Is Jesus omnipotent?

[Grace911]

Matthew 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

Mark 13:32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

The beginning of the year starts on the 1st month with the Abib of Barley, which is needed for the Wave Sheath Day. I've noticed all calendars that are pre-made can and probably are wrong. The only sure way is to have witnesses in the land of Israel, which we do have. So some will be looking for the 7th month at different times.

The day and hour that no man knoweth is speaking of the Feast of Trumpets (1st day of the 7th month). Why? Because we do not know if that month will have 29 days or 30 days for those who literally sight the sliver of the new moon, will only know on that day. Sometimes that month is expected to have 29 days but if the sky prohibits the view, it will be a 30 day month.

Will Jesus make His Second Coming on Feast of Trumpets? I believe that is correct timing.

And is a separate event from the rapture, which will be on Shavuot/Pentecost because this is the Wheat Harvest.

Today is 21st day of the 6th month. I will be new moon watching for the two witnesses in Israel who sight the new moon either on August 17th or 18th, 2023.

John 10:30 I and my Father are one.

John 17:9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
10 And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.
11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

 

[Aussie52]

He is God, so yes!

 

[Nehemiah6]

Matthew 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

That was then. It no longer applies. All power and authority (including the power to decide on the Second Coming) now belongs to Christ. See the ending of Matthew 28.

 

[Tall_Timbers]

Yes.

 

[NightTwister]

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:5-8 ESV

 

[The_Watchers_2017]

He's the WORD, the Creator of All Things. He knew before fulfilling Philippians 2:5-8 and after His Resurrection.

 

[NightTwister]

He's the WORD, the Creator of All Things. He knew before fulfilling Philippians 2:5-8 and after His Resurrection.

Yes.

 

[posthuman]

Matthew 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

https://carm.org/bible-difficulties...didnt-he-know-the-time-of-christs-return-man/

this verse is wedding language.

It doesn't mean that God the Son lacks any knowledge any more than Revelation 19:12 means God the Father isn't omniscient.

 

[posthuman]

Revelation 19:12
His eyes like a flame of fire, and on His head many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself.

is God omniscient?

 

[posthuman]

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:5-8 ESV

emptied Himself of what?

of glory. not of His nature or person or deity.
so He says, glorify Me with the glory I had in the beginning, in Gethsemane. and so the transfiguration revealed that glory, the Shekinah.

 

[JaumeJ]

He is with us where ever we go.

 

[montana123]

Rom 1:3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
Rom 1:4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.

Gal 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.

1Ti 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.

People have to realize that the Son can be referred to as the man Christ Jesus.

Mar 13:32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

The Son, the man Christ Jesus does not know the day and hour but only the Father.

Joh 8:57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?
Joh 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

Jesus can speak as God or as the man Christ Jesus.

1Ti 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

1Ti 6:14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
1Ti 6:15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
1Ti 6:16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

Rev 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Jesus is omnipotent because He is God which the only way we can see God is if He shows us a visible manifestation of Himself.

That is why the Bible says that no person has seen Jesus, and no person will ever see Him, for He is an invisible Spirit who showed us a visible image of Himself.

 

[John146]

Matthew 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

Mark 13:32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

The beginning of the year starts on the 1st month with the Abib of Barley, which is needed for the Wave Sheath Day. I've noticed all calendars that are pre-made can and probably are wrong. The only sure way is to have witnesses in the land of Israel, which we do have. So some will be looking for the 7th month at different times.

The day and hour that no man knoweth is speaking of the Feast of Trumpets (1st day of the 7th month). Why? Because we do not know if that month will have 29 days or 30 days for those who literally sight the sliver of the new moon, will only know on that day. Sometimes that month is expected to have 29 days but if the sky prohibits the view, it will be a 30 day month.

Will Jesus make His Second Coming on Feast of Trumpets? I believe that is correct timing.

And is a separate event from the rapture, which will be on Shavuot/Pentecost because this is the Wheat Harvest.

Today is 21st day of the 6th month. I will be new moon watching for the two witnesses in Israel who sight the new moon either on August 17th or 18th, 2023.

John 10:30 I and my Father are one.

John 17:9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
10 And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.
11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

Hebrews 5:
8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

 

[NotmebutHim]

Absolutely!

 

[posthuman]

These things being so, come let us now examine into 'But of that day and that hour knows no man, neither the Angels of God, nor the Son ;' for being in great ignorance as regards these words, and being stupefied about them, they think they have in them an important argument for their heresy. But I, when the heretics allege it and prepare themselves with it, see in them the giants again fighting against God. For the Lord of heaven and earth, by whom all things were made, has to litigate before them about day and hour; and the Word who knows all things is accused by them of ignorance about a day; and the Son who knows the Father is said to be ignorant of an hour of a day; now what can be spoken more contrary to sense, or what madness can be likened to this? Through the Word all things have been made, times and seasons and night and day and the whole creation; and is the Framer of all said to be ignorant of His work? And the very context of the lection shows that the Son of God knows that hour and that day, though the Arians fall headlong in their ignorance. For after saying, 'nor the Son,' He relates to the disciples what precedes the day, saying, 'This and that shall be, and then the end.' But He who speaks of what precedes the day, knows certainly the day also, which shall be manifested subsequently to the things foretold. But if He had not known the hour, He had not signified the events before it, as not knowing when it should be. And as any one, who, by way of pointing out a house or city to those who were ignorant of it, gave an account of what comes before the house or city, and having described all, said, 'Then immediately comes the city or the house,' would know of course where the house or the city was (for had he not known, he had not described what comes before lest from ignorance he should throw his hearers far out of the way, or in speaking he should unawares go beyond the object), so the Lord saying what precedes that day and that hour, knows exactly, nor is ignorant, when the hour and the day are at hand.​

​

Now why it was that, though He knew, He did not tell His disciples plainly at that time, no one may be curious where He has been silent; for 'Who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been His counsellor Romans 11:34?' but why, though He knew, He said, 'no, not the Son knows,' this I think none of the faithful is ignorant, viz. that He made this as those other declarations as man by reason of the flesh. For this as before is not the Word's deficiency , but of that human nature whose property it is to be ignorant. And this again will be well seen by honestly examining into the occasion, when and to whom the Saviour spoke thus. Not then when the heaven was made by Him, nor when He was with the Father Himself, the Word 'disposing all things ,' nor before He became man did He say it, but when 'the Word became flesh John 1:14.' On this account it is reasonable to ascribe to His manhood everything which, after He became man, He speaks humanly. For it is proper to the Word to know what was made, nor be ignorant either of the beginning or of the end of these (for the works are His), and He knows how many things He wrought, and the limit of their consistence. And knowing of each the beginning and the end, He knows surely the general and common end of all. Certainly when He says in the Gospel concerning Himself in His human character, 'Father, the hour has come, glorify Your Son ,' it is plain that He knows also the hour of the end of all things, as the Word, though as man He is ignorant of it, for ignorance is proper to man , and especially ignorance of these things. Moreover this is proper to the Saviour's love of man; for since He was made man, He is not ashamed, because of the flesh which is ignorant , to say 'I know not,' that He may show that knowing as God, He is but ignorant according to the flesh. And therefore He said not, 'no, not the Son of God knows,' lest the Godhead should seem ignorant, but simply, 'no, not the Son,' that the ignorance might be the Son's as born from among men.​

​

On this account, He alludes to the Angels, but He did not go further and say, 'not the Holy Ghost;' but He was silent, with a double intimation; first that if the Spirit knew, much more must the Word know, considered as the Word, from whom the Spirit receives ; and next by His silence about the Spirit, He made it clear, that He said of His human ministry, 'no, not the Son.' And a proof of it is this; that, when He had spoken humanly 'No, not the Son knows,' He yet shows that divinely He knew all things. For that Son whom He declares not to know the day, Him He declares to know the Father; for 'No one,' He says, 'knows the Father save the Son Matthew 11:27.' And all men but the Arians would join in confessing, that He who knows the Father, much more knows the whole of the creation; and in that whole, its end. And if already the day and the hour be determined by the Father, it is plain that through the Son are they determined, and He knows Himself what through Him has been determined , for there is nothing but has come to be and has been determined through the Son. Therefore He, being the Framer of the universe, knows of what nature, and of what magnitude, and with what limits, the Father has willed it to be made; and in the how much and how far is included its period. And again, if all that is the Father's, is the Son's (and this He Himself has John 16:15 said), and it is the Father's attribute to know the day, it is plain that the Son too knows it, having this proper to Him from the Father. And again, if the Son be in the Father and the Father in the Son, and the Father knows the day and the hour, it is clear that the Son, being in the Father and knowing the things of the Father, knows Himself also the day and the hour. And if the Son is also the Father's Very Image, and the Father knows the day and the hour, it is plain that the Son has this likeness also to the Father of knowing them. And it is not wonderful if He, through whom all things were made, and in whom the universe consists, Himself knows what has been brought to be, and when the end will be of each and of all together; rather is it wonderful that this audacity, suitable as it is to the madness of the Ario-maniacs, should have forced us to have recourse to so long a defense. For ranking the Son of God, the Eternal Word, among things originate, they are not far from venturing to maintain that the Father Himself is second to the creation; for if He who knows the Father knows not the day nor the hour, I fear lest the knowledge of the creation, or rather of the lower portion of it, be greater, as they in their madness would say, than knowledge concerning the Father.​

- Athanasius I of Alexandria, from "Against the Arians" discourse 3, ch.28​

- written ~ 356 A.D. ​

 

[JaumeJ]

These things being so, come let us now examine into 'But of that day and that hour knows no man, neither the Angels of God, nor the Son ;' for being in great ignorance as regards these words, and being stupefied about them, they think they have in them an important argument for their heresy. But I, when the heretics allege it and prepare themselves with it, see in them the giants again fighting against God. For the Lord of heaven and earth, by whom all things were made, has to litigate before them about day and hour; and the Word who knows all things is accused by them of ignorance about a day; and the Son who knows the Father is said to be ignorant of an hour of a day; now what can be spoken more contrary to sense, or what madness can be likened to this? Through the Word all things have been made, times and seasons and night and day and the whole creation; and is the Framer of all said to be ignorant of His work? And the very context of the lection shows that the Son of God knows that hour and that day, though the Arians fall headlong in their ignorance. For after saying, 'nor the Son,' He relates to the disciples what precedes the day, saying, 'This and that shall be, and then the end.' But He who speaks of what precedes the day, knows certainly the day also, which shall be manifested subsequently to the things foretold. But if He had not known the hour, He had not signified the events before it, as not knowing when it should be. And as any one, who, by way of pointing out a house or city to those who were ignorant of it, gave an account of what comes before the house or city, and having described all, said, 'Then immediately comes the city or the house,' would know of course where the house or the city was (for had he not known, he had not described what comes before lest from ignorance he should throw his hearers far out of the way, or in speaking he should unawares go beyond the object), so the Lord saying what precedes that day and that hour, knows exactly, nor is ignorant, when the hour and the day are at hand.​

​

Now why it was that, though He knew, He did not tell His disciples plainly at that time, no one may be curious where He has been silent; for 'Who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been His counsellor Romans 11:34?' but why, though He knew, He said, 'no, not the Son knows,' this I think none of the faithful is ignorant, viz. that He made this as those other declarations as man by reason of the flesh. For this as before is not the Word's deficiency , but of that human nature whose property it is to be ignorant. And this again will be well seen by honestly examining into the occasion, when and to whom the Saviour spoke thus. Not then when the heaven was made by Him, nor when He was with the Father Himself, the Word 'disposing all things ,' nor before He became man did He say it, but when 'the Word became flesh John 1:14.' On this account it is reasonable to ascribe to His manhood everything which, after He became man, He speaks humanly. For it is proper to the Word to know what was made, nor be ignorant either of the beginning or of the end of these (for the works are His), and He knows how many things He wrought, and the limit of their consistence. And knowing of each the beginning and the end, He knows surely the general and common end of all. Certainly when He says in the Gospel concerning Himself in His human character, 'Father, the hour has come, glorify Your Son ,' it is plain that He knows also the hour of the end of all things, as the Word, though as man He is ignorant of it, for ignorance is proper to man , and especially ignorance of these things. Moreover this is proper to the Saviour's love of man; for since He was made man, He is not ashamed, because of the flesh which is ignorant , to say 'I know not,' that He may show that knowing as God, He is but ignorant according to the flesh. And therefore He said not, 'no, not the Son of God knows,' lest the Godhead should seem ignorant, but simply, 'no, not the Son,' that the ignorance might be the Son's as born from among men.​

​

On this account, He alludes to the Angels, but He did not go further and say, 'not the Holy Ghost;' but He was silent, with a double intimation; first that if the Spirit knew, much more must the Word know, considered as the Word, from whom the Spirit receives ; and next by His silence about the Spirit, He made it clear, that He said of His human ministry, 'no, not the Son.' And a proof of it is this; that, when He had spoken humanly 'No, not the Son knows,' He yet shows that divinely He knew all things. For that Son whom He declares not to know the day, Him He declares to know the Father; for 'No one,' He says, 'knows the Father save the Son Matthew 11:27.' And all men but the Arians would join in confessing, that He who knows the Father, much more knows the whole of the creation; and in that whole, its end. And if already the day and the hour be determined by the Father, it is plain that through the Son are they determined, and He knows Himself what through Him has been determined , for there is nothing but has come to be and has been determined through the Son. Therefore He, being the Framer of the universe, knows of what nature, and of what magnitude, and with what limits, the Father has willed it to be made; and in the how much and how far is included its period. And again, if all that is the Father's, is the Son's (and this He Himself has John 16:15 said), and it is the Father's attribute to know the day, it is plain that the Son too knows it, having this proper to Him from the Father. And again, if the Son be in the Father and the Father in the Son, and the Father knows the day and the hour, it is clear that the Son, being in the Father and knowing the things of the Father, knows Himself also the day and the hour. And if the Son is also the Father's Very Image, and the Father knows the day and the hour, it is plain that the Son has this likeness also to the Father of knowing them. And it is not wonderful if He, through whom all things were made, and in whom the universe consists, Himself knows what has been brought to be, and when the end will be of each and of all together; rather is it wonderful that this audacity, suitable as it is to the madness of the Ario-maniacs, should have forced us to have recourse to so long a defense. For ranking the Son of God, the Eternal Word, among things originate, they are not far from venturing to maintain that the Father Himself is second to the creation; for if He who knows the Father knows not the day nor the hour, I fear lest the knowledge of the creation, or rather of the lower portion of it, be greater, as they in their madness would say, than knowledge concerning the Father.​

- Athanasius I of Alexandria, from "Against the Arians" discourse 3, ch.28​

- written ~ 356 A.D. ​

If anyone doubts the understanding shown here may he meditate on the following,once more, from Isaiah.

Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

 

[Musicmaster]

Matthew 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

Mark 13:32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

The beginning of the year starts on the 1st month with the Abib of Barley, which is needed for the Wave Sheath Day. I've noticed all calendars that are pre-made can and probably are wrong. The only sure way is to have witnesses in the land of Israel, which we do have. So some will be looking for the 7th month at different times.

The day and hour that no man knoweth is speaking of the Feast of Trumpets (1st day of the 7th month). Why? Because we do not know if that month will have 29 days or 30 days for those who literally sight the sliver of the new moon, will only know on that day. Sometimes that month is expected to have 29 days but if the sky prohibits the view, it will be a 30 day month.

Will Jesus make His Second Coming on Feast of Trumpets? I believe that is correct timing.

And is a separate event from the rapture, which will be on Shavuot/Pentecost because this is the Wheat Harvest.

Today is 21st day of the 6th month. I will be new moon watching for the two witnesses in Israel who sight the new moon either on August 17th or 18th, 2023.

John 10:30 I and my Father are one.

John 17:9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.
10 And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.
11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

You may wish to be here for the new moon watching for the Two Witnesses during the Tribulation, but not me. I plan to be at the wedding feast, wearing the appropriate attire.

MM

 

[Karlon]

i believe all 3 are omnipotent, omnipresent & omniscient.

 

[Goldwing]

i believe all 3 are omnipotent, omnipresent & omniscient.

Acts Within the Trinity Prove, “God is Love.”

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Mat.24:36)

The text surely leaves no doubt that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are not, “All knowing.” That’s not what I was taught, but is that correct?

Proof Text Demands

Some people demand a “proof text” for everything said about an infinite God as though a “sound bite” is the only or best solution. Bible verses are building blocks and when properly arranged, we discover truths which are otherwise unknown. I am not opposed to the use of “proof texts” as long as they are not used to put the Bible in a state of internal conflict. I am opposed to the idea that everything God wants us to understand is explicitly stated. God draws us into a study of His Word by requiring that we analyze line upon line and precept upon precept. Every truth does not require or have explicit statements. For example, suppose two facts in Algebra are stated: A = B and B = C. From these two facts we can deduct a new fact, A = C, even though there is no explicit statement saying that A = C.

The Bible is full of precious truth, some truths are explicitly stated; many have to be deducted. This makes studying the Bible so exciting! Truth is proven true by the harmony that comes from the sum of its parts. Unfortunately, some people are not reasonable, they insist on a “proof text” declaring that A = C when there is none. I often find this belligerence to be a smoke screen. Some people have staked out a position and are afraid their “theological house of cards” will fall, or be found inferior, if A = C. An honest-hearted, mature Bible student knows when the Holy Spirit is leading him into “all truth,” many “theological houses” have to fall and be rebuilt. I do not believe today what I believed fifty years ago! I have had to tear down many of my “theological constructs” to resolve apparent conflicts. This process never ends and it is so exciting! I do not fear what the truth may be, I just want to know what it is and apply it to my life!

The Jews in Christ’s day loved to spar using “proof texts” in their debates, as though eternal life depended on it, but for all their learning and memorization of Scripture, they missed the profound truth that Jesus was the promised Messiah! This happened because they errantly searched the Bible to support their religious bias and beliefs, not to understand God’s love, ways, plans, and thoughts. They did not understand John the Baptist was “the Elijah who was to come” because there was no “proof text.” In fact, many Jews rejected Jesus as Messiah because Elijah did not show up. Their bigoted experience should be a siren warning us that the Bible should not be treated with arrogance; remember, when it comes to matters pertaining to God, everyone has impediments. Tread softly!

A Wonderful Set of Plans

According to John chapter 1 and Hebrews 9:14, the Father was not a lone God before the universe was created; instead, Jesus and the eternal Spirit, two equal, separate, distinct, coeternal Gods accompanied Him. In the beginning, before anything was created, I believe three equals met to discuss plans which included creating an infinite and ever-expanding universe. They agreed on a number of important matters to establish a beginning for events in the universe. We know this is true because they stated this fact in unison! Notice how the plural is used: “Then God said [the Hebrew word elohiym is plural – meaning they spoke in unison, in agreement, with one voice], ‘Let us make man in our image, in our likeness.’ ”

Each deity has the power of life within Himself, omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, and whatever else belongs to deity. Since we have limited knowledge of the universe, and if we accept everything the Godhead does is purposeful and deliberate, it is reasonable to conclude that long ago they agreed to create an ever-expanding space and fill it with remarkable and fascinating gifts for their children. They wanted an infinite number of planets, stars, constellations, and even universes.

 

[Goldwing]

Acts Within the Trinity Prove, “God is Love.”

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Mat.24:36)

The text surely leaves no doubt that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are not, “All knowing.” That’s not what I was taught, but is that correct?

Proof Text Demands

Some people demand a “proof text” for everything said about an infinite God as though a “sound bite” is the only or best solution. Bible verses are building blocks and when properly arranged, we discover truths which are otherwise unknown. I am not opposed to the use of “proof texts” as long as they are not used to put the Bible in a state of internal conflict. I am opposed to the idea that everything God wants us to understand is explicitly stated. God draws us into a study of His Word by requiring that we analyze line upon line and precept upon precept. Every truth does not require or have explicit statements. For example, suppose two facts in Algebra are stated: A = B and B = C. From these two facts we can deduct a new fact, A = C, even though there is no explicit statement saying that A = C.

The Bible is full of precious truth, some truths are explicitly stated; many have to be deducted. This makes studying the Bible so exciting! Truth is proven true by the harmony that comes from the sum of its parts. Unfortunately, some people are not reasonable, they insist on a “proof text” declaring that A = C when there is none. I often find this belligerence to be a smoke screen. Some people have staked out a position and are afraid their “theological house of cards” will fall, or be found inferior, if A = C. An honest-hearted, mature Bible student knows when the Holy Spirit is leading him into “all truth,” many “theological houses” have to fall and be rebuilt. I do not believe today what I believed fifty years ago! I have had to tear down many of my “theological constructs” to resolve apparent conflicts. This process never ends and it is so exciting! I do not fear what the truth may be, I just want to know what it is and apply it to my life!

The Jews in Christ’s day loved to spar using “proof texts” in their debates, as though eternal life depended on it, but for all their learning and memorization of Scripture, they missed the profound truth that Jesus was the promised Messiah! This happened because they errantly searched the Bible to support their religious bias and beliefs, not to understand God’s love, ways, plans, and thoughts. They did not understand John the Baptist was “the Elijah who was to come” because there was no “proof text.” In fact, many Jews rejected Jesus as Messiah because Elijah did not show up. Their bigoted experience should be a siren warning us that the Bible should not be treated with arrogance; remember, when it comes to matters pertaining to God, everyone has impediments. Tread softly!

A Wonderful Set of Plans

According to John chapter 1 and Hebrews 9:14, the Father was not a lone God before the universe was created; instead, Jesus and the eternal Spirit, two equal, separate, distinct, coeternal Gods accompanied Him. In the beginning, before anything was created, I believe three equals met to discuss plans which included creating an infinite and ever-expanding universe. They agreed on a number of important matters to establish a beginning for events in the universe. We know this is true because they stated this fact in unison! Notice how the plural is used: “Then God said [the Hebrew word elohiym is plural – meaning they spoke in unison, in agreement, with one voice], ‘Let us make man in our image, in our likeness.’ ”

Each deity has the power of life within Himself, omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, and whatever else belongs to deity. Since we have limited knowledge of the universe, and if we accept everything the Godhead does is purposeful and deliberate, it is reasonable to conclude that long ago they agreed to create an ever-expanding space and fill it with remarkable and fascinating gifts for their children. They wanted an infinite number of planets, stars, constellations, and even universes.

(2 of 3)
In the Beginning, There Was Divine Love

After the three Gods agreed on matters pertaining to the creation of the universe, I believe they had an even more interpersonal discussion to determine what relational arrangement among them would best serve the upcoming universe. They could remain separate, distinct Gods who would rule the universe as a group of three executives exercising sovereign power like Julius Caesar and Pompey and as Crassus tried in 60 B.C. Another option might be to adopt the “go along and get along” kind of relationship. Or, perhaps, they could establish boundaries so each God had sovereign authority over His own domain, and allow each God to forfeit most of His rights and prerogatives so that, together, they would function as one God.

Of course, the three infinitely wise deities understood that if they chose the last option, they would never again possess their original rights and prerogatives without destroying the considered relationship. Their agreed upon solution is difficult for humans to understand and appreciate. It is overwhelming to consider three unlimited Gods were willing to live within self-imposed limits to function as one synergistic unit. Because each member of deity has everything within Himself that deity possesses, the three Gods created a relationship based on a principle called “love.” Each God agreed to forfeit two-thirds of His powers, rights, and prerogatives so that together, they could best serve the universe they were about to create. Using a mathematical analogy:

1/3 of a God + 1/3 of a God + 1/3 of a God = 1 God

The infinite love and wisdom within each God agreed this was the best solution for eternity. Their decision makes the phrase “God is love” more meaningful than most people can realize! Three almighty Gods humbled themselves by forfeiting most of their rights and prerogatives to one another so they could function as one unit. Additionally, they agreed to live in a “glass house” for all eternity so their children could observe and study their behavior and love toward each other. Think about this: love has to be demonstrated for others to see and understand it. “God is love” means nothing if God does nothing. The Bible teaches faith without deeds is dead. Likewise, love separated from action is just a meaningless word.

Before your mind freezes with opposition to the idea of one deity surrendering His rights and prerogatives to another, consider these five examples!

First, Jesus surrendered His life to the Father on the cross so He could die the second death. “Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ When he had said this, he breathed his last.” Many people claim, “Deity cannot die,” but Jesus said of Himself, “I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever!”(Rev.1:18) If Jesus did not die the second death, how did He pay the penalty for sin?


Second, the Bible teaches that Jesus became the son, the subject, of the Father on the day that Adam and Eve sinned. When Jesus surrendered Himself to the Father’s will to save sinners, the Father said to Jesus, “You are my son [subject]; today I have become your father.”(Ps.2:7) The Hebrew word for son is ben, it means “subject to authority.” A son is subject to his father’s authority; so we find in Psalm 2 that one deity surrendered to another!

Third, Jesus (one deity) surrendered His will to the Father (another deity) when He came to Earth. “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.”(Jh. 6:38) After fasting forty days, Jesus was tempted to exercise divine power to turn stones into bread, but He refused because it was not the Father’s will.(Jh.5:32)

Fourth, when the Father found Jesus worthy to receive the book sealed with seven seals in 1798, the Father recused Himself and surrendered His throne to Jesus. He did this to make Jesus sovereign over heaven and Earth. The Father exalted Jesus to His throne to remove any doubt that Jesus, like Himself, is deity. This is what the revelation of Jesus is all about! When Jesus appears at the Second Coming, He will be sitting at the right hand of the Father and wearing a sash declaring He is “King of kings and Lord of lords!”(Rev.19:16)

Fifth, at the end of the 1,000 years, the Bible indicates Jesus will return sovereign authority to the Father. So, once again, the Father will be Ruler of the Universe, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.(1 Cor.15:24-28) “One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Eph.4:6)

These five examples demonstrate how I conclude three deities surrendered their rights and prerogatives to one another. In fact, love made this surrender possible; and as long as each God is willing to love and trust the other two Gods with all His heart, mind, and soul, the foundation of the universe is secure!