Category Archives: Q&A – Trinity – Oneness

the Millennium

Doesn’t the word “God” refer to one singular divine being?

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Q.   Doesn’t the word “God” refer to one singular divine being? If so, why do you say the Father and Son are separate beings? According to John 1:1, the Son too is God.

A.   While many assume that the term “God” refers to a singular divine or supernatural being, this is not correct based on the Hebrew and Greek. The word god generally corresponds to the Hebrew elohim and Greek theos and both share similar definitions.

First, let’s consider the Hebrew elohim:

… plural of OT:433; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative.

– Strong’s

  1. (plural)
    1. rulers, judges
    2. divine ones
    3. angels
    4. gods
  2. (plural intensive – singular meaning)
    1. God, a god, a goddess
    2. god-like one
    3. works or special possessions of God
    4. the one true God
    5. God

–  Brown Driver & Briggs Hebrew Lexicon

Now, let’s consider theos:

…of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with NT:3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

– Strong’s

a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities

  1. the Godhead, the trinity
  2. God the Father, the first
    1. Person in the trinity
    2. Christ, the second Person of the trinity
    3. Holy Spirit, the third Person in the trinity
  3. spoken of the only and true God
    1. refers to the things of God
    2. His counsels, interests, things due to Him
  4. whatever can in any respect be likened unto God, or resemble Him in any way,
  5. God’s representative or viceregent of magistrates and judges

– Thayer’s Greek Lexicon

While these sources are not flawless and certainly add their own theological biases, as we see with Thayer’s reference to the Trinity, it’s important to note that neither elohim nor theos refers only to one singular divine being. While it can refer to Yahweh, our Heavenly Father, it also offers a multitude of other meanings, including gods or deities in general. In fact, while these terms are applied to the Father and Son, they are also used in reference to false deities (Exodus 22:20, 28; 23:13, 32-33; 34:15; Numbers 25:2; Deuteronomy 7:4, 25; 18:20; 20:18; 29:26; 30:17; 32:37; Judges 2:12; 10:6, 10, 13, 14, 16; Psalms 86:8; Acts 14:11), angels (Psalms 8:5), and even to mankind (Exodus 21:6; 22:8-9).

For this reason, when “God” appears in the Bible, it is not proper to assume that this is always in reference to Yahweh. This understanding is critically important, especially as it pertains to the doctrines of the Trinity or Oneness.

Regarding the Trinity, it’s irrational to believe that three beings can be separate, but the same singular entity. This statement is also incongruous with the Bible. Scripture confirms the following points:

  • Only the Father has immortality, i.e., has always existed, 1Timothy 6:16.
  • The Son was the first of the Father’s creation and therefore did not exist at some point in the past, Colossians 1:15 and Revelation 3:14 (see also Proverbs 8:22).
  • The Father is greater than the Son, John 10:29; 14:28; and 1Corinthians 11:3.
  • The Holy Spirit is not a person, but the power of Yahweh. This is why it’s often connected to the Father and never mentioned in Paul’s greetings (he consistently mentions both the Father and Son, but never does he include the Spirit).

As for Oneness, clearly the above points verify that the Father and Son are two distinctly separate beings, with the Father being greater. For this reason, while we honor the Son, formal worship should be directed to the Father, as Yahshua did in the New Testament.

For additional information on the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, read our online booklet:  Identifying Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Also, watch Pastor Folliard’s messages examining the Trinity doctrine:

 

the Millennium

Is the one you call Yahshua a lesser God to the Father? If so, doesn’t this mean you worship two Gods?

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Q.   Is the one you call Yahshua a lesser God to the Father? If so, doesn’t this mean you worship two Gods?

A.   To explain your question, we must first begin by explaining the Hebrew word Elohim, from where “God” is derived. Unlike the connotation that many connect with God, the term Elohim is broad and is used in several different ways, including to Yahweh (the Father), to angels, and to mankind. It’s also likely used in reference to the Son in the New Testament.

The Strong’s Concordance defines Elohim as, “…gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative.”

When we understand that Elohim refers not only to a singular deity, but to any exalted beings or positions, including human magistrates, the question of whether Yahshua is a lesser Elohim becomes easier to answer. Since Elohim refers to any position of rank, we can include Yahshua among this group. However, the Bible is quite clear that the Son is inferior to the Father, John 10:29; 14:28; and 1Corinthians 11:3.

Consequently, we make a distinction between the Father and Son in worship. While we reverence the Son, we worship Yahweh alone. For this reason, we do not worship multiple “Gods.”

While some may view this position as illogical or paradoxical, it is no more illogical than those who believe that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are the same “God,” but distinct persons. Our position gives admiration to the Son, while maintaining the scriptural relationship between the Father and Son.

As a side note, the term “god” may contain pagan etymology. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, 11th ed., “god” may derive from a root meaning, “…to pour as a molten image.” Some scholars also note that “God” was the proper name of the supreme deity of the ancient Teutons. For these reasons, we refrain from using this term.

Based on your website, you seem to state that the Son was the first created being by the Father. Considering that only God who was there from the beginning could atone man’s sins, how do you support this belief?

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Yahshua     Based on your website, you seem to state that the Son was the first created being by the Father. Considering that only God who was there from the beginning could atone man’s sins, how do you support this belief?

Yahshua     The Bible is quite clear that Yahshua (the Son) had a beginning and was the first of His Father’s creation. Consider the below passages from the Apostle Paul and Yahshua the Messiah.

“Who is the image of the invisible El, the firstborn of every creature,” Colossians 1:15. In Greek, firstborn literally means, “first begotten.”

“And unto the angel of the assembly of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of Elohim,” Revelation 3:14.

Both the Apostle Paul and Yahshua state that Yahshua was the firstborn and the beginning of the creation of Elohim. Knowing this, logic dictates that Yahshua had a beginning.

Beyond this, Paul in 1 Timothy 6:16 confirms that only the Father contains immortality, i.e., has always existed: “Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.”

The belief that the Son had to be “God” to atone for man’s sin is the same misguided rationale used by Athanasius at the Council of Nicea in 325 CE, who first proposed the Father and son were co-eternal, co-equal, and consubstantial. According to author Earl E. Cairns, Athanasius “…insisted that Christ had existed from all eternity with the Father and was of the same essence (homoousios) as the Father, although He was a distinct personality. He insisted upon these things because he believed that, if Christ were less than He had stated Him to be, He could not be the Saviour of men. The question of man’s eternal salvation was involved in the relationship of the Father and the son according to Athanasius. He held that Christ was coequal, coeternal and consubstantial with the Father…” (Christianity Through the Centuries, pp. 142-143).

The problem with this reasoning is the Bible never states that the Son had to be “God” to atone for man’s sins. The Bible confirms that the Son was given this authority: “But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins…,” Matthew 6:16. Who gave the Son this authority? John 5:26-27 is clear that He received it from the Father: “For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; and hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.”

Interestingly, the word “authority” in John 5:27 comes from the Greek exousia. Strong’s defines this word as, “…privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence.” Notice that this authority can be “delegated.” In the case of the Son, the Father delegated this authority to Him. The fact that the Father granted this authority to the Son verifies the needlessness for the Son to be “God” to atone for man’s sin. This also shows the error in this common notion.

For additional information see our booklet: Identifying Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Also, watch Pastor Randy Folliard’s message, Yahshua’s Pre-existence:

From where do you get the idea that the logos equals Yahshua the Messiah?

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Logos     From where do you get the idea that the logos equals Yahshua the Messiah? The plan of Yahweh is the concept of all eternity; do you really think you can understand Yahweh’s logos?

Logos     The first chapter of John clearly identifies Yahshua the Messiah as the Word or logos of Yahweh: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with Elohim, and the Word was Elohim. The same was in the beginning with Elohim. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.”

“Word” in this passage comes the Greek logos. Strong’s defines logos as, “…something said (including the thought); by implication a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a computation; specifically (with the article in John) the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ).”

The vast majority of lexicons provide similar definitions. We also find a connection to the Word or logos in John 1:14. It states there that the Word became flesh: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” This verse undoubtedly connects the Word with Yahshua the Messiah.

Some who reject the Messiah’s preexistence will state that the “Word” in the first verse is referring to the “plan” of Yahweh, while verse 14 refers to the actuality of that plan through the person of Yahshua. The problem is, John does not make this distinction. The context confirms no difference between the Word in verse 1 and the Word in verse 14. Therefore, they must both refer to Yahshua.

Furthermore, the Bible verifies elsewhere that through Yahshua all creation came into existence. Paul in Colossians 1:15-17 states: “Who is the image of the invisible El, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him. And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”

There are several important truths we learn from this passage. One, Yahshua was the first of Yahweh’s creation. Two, He is the invisible image or resemblance of His Father. And three, He created all things, both visible and invisible. He was responsible from the smallest atom to the vast stars in the grand universe.

We find similar evidence from the Old Testament for Yahshua’s role in creation. Proverbs 30:4 states, “Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son’s name, if thou canst tell?” This passage references creation and specifically mentions the Father and Son. If the Son did not exist in the Old Testament or had no part in creation, why does it refer here to the son?

Based on this and many other indications in the Old and New testaments, there is no denying that Yahshua is the Word or logos that brought creation into existence through the direction of His Father and the power of the Holy Spirit.

For additional information on this, read our booklet: Identifying Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Also, watch our video: Yahshua’s Preexistence.

As an ex-Muslim, are the Father and Son co-eternal and co-equal?

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co-eternal and co-equal     As an ex-Muslim, are the Father and Son co-equal and co-eternal, as we find in the Trinity?

co-eternal and co-equal     We do not believe that the Father and Son are co-eternal and co-equal as explained by the Trinity, but that the Father and Son are distinct or separate beings with only the Father having immortality or eternity,  i.e., having always existed without beginning, and the Son being the firstborn of the Father.

“Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen,” 1Timothy 6:16. This passage refers to the Father and states that He only has immortality. Here the word immortality refers to the fact that only the Father has always existed.This again is not true of the Son.

“Who is the image of the invisible El, the firstborn of every creature,” Colossians 1:15. Paul refers here to Yahshua the Messiah. The Greek literally means the first-begotten of creation.

“And unto the angel of the assembly of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of Elohim,” Revelation 3:14. While the Greek word for “beginning” can also refer to rank, the context is clearly referring to time, verifying that the Son was the first begotten of the Father. If the Son was the first begotten of creation, there was a point in time He did not exist.

Regarding the concept of coequality, the Bible is quite clear that the Father is greater than the Son. This was true during Yahshua’s earthly ministry and after His ascension to the Father.

“My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand,” John 10:29.

“Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I,” John 14:28.

“But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Messiah; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Messiah is Yahweh,” 1Corinthians 11:3.

For additional information, please read our online booklet: Identifying Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

For additional Q&A’s, please see our main Q&A page.

Please explain the phrase, “…and the Word was G-d.” Also, based on Psalm 82:6, are human beings also divine?

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     Please explain the phrase, “…and the Word was G-d.” Also, based on Psalm 82:6, are human beings also divine?

 

     The phrase “…and the Word was God,” as found in John 1:1 of the KJV is simply stating that Yahshua was divine or a Mighty One with His Father. The word “God” comes from the Greek theos. Strong’s defines this word as, “…a deity, especially (with NT:3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.”

While many believe that the word “God” applies to only the Heavenly Father or a single divine essence, the fact is, theos is very broad and can refer to any exalted position, including those belonging to mankind. Therefore, the use of theos in John 1:1 does not imply that the Father and Son are consubstational, i.e., belonging to the same divine essence. Instead, it confirms that the Son too is considered divine or a mighty one.

We note the following in the Restoration Study Bible: “The Word refers to the preexistent Messiah. John confirms, ‘In the beginning was the “Messiah,” and the “Messiah” was with “Yahweh,” and the “Messiah” was “a Mighty One.”’ The Greek Diaglott clarifies by saying a mighty one was the Word. The Complete Bible, an American Translation, reads, ‘In the beginning the Word existed. The Word was with (Elohim) and the Word was divine.’ Elohim is generic for mighty ones. In the OT this word applied to Yahweh, false deities, angels, and to man. In the context of this passage, Elohim refers to both the Father and Son. For additional evidence of Yahshua’s preexistence and role in creation, see Genesis 1:1, 26; Proverbs 8:22-30; 30:4; Matthew 22:44; John 3:13; 4:34; 6:38, 62; 8:23, 58; 17:5; Colossians 1:13-16; 1 Corinthians 10:4; Revelation 3:14.”

Psalm 82:6 is a condemnation of those who held positions of power or authority. From the context, they were abusing their authority. As a result, Yahweh testifies that even though they were in positions of power, they would die as ordinary men, v. 7.

That being said, those who are found faithful and granted eternal life at Yahshua’s Second Coming will be divine, i.e., mighty one. Yahshua in Luke 20:36 states that they will be as the angels of heaven and will be called “the children of Elohim” and “children of the resurrection.”

Also, Paul in 1Corinthians 15 confirms that those in the first resurrection will be changed from carnal to spirit beings: “As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of Yahweh; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory,” verses 48-54.

As one last note, while the saints at Yahshua’s Second Coming will receive heavenly bodies that are immortal and incorruptible and be considered sons of Elohim, they will not be equal to Yahweh or Yahshua. As Scripture confirms, the Father is superior to the Son, 1Corinthians 11:3, and the Son will rule over the saints in the coming Kingdom, Revelation 20:6.

Was Messiah worshiped as the Father in the New Testament?

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Messiah    I’ve heard your Ministry state that the Messiah should not be worshiped like the Father. There are several examples in the New Testament where the Messiah was worshiped, e.g. Matthew 2:11; 8:2; 9:19; 14:33. Doesn’t this show that He was worshiped as the Father and that He and the Father share an equality? After all, the Bible confirms that the Father and Son are “one” and that the Messiah sits on the Father’s right hand.

 

Messiah    We at YRM make a distinction between the Father and Son. While we recognize that Yahshua was “worshipped” in the New Testament, we do not believe these examples confirm that the Son was worshiped in the same manner as the Father is worshiped.

The word “worshipped” in the New Testament comes from the Greek proskuneo. Strong’s defines this word as, “…meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master’s hand); to fawn or crouch to, i.e. (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore).” Thayer’s Greek Lexicon states, “…in the New Testament by kneeling or prostration to do homage (to one) or make obeisance, whether in order to express respect or to make supplication; used of homage shown to men and beings of superior rank.” This word refers to prostration, as we most often show to Yahweh, and also to reverence or respect, as we would show to those of superior rank, including to Yahshua the Messiah. The first definition applies to Yahweh and the second to Yahshua. Formal worship was always directed to the Father. Even Yahshua directed honor first to the Father. He went so far as to say that no man was good, but only the Father, Luke 18:19. For example, in Matthew 2:2 the wise men were not there to worship a ‘deity,’ but the King of the Jews. Regarding the wise men bowing down before Yahshua in Matthew 2:11, this was a common practice for earthly kings and other positions of authority.

In reference to your statement about the Father and Son being “one,” this simply implies that they share the same core values, attributes, and characteristics. However, this does not make them one or equal in authority. As Paul confirms in 1Corinthians 11:3, even after Yahshua’s resurrection and ascension, the Father was still greater than the Son: “But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Messiah; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Messiah is Yahweh.”

In summary, while Yahshua was worshiped, i.e., reverenced, in the New Testament, it would be improper to state that He was worshiped on the same level or in the same manner as the Father.

For more Q&A’s please visit our main Q&A page.

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Based on the article, Trinity of Trouble, do you believe that the Son was created?

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    Having read your article (Trinity of Trouble) Posted on May 5, 2017 by YRM I should like to ask you whether you believe Jesus is God or created Son of God. In John 1.1, if you master the Greek Biblical language, there is no doubt that Jesus is God. It is not by coincidence that the New Testament was written in Greek because it’s so specific that it leaves no doubt about the correct meaning. If you believe that Jesus is God them my question is, are there (extra-large size gods) and (small-size gods) or one in union, Trinity. Only idolatrous gods are created like the 12 Gods of Olympus. I would really like to have your opinion on this as (Trinity of Trouble) doesn’t say much.

    We believe that Yahshua the Messiah was the firstborn of creation and that only the Father Yahweh has immortality (i.e., existed from the beginning), see 1Timothy 6:16. Clear evidence for this can be found in Colossians 1:15. Paul states there, “Who is the image of the invisible El, the firstborn of every creature.” Paul here is referring to the Messiah and confirms that He was the “firstborn of every creature.” The word “firstborn” comes from Greek prototokos. According to Strong’s, prototokos literally means, “first-born.” The Thayer’s Greek Lexicon states, “…of Christ, the first born of all creation.” The word “creature” comes from the Greek ktisis and refers to “original formation,” Strong’s. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon states, “…creation, that is, a thing created; used of individual things, beings, a creature, a creation.” Based on the Greek, Colossians 1:15 is literally stating that Messiah was the firstborn of creation. This obviously implies that He had a beginning and confirms that He and the Father are separate beings, especially since only the Father has immortality.

Another passage is Revelation 3:14, “…These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of El.” Yahshua speaking here to John confirms that He was the beginning of Yahweh’s creation. The word “beginning” comes from the Greek arche and means, “…a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank),” Strong’s. While it may be possible to define ache as referring to rank, based on the context, it’s more likely a reference to a commencement in time. This is nearly how all Greek translators have understood this passage.

We also find evidence for Yahshua’s creation in Proverbs 8:22. It states, “Yahweh possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.” Many scholars believe that this passage is referring to the Messiah, as we do. If so, we see here that Yahweh “possessed” Yahshua in the beginning. This word comes from the Hebrew qanah, a primitive root. Strong’s defines this word as, “…to erect, i.e. create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own.” Notice that the primary meaning implies creation. This corroborates Colossians 1:15 and Revelation 3:14.

There are several issues believing that the Father and Son are the same being. For one, how do we explain the many passages showing the Son praying to or calling out to the Father? Was He speaking to Himself? Below are a few examples:

Matt 11:25: At that time Yahshua answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Sovereign of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

Matt 26:42: He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

Luke 23:34: Then said Yahshua, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

Another issue is the Bible confirms that the Father is greater than the Son. If you have two beings, one greater and one lesser, how can they be the same? Consider the following:

John 10:29: My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.

John 14:29: Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.

1Cor. 11:3: But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Messiah; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Messiah is Yahweh.

In addition, according to Acts 2:24, the Father resurrected the Son. If the Father and Son are one being, how did He resurrect Himself, assuming we believe that he literally died for our sins? Also, how is it possible that Father being immortal could die?

I know many explain this by stating that the Messiah was “God” manifested in the flesh and the Father was “God” manifested in the spirit. There is nothing in Scripture that confirms such a notion. This is the same human reasoning that led to the Trinity. When it comes to the relationship of the Father and Son, the Bible is clear: only the Father has immortality, the Father is greater than the Son, the Son was created, and the Father and Son are two separate beings.

For additional information, please see our booklet: https://yrm.org/identifying-father-son-holy-spirit.

Is the Holy Spirit a Person?

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   In Acts 5:3 Peter accuses Ananias of lying to the Holy Spirit. Isn’t this proof that the Holy Spirit is a person?

 

    The Holy Spirit and Yahweh are at times used inter-changeably in the Scriptures through a literary device called personification. Such is the case here. The next verse, 4, reads, “…why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto Elohim.” Peter clarifies by saying that Ananias has lied to Yahweh. Ananias’ fleshly desire took control of his heart, which should have remained under the influence of Yahweh through His Holy Spirit. A lie to the Spirit is the same as a lie to Yahweh.

If the Holy Spirit is a person, then why do we find:

  • the Holy Spirit unnamed in Scripture
  • no one praying to the Holy Spirit
  • no word “Trinity” in Scripture
  • the Spirit permeating everything
  • the Spirit flowing like water
  • the Spirit descending like a dove
  • the Spirit being poured out
  • part of the Spirit given at baptism
  • the Spirit given in measure
  • the Spirit hovering in Genesis 1
  • the Spirit imparted by Yahshua’s breath

What is your take on Hell, Trinity and counting the Omer?

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     I would really like to hear your take on hell/lake of fire, trinity, and the counting of the omer as all I want is [Yahweh’s] truth and nothing else, and I would safely assume you are on the same page as me. Am I correct?

 

     The quick answer is that hell is sheol in the Old Testament, hades in the New, and both mean the grave. The lake of fire is what Satan and the incorrigible will be thrown into and destroyed, not live forever in torment. The divine majesty is made up of Father and Son. The Holy Spirit is ruach/pneuma, their divine power likened in Scripture to the wind. The count to the Feast of Weeks is 50 days, beginning during the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

Our Web site has online booklets explaining all of those topics and much more. https://yrm.org/booklets/