan origins, has become so entrenched in Christianity that if a group of Christians does not accept that Doctrine, they are defined as a “Cult.”

Author Walter Martin, in his book The Kingdom of the Cults states, “One prominent trait of all non-Christian religions and cults is their pointed denial of the scriptural doctrine of the Trinity and the deity of Jesus Christ.”

When enough people believe a particular doctrine, even though it may be dead wrong, they become the “orthodox” view and their doctrine prevails. They then become the “Rule-makers.” This is a classic case of “If your group does not believe as WE do - - WE will declare your group a Cult! And assign you to ‘outer darkness.’ You will then never be allowed to be a part of us.”

How is the Doctrine of the Trinity Explained to Christians?

The laity of the Christian Church seems to be perpetually confused about the Trinity. On virtually every Christian website, questions regarding the Trinity appear. On one representative website (www.allaboutgod.com/trinity-doctrine.htm) the following series of questions are found:

Did Jesus call Himself the “Son” of God?

Why is Jesus called "The Son of God"? 

What does "The Son of God" mean?

(from www.biyn.org/gospel/theSonofGod.html)

Mark begins his gospel account this way:

"The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God."
Mark 1:1

Why did he say that Jesus of Nazareth was the Son of God? What does the term "Son of God" mean anyway. Also, John, at the end of his gospel account said:

"And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples,
which are not written in this book:
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ,
the Son of God;
and that believing ye might have life through his name."
John 20:30-31

Obviously, those who read and were familiar with the Old Testament scriptures were looking for one to come who would be identified as the Son of God! What were they looking at that gave them this hope? What made John and Mark declare that Jesus of Nazareth was this promised Son of God? What saith the Scripture?

"I will declare the decree:
the LORD hath said unto me,
Thou art my Son;
this day have I begotten thee."
Psalm 2:7

Here, in Psalm 2:7, we also see the same two parties as the Lord says to his anointed "Thou art my Son, this day have I begotton thee."

John the Baptist's testimony:

"And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God."
John 1:34

Nathaniel's testimony:

"Nathanael answered and saith unto him,
Rabbi, thou art the Son of God;
thou art the King of Israel."
John 1:49

After seeing Jesus walk on water, all the disciples said:

"Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God".

Matthew 14:33

The Centurion

"Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God."
Matthew 27:54

Peter said:

"And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ,
the Son of the living God."
Matthew 16:16

John wrote:

"He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life."
1 John 5:10-12

"And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;"
Revelation 2:18

See also 1 John 1:3, 3:23, 4:14-15, 5:20, and 2 John 3.

Paul proclaimed:

"And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues,
that he is the Son of God."
Acts 9:20

Paul later wrote:

Conclusion: By the resurrection of the dead, by His virgin birth, by the testimony of men, the demons, and God Himself... Jesus of Nazareth is indeed, the "Son of God" spoken of in Psalm 2.”

The Many Names of God

“Our names are precious to us. . . they reveal who we are. They are a personal connection, a unique part of us. Names in Biblical times were very important, they revealed a person’s character. As we read through Scripture we can see the importance of names, therefore, it should be a priority in our lives to learn the names of God. He has given Himself many names and each reveals Him in a different way.” smilegodlovesyou.org/names.html

God’s names represent His attributes, His nature. The following are listed on the website www.smilegodlovesyou.org/names.html

OLD TESTAMENT NAMES FOR GOD

ELOHIM......Genesis 1:1, Psalm 19:1
meaning "God", a reference to God's power and might.

ADONAI......Malachi 1:6
meaning "Lord", a reference to the Lordship of God.

JEHOVAH--YAHWEH.....Genesis 2:4
a reference to God's divine salvation.

JEHOVAH-MACCADDESHEM.......Exodus 31:13
meaning "The Lord thy sanctifier"

JEHOVAH-ROHI......Psalm 23:1
meaning "The Lord my shepherd"

JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH.......Ezekiel 48:35
meaning "The Lord who is present"

JEHOVAH-RAPHA.........Exodus 15:26
meaning "The Lord our healer"

JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU......Jeremiah 23:6
meaning "The Lord our righteousness"

JEHOVAH-JIREH.........Genesis 22:13-14
meaning "The Lord will provide"

JEHOVAH-NISSI.........Exodus 17:15
meaning "The Lord our banner"

JEHOVAH-SHALOM........Judges 6:24
meaning "The Lord is peace"

JEHOVAH-SABBAOTH......Isaiah 6:1-3
meaning "The Lord of Hosts"

EL-ELYON..............Genesis 14:17-20,Isaiah 14:13-14
meaning "The most high God"

EL-ROI................Genesis 16:13
meaning "The strong one who sees"

EL-SHADDAI............Genesis 17:1,Psalm 91:1
meaning "The God of the mountains or God Almighty"

EL-OLAM...............Isaiah 40:28-31
meaning "The everlasting God"

More Names of God

.    Abba.............................Romans 8:15
.    Advocate.........................I John 2:1 (kjv)
.    Almighty.........................Genesis 17:1
.    Alpha............................Revelation 22:13
.    Amen.............................Revelation 3:14
.    Ancient of Days..................Daniel 7:9
.    Anointed One.....................Psalm 2:2
.    Apostle..........................Hebrews 3:1
.    Arm of the Lord..................Isaiah 53:1
.    Author of Life...................Acts 3:15
.    Author of our Faith Hebrews……..Hebrews 12:2

.    Beginning.........................Revelation 21:6
.    Blessed and Holy Ruler..............1 Timothy 6:15
.    Branch............................Jeremiah 33:15
.    Bread of God......................John 6:33
.    Bread of Life.....................John 6:35
.    Bridegroom........................Isaiah 62:56
.    Bright Morning Star...............Revelation 22:16

.    Chief Shepherd.....................1 Peter 5:4
.    Chosen One.........................Isaiah 42:1
.    Christ.............................Matthew 22:42
.    Christ of God......................Luke 9:20
.    Christ the Lord....................Luke 2:11
.    Christ, Son of the Living God………Matthew 16:16
.    Comforter..........................John 14:26(kjv)
.    Commander..........................Isaiah 55:4
.    Consolation of Israel...............Luke 2:25
.    Consuming Fire......................Deut. 4:24, Heb. 12:29
.    Cornerstone.........................Isaiah 28:16
.    Counselor...........................Isaiah 9:6
.    Creator.............................1 Peter 4:19

.    Deliverer..............................Romans 11:26
.    Desired of the Nations.................Haggai 2:7
.    Door...................................John 10:7(kjv)

.    End....................................Revelation 21:6
.    Eternal God............................Deut. 33:27
.    Everlasting Father.....................Isaiah 9:6

.    Faithful & True........................Revelation 19:11
.    Faithful Witness.......................Revelation 1:5
.    Father.................................Matthew 6:9
.    Firstborn (3)........................................Rom.8:29,Rev.1:5,Col.1:15
.    Firstfruits............................1 Cor.15:20-23
.    Foundation.............................1 Cor. 3:11
.    Friend of Tax Collectors & Sinners.....Matthew 11:19

.    Gentle Whisper.........................1 Kings 19:12
.    Gift of God............................John 4:10
.    Glory of the Lord......................Isaiah 40:5
.    God....................................Genesis 1:1
.    Good Almighty...........................Genesis 17:1
.    God Over All...........................Romans 9:5
.    God Who Sees Me........................Genesis 16:13
.    Good Shepherd..........................John 10:11
.    Great High Priest......................Hebrews 4:14
.    Great Shepherd.........................Hebrews 13:20
.    Guide..................................Psalm 48:14

.    Head of the Body.......................Colossians 1:18
.    Head of the Church (ecclesia – Called Ones).....................Ephesians 5:23
.    Heir of All Things.....................Hebrews 1:2
.    High Priest............................Hebrews 3:1
.    High Priest Forever....................Hebrews 6:20
.    Holy One...............................Acts 2:27
.    Holy One of Israel.....................Isaiah 49:7
.    Holy Spirit (Breath of Holiness)............................John 16:26
.    Hope...................................Titus 2:13
.    Horn of Salvation......................Luke 1:69

.    I AM....................................Exodus 3:14, John 8:58
.    Image of God............................2 Cor. 4:4
.    Image of His Person.....................Hebrews 1:3 (kjv)
Immanuel................................Isaiah 7:14

.    Savior...................................Luke 2:11
.    Scepter Out of Israel....................Numbers 24:17
.    Seed.....................................Genesis 3:15
.    Servant..................................Isaiah 42:1
.    Shepherd of Our Souls....................1Peter 2:25
.    Shield...................................Genesis 15:1
.    Son of David.............................Matthew 1:1
.    Son of God...............................Matthew 27:54
.    Son of Man...............................Matthew 8:20
.    Son of the Most High.....................Luke 1:32
.    Source...................................Hebrews 5:9
.    Spirit of God............................Genesis 1:2
.    Star Out Of Jacob........................Numbers 24:17
.    Stone....................................1 Peter 2:8
Sun of Righteousness.....................Malachi 4:2

There are many, many other names that God has given Himself. As stated above, ALL His names describe His character and attributes. None of His names make Him anything other than God!

The Bible describes US as “Sons and Daughters (Children) of God”

Hosea 1:10             Ye are the sons of the living God
Rom 8:14                  led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God
2 Cor 6:18                 ye shall be my sons and daughters
Gal 4:5                       that we might receive the adoption of sons
Gal 4:7                       thou art no more a servant, but a son
Heb 12:7                   God dealeth with you as with sons
1 John 3:2                 now are we the sons of God
Rev 21:7                   be his God, and he shall be my son.

The name “Son” is just another name for God, a name that defines His character – His willingness to walk OUR walk - just as the name “Jesus” means Savior.

Emmanuel, meaning literally “God with us,” came to earth to show us who God is, so we could SEE Him as He lived. He was walking “our walk,” showing US how to live, showing US the kind of relationship WE must have with our Heavenly Father, showing US how to be “one with God” as He was “one with the Father.”

The next Question that is always asked is:

“How can God be both on earth and in heaven at the same time?”

Answer: The Bible tells us that God is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent. He can be EVERYWHERE at once.

The Christian Church teaches that the Holy Spirit can be EVERYWHERE at once – with all 6 billion people on earth – at one time! Christians don’t have trouble understanding that. Then why do they have trouble understanding that GOD can be in two places – in two different forms – at the SAME time? If you can wrap your mind around the “Holy Spirit” concept of being “6 billions places at once,” you can surely wrap your mind around the idea of God being “two places at once.”

Who came to earth to die on Calvary? Jesus or God?

We are taught that God “sent His Son” to die for us, and what a great sacrifice it was for God.

Hasn’t anyone ever wondered why GOD didn’t come to earth Himself? Instead He supposedly sent “His Son”?

What would you think of a firefighter father who was faced with a treacherous, life-threatening rescue attempt, and instead of facing the challenge himself, decided to send his firefighter son to risk HIS (the son’s) life instead, so the father could save his own skin and would not be at risk?

Would you think that was a heroic father - - - or a despicable, cowardly father?

You would think that was a dastardly act by a cowardly father – to put his SON’S life at risk, instead of risking his OWN life.

Yet, ministers preach sermon after sermon about how magnanimous it was of God to send “His only Son” to die on Calvary. They tell us repeatedly how it hurt God MORE to see His Son die than if He had come to earth Himself!

But NO ONE is thinking!

God would be a coward to send “His Son.”

But God is NOT a coward! He came HIMSELF, calling Himself the “Son of God” because WE are called the “sons and daughters of God” – and He (God) was walking OUR walk – in the form of Jesus Christ!

God has NO limitations!

The next question that almost always comes to a person’s mind is:

“Well, if Jesus and God are the same Being, then when Jesus was on earth, was He praying “to Himself”?

Answer: Again, you must go back to what you were taught about the “Holy Spirit” being able to be EVERYWHERE at once. Then you can begin to understand how Jesus is fully God but in human form! He left His Godly powers in heaven and came to earth to be just like us – to walk our walk – to show us how to live.

We must not forget that HE is God! He can do ANYTHING!

Again, God has NO limitations!

This study has been concerned with who Jesus is/was, the One called “the Second Person of the Godhead” by the self-proclaimed definers of Christianity. We have shown that Jesus and God are the SAME Person.

As for the supposed entity called the “Holy Spirit”, a term that is consistently MIS-translated by the Bible translators (the correct translation is God’s “Breath of Holiness”), this is addressed in another study (see “Holy Spirit” at www.goodnewsaboutgod.com) and is shown NOT to be a “separate Person” as Orthodoxy likes to teach, but is God’s disposition that He puts in us to make us like Him.

We receive God’s “breath of Holiness” to keep us alive spiritually just as God breathed the “breath of life” into Adam to make him alive physically.

God’s “Breath of Holiness” that He gives to us when we have really learned to know God personally, and NOT just “about Him.” Is what is termed in the Bible “eonian life” – consistently MIS-translated as “eternal life.” (Please see “Does ‘Forever’ Really mean Forever?” at www.goodnewsaboutgod.com.)

These studies together show clearly that the “Trinity” is a pagan doctrine. God is NOT three Gods in one - - -

Jesus said, “The Lord our God is ONE Lord.” Mark 12:29

Is/Was Jesus - - - - God?

OR the “Son” of God?

Why is Jesus called "The Son of God"?

The demons and unclean spirits testified

Jesus declared Himself to be "the Son of God"

SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF GOD