Dear Mr. Rushmore, Could you please help me understand this passage. I understand this scripture, that after Jesus Christ baptism, God’s spirit descended on Christ as a dove, and God’s voice was heard to say, “This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased.” I must admit I have never considered this verse to be a problem, until recently. We were visiting a congregation, while on vacation, and it was stated during the sermon that God came to earth in the form of man, Jesus Christ. I have always believed the scriptures teach that there are 3 distinct members of the Godhead. God the father, Jesus Christ the son of God, and the Holy Spirit, our mediator. All members being deity, but having a distinct order of command. I am hearing more and more from Christians that Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are just personalities of God. Does this teaching not contradict Matthew’s account. In Christian Love, Cindy Davis
How do you explain the trinity to a Jehovah Witness? ~ Kelly Asbury
… JUST ONE PERSON AND, THAT BEING, JESUS AS GOD. ~ Bonnie
Admittedly, some biblical doctrines are difficult to understand; “…Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction” (2 Peter 3:15-16). However, degree of difficulty does not discount the validity of a doctrine. There is nothing with which three persons in one Godhead (Trinity) can be adequately compared on earth to illustrate the Godhead completely accurately. Hence, the so-called doctrine of the Trinity challenges human understanding.
One illustration sometimes used to help explain the Trinity is that water, composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom (H2O) may appear in three different forms, though its atomical structure remains unchanged (liquid=water, gas=vapor, solid=ice). Likewise, each of the three persons of the Godhead possesses the essence of Deity, i.e. the nature of God.
The word “Godhead” appears three times in the New Testament (Acts 17:29; Romans 1:20; Colossians 2:9). The Greek word for “Godhead” in Acts 17:29 is theios, meaning “divinity” and derived from theos, which means “God.” The Greek word of “Godhead” in Romans 1:20 is theiotes and means “divinity.” The Greek word for “Godhead” in Colossians 2:9 is theotes and means “divinity,” which also derives from theos. The Greek word for the “Godhead” in Acts 17:29 appears twice in 2 Peter 1:3-4, where through his “divine power” God has provided mankind with everything he needs to enjoy a taste of the “divine nature” of God; through correct application of God’s Word, mankind can rise above the moral and ungodly corruption of this world, one day to soar to the very heights of heaven with the Godhead.
Acts 17:29 employs the reference to the Godhead respecting creation, “we are the offspring of God.” Plural pronouns are correctly used in the Genesis creation account to refer to the plurality of persons in the Godhead (Genesis 1:26). Accordingly, the Hebrew word ‘elohiym for God in Genesis 1:26 is the plural word for “God.” Romans 1:20 also cites the Godhead respecting creation. Colossians 2:9 equates Jesus Christ and the Godhead, i.e. Jesus is fully Divine though he appeared in a human body. Jesus Christ possessed and possesses the essence or quality of being God.
There are an abundance of passages that demand the honest observer conclude that there are three persons in this Godhead. At Jesus’ baptism, all three persons of the Godhead are represented: “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven [Father], saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:16-17). Likewise, at the Transfiguration of Christ, two of the persons of the Godhead are represented: “While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him” (Matthew 17:5). Our Lord’s Great Commission charge refers to all three persons of the Godhead in one breath and stroke of the pen: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19).
Though the word “Trinity” does not appear in our English translations, the doctrine represented by the word “Trinity” is undeniably taught in Scripture. The Bible does not make any sense unless one realizes that the Godhead is composed of three persons, though it may be difficult to appreciate lacking sufficient illustration on earth with which to compare it. If there is only one person in the Godhead, then Jesus is made to be a lunatic or a master of deception instead of the Messiah at his baptism, representing himself at the same time in the same place to be arising from the water, in the sky and speaking from heaven. That there are three persons in the Godhead is clearly the Bible truth, which is discernible to honest, thoughtful minds.
