Why the One God Is in Three Persons

[Pilgrim]

As God commands men in regards to bearing witness or to judge any one, so God does as well. Do note how He speaks against one witness or one person doing the judging as that should inform believers how God judges any one as not by being a One Person God.

Deuteronomy 17:6 At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death. ~ KJV

Deuteronomy 19:15 One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established. ~ KJV

Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. ~ KJV

2 Corinthians 13:1This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. ~ KJV

1 Timothy 5:19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. 20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. ~ KJV

Hebrews 10:28 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? ~ KJV

So how can God be a One Person/One Witness God to be able to judge anyone, let alone require men to NOT judge any one by one person?

Any scripture testifying to the Triune God establishing a testimony? Here is one for establishing a word in creating man. Note how the request was made in the plural sense but the act was done in the singular sense. One Person God cannot do it by Himself if He was talking to someone else besides God. Therefore Whom He was talking to was within God Himself to create man in Their image, & when They did, it was done as the One God.

Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. ~ KJV

The dynamics is that the Word of God, hence the Son of God requested the Father for creating man in Their image. When the Father agreed, They including the Spirit of God created man in His image as the One God. It is by the Word of God, Jesus, Himself, was how everything was made in agreement with the Father & the automatic cooperation of the Spirit of God as the credit & glory goes to the Son as witnessed by the apostle John as led by the Holy Spirit.

John 1:1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made..... 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 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. ~ KJV

Again we see how the Lord judged the people at the tower of Babel. The request was made in the plural sense, but as the One God in performing it.

Genesis 11:5 And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. 6 And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. 7 Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. 8 So the Lord scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. 9 Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the Lord did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the Lord scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth. ~ KJV

Note how it is not the Father that judges Himself, but They will judge as One in regards to how we honor the Son or not in all things relating to God.

John 5:22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: 23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. ~ KJV

So the Triune God is in agreement on how the One God shall judge; he who honor not the Son, but honor anyone else, even the Holy Spirit, is no longer honoring the Father. We can only honor the Father by honoring the Son for that is by Whom the glory of God rests upon in worship, fellowship, & prayer.

John 13:31 Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him. ~ KJV

So that is why the One God is in Three Persons/Three witnesses because if He was a One Person/One Witness God, then by His own words, He could not establish a testimony or a word in creation, let alone judge any one as God requires man to do by His words.

That also means 1 John 5:7 regarding the 3 Witnesses in Heaven was originally part of scripture after all because how then can God's sole witness be greater than men's witness if He was a One Person God? By taking verse 7 out, verse 9 falls flat for how can God's witness be greater than men's?

1 John 5:6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. 7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. 9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. ~ KJV

Look at what had happened at the water baptism of Jesus Christ's on how the witness of the Holy Spirit alighted on Jesus when the father spoke in Heaven to make His witness true per His words.

John 8:17 It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. ~ KJV

Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. 16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. ~ KJV

What did Jesus meant in Matthew 3:15 to fulfill all righteousness? To fulfill this prophesy in Isaiah where God is speaking & yet the Lord God & His Spirit sent Him, Our God & Redeemer.

Isaiah 48:16 Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there am I: and now the Lord God, and his Spirit, hath sent me. 17 Thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go. ~ KJV

Pray about this since wisdom comes from the Lord in understanding His words.

Isaiah 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. ~ KJV

 

[Josiah]

What is, is.

"Why?" doesn't matter. That we can ask a question has nothing whatsoever to do with anything other than our ability to structure a sentence as a question.




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[Pilgrim]

What is, is.

"Why?" doesn't matter. That we can ask a question has nothing whatsoever to do with anything other than our ability to structure a sentence as a question.

Unfortunately, it isn't just some of those who believe in Jesus Christ & that God had raised Him from the dead, have trouble wrapping their heads around the Triune God as being the One God also, but sinners seeking God as well. So it is in answering their question, but were afraid to ask.

 

[JRT]

For many years I have struggled to understand the doctrine of the trinity. To say it is a mystery that we are not expected to comprehend simply doesn't cut it for me. Some time ago I discovered that in the original formulation of the trinity, the word in Greek which we traditionally have interpreted to mean "persons", as in "three persons in one God" is actually the same word used to designate the mask worn by actors in Greco-Roman theater. We cannot call this a "person" but we can certainly call it a "persona". This insight has put a totally new spin on the entire concept for me. We finite creatures cannot possibly hope to describe our transcendent God, but we can speak of the modes or roles or personae that assist our understanding. God as creator/father, God as spirit/sustainer, and the glimpse of God we obtain in the life and teaching of Jesus. In other words, trinity is not a description of God but is, rather, a description of the human experience of God in the language of fourth century Greek speaking Christianity. We are not limited to just these three. Any persona that promotes our understanding of and our relationship to God is completely acceptable. God could be mother as well as father. God could be Wisdom / Word / Allah / Krishna / Manitou. God's possibilities are endless. These are merely our human images of God. God is, as always, ONE.


As we examine the evolution of the Hebrew/Jewish perception of God in the Old Testament, what becomes obvious was that in the earliest layers El was merely just another tribal god. It was however the ONLY god that was permitted to the Hebrew people. This is known as henotheism. As time went by this exclusive tribal deity evolved into the ONLY deity. This of course is monotheism. Viewed in this manner Elohim as plural refers to the pantheon of middle-eastern gods of whom El was regarded as the chief god.

 

[Pilgrim]

For many years I have struggled to understand the doctrine of the trinity. To say it is a mystery that we are not expected to comprehend simply doesn't cut it for me. Some time ago I discovered that in the original formulation of the trinity, the word in Greek which we traditionally have interpreted to mean "persons", as in "three persons in one God" is actually the same word used to designate the mask worn by actors in Greco-Roman theater. We cannot call this a "person" but we can certainly call it a "persona". This insight has put a totally new spin on the entire concept for me. We finite creatures cannot possibly hope to describe our transcendent God, but we can speak of the modes or roles or personae that assist our understanding. God as creator/father, God as spirit/sustainer, and the glimpse of God we obtain in the life and teaching of Jesus. In other words, trinity is not a description of God but is, rather, a description of the human experience of God in the language of fourth century Greek speaking Christianity. We are not limited to just these three. Any persona that promotes our understanding of and our relationship to God is completely acceptable. God could be mother as well as father. God could be Wisdom / Word / Allah / Krishna / Manitou. God's possibilities are endless. These are merely our human images of God. God is, as always, ONE.


As we examine the evolution of the Hebrew/Jewish perception of God in the Old Testament, what becomes obvious was that in the earliest layers El was merely just another tribal god. It was however the ONLY god that was permitted to the Hebrew people. This is known as henotheism. As time went by this exclusive tribal deity evolved into the ONLY deity. This of course is monotheism. Viewed in this manner Elohim as plural refers to the pantheon of middle-eastern gods of whom El was regarded as the chief god.

I believe God exists outside of our created universe in that place called Heaven. When the request was made by the Word of God to the Father to create us in Their image, I get the sense that the Father has an image too along with the Son in how man was made after Their image & yet when the act of creating men, as the One God. done in His image.

Jesus testified that a time will come when we will not need Him to mediate to the Father, but that the Father will see us as we shall see the Father. in Heaven.

John 16:25 These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father. 26 At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: 27 For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. 28 I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. ~ KJV

I am left with the impression that Heaven will be like stepping off from the holodeck of the created universe & literally be with God in seeing the Father & the Son in their celestial physical form where God dwells, but since we prophesy in part & know in part, we will know Him face to face soon..

 

[Josiah]

Unfortunately, it isn't just some of those who believe in Jesus Christ & that God had raised Him from the dead, have trouble wrapping their heads around the Triune God

... which is why it's called "The MYSTERY of the Trinity."

God is not subject to the brains of fallen, sinful, puny, physical human beings.... I realize a LOT of people think of themselves as brilliant, as super-intelligent, indeed as the equal of God (or more likely, smarter than God) and thus note that it is mandated that they understand things or they cannot be true. Such egoism and pride are often enemies of God and the cause of much fallen thoughts and practices. With all due respect, whether any human can wrap their puny brain around the things of God is entirely irrelevant. Faith = trusting God. Indeed, there is LITTLE about God that I can wrap my brain around (and I got my Ph.D. in physics when I was 25 years old): MANY things I cannot even begin to wrap my puny, fallen, human, extremely limited brain around. But then an ant probably can't understand String Theory either.




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[Pilgrim]

... which is why it's called "The MYSTERY of the Trinity."

God is not subject to the brains of fallen, sinful, puny, physical human beings.... I realize a LOT of people think of themselves as brilliant, as super-intelligent, indeed as the equal of God (or more likely, smarter than God) and thus note that it is mandated that they understand things or they cannot be true. Such egoism and pride are often enemies of God and the cause of much fallen thoughts and practices. With all due respect, whether any human can wrap their puny brain around the things of God is entirely irrelevant. Faith = trusting God. Indeed, there is LITTLE about God that I can wrap my brain around (and I got my Ph.D. in physics when I was 25 years old): MANY things I cannot even begin to wrap my puny, fallen, human, extremely limited brain around. But then an ant probably can't understand String Theory either.

I realize that when I refer to man's failing to grasp the wisdom of His words, I should have pointed out how believers can.

1 Corinthians 2:3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. ~ KJV

1 Corinthians 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. ~ KJV

1 Corinthians 3:5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? 6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. ~ KJV

James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. KJV

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. 14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. ~ KJV

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.... 13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. ~ KJV

Not Mary, not the departed saints, & not even the Holy Spirit, but the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, for the sole reason so that the Father may be glorified in the Son for answers to prayers.

Seems that needs to be stated because some saved believers keep climbing up another way for answers from God other than the Son.

John 10:1Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.... 7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door: ....... ~ KJV

1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; KJV

 

[Lamb]

Seems that needs to be stated because some saved believers keep climbing up another way for answers from God other than the Son.

Which believers would those be?

 

[Pilgrim]

Which believers would those be?

Saved believers can err & go astray. That is what discipleship & running that race by faith in Jesus Christ to help them to follow Him is all about.

Believers that seek answers from Mary or the departed saints or even the Holy Spirit when Jesus is the only Mediator between God & men. It is by the only way of the Son, we have access to God the Father to pray to Him by in Jesus's name.

The Holy Spirit is God, but He is not the Mediator, but the Comforter.

Jesus as the Son of God/Son of Man died on the cross; not the Father nor the Holy Spirit.

Some believers like to give the credit to the Holy Spirit as drawing them unto the Son to believe in Him, but scriptures says otherwise.

The Father draws all men unto the Son; not the Holy Spirit.

John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. KJV

It is the Father that hides the truth from men & the Father is the One that reveals the Son to even babes.

Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. 26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. 27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. KJV

Anyway, my point is there are a lot of assumptions made about the Holy Spirit in giving Him credit & glory for that scripture gives that credit & glory to Someone Else either the Father or the Son & that includes praying to the Holy Spirit when He is not the Mediator that answers prayers.

Remember those who are in those apostate movements where they call on the Holy Spirit to fall on them & chaos comes? They prayed to the Holy Spirit but that was not the Holy Spirit answering since God is not the author of confusion. So why did God permit the strong delusion to occur? Because all invitations in coming to God the Father is to the Son. To climb up another way around the Son is sin.

So prayers should be directed to the Son & by His name to God the Father ; not to Mary, not to the departed saints, & not even to the Holy Spirit even though He is God BUT that is not His role to perform. To treat the Holy Spirit as if that is His role to perform is dishonoring the Son as the only Mediator between God & man since He is the One that answers prayers so the father may be glorified in the Son.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.... 13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. ~ KJV