Is the Godhead a Trinity?

The central doctrine of most Protestant and Catholic churches for many centuries has been that of the Trinity. This doctrine is so important that the Catholic Encyclopedia states:

Both Catholic and Protestant theologians quote Theophilus of Antioch (circa 180 A.D.) as the first person to write about this most important doctrine. But isn't it strange that such a major doctrine was avoided in religious writings for nearly two centuries? That is almost as long as the United States has been a nation!

Furthermore, Theophilus' allusion to the traditional Trinity -- "the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost" -- is quite nebulous at best. Notice what Theophilus wrote in commenting about the fourth day of creation in the first chapter of Genesis --

Here is the first statement by a theologian that is supposed to teach the doctrine of the Trinity. But does his statement really teach this? Read it -- simply. He does NOT say that YEHOVAH God is a Trinity of persons, or that the holy spirit is a part of that Trinity. He just refers to YEHOVAH God, His Word and His wisdom.

Theologians have tried to imagine into this unusual statement "their Trinity" -- and yet even the editors of the Ante-Nicene Fathers state in a footnote that the word translated "wisdom" in English is the Greek word sophia which Theophilus elsewhere used in reference to the Son, not the holy spirit.

Theophilus could not possibly have gotten the idea of a Trinity from the Bible -- if he really did have a Trinity of persons in mind, which appears unlikely from the preceding statement -- as the Bible NOWHERE even alludes to YEHOVAH God being a Trinity.

From the time of Theophilus, it was several hundred years before this doctrine became a part of the Catholic dogma. It was in the last twenty-five years of the FOURTH century that "what might be called the definitive trinitarian dogma 'one God in three persons' became thoroughly assimilated into Christian life and thought" (New Catholic Encyclopedia, "Holy Trinity").

From this it is evident that the "central doctrine" of Catholicism and Protestantism was not a part of the "faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3) during or prior to the time of Jude, but was ADDED by later theologians.

The doctrine of the Trinity was NOT what Yeshua the Messiah was charged with "to deliver to the world." He preached the GOOD NEWS of the soon-coming KINGDOM OF YEHOVAH GOD -- he established his true ecclesia -- he gave his life as a sacrifice for all who repent -- he became a conduit for YEHOVAH's holy spirit to those who are baptized, the spirit that empowers believers to be ONE with the ONLY true God and His adopted Son Yeshua the Messiah.

However, the belief that YEHOVAH God is one substance, yet three persons, is one of the CENTRAL doctrines of the so-called Christian religion. The concept of the Trinity is believed by most professing "Christians" today -- whether Catholic or Protestant.

A Gallup Poll taken in 1966 found that 97% of the American public believed in God. Of that number, 83% believed that God is a Trinity. A recent Internet poll entitled "Who is Jesus" returned the following statistics --

God --                                         27.27%
The son of the living YHVH --    16.78%
One third of a Triune God --       4.9%
ALL of the above --                     74.13%

Yet for all this belief in the Trinity, it is a doctrine that is not clearly understood by most Christian laymen. In fact, most have neither the desire nor the incentive to understand what their church teaches. Few laymen are aware of any problems with the doctrine of the Trinity. They simply take it for granted -- leaving the mysterious doctrinal aspects to theologians.

And if the layman was to investigate further, he would be confronted with discouraging statements similar to the following:

Such a statement means that the concept of the Trinity should be accepted or else. But, merely to accept it as doctrine without proving it would be totally contrary to Scripture. YEHOVAH God inspired Paul to write:

Therefore the Christian is duty bound to prove whether or not YEHOVAH God is a Trinity.

If you were to confine yourself to reading the articles on the Trinity in popular religious literature for laymen, you would conclude that the Trinity is everywhere and clearly taught in the Bible. However, if you were to begin to read what the more technical Bible encyclopedias, dictionaries and books say on the subject, you would come to an entirely different conclusion. And the more you studied, the more you would find that the Trinity is built on a very shaky foundation indeed.

The problems inherent in clearly explaining the Trinity are expressed in nearly every technical article or book on the subject.

But why should the central doctrine of the Christian faith be so difficult to understand? Why should such an important doctrine present an unsteady silhouette? Isn't there a clear biblical revelation of the doctrine of the Trinity? Didn't the Messiah and the apostles plainly teach it?

Surely the Bible would be filled with teachings about such an important subject as the Trinity. But, unfortunately, the word "Trinity" never appears in the Bible.

Not only is the word "Trinity" never found in the Bible, there is no substantive proof such a doctrine is even indicated.

In a recent book on the Trinity, Catholic theologian Karl Rahner recognizes that theologians in the past have been:

Other theologians also recognize the fact that the first chapter of John's Gospel -- the prologue -- does not teach the doctrine of the Trinity. After discussing John's prologue, Dr. William Newton Clarke writes:

The Apostle John makes plain the fact that we find no Trinity discussed in this chapter.

Probably the most notorious scripture used in times past as "proof" of a Trinity is 1 John 5:7. However, many theologians recognize that this scripture was added to the New Testament manuscripts probably as late as the eighth century A.D.

The conclusions arrived at in their commentary, written over 100 years ago, are still valid today. The more conservatively oriented The New Bible Commentary (Revised) agrees, though "quietly" with Jamieson, Fausset and Brown.

The editors of Peake's Commentary on the Bible wax more eloquent in their belief that the words are not part of the original text.

Scholars clearly recognize that 1 John 5:7 is not part of the New Testament text. Yet it is still included by some fundamentalists as biblical proof for the Trinity doctrine.

Even the majority of the more recent New Testament translations do not contain the above words. They are not found in Moffatt, Phillips, the Revised Standard Version, Williams, or The Living Bible (a paraphrase).

It is clear, then, that these words are not part of the inspired canon, but rather were added by a "recent hand." The two verses in 1 John should read:

Three things bear record. But what do they bear record to? A Trinity? We shall see.

The spirit, the water and the blood bear record of the fact that Yeshua the Messiah, the adopted Son of YEHOVAH God, is living his life over again in us. John clarifies it in verses 11-12:

But how do these three elements -- the spirit, the water, and the blood -- specifically bear witness to this basic biblical truth?

Water is representative of baptism, which bears witness of the burial of the old self and the beginning of a new life (Romans 6:1-6).

The blood represents the Messiah's death by crucifixion, which pays the penalty for our sins, reconciling us to YEHOVAH God (Romans 5:9, 10).

Now understand why the Messiah commanded the apostles to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son and the holy spirit (Matthew 28:19). First of all, Yeshua did not command the apostles to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son and the spirit as an indication that YEHOVAH God is a Trinity. No such relationship is indicated in the Bible.

They were to baptize in the name of the Father because it is the goodness of YEHOVAH God that brings us to repentance (Romans 2:4), and because the Father is the One "of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named" (Ephesians 3:15). In the name of the Son because he is the one who died for our sins, and in the name of the spirit because YEHOVAH God sends His spirit, making us His begotten Sons (Romans 8:16).

Many theologians have misunderstood the part that the Father, the Son and the holy spirit play in each person's salvation. The doctrine of the Trinity is the result of that misunderstanding.

The Trinity is not a biblical doctrine. It has no basis in biblical fact. Then how did this doctrine come to be believed by the Church?

In the minds of the religious authorities the ancient idea of monotheism was shattered by their misunderstanding of the claims of the Messiah in the first century A.D. Here was someone who claimed he was the Son of God. But how could he be they reasoned? The Jewish people believed for centuries that there was only one God. If the claims of "this Yeshua" were accepted, then in their minds their belief would be no different from that of the polytheistic pagans around them. If he were the pre-existent Son of YEHOVAH God, their whole system of monotheism would disintegrate.

When the Messiah plainly told certain Judahites of his day that he was the Son of YEHOVAH God, some, in their ignorance, were ready to stone him for blasphemy (John 10:33).

To get around this assumed problem of a plurality in the God-head, the Jewish community simply rejected the Messiah. And to this day, Orthodox Jews will not accept Yeshua's Messiahship. However, the more liberal Jews will at least admit that he was indeed a great man -- maybe even a prophet!

But the "new" Christian religion was still faced with the problem. How would proponents explain that there was only one God, not two?

It all started with the FALSE doctrine of the Deity of the Messiah -- but even this ERROR does not mean that a doctrine of the Trinity is necessary, as we shall soon see.

Many of the early church fathers were thoroughly educated in Greek philosophy, from which they borrowed such non-biblical concepts as dualism and the immortality of the soul. However, most theologians, for obvious reasons, are generally careful to point out that they did not borrow the idea of the Trinity from the Triads of Greek philosophy or those of the ancient Egyptians and Babylonians.

Of course, the fact that someone else had a Trinity does not in itself mean that the Christians borrowed it. McClintock and Strong make the connection a little clearer.

One such man was Justin Martyr. Born around the beginning of the 2nd century A.D. in what is now known as the city of Nablus in the West Bank, Justin Martyr was a adult convert to Christianity. He was a student of Greek philosophy, but found little intellectual satisfaction in his studies. After "conversion" he wrote extensively in defense of the current form of Christianity, trying to convince emperors that they should stop the persecution of Christians and, instead, embrace the new religion. This, he maintained, was the TRUE philosophy!

A part of Justin Martyr's methodology was to strip Isaiah 7:14 of its historical context and use it as a "proof" for the virgin birth of the Messiah. "Justin Martyr," writes Wilson, "seized upon the Greek translation [the Septuagint], ignoring the original Hebrew text, and proceeded to use this proof text" (ibid., p. 208) to bolster the myth of the virgin birth.

Justin Martyr, however, was very influential during his time. Although embarrassed by the similarities between the virgin birth of the Messiah and divine-human tales from his own culture, he concluded his Dialogue with Trypho with the following words designed to reassure Trypho: "And when I hear, Trypho," said I, "that Perseus was begotten of a virgin, I understand that the deceiving spirit counterfeited also this"!

In his book, A History of Christian Thought, Arthur Cushman McGiffert points out that the main argument against those who believed that there was only one God and that the Messiah was either an adopted or a created being was that their idea did not agree with Platonic philosophy. Such teachings were

In the latter half of the third century, Paul of Samosata tried to revive the Biblical idea that the Messiah was a mere man until the spirit of YEHOVAH God came upon him at baptism making him the Anointed One, or Messiah. In his beliefs about the person of Yeshua the Messiah, he:

The influence of Platonic philosophy on the Trinity doctrine can hardly be denied.

It was Athanasius' formulation for the Trinity which was adopted by the Catholic Church at the Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325. Athanasius was an Egyptian from Alexandria and his philosophy was also deeply rooted in Platonism.

In order to explain the relationship of the Messiah to YEHOVAH God the Father, the church fathers felt that it was necessary to use the philosophy of the day. They obviously thought that their religion would be more palatable if they made it sound like the pagan philosophy that was extant at the time. These men were versed in philosophy, and that philosophy colored their understanding of the Bible.

It was the doctrine of the Trinity -- colored by the philosophy of the time -- that was accepted by the Church in the early part of the fourth century -- over three hundred years after the Messiah's death.

Even theologians recognize that the Trinity is a creation of the fourth century, not the first!

It was at the Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325 that two members of the Alexandrian congregation, Arius, a priest, who believed that the Messiah was not a God, but a created being; and Athanasius, a deacon who believed that the Father, Son and spirit are the same being living in a threefold form (or in three relationships, as a man may be at the same time a father, a son and a brother), presented their cases.

The Council of Nicaea was not called by the church leaders, as one might suppose. It was called by the Emperor Constantine. And he had a far from spiritual reason for wanting to solve the dispute that had arisen.

The decision as to which of the two men the church was to follow was a more or less arbitrary one. Constantine really didn't care which choice was made -- all he wanted was a united church. (Arius was banished, but later recalled by Constantine, examined and found to be without heresy.)

The majority of those present at the council were not ready to take either side in the controversy.

The council rejected Arius' views, but they had nothing with which to replace it. Thus the ideas of Athanasius -- also a minority view -- prevailed. The rejection of Arianism was not blanket acceptance of Athanasius. Yet, the church in all the ensuing centuries has been "stuck," so to speak, with the job of upholding -- right or wrong -- the decision made at Nicaea.

After the council the Trinity became official dogma in the church, but the controversy did not end. In the next few years more Christians were killed by other Christians over that doctrine than were killed by all the pagan emperors of Rome. Yet, for all the fighting and killing, neither of the two parties had a biblical leg to stand on!

The Bible does not teach the doctrine of the Trinity. But we are still faced with the questions: Who was Yeshua the Messiah? Was he a man that lived such a perfect life that YEHOVAH God decided to call him His Son at baptism? Or was he God who became a man and died for all men?

In the past, in most theological circles, a rejection of the doctrine of the Trinity included a rejection of the divinity of the Messiah. However Catholic theologian, Karl Rahner counters this by saying: "...We must be willing to admit that should the doctrine of the Trinity have to be dropped as false, the major part of the religious literature could well remain virtually unchanged...the Christian idea of the incarnation would not have to change at all, if there were no Trinity." What is the truth?

In light of this "it is not surprising then, that Christian piety practically remembers from the doctrine of the incarnation only the 'God' has become man, without deriving from this truth any clear message about the Trinity" (The Trinity, p. 10-12).

A rejection of the doctrine of the Trinity does not necessarily constitute a rejection of the incarnation -- the divinity of the Messiah. In fact, what Rahner says indicates that, for all practical purposes, the Trinity doctrine is meaningless.

To this day, Christianity is still confused about who and what Yeshua the Messiah really was. A majority believes in a mysterious Trinity and a vociferous minority believes that the Messiah was a created being. Neither has the truth.

Who Yeshua was is clearly indicated in the pages of the Bible. It has been there for centuries. While Christians were busily excommunicating and killing each other over the questions of who the Messiah was, the answer has been in the pages of Bible, and that explanation is not in harmony with what is taught by most churches today. The Messiah is not the second person in a Trinity, and YEHOVAH God did not create him -- he was the COMPLETELY HUMAN MAN that YEHOVAH God chose as His messenger and sacrifice for the sins of Israel and, by extension, the world!

According to Jewish thought of the early 1st century, what the expected Messiah must accomplish is formidable. He must help to overthrow foreign authority, establish an independent Israelite state, be the Davidic king and, with YEHOVAH's help, usher in an era of universal peace, establishing the universal rule of YEHOVAH God -- the Kingdom of YEHOVAH God. During this time the wicked will be eradicated and the righteous will be rewarded. The righteous dead will suddenly reappear and the world will experience a peace never before realized, and all humanity will acknowledge and worship the ONE true God.

This was the messianic dream of ancient Israel, and it had fantastic appeal. Writes Barrie Wilson --

Somewhat later, in the 2nd through 4th centuries, the followers of the Messiah who sought to retain what they had been taught by the Messiah and the apostles and disciples, were referred to by their opponents as the Ebionites or as the Nazarenes. They were successors to the original church led by James and other disciples of the Messiah after his death in 31 A.D.

It is a strange fact of history that their beliefs are not well known today, and what has come down to us shows that they differed markedly from the TRADITION of contemporary Christianity -- notice!

"Jesus was FULLY HUMAN, they thought," continues Wilson, "born in the usual way, having Mary as his mother and Joseph as his father. Their preferred gospel text was the Gospel of Matthew, written in Aramaic but WITHOUT the virgin birth story, unlike our version of this gospel, which, like Luke, includes a virgin birth narrative. In fact, they DID NOT ACCEPT THE VIRGIN BIRTH STORY AT ALL since this mythology does not find its roots in Jewish thinking. So, unlike later Christians, THEY DID NOT SEE JESUS AS A DIVINE BEING. Nor did they think that Jesus "preexisted" his human form in any fashion" (How Jesus Became Christian, p. 100).

According to the Ebionites the Messiah was like you and me -- HUMAN in all respects, feeling our pain, joy, sorrow and gladness. They believed he became YEHOVAH God's CHOSEN Messiah because YEHOVAH judged him more righteous than any other person.

While the Ebionites -- as the successors of the New Testament church led by James -- were correctly following Old Testament or Tanakh theology, what about the New Testament? Does the New Testament teach a fully human Messiah that never pre-existed? We will now look at the question of WHO the Messiah was descended from.

Notice what Matthew says in 1:16:

There is no doubt that Matthew, in his phrasing of "Jacob the father of Joseph", leaves no question as to whose son Joseph was, and likewise there is no doubt as to the expression of words in "Joseph, the husband of Mary." Where Luke's genealogy speaks of Joseph being "the son of Heli", Matthew uses a stronger quote in "Jacob the father of Joseph." Matthew adds in his genealogy showing who Joseph was and shows it by his affirmative writing.

Turn now to Luke 2:33:

"And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things which were spoken of him."

Because of the phrasing of this verse, the skeptic may say "it does not say 'Joseph, his father.'" True, but there are plenty of other verses saying Joseph was the Messiah's father. His father and his mother marveled together of the things that were spoken of him. The following verse should eliminate any doubt from the skeptic's mind as to whose son the Messiah really was. Notice Luke 4:22:

"Everyone was speaking well of him and marveling that such appealing words were coming from his mouth. They were even asking, 'Can this be Yosef's [Joseph's] son?' (Jewish New Testament)"

When the Messiah came to his home city of Nazareth, in the synagogue he read to the congregation from scripture Isaiah 61:1 and added "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." Yeshua had told the people that he was the promised Messiah, but they found it hard to believe. Did they not know Yeshua? Was he not the son of a common man named Joseph? There was no question among those who knew him in childhood that he was the son of Joseph. It was because of this knowledge that they wondered at his words, him being the son of a common man.

Since the Ebionites did not accept the first two chapters of Matthew's gospel, let's go to Matthew chapter 13, verses 54 to 56 and see what they say:

"When Yeshua had finished these parables, he left and went to his home town. There he taught them in their synagogue in a way that astounded them, so that they asked, 'Where do this man's wisdom and miracles come from? Isn't he the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother called Miryam [Mary]? and his brothers Ya'akov [James], Yosef [Joses], Shim'on [Simon] and Y'hudah [Judas]? And his sisters, aren't they all with us? So where does he get all this?'" (Jewish New Testament).

Again, we have another question: Because of Joseph's common background, that is, being a mere carpenter, and not a priest or a scribe, where did the Messiah gain all the wisdom that proceeded out his mouth? It appears these Judeans did not remember their scriptures very well. The spirit of the LORD (YEHOVAH) would have to be upon one to speak as he did. The scriptures had said that he, the Chosen One would not only be humble and meek, but so would his home environment around him be common. Joseph was a commoner, but blessed as his wife Mary was, for they had a large family of five sons as well as daughters. But let us not deter from the proof that his neighbors in Nazareth had NO doubt as to whom Yeshua's father was -- and there was no question that he, Joseph, was his legitimate father.

The Messiah referred to himself as the bread which came down from heaven prior to the Judeans making the previous comment. The bread of life spoken of in this chapter is the Word of YEHOVAH God, the manna from heaven. The children of Israel were given manna from heaven to save them when they hungered, but they died because they failed to continue in YEHOVAH's commandments -- even after YEHOVAH God supplied the manna and quail. But our salvation is of that bread which is in the Messiah, Yeshua. He, Yeshua, became the bread (or Word) of life from heaven, his bodily shell receiving the spirit -- not partially but fully. The Judeans did not understand what the Messiah was saying, but they did know where he physically came from. They knew his father and his mother, that is, they knew he was the son of a carpenter by the name of Joseph. In the last verse quoted, the Judeans were saying they knew Yeshua's father and mother from whom he had come by the flesh.

In the following verse of John 1:45, Philip states, without any expression of doubt, that Yeshua the Messiah was Joseph's biological son:

When Philip said "we have found the one," he spoke of the promised Messiah, King and Prophet of YEHOVAH God, who came from the city of Nazareth. He was of the seed of David through Joseph.

That the Messiah was 100% man cannot be doubted from the writings of Paul either. This Hebrew writer describes the Messiah's humanity like this --

"Therefore, since the children shared blood and flesh, he likewise partook of those things, so that through death he might deprive of his energy the one who has the strength of death -- that is, the Accuser...For surely he does not take hold of messengers, but he takes hold of Abraham's seed. Consequently, he was bound to be made in all ways like his brothers, so that he would become a merciful and trustworthy high priest regarding the things that lead toward God -- to the point of making atonement for the sins of the people" (Heb. 2:14, 16-17, emphasis mine).

These verses do not say that the Messiah was formed in some ways like his brothers but in "all ways." This knowledge, then, fashions the dilemma of this discussion. Since no other humans have been described as "God incarnate" by many (the Bible describes no person in such terms), or have claimed to be such in the holy writ, it makes it hard to reconcile a theology that claims that the Messiah was just that -- literally "God in the flesh."

Did the Messiah Pre-Exist?

What about the so-called "pre-existence" of the Messiah? Does the New Testament address this subject at all? Biblical scholar and author John Knox states this enigma quite well --

"You can have a human Jesus without pre-existence or a non-human Jesus with pre-existence. There is absolutely no way of having both" (The Humanity and Divinity of Christ, p. 106).

The very commonly held belief that the Messiah was alive before his conception raises, of course, a number of questions about his nature. Is it possible to be a human being in any meaningful sense if one does not originate in the womb of one's mother as the result of a human father's sperm? A number of leading scholars have recently thought not.

As stated clearly in the quote above, we can have the humanity of the Messiah without the pre-existence, and we can have the pre-existence without the humanity -- there is ABSOLUTELY NO WAY OF HAVING BOTH! Angels belong in a category different from human beings precisely because of their origin OUTSIDE the system of human procreation. If Yeshua the Messiah was really a being who changes himself (or is changed by YEHOVAH God) in order to enter the human race through Mary, he clearly belongs to a category of being different from the rest of humanity!

Now since the early New Testament church -- including the Ebionites -- based their theology on the Hebrew scriptures, are there any passages in the Old Testament that show the Messiah in a pre-existent form?

As you read through the Old Testament portion of the Bible, never once do you read the name Yeshua the Messiah. You read, of course, of YEHOVAH (YHVH), the LORD God, the Creator God of Israel -- but the words "Yeshua the Messiah" are simply NOT there! Was Yeshua, in his pre-human form, a part of the Hebrew scriptures? Was Yeshua one of the Old Testament characters, or did he come into existence in the New Testament?

A careful reading of the Old Testament demonstrates that there appears to be only ONE Creator God mentioned -- the One found in the First Commandment:

Or the Creator God found in the Fourth Commandment:

And yet many so-called Bible scholars think that certain of the Hebrew scriptures imply there were TWO Old Testament Gods: God #1, the Father, and God #2 the Son, who would function as the God of the Old Testament, and later be born as a human being and die as our Savior. Are there any Old Testament scriptures that even remotely imply Yeshua was God before his human existence, or that allow for two Gods instead of just one?

Religious Jews are adamant that there was only ONE God in the Hebrew scriptures -- a monotheistic view that is completely in step with scripture except for a very few verses. These verses include --

1) Elohim and the "us" scriptures of Genesis.
2) "The LORD said to my Lord" scripture in Psalm 110:1.
3) "Mighty God" and Everlasting Father" in Isaiah 9:6.
4) God "sent a messenger before himself" in Malachi 3:1.

This small handful of scriptures is just about ALL that the Two-God adherents can find in the Old Testament to support their erroneous view that Yeshua the Messiah was the God of the Old Testament. So let us look into these verses and see if they present any evidence at all that the Messiah was the God of the Old Testament. Or, is YEHOVAH God the Father the God of the Old Testament as well as the New Testament?

The Genesis Scriptures:

"God" in the Hebrew scriptures is the Hebrew word Elohim which is the plural form of El. Elohim is a plural word that can refer to ONE, two or many gods. Elohim is used in the SINGULAR FORM in virtually every verse of the Old Testament, and it is clear that each use of Elohim refers to ONE Being -- NOT two or more! The only plural usage of Elohim is found in three Genesis scriptures where these "us" references seem to imply a plurality of beings. Notice!

1) Genesis 1:26 -- "And God said, Let US make man in OUR image and after OUR likeness..."
2) Genesis 3:22 -- "The Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of US."
3) Genesis 11:5-7 -- "And the Lord came down...and said, Behold, the people is one...Come let US go down, and there confound their language..."

The above three verses show the Creator God making statements that seem to involve other Beings (one or more). Is this the "One who became Yeshua the Messiah" as the Creator referring to Himself and to His Father? This is certainly one possibility -- especially in the first two verses.

In Genesis 11:7 is Yeshua the Messiah -- one of Two Gods -- telling God the Father to accompany him and "let US go down, and there confound their language..."? The context implies that "the LORD" is the One God, YEHOVAH, and possibly some angels in the service of the Creator. If there was only one God, "our" could mean either "the One God and His angels," or it could mean "the majesty of YEHOVAH God." The Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament states --

Whatever the case, these scriptures in and of themselves DO NOT prove there was more than one God in the Old Testament. Even though Elohim is a plural word, it is still an ASSUMPTION to entertain the idea that this means there are two or more Gods being referred to in the "us" scriptures. Elohim is in a SINGULAR FORM throughout most of the Hebrew scriptures -- which is solid proof that there is only ONE God instead of two or more as some churches believe.

Almost the only indication of more than one God in the Old Testament is found in Genesis 1:26:

Why, some ask, is "us" and "our" mentioned unless there were two or more Gods? The word translated "God" comes from Elohim which is plural for the general term "gods" (El is the singular, translated "god").

There is an answer to the plural form of God, but it involves a rather large subject that we don't have the space for in this article. It revolves around the ORIGINAL name of the Creator in the Hebrew scriptures. The premise is that "every place the name Elohim refers to the Creator could instead be rendered YHVH, a SINGULAR name -- which would then make Genesis 1:26 read in this fashion --

The bottom line is that the Creator's original Hebrew name, YHVH [YEHOVAH] was changed to a generic, almost meaningless title that puts the True God in the same category as all the pagan gods. This change made a plurality of Gods seem possible with Genesis 1:26. However, in the original form it is clear there was ONE God: the Father with the Messiah coming into being about 4,000 years later.

Even though Elohim is a plural word, its usage DOES NOT mean there are two or more God Beings in the Hebrew scriptures since Elohim is used in the SINGULAR FORM virtually every time it is used. Elohim is merely a TITLE for the God of the Old Testament whose name is YEHOVAH (YHVH). And YEHOVAH is almost always used in the singular throughout the Hebrew scriptures. There is ONE God in the Old Testament -- and that God is the One God, YEHOVAH! The Genesis scriptures DO NOT support the Messiah as God of the Old Testament!

There is an intriguing scripture in the Book of Psalms that reads as follows:

Writes David M. Hay --

While most monotheists and Two-Gods believers agree that this verse is talking about YEHOVAH God the Creator and Yeshua the Messiah -- the question is the TIMING of this event. Is YEHOVAH God speaking to the Messiah in Old Testament times, meaning they co-existed and there were TWO Gods during this time? Does this scripture prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Messiah pre-existed his humanity?

Even though it is generally accepted that this is YEHOVAH God the Father speaking to the Messiah, it is PURE ASSUMPTION to think that this means it happened during Old Testament times. Whatever implications can be derived from this verse, the PRIMARY meaning is quite straightforward -- we are reading one of many Old Testament prophecies that refer to the coming Messiah.

The entirety of Psalm 110 is a prophecy that shows YEHOVAH God the Father will defeat the enemies of the Messiah ("I will make your enemies your footstool") after which the Messiah will rule over his people Israel. The time setting is yet FUTURE -- just before the beginning of the Millennium, the 1,000-year rule of YEHOVAH God and the Messiah on this earth.

The second "Lord" mentioned in this Psalm is verified as the coming Messiah:

Melchizedek means "King of Peace." David is prophesying under the inspiration of YEHOVAH's holy spirit that the Father will give His adopted Son -- the Messiah -- rulership as a king over His people Israel after a terrible end-time battle with the enemies of YEHOVAH God.

Those who believe there were two YEHOVAHS (one of whom was the Messiah) in the Hebrew scriptures use Psalm 110 as a major proof. But Psalm 110 DOES NOT prove the Messiah was one of two YEHOVAHS -- it proves just the opposite! In the New Testament when the Messiah says "the LORD said to my Lord" (quoting from Psalm 110:1), the word "Lord" is translated from the SAME Greek word (kurios) in both cases. In the Old Testament the two references to "Lord" are two DIFFERENT Hebrew words!

The first is "LORD" which is YHVH (YEHOVAH) and obviously refers to the Father since the second "Lord" is Adon which clearly refers to the Messiah. David appears to be making a distinction between these two beings. (Note the difference between LORD and Lord). Is YHVH the Father, or the Son? In Psalm 110:1 it is clear that YHVH has to be the Father. What about the rest of the Hebrew scriptures? Is YHVH the Father -- or the One who later became the Son?

YHVH, which is translated LORD throughout the Old Testament, refers to ONE God-Being -- as evidenced by the SINGULAR context of each usage of YHVH. The Hebrew scriptures proclaim that there is ONE GOD, and that God is YHVH (YEHOVAH). And, according to David in Psalm 110:1, YHVH MUST be the Father.

1) It is purely an ASSUMPTION to conclude that this Psalm proves there were two God-Beings talking to each other -- both co-existing in Old Testament times.

2) A study of the Hebrew scriptures shows that this Psalm of David is one of MANY scriptures that prophesies of the Messiah TO COME -- being not yet born.

3) The CONTEXT of Psalm 110 is the end-time warfare that the future Messiah would assist his Father in waging. The context is the Father addressing the Son at the time of the Messiah's second appearance.

4) While Psalm 110 may be a bit unclear, the Messiah clarified and magnified it by saying that David referred to a FUTURE Messiah who would be born as one of David's descendants -- which prophecy the Messiah fulfilled.

5) Psalm 110 clearly shows that YHVH must be God the Father, which strongly upholds the position that it is the Father the ONE GOD, who was the God of the Old Testament.

What About Isaiah 9:6?:

The Bible is filled with scriptures that show there is ONE True God. Notice what the Messiah stated in John 17:3 --

And the apostle Paul wrote:

That one God is the Father of the New Testament who was YHVH in the Old Testament if there is only One True God. Yeshua, the prophesied Messiah and Savior, died and was resurrected by YEHOVAH God to become His spirit-Being Son. The Messiah TODAY is God -- the firstborn of many brethren (Romans 8:29), although he was NOT the Creator God.

Any scriptures (known as Two-God scriptures) that seem to indicate that Yeshua the Messiah was God of the Old Testament, or that he pre-existed his human birth, can easily be refuted by the context or other means. Any passage that seems to say that the Messiah was a divine Being prior to his birth as a human baby should be looked upon with much skepticism. Which brings us to the 6th verse of the 9th chapter of Isaiah --

Isaiah 9:6 seems to say that the Messiah is called "the mighty God" and "the everlasting Father." This is illogical and impossible -- YEHOVAH God the Father is the Mighty God and Everlasting Father, NOT the Messiah! A closer look at this verse will uncover some drastic translation errors that completely change the meaning of it.

Many scholars have admitted over the years that the King James Version of the Bible contains literally thousands of errors -- some unintentional translation errors and some intentional errors to propagate a certain religious viewpoint. But even though some scholars admit these facts no one, it seems, wants to buck the system and purge the translations we have of these errors. No one wants to be different and incur the scholarly persecution of their peers that would follow.

The word "Wonderful" in Isaiah 9:6 is not an adjective in the original Hebrew, but the NOUN "wonder" -- and is part of the phrase pele-yaotz (see the Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament, by Brown, Driver & Briggs). Now the word "Counsellor," although relatively accurately translated, is translated from the Hebrew word yaotz -- but this word is part of the above phrase and doesn't have a separate meaning! Therefore, the phrase pele-yaotz actually means "wonder of a Counsellor. The "wonder" of the Counsellor is the future Messianic ruler (the Messiah) foretold to appear, first in human form and then in his resurrected form, at the end of the age.

So who, then, is this "Counsellor" of whom this child who is to be born is to be a "wonder" of? In the next mistranslated words in this verse we will find the answer to this question. The words "mighty" and "God" in the King James Version (as well as in other mistranslated versions) were translated from the Hebrew words gabur and el. The word gabur means "mighty," while the word el -- in this particular instance -- means "judge" -- see The Soncino Talmud, The Babylonian Talmud, Seder Nezikin, Sanhedrin, 94a, translated by Dr. I. Epstein.

Acts 10:38-42 emphatically tell us that judgment has been given into the hands of Yeshua the Messiah. He will be the judge appointed by YEHOVAH God whose judgment -- in keeping with YEHOVAH's judgments -- will bring peace to this earth at the end of the age. And because Yeshua the Messiah will command that each and every word YEHOVAH has spoken is to be obeyed completely, he (the Messiah) will be "The Prince of Peace."

The Hebrew words el and gabur, properly translated, should read "judge of the Mighty." With these mistranslations properly squared away we can correctly translate Isaiah 9:6 in the following fashion:

The Counsellor, as pointed out, is the Mighty Everlasting Father -- YEHOVAH God Himself! Isaiah 9:6 is pointing out that this "wonder" (Yeshua the judge) of the "Counsellor" (YEHOVAH God the Father) -- Yeshua the Messiah -- was yet to come when this prophecy was spoken! Yeshua the Messiah did NOT exist in the time of Isaiah the prophet, but he was prophesied to come later. Yeshua the Messiah was NOT "The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father" -- as the translators of of the King James Version would like for you to believe.

When Isaiah 9:6 is PROPERLY translated, it agrees TOTALLY with all the other inspired scriptures of YEHOVAH God. It was not the inspired prophets of YEHOVAH God who were trying to teach of a pre-existent god-savior. It was the PAGAN GREEK TRANSLATORS, adding to or deleting from the ORIGINAL inspired word of YEHOVAH God, who caused this grave ERROR to be taught to the entire deceived "Christian" world as "doctrine."

Isaiah 9:6 does NOT prove that the Messiah was a pre-existing God who co-existed with the Father during Old Testament times. Rather, it was a PROPHECY of a child to be born who would eventually assume the mantle of government and be given many offices -- some of which are mentioned in this scripture.

What Does Malachi 3:1 Say?

It is quite easy to read Malachi 3:1 and not even realize that it might attempt to prove that the Messiah was the God of the Old Testament -- notice:

Here is what this scripture may be saying --

Malachi 3:1 -- as enhanced above -- has two possible interpretations:

1) The TWO-GOD VIEW: The God of the Hebrew scriptures (The Messiah) will send John the Baptist to prepare the way before Him (the Messiah), and the Lord (the Messiah) whom you seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the Messenger of the Covenant (the Messiah)...he shall come says the LORD of Hosts (the Messiah).

2) The MONOTHEISTIC VIEW: The God of the Hebrew scriptures (YEHOVAH God the Father) will send John the Baptist to prepare the way before Him (YEHOVAH's new covenant aspect of His Plan), and it is the Lord (the Messiah)...the Messenger of this new covenant...He is the one who will represent the Father -- all this says the LORD of Hosts (YEHOVAH God the Father).

Since both of these views are possible, it would be a MAJOR ASSUMPTION to believe that Malachi 3:1 proves Yeshua the Messiah is the God of the Hebrew scriptures. Either view could be correct. While this verse fits both the Monotheistic and the Two Gods models, it is the Monotheistic model that is correct and makes logical sense. Who sent the messenger (John the Baptist) in New Testament times? Just as YEHOVAH God the Father chose the Messiah as a messenger of His Plan, it makes sense that that He also chose John the Baptist to prepare the way for the Messiah.

In Psalm 110:1, 4 we found the Father speaking to the Son in a prophecy --

One conclusion that can be reached based on these two different Hebrew words for "Lord" is that YHVH in the Hebrew scriptures is YEHOVAH God the Father and NOT the Messiah -- who was called Adon or Adonai. Can this be applied to Malachi 3:1? Here we find that the speaker is YHVH (YEHOVAH -- LORD of Hosts), while the one coming suddenly to the temple is Adon (Lord whom you are seeking). If this is an exact parallel with Psalm 110:1 then YHVH is God the Father and Adon is the Messiah -- which means that the Father is the God of the Old Testament!

Why does it say in Malachi 3:1: "...the Lord [Adon] whom you seek [this is the Messiah in New Testament times] shall SUDDENLY COME to his temple...behold he shall come..." Is this referring to the Messiah's first appearance, or his second appearance? It is almost certain that this verse says in effect:

The Father -- the God of the Hebrew scriptures -- sent both messengers -- one at the beginning of the New Testament times, and the other just before the 1,000-year time of peace -- BOTH of whom are the same: Yeshua the Messiah!

Malachi 3:1 is a PROPHECY of the Messiah which tells us that YEHOVAH God the Father (YHVH) will send a messenger to clear the way for His eventual return to Jerusalem to rule the earth from His Temple on Mount Zion. This scripture simply DOES NOT and CANNOT prove that the Messiah was God of the Old Testament. It proves that YEHOVAH God the Father was the God of the Old Testament, with the Messiah not yet even born, although he was the major and key element in the whole Plan of YEHOVAH God.

What About the Virgin Birth?

The apostle Paul does not mention the virgin birth anywhere in his writings. It would seem reasonable to assume that if Paul had known of the alleged special conditions of the Messiah’s birth that he would have mentioned them in one of his epistles. However, the opposite appears to be true! He considers Yeshua’s birth to have been natural and conventional -- with no sign of a virgin birth!

Explains Barrie Wilson --

The “virgin birth” story found in mainstream Christianity is derived from the many fables found in the religions of pagan peoples that shared the world of early Christianity. It is a matter of historical fact that there were MANY pagan, mystery religions that flourished during the time the "church fathers" canonized their "New" Testament "scripture". Mithraism was but one of those religions. Of course many of these were based in worship of a sun god. Guess where the church gets the idea for the halo or sun that surrounds the head of "Jesus" and/or Mary in many artists renderings?

The unusual importance Christian leaders place on Yeshua's birth may be due to the importance that was placed on the birth of Tammuz, Mithra, and other "god in the flesh" saviors in the pagan religions from which the Constantinian religion of Christianity derived many of its doctrines. These same pagan religions ALL had godly procreation as a major theme; thus, Constantinian Christianity and counterfeit Messianism, which is actually repackaged Constantinian Christianity, exalts the alleged godly procreation in the birth of Messiah -- even though it is irrelevant to Messianic prophecy!

The ancient origin of the virgin birth myths is outlined by Wilson --

The virgin conception and virgin birth stories paved the way for the development of the God-human that is a central part of modern "Christianity." Ancient mystery religions shared similar motifs. The religious figure of the mystery cults was viewed as having a special divine-human birth, as being a God incarnate (a special Son of God) and as suffering, dying and rising to save mankind. THAT'S THE COMMON PATTERN!

Notes Barrie Wilson --

It is notable that two of the only religions that anciently did not have a virgin birth account is the true Monotheistic Messianic faith (the Ebionites) and Judaism of which the true Monotheistic Messianic faith was originally a sect.

For centuries, since the dawn of time, Satan worked tirelessly to promote his false, Babylonish religion. He finally succeeded with his final work -- the Beastly religious system or great harlot that seduces and spiritually fornicates with much of the world's population -- Constantinian Christianity. It is with this grand achievement -- the spiritual great harlot -- that Satan may finally obtain the worship he has always desired. Using Constantinian Christianity, Satan has pulled many people away from worship of the TRUE God and the FULLY HUMAN MAN chosen by YEHOVAH God -- the Messiah Yeshua.

Can a "Mere" Man Be the Savior?

Now that we have clearly seen that the Messiah did not pre-exist his human birth, nor was born of a virgin impregnated by the spirit of YEHOVAH God, the question arises -- could a mere man be our savior?

In a book entitled The Day God Died, the author refers to the Messiah -- whom he assumes to be the Creator God of the Hebrew scriptures -- having "emptied himself" to become a human being who could die for our sins (Phil. 2:7). "Although Christ was human, He was also God" is what has been ASSUMED. And not just any God, but the CREATOR GOD of all. The generally accepted belief by many is that this Creator is the One who died for us.

The assumption continues: "A mere man who had not been God would not be qualified to die for all mankind. Only the Creator could be acceptable as a sacrifice to die for the billions of people who have been born on earth." The Bible shows the Messiah was a FULLY HUMAN MAN who lived a sinless life and died for our sins to become our savior.

The Bible does NOT say the Messiah pre-existed as a God. Rather, it shows that he was born of a human woman and a human man. Yeshua was a MAN -- although the most special human being ever to be born. YEHOVAH God chose this human being to be the savior to die for all mankind.

To say that YEHOVAH God our Savior could not save us in this fashion is to severely limit Him -- and you CANNOT LIMIT YEHOVAH GOD! His great plan of salvation can be carried out any way He chooses!

Although each one of us is a mere mortal -- a mere human being -- we are VERY IMPORTANT and precious in YEHOVAH's eyes. Having Sons and Daughters born into the Kingdom of YEHOVAH God is the whole purpose for creation. So don't think that the Messiah as a human was not important to YEHOVAH God! And don't think that YEHOVAH God could not use the death of His "mere" human "only begotten Son" (John 3:16) to be an acceptable sacrifice to pay for the sins of ALL HUMAN mankind (Romans 5:18).

The Creator can do whatever He wants. His thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8).

How the Messiah Became Our Savior

Yeshua the Messiah was born as a NORMAL squalling HUMAN baby! How, then, did he come to be the Savior? There are two major KEYS to remember in grasping this concept:

1) The Messiah had a full measure of YEHOVAH's holy spirit from birth, unlike any other human being.

2) YEHOVAH God the Father communicated with the Messiah via his human parents, the written word (Hebrew scriptures), and possibly by divine communication directly in dreams, visions or some other means.

The Messiah had to grow in grace and knowledge just like we must. He studied the scriptures that prophesied of a coming Messiah (Luke 24:44). He had to lead a sinless life in order to be the perfect sacrifice. Through much effort and CONSTANT CONTACT with YEHOVAH God, the Messiah finally reached the point of dying as he hung from the tree on the Mount of Olives. And then he died from the horrendous stoning he received -- the PERFECT sacrifice for mankind (Hebrews 5:7-9; John 19:30).

Yeshua the Messiah was the ONLY human being who ever lived a perfect sinless life. As a result he was able to die for all mankind and be the PERFECT Savior. To think that the Savior had to first be God before he could qualify to die as a sacrifice for sin is to NOT understand that the Creator God can CHOOSE His Savior any way that He wants -- our preconceived notions have absolutely no merit!

Can a human being -- even one who is sinless -- be our Savior? Yes -- if YEHOVAH God says so! This understanding leads to an amazing conclusion:

Many people who think Yeshua the Messiah was God before he became human in order to lead a sinless life have a secret thought: "Sure he led a sinless life -- after all, HE WAS GOD!" The implication to this line of reasoning is that ANYONE could obey YEHOVAH's laws if they were originally God! "If I were originally God, then living a perfect life might not be too tough. But, since I was never God, then it's no wonder I have trouble obeying God -- even if I have God's holy spirit within me!"

However, if the Messiah was not a pre-existing God, then he was a human being -- JUST LIKE YOU AND ME (Hebrews 4:15). Just as he labored and succeeded in overcoming trials and temptations of the human existence, SO CAN WE! So how did the Messiah do it? However he did it, can we also do it? The secret to overcoming and leading a SINLESS LIFE is, of course, YEHOVAH's HOLY SPIRIT! The Creator God gave His spirit -- His essence and active force -- to the Messiah, just as He gives it to the Elect today.

Yeshua the Messiah -- a HUMAN BEING -- used this holy spirit -- this POWER from YEHOVAH God -- to build a CLOSE RELATIONSHIP with his Heavenly Father. This power is also available to any other human being that YEHOVAH God has called at this time.

Isn't this truly encouraging and wonderful beyond words? The Messiah didn't gain access to the Kingdom of YEHOVAH God because he was once God. The opposite is true: The Messiah has gained salvation because he was a HUMAN BEING imbued with the power of the Creator God's holy spirit and had a close relationship with the ONE God! This is GOOD NEWS for us as future Sons and Daughters of YEHOVAH God. We have every opportunity to join our elder brother, Yeshua the Messiah, in the ONE God's Kingdom. We can reign as kings and priests under YEHOVAH God and His Messiah when they take over the reigns of this world's governments.

Is the Holy Spirit a Person?

Is the holy spirit a person, just like YEHOVAH God the Father and Yeshua the Messiah -- as the doctrine of the Trinity teaches? Let's examine the plain, clear testimony of the Bible to see what YEHOVAH God's holy spirit really is.

FIRST, it is the POWER of YEHOVAH God. "Not by might, nor by power [of humans], but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts" (Zechariah 4:6). "I am full of power by the spirit of the Lord, and judgment, and of might..." declared the prophet Micah (Micah 3:8).

SECOND, it is the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear (deep reverence and respect -- not craven fear) of the LORD (Isaiah 11:2).

THIRD, it is a gift. After baptism, you are to receive "the gift of the holy spirit" (Acts 2:38). It is poured out. "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh" (Acts 2:17). "...On the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the holy spirit" (Acts 10:45).

FOURTH, to be effective the holy spirit must be stirred up. "Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God," Paul reminded the young evangelist Timothy (II Timothy 1:7).

SIXTH, it is the begetting power of YEHOVAH God (Matthew 1:18; Romans 8:9).

SEVENTH, it is YEHOVAH's guarantee to us that He will fulfill His promise to us (Ephesians 1:14).

Notice that in all of these scriptures there is not one characteristic even implying a "person." Does a person do any of these things? Is a person "poured," "quenched," "renewed"? Does a person live IN someone else or live IN people's hearts?

If the holy spirit was a person, the Messiah prayed to the wrong individual. Throughout the four Gospels, we find the Messiah speaking to YEHOVAH God -- NOT the holy spirit -- as his Father.

The apostle Paul would probably be considered a blasphemer by many Trinitarians today, because in his greetings to the churches he neglected to mention the holy spirit! In his introduction to the Romans, he represents himself as an apostle of YEHOVAH God the Father and the Messiah -- but nothing is said about any third person.

He also neglects to mention the holy spirit in the greetings of the rest of his letters. His standard greeting is: "Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ" (I Corinthians 1:3). The same greeting is repeated in II Corinthians 1:3, Galatians 1:3, Ephesians 1:2, Philippians 1:2, Colossians 1:2, I Thessalonians 1:1, II Thessalonians 1:2, I Timothy 1:2, Titus 1:4 and Philemon 1:3. All of these greetings are without variation -- the holy spirit is consistently LEFT OUT (a great oversight -- indeed blasphemy, provided the Trinity doctrine is correct)!

Only in II Corinthians 13:14 is the holy spirit mentioned with YEHOVAH God and the Messiah and there only in connection with communion or fellowship. The holy spirit IS NOT the third member of the Godhead.

You can search the Bible from Genesis to Revelation and you will find no such Bible teaching with regard to the holy spirit. The Bible does not teach that the holy spirit is a third member of the God family or of a Trinity.

This is not a prejudiced anti-trinitarian opinion. It is a fact that is recognized even by Trinitarian theologians!

Discussing the evidence for the doctrine of the Trinity in the Bible, Dr. W. N. Clarke, writes: "The New Testament begins the work, but does not finish it; for it contains no similar teachings [like John 1:1-18, concerning the divinity of the Messiah], with regard to the Holy Spirit. The unique nature and mission, of Christ, are traced to a ground in the being of God; but similar ground for the divineness of the Spirit is nowhere shown. Thought on the New Testament is never directed to that end. Thus, the Scriptures take the first step toward a doctrine of essential trinity, or threeness in the being of one God, but they do not take that second step by which alone the doctrine could be completed" (An Outline of Christian Theology, p. 168) (author's emphasis).

Theologians need to recognize that there is no biblical proof for the divinity or personality of the spirit. In order to arrive at a doctrine of the Trinity, they must go outside of the Bible to develop an incomplete doctrine, which is false.

Karl Barth, one of the most noted theologians of the 20^th century, admits that the church has gone beyond the Bible to arrive at its doctrine of the Trinity.

Since, as theologians recognize, the Bible is not the source of the Trinity doctrine, how can they square it with the Bible teachings, that inspired Scripture should be the source of doctrine? (II Timothy 3:16).

The answer is, they cannot square it with the Bible. They must freely admit the painful facts.

The personality of the Messiah is thoroughly provable from the Bible, but there is no such proof for a personality of the holy spirit. "The OT [Old Testament] clearly does not envisage God's spirit as a person, neither in the strictly philosophical sense, nor in the Semitic sense. God's spirit is simply God's Power. If it is sometimes represented as being distinct from God, it is because the breath of Yahweh acts exteriorly (Isa. 48:16; 63:11; 32:15)." So say the authors of the New Catholic Encyclopedia.

But let them continue: "Very rarely do the OT writers attribute to God's spirit emotions or intellectual activity (Isa. 63:10; Wis. 1:3-7). When such expressions are used, they are mere figures of speech that are explained by the facts that the ruah [Hebrew word for "spirit"] was regarded also as the seat of intellectual acts and feeling (Gen. 41:8). Neither is there found in the OT or in rabbinical literature the notion that God's spirit is an intermediary being between God and the world. This activity is proper to the angels, although to them is ascribed some of the activity that elsewhere is ascribed to the spirit of God" (New Catholic Encyclopedia, Vol. XIII, p. 574).

In the Old Testament, YEHOVAH's spirit is pictured as His power. These theologians also recognize that when the spirit is spoken of as a person or in a personal way, the Bible writer is merely personifying the spirit, as he would wisdom or any other attribute, without the intent of declaring such personification a person or a separate being of the Godhead.

Now, what about the New Testament? They say: "Although the NT [New Testament] concepts of the Spirit of God are largely a continuation of those of the OT, in the NT there is a gradual revelation that the Spirit of God is a person."

But this would be true only if you are armed with a preconceived notion that God is a Trinity. We will see there are only a few scriptures that can even remotely be construed as presenting the spirit as a person, and in each case only as the result of a grammatical misunderstanding.

But again, let us let the New Catholic Encyclopedia continue. "The majority of NT texts reveal God's spirit as something, not someone; this is especially seen in the parallelism between the spirit and the power of God."

Though theologians would like for the Bible to say that the spirit is a person, they must admit that the majority of the scriptures connected with the topic show that it is not someone, but something. Even the personification of the spirit is not proof of its personality.

After such admissions, it is almost inconceivable that any theologian could still teach that the spirit is a person. Yet, some do!

The one section of the scripture that most theologians believe describes the spirit as a person is resolved by a grammar lesson in the Greek language. In the Greek language, like the Romance languages (Italian, Spanish, French and others), every noun possesses gender; that is, it is masculine, feminine or neuter. The gender of a word has nothing to do with whether it is really masculine or feminine; it is a grammatical tool.

Most Trinitarian theologians use the Gospel of John, Chapters 14, 15 and 16, as proof of their theory that the spirit is a person. Here the Messiah is recorded as referring to the spirit as "the Comforter." The pronoun "he" is used in connection with the word "comforter" -- parakletos -- however, the reason for the use of the personal pronoun "he" is for grammatical, not theological, or spiritual reasons!

All pronouns in Greek must agree in gender with the word to which they refer. Therefore, the pronoun "he" is used when referring to the spirit as the parakletos or "Comforter." The other New Testament writers use the word pneuma, which means "breath" or "spirit." This is the Greek equivalent of ruah, the Hebrew word for "spirit" used in the Old Testament. Pneuma is a grammatically neuter word and is always represented by the pronoun "it."

However, the translators of the King James Version, being swayed by the doctrine of the Trinity, have generally mistranslated the pronouns referring to pneuma as masculine. One Instance where they did not mistranslate, is found in Romans 8:16. "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God."

John's use of the parakletos is NO PROOF the spirit is a person. For if the simple gender of a noun were the basis for the personality of the spirit, then the spirit changed gender from the Old to the New Testament. The Hebrew word for "spirit" in the Old Testament can be found in the feminine gender in a majority of cases and in a masculine sense less often.

The fact that the word "spirit" is feminine in the Hebrew has led some theologians to believe that the spirit was a feminine being of the Godhead. They believe in a Trinity of the Father, the Mother and the Son. Interestingly enough, the Trinitarians, who used the same kind of ploy to prove that the spirit was a masculine being, are condemned by their own belief!

What is the spirit? As we saw earlier, theologians admit that the spirit of YEHOVAH God is the power of YEHOVAH God. They have no reason to believe otherwise, unless they have a preconceived idea of a Trinity.

The Apostle Paul plainly taught this vital scriptural truth in Romans 8:16. "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God." Paul did not mean this in some sentimental sort of way, as he goes on to show in the next verse. "And if the children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ..."

Paul declares that Yeshua the Messiah is the heir of all things in Hebrews 1:2. We then have the opportunity, if we have YEHOVAH's spirit in our minds, to inherit all things along with the Messiah.

The spirit of YEHOVAH God unites with our minds, and we are begotten (or conceived) again -- this time spiritually, not as we originally were physically. We then become a new person.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto the lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the Dead" (I Peter 1:3). Verse 23 says "Being begotten again, not corruptible seed, but of the incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever."

The holy spirit impregnates us with YEHOVAH's nature. That spiritual begettal imbues us with the nature and mind of YEHOVAH God. Throughout our Christian lives, we continue to grow and to develop in the understanding and mind of YEHOVAH God until we are finally born into the God family and made immortal at the second appearance of the Messiah on this earth (I Corinthians 15:49-52).

How can we obtain this spirit? The Apostle Peter gave the answer on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2). When Peter was asked at the end of his sermon what to do, he answered: "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost [spirit]" (Acts 2:38).

Here again, we can see why the Father, the Son and the holy spirit are mentioned in the "baptismal formula" in Matthew 28:19. YEHOVAH God the Father is the One who brings us to repentance. Yeshua the Messiah is the one who died so we can be forgiven and cleansed of our sins. The holy spirit is the power by which YEHOVAH God the Father, begets us.

How plain the truth of the Bible is. The holy spirit is the power of YEHOVAH God. It is NOT a person. It is the power by which we are begotten that we might become sons of YEHOVAH God.

The reader has probably at some time gazed at the sky on a clear night. The natural reaction is to be awestruck by the panorama of seemingly countless stars. King David recorded his response to such an experience: “When I consider your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained; what is man, that You are mindful of him? And the son of man, that You visit him?” (Psalm 8:3-4). This king of Israel realized his utter insignificance in comparison to the vast universe --and the One who created it. David marveled that, despite this great difference, YEHOVAH God is “mindful of” -- concerned with -- mankind.

The true God is not a distant, uninvolved Creator, passively observing His Creation from afar. The words of former Prime Minister of Britain Sir Winston Churchill correctly express that YEHOVAH God has “a purpose being worked out here below.” We will now explain the fundamental elements of YEHOVAH’s Master Plan -- His supreme purpose for humanity -- and where you fit in!

As the reader will learn, this plan is inseparably linked to the truth regarding the nature of YEHOVAH God -- and represents your potential as one created in YEHOVAH’s image. This is a potential that the trinitarian god precludes. It limits YEHOVAH God and blocks the minds of men from learning why they were born!

7,000-year Plan

The span of YEHOVAH’s Plan with men encompasses 7,000 years. Cut off from YEHOVAH God by sin (Isaiah 59:1-2), mankind has believed the lies of the god of this world -- Satan -- for 6,000 years. While few have understood this, more have correctly understood at least some little of the verses describing the Messiah's coming 1,000-year Reign, to begin at his appearance at the end of the age (Revelation 20:4-6). But they know nothing of YEHOVAH God allotting 6,000 years, or six millennial days of a “seven-day week,” to man’s rule, under Satan, prior to the seventh 1,000-year “day.” We are very near the end of the “sixth day.”

Let’s understand! The Bible states, “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (II Peter 3:8; Psalm 90:4). Of course, most are “ignorant” of almost everything that the Bible teaches.

Man (under the invisible sway of Satan) has been given six “days,” or 6,000 years, to try his own ways, governments, philosophies, value systems, forms of education and religions, including devising his own gods. Then, under the influence of Satan, he has practiced sin and disobedience to YEHOVAH’s commands for all this time. He has then tried to treat all of the ill effects this has brought on, instead of the cause, which is the breaking of YEHOVAH’s commandments. YEHOVAH God is allowing humanity to learn hard, bitter lessons. The masses, who have never known the precious truth of YEHOVAH God, must learn that their own ways do not work!

Created Incomplete

The Psalmist wrote, “…for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (139:14). But human beings were made incomplete.

Genesis 1 records the account of man’s physical creation. Adam was created so that he looked like -- appeared like -- YEHOVAH God in physical form and shape. Though physically complete, Adam was spiritually incomplete. A vitally important spiritual component was missing.

Notice Genesis 2:7: “…God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” Man is made of physical matter -- flesh. While not composed of spirit as is YEHOVAH God, we saw that he is fashioned -- formed -- in the “image and likeness” of YEHOVAH God.

Adam was physical. He breathed air, and required food and water. Without any of these, he could not survive.

Though Adam was made in the form and image of YEHOVAH God, there was an obvious -- and big -- difference between him and YEHOVAH God. Adam was made of the dust. He was flesh (Genesis 2:7). Since YEHOVAH is a spirit, He is made -- composed -- of spirit.

Two “Adams” Reveals Supreme Purpose

A vitally important parallel exists between Adam and the Messiah. It offers another clue to YEHOVAH’s purpose. Scripture makes the comparison this way: “And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam [the Messiah] was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward [at the Resurrection] that which is spiritual. The first man [Adam] is of the earth, earthy: the second man [the Messiah] is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also [by the Resurrection] that are heavenly. And as we [converted, spirit-led people] have borne the image of the earthy [made of flesh], we shall also bear the image of the heavenly [be later composed of spirit]” (I Corinthians 15:45-49).

Paul’s inspired statement starts with a reference to Genesis 2:7. Notice the phrase there “And so it was written…” This is New Testament verification of the Genesis account! The apostle Paul knew that Adam “was made” by YEHOVAH God, that this did happen. He both believed and understood the Old Testament account.

The goal of a Christian is to receive a spirit body at the resurrection -- to “bear the image of the heavenly.” Just as YEHOVAH God created animals -- elephants, dogs, cats, horses, etc. -- to reproduce after their kind, He (YHVH) created man after the God kind!

Created to Obtain Knowledge

YEHOVAH God gave Adam and Eve “dominion” over the earth (Genesis 1:26). This meant that man would be able and need to learn and produce -- to generate -- much knowledge as he subjugated the planet.

YEHOVAH designed human beings with minds that could create, devise, reason, observe and experiment. Through this inherent ability to reason, physical knowledge could be processed. This was good and right, as long as it was used within the framework that YEHOVAH intended.

All knowledge falls into two categories: (1) the physical knowledge of how to work with matter and physical things, and (2) the spiritual knowledge necessary for people to develop personal relationships with both YEHOVAH God and their fellow man. All knowledge is either physical or spiritual.

Adam and Eve’s problem was in reasoning that every kind of knowledge necessary for salvation could be obtained on their own, through experimentation. Once they deviated from YEHOVAH’s intended way, they had no hope of reaching the destination that He purposed for them -- and neither does mankind, which followed their choice. Once Adam and Eve accepted the wrong premise as their starting point -- that they could reason everything out themselves -- they were destined to fail!

The accumulation of vast amounts of knowledge over millennia has not changed -- and could never change -- the fact that mankind is headed for the wrong destination. Curiously, in its quest for ever more knowledge, but with the Trinity as its chosen god, so many have been forced to conclude that they must exist through life devoid of the most important knowledge -- that about YEHOVAH God!

Revealed Knowledge

Every sophisticated or technical device or product comes with an instruction manual. Without this, the owner would find the object useless. He would not know how to properly operate it. Nor could he repair or maintain it.

YEHOVAH God gave an Instruction Manual -- the Holy Bible -- that contains vital -- essential -- revealed knowledge, otherwise unattainable. Unlike the modern system of education, it teaches how to live, not just how to earn a living. It explains history, prophecy, important knowledge of doctrine and thousands of other points and principles that govern every aspect of life.

Now understand. The Bible was never intended to contain all knowledge, just that which is necessary for salvation -- knowledge that man could not discover through human reason, experimentation, analysis and observation. The Bible was not intended to teach mankind how to design marvels of engineering, telescopes that can probe the outer reaches of the universe or computers that can perform trillions of calculations per second.

Men were given the capacity to reason out and design these and many other highly complex, technical inventions. Education in physical knowledge is important.

Here is why. Most of earth’s population live in abject poverty, disease, filth, squalor and illiteracy. They lack the most fundamental education that the developed “have” nations enjoy. Basic education can lead to physical improvements and advancements for civilization.

But surely, 6,000 years of misery, unhappiness and every conceivable evil, ill and woe that humanity has suffered ought to tell the world that it should carefully heed the Instruction Book of revealed spiritual knowledge that it has ignored. Yet, man continues to reject YEHOVAH’s spiritual revelation.

However, cut off from the right channel and path of spiritually understood cause and effect and from YEHOVAH’s revealed Law, man still possesses the power of physical, human reasoning, which, sadly, has led to weapons of mass destruction and terror, cruelty, slavery, repression, pollution, crime, religious confusion -- including a host of invented gods -- and so much more.

Hence, man’s misery and woes compound and mount at every turn -- and all the religions of this world, with their vast array of false gods, have not been able to solve even mankind’s most basic problems.

But remember, YEHOVAH God’s process of spiritual creation is still in progress. It is not complete! Only the FEW have been shown the purpose for human life -- why human existence.

Product of YEHOVAH’s Workmanship

Many wonder about YEHOVAH’s overall Plan and whether there is a purpose for human life beyond the present physical realm. Job asked, “If a man die, shall he live again?” (Job 14:14).

YEHOVAH inspired him to answer his own question: “All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. You shall call, and I will answer You: You will have a desire to the work of Your hands” (vs. 14-15).

Job acknowledged that he was the “work of God’s hands.” He knew YEHOVAH God “desired” a certain purpose that involved a process at work within him. He understood that one day YEHOVAH God would “call” him from the grave, and that he would “answer,” thus fulfilling his purpose.

This is important knowledge, revealed by YEHOVAH God. Job could not otherwise have known it.

YEHOVAH God is at work in those He has called. He is fashioning, molding, and building within them His very character. Now notice what Isaiah recorded: “But now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our potter; and we all are the work of your hand” (Isaiah 64:8).

Tragically, many fight YEHOVAH’s purpose, thinking they know better than YEHOVAH God Almighty who made them. They refuse to be told what to do and to be clay in YEHOVAH’s hands. This was Adam’s problem.

Isaiah also wrote, “Woe unto him that strives with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to Him that fashions it, What make You? Or Your work, He [YEHOVAH God] has no hands?” (Isaiah 45:9).

Most people have absolutely no idea that YEHOVAH God actively works within human beings He has called -- or what He is doing when He does. Again, this is spiritually revealed knowledge, unattainable to all whom YEHOVAH God has not called to understand His truth (John 6:44, 65; 17:17). But Israel had some knowledge of YEHOVAH’s true purpose, and would have learned more if she had remained faithful. Other gods swept her away into error.

The true Christian increases in understanding and “grow[s] in grace, and knowledge” (II Peter 3:18). He endures a lifetime of overcoming, because he is in training for a great purpose. Those called understand that “…he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13).

The apostle Paul understood how YEHOVAH works in Christians. He recognized that salvation (Romans 6:23), and even faith to receive it, are free gifts. They cannot be earned. But this does not mean YEHOVAH God is not actively working (requiring good works) in human beings, as He reproduces himself.

Consider: “For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. for we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:8-10).

Did you catch the phrase Paul used -- “we are His workmanship”? What could be plainer? YEHOVAH God has a Purpose at work within each person!

Paul continued by saying that Christians must “walk” in “good works.” The false notion of “just believing in Jesus” thwarts YEHOVAH’s Supreme Purpose of fashioning people through careful workmanship, like a potter with clay.

Salvation, though of “grace…through faith,” involves GOOD WORKS. This means that salvation is a process and not something that happens immediately upon “giving your heart to [the traditional] Jesus.”

Notice this about the process at work within those YEHOVAH God calls: “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:23-24). II Corinthians 5:17 puts it this way: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature…”

The one who serves YEHOVAH God is being transformed in his mind. He yields his own will and seeks to replace it with YEHOVAH’s will in all matters. He seeks to please YEHOVAH God -- not self!

All of this is lost on those who worship the god who declares that “works” -- including commandment-keeping -- have no place in Christianity. They are left blind to YEHOVAH God’s marvelous purpose.

Born to Build Character

Each person that YEHOVAH God calls is presented with the same choice that Adam and Eve faced -- yielding to YEHOVAH God and His government or yielding to Satan and his nature.

Just as little children grow up to look like their physical parents, so also do YEHOVAH’s children slowly take on the spiritual likeness of their Parent, in holy, righteous character -- “divine nature” (II Peter 1:4). Peter described Christians as “partakers of the divine nature” -- the nature of YEHOVAH God. There is the physical nature of creation, human nature and YEHOVAH’s nature. YEHOVAH is re-fashioning corrupt, carnal human nature into wonderful, glorious, perfect, holy, spiritual character -- His divine nature!

Character is understanding -- knowing -- right from wrong and doing what is right instead of what is wrong! YEHOVAH God reveals what is right, but it is through the power of free moral agency, deciding to do what is right, that righteous character is built.

Character is consciously choosing the right way, against resistance. It is not the easy way. It is swimming against the current, rather than drifting lazily in the direction it is flowing. It is building love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance (self-control) -- all the fruit of the holy spirit -- wisdom, knowledge, understanding, humility and more. This takes time, because character is built through EXPERIENCE.

YEHOVAH God is now actively working in the minds of only those few who have come to know Him and who have His holy spirit within them (Acts 2:38). Humans are not born with YEHOVAH’s character. And YEHOVAH God cannot instantly infuse them with it. Character must be developed over a lifetime.

YEHOVAH God has perfect character in all respects. He is love (I John 4:8, 16). Love is the fulfilling of the law (Romans 13:10; I John 5:3), which requires yielding to YEHOVAH God. It is outgoing concern for others, putting them first -- ahead of self-interests.

Satan’s nature is selfish, incoming and concerned only with what is best for self and how to get more for self. This is the attitude he injected into Adam and Eve when they ate of the forbidden fruit. He wanted them blinded to their awesome potential.

Are you seeing that, while YEHOVAH God made man in the form and shape, physically, of Himself, it DOES NOT END THERE?

You were created to become like YEHOVAH God -- to build perfect, holy, righteous character. Grasp this astonishing truth. YEHOVAH is reproducing Himself in human beings! Just as you are the child of parents, and possibly have children of your own, YEHOVAH God is your Parent. In this life, YEHOVAH begins to spiritually re-form and re-shape those He calls -- His children. His Purpose is to build within them His nature.

So then, YEHOVAH God is reproducing Himself in those who have received His holy spirit. He is creating children that will look and BE just like Him! To build the very character of YEHOVAH God is the reason you exist! But there is more to understand.

Your Awesome Future

The book of Hebrews reveals YEHOVAH’s awesome purpose with crystal clarity. The context begins in Chapter 1. Watch as the astounding picture of YEHOVAH’s Plan unfolds.

First, understand that YEHOVAH God created angels to be “ministering spirits” to assist the “heirs of salvation” (Hebrews 1:14). This is their role within YEHOVAH’s Plan. Angels are NOT offered membership in the Family of YEHOVAH God. This is why Satan (as a fallen angel) so hates the idea that puny, fleshly man can receive what he has never been offered nor can ever achieve.

Paul quotes from two places in the Psalms: “For unto which of the angels said He at any time, You are My Son, this day have I begotten you? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to Me a Son?” (Hebrews 1:5). (Hebrews 2:5 describes the earth under the “subjection of angels” now, but makes clear that these angels will not rule over “the world to come.”)

Paul then quotes from another Psalm, explaining what has always been YEHOVAH’s Purpose: “Your throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom…” (Psalm 1:8). A scepter is a rod or staff used as a symbol of rulership or authority -- and in His kingdom it is YEHOVAH God who has all power.

Finally, Paul re-frames the same question about angels: “But to which of the angels said He at any time, Sit on My right hand, until I make Your enemies Your footstool? Are they not all MINISTERING SPIRITS, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” (Hebrews 1:13-14).

This sets the stage for what we must understand! Let’s really comprehend the truly awesome future that YEHOVAH God has prepared for all those who serve Him.

This amazing series of verses continues in chapter 2 -- and builds in understanding and impact. Paul quotes Psalm 8:4-6. As we have seen, David asked the all-important question, “What is man, that You are mindful of him?” (Hebrews 2:6). Since YEHOVAH God is eternal, and sits over the entire universe and has all power under His control, no wonder David asked, and Paul repeated, this question.

The astounding answer is in the next verse: “You made him [man] a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor, and did set him over the works of Your Hands.”

Paul further explains that YEHOVAH God plans TO GIVE IMMENSE POWER and authority to His Sons: “You have put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him” (Hebrews 2:8). This has not yet happened -- but soon will, at the return of YEHOVAH God and the Messiah!

When YEHOVAH says that “all things” will be put under the feet of man, this is what He means. The vast universe, with all of its quadrillions of stars and one trillion galaxies, will be put under the authority of men who have been born into the Family of YEHOVAH God. In fact, the Moffatt translation renders the Greek word for “all things” as “the universe.”

This is staggering knowledge! -- wonderful beyond description! Take time to truly grasp it. Savor what can be your future. It is the reason you exist -- it explains why you were born!

Before continuing, consider a fascinating verse about another related aspect of salvation few understand. We have seen that Christians await a truly incredible salvation. But, the whole creation is also intensely awaiting the appearing of all those new sons to be added to YEHOVAH’s Family.

Carefully read the following, previously referenced but now with different emphasis: “For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God; for the creation [all things in the known universe] was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God. We know that the whole creation [everything] has been groaning in travail together until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves [Christians], who have the firstfruits of the Spirit [the few now called], groan inwardly as we wait for [birth] as sons” (Romans 8:19-23, RSV).

All future “children of God” -- sons -- will be LIBERATORS of a creation now in bondage. All humanly-devised gods, worshipped today in such ignorance, will be put aside and exposed for what they were -- false!

Many Sons

Now we can continue the all-important account in Hebrews 2: “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became Him, for Whom are all things, and by Whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings” (vs. 9-10).

Did you catch what was said? Do you grasp it? These verses contain the promise of a STAGGERING FUTURE available to mankind. Those called in this age are to inherit “all things” and to be “crowned with glory and honor” through the sacrifice of Yeshua the Messiah -- “the Captain of their salvation.”

These verses reveal the marvelous, wonderful potential planned for all Christians. Paul reveals that, when YEHOVAH God and the Messiah return, “many sons” will be brought “unto glory,” through the work of the “Captain of our salvation” (Hebrews 2:10).

The Bible shows a connection between sons and heirs. An heir has not yet inherited what is to come to him. We read, in I Corinthians 15:50, that we will “inherit the kingdom of God.” But those called now, in this lifetime, are heirs -- begotten (not yet born) sons. Paul further explains, “And if you be Christ’s, then are you Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise…Wherefore you are no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ” (Galatians 3:29; 4:7).

YEHOVAH God will SHARE rulership over His entire creation with all of His Sons. The Messiah is merely the first of many. Notice: “For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29).

The birth of a “firstborn” son logically implies the future birth of additional sons (and daughters) to the SAME family!

Of course, one of YEHOVAH’s biblical names is “Father” (Greek: Pater: see Matthew 5:48, 6:9; Mark 14:36; Galatians 4:6). This word refers to the head of a family -- it is, like the word “son”, a family name! A human father and son are members of the same family. This is also true of spirit-begotten children of YEHOVAH God!

Continuing in Hebrews 2, notice that the Messiah “…is not ashamed to call them brethren [the other many sons -- US!]” (vs. 11). Truly, the begotten Christian has been called to “glory” and to be one of “many sons.” The Messiah’s suffering and sacrifice allow him to be the “Captain of their salvation” -- and potentially yours.

What an incredible future for those whom Yeshua the Messiah “calls…brethren.” Notice again: “For both He that sanctifies [the Messiah] and they who are sanctified [begotten Christians] are all of ONE: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren” (vs. 11). There will be no difference between the Messiah and his younger brothers and sisters, except that he will have greater overall authority within YEHOVAH’s Kingdom. All will be of the God kind -- God Beings!

If the Messiah is “not ashamed to call them [us] brethren,” then we, YEHOVAH’s begotten sons, must not be ashamed to defend the very truth that sanctifies us (John 17:17) -- and the truth of the gospel (Phil. 1:17). We must “grow up” unto the Messiah (Ephesians 4:13) and hold to the true doctrines of YEHOVAH God. We must qualify to stand beside the Messiah over “all things.”

Do you see what has been described here? The Christian goal is to be born into the Kingdom of YEHOVAH God -- to become an immortal spirit being who will rule under YEHOVAH God and the Messiah. What could be more wonderful -- more glorious -- to look forward to?

While the Trinity is a mystery that cannot be understood, YEHOVAH’s Plan, while a mystery to the world, CAN be understood. And His purpose has not changed from the beginning.

The Trinity Doctrine Denies YEHOVAH’s Purpose

The Trinity doctrine portrays YEHOVAH God as a closed, indefinable, three-in-one being, rather than a divine Family, currently consisting of the Father and His Son, the Messiah. Unlike a family, the CLOSED TRINITY pictures a “static” god, which cannot expand.

Professing Christianity -- through its convoluted teachings on the nature of YEHOVAH God -- denies that man can become God! It declares that any who believe this is possible are guilty of blasphemy. Tragically, those who accept the Trinity are kept from understanding that they were created to become literal members of the God Family, and to share in ruling the entire universe!

The Trinity is just one of many clever counterfeits devised by Satan the devil to deceive humanity. This world’s god does not want human beings to know that they are offered what he can never have. Satan does not want men to know that YEHOVAH God is reproducing Himself, expanding His Family in a way that can include them -- you! Your destiny is membership in this Family, as a born-again Son of YEHOVAH God, ruling with YEHOVAH God and the Messiah at their now imminent return.

Do not misunderstand, underestimate or miscalculate the importance of which God you serve. NOTHING COULD BE MORE IMPORTANT!