I received this amazing study from Yochannah HaDebar on the Trinity doctrine which I feel is a must read for all my members. I posted it in the forums under my article Jesus, Begotten Son. Would love to read your comments on this, it is ten pages but please take the time to study it. It opened my eyes. Brother Chris
From: Yochannah HaDebar
Subject: What does the trinity doctrine really teach?
--Hello, Brother Chris
... I just wanted to share some things I have learned during the last year or two about what the trinity doctrine really teaches. I started getting interested in this when I was doing a lot of research into the history of the dark ages. I was studying an entirely different topic, but I kept running across one thing after another of how the Catholic Church kept attacking those who did not agree with her doctrine of the Trinity. As I saw more and more how important this doctrine was to the papacy, and how severely they attacked those who would not agree with it, I started to get suspicious!
I thought to myself, “What's with this? Why was there such a battle over this teaching? Why were so many people willing to die instead of accept the trinity doctrine? What's wrong with it?”
So I started researching it. And I discovered some very interesting things. They can be summarized as follows:
- Most people, especially Adventists, do not know what the trinity doctrine actually teaches.
- The trinity doctrine is not Biblical. In fact, it has it's roots in ancient mythology instead of in the Bible.
- The Catholic church proclaims that the trinity doctrine is the foundation for every other doctrine in their system.
- The Adventist church claims to believe in the trinity, but in reality what they are teaching is not the trinity doctrine.
- By dictionary definition, the “trinity” taught by the Adventist church is actually tritheism. But they call it by the name “trinity” because everybody has to profess faith in the trinity in order to avoid being called heretics.
- The tritheistic trinity doctrine being taught by the Adventist church is not Biblical either, and results in errors in other areas of theology as well.
Brief overview of Trinity vs. Tritheism:
The official trinity doctrine, which is based on the Athenasian Creed, and which most Protestants and Catholics subscribe to, says that there is one Being called God who has three persons or personalities. These three, separate, personalities are called the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Athenasian creed is very specific that there is only ONE being, not three beings. It is heresy to say there are three beings. It declares that there are three persons or personalities, but NOT three beings.
The whole concept sounds to me very similar to the idea that modern psychology teaches about a single human being having multiple personalities inside. One personality can be a grown man, another a child, and another something else.
So the trinity seems like this too – a single being called God who has three separate and distinct personalities.
The concept taught by the Adventist church is actually very different from the trinity. They call it by the name “trinity” but in reality what they are teaching is very different from the concept of the trinity.
From the explanations I've read, the Adventist Church teaches that the name “God” is like a family name that includes the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who are each separate and distinct beings from each other.
So in the trinity doctrine you have one being with three personalities.
And in the Adventist version you have three beings under one family name.
By the dictionary definition, the concept that is being taught by the Adventist church is actually not trinitarianism; it is tritheism. But they must not call it by that name because tritheism is considered a heretical doctrine by other churches.
In recent years critics from other denominations have started to pick up on the difference between the “trinity” as taught by the Adventist church, and the orthodox trinity, as taught by other denominations, and are questioning what the Adventists are actually teaching.
In reality, neither trinitarianism nor tritheism is the correct explanation that we find in the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy. This will be seen in the study below, as well as in the attached document for those who want to study more. (Any questions or comments are welcomed!)
What does the Bible teach about the Godhead?
The rest of this study investigates what the Bible says about the Godhead, especially, how do the Father and Son relate to each other.
First we want to see what the truth about God is from the Bible and then we will see how it contrasts with the doctrine of the trinity.
For purposes of clarity and accuracy, I have restored the name Yahweh to the following texts, as it appeared in the original Hebrew Bible. When the Bible was translated into English, the translators removed God's personal name, “Yahweh”, and replaced it with the title “LORD” (in all capitals). But this can make some texts harder to understand. So in the following texts the name “YAHWEH” has been placed back in the text where it originally was.
Also I wanted to explain the meaning of the word “God”. The word translated “God” in our English Bibles usually comes from the word “Elohim” in Hebrew. The singular form of this word, “El” or “Eloah”, means “mighty one”. But in the Hebrew language a word can be made plural to indicate extension, magnitude and dignity. So since the word “Elohim” is plural, when referring to the true God, but is accompanied by a singular verb or adjective, it means “Almighty one”. Following is a more detailed explanation of this from the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Speaking of the word “Elohim”, it says:
“Its form is plural, but the construction is uniformly singular, i.e. it governs a singular verb or adjective, unless used of heathen divinities (Psa 96:5; Psa 97:7). It is characteristic of Hebrew that extension, magnitude and dignity, as well as actual multiplicity, are expressed by the plural. It is not reasonable, therefore, to assume that plurality of form indicates primitive Semitic polytheism. On the contrary, historic Hebrew is unquestionably and uniformly monotheistic. (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)
So the sum of this is that when you see the word “God” in your English Bible, it is translated from a word that means the “Almighty One”. I wanted to mention this because this helps make things more clear when reading these texts. It is a descriptive word, not just a title with no meaning.
So to help with understanding the following texts I have inserted the phrase “almighty one” next to the word “God” in some of the following Old Testament texts.
There is only one God – one “Almighty One”:
Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that YAHWEH he is God (the almighty one); there is none else beside him. (Deut 4:35)
Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that YAHWEH he is God (the almighty one) in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else. (Deut 4:39)
Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which YAHWEH thy God (almighty one) giveth thee, for ever. (Deut 4:40)
Thus saith YAHWEH the King of Israel, and his redeemer YAHWEH of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God (almighty one). (Isa 44:6)
Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God (mighty one) beside me? yea, there is no God (almighty one); I know not any. (Isa 44:8)
Ye are my witnesses, saith YAHWEH, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God (mighty one) formed, neither shall there be after me. (Isa 43:10)
I, even I, am YAHWEH; and beside me there is no saviour. (Isa 43:11)
I am YAHWEH, and there is none else, there is no God (almighty one) beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: (Isa 45:5)
That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am YAHWEH, and there is none else. (Isa 45:6)
For thus saith YAHWEH that created the heavens; God (almighty one) himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am YAHWEH; and there is none else. (Isa 45:18)
Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I YAHWEH? and there is no God (almighty one) else beside me; a just God (mighty one) and a Saviour; there is none beside me. (Isa 45:21)
Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God (almighty one), and there is none else. (Isa 45:22)
Remember the former things of old: for I am God (mighty one), and there is none else; I am God (almighty one), and there is none like me, (Isa 46:9)
Have we not all one father? hath not one God (mighty one) created us? (Mal 2:10)
Hear, O Israel: YAHWEH our God (almighty one) is one YAHWEH: (Deut 6:4)
And thou shalt love YAHWEH thy God (almighty one) with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. (Deut 6:5)
And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; YAHWEH our God is one YAHWEH: ...And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: ...And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. (Mark 12:29-34)
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (John 17:3)
No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. (John 1:18)
Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. (John 6:46)
Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? (John 10:36)
For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; (Rom 1:9)
That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom 15:6)
As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. (1Cor 8:4)
For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) (1Cor 8:5)
But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. (1Cor 8:6)
Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. (1Cor 15:24)
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; (2Cor 1:3)
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; (Eph 4:4)
One Lord, one faith, one baptism, (Eph 4:5)
One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Eph 4:6)
For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. (Jude 1:4)
Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; (1Tim 6:15)
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. (1Tim 6:16)
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; (Eph 5:20)
“Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Eph 6:23)
“Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.” (2John 1:3)
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; (1Tim 2:3)
Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (1Tim 2:4)
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (1Tim 2:5)
Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. (1Tim 2:6)
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well. … (Jas 2:19)
Is Jesus called “God”?
For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. (Col 2:9) [the word “Godhead” means “Divinity”]
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. (1Tim 3:16)
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. (Isa 9:6)
[Jesus is called God. Jesus is also our everlasting Father, and we are His children – see Heb. 2:13]
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)
“Jehovah (YAHWEH) is the name given to Christ.” (7aBC, 429, ST, 5-3-99, brackets added)
How can Christ be called God if there is only one God?
“Jehovah (YAHWEH) is the name given to Christ.” (7aBC, 429, ST, 5-3-99, brackets added)
I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not. John 5:43
Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. (Heb 1:4)
For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? (Heb 1:5)
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: (Phil 2:9)
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; (Phil 2:10)
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil 2:11)
“The great Creator assembled the heavenly host, that he might in the presence of all the angels confer special honor upon his Son. The Son was seated on the throne with the Father, and the heavenly throng of holy angels was gathered around them. The Father then made known that it was ordained by himself that Christ should be equal with himself; so that wherever was the presence of his Son, it was as his own presence. His word was to be obeyed as readily as the word of the Father. His Son he had invested with authority to command the heavenly host.” (Ellen White, The Signs of the Times, January 9, 1879; also in Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, pages 18, 19)
“The Scriptures clearly indicate the relation between God and Christ, and they bring to view as clearly the personality and individuality of each. ...For unto which of the angels said He at any time, Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee? And again, I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son?" Hebrews 1:1-5.
God is the Father of Christ; Christ is the Son of God. To Christ has been given an exalted position. He has been made equal with the Father. All the counsels of God are opened to His Son.” (Ellen White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, page 268)
Summary:
Jesus stated that God, His Father, is the only true God (the only true Almighty One):
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (John 17:3)
Since Jesus is the Son of God, it is only proper that He should be called by the Father's name. Even in our culture, sons are always called by their father's name.
God, the Father has ordained that His Son should be equal with Himself. He invested His Son with authority to command the heavenly host. (see above quote)
Christ has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name – He is called “God” and “Yahweh” and has been given the same authority as His Father.
So, in summary, the Bible says that there is only one God, and that this one God has a Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. (1Cor 8:6)
God is the head of Christ:
“But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. (1Cor 11:3)
“Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.” (John 14:28)
And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's. (1Cor 3:23)
For he (the Father) hath put all things under his (the Son's) feet. But when he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest that he (the Father) is excepted, which did put all things under him. (1Cor 15:27, brackets added)
And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. (1Cor 15:28)
“The great Creator assembled the heavenly host, that he might in the presence of all the angels confer special honor upon his Son. The Son was seated on the throne with the Father, and the heavenly throng of holy angels was gathered around them. The Father then made known that it was ordained by himself that Christ should be equal with himself; so that wherever was the presence of his Son, it was as his own presence. His word was to be obeyed as readily as the word of the Father. His Son he had invested with authority to command the heavenly host.” (Ellen White, The Signs of the Times, January 9, 1879; also in Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, pages 18, 19)
“The Scriptures clearly indicate the relation between God and Christ, and they bring to view as clearly the personality and individuality of each. ...For unto which of the angels said He at any time, Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee? And again, I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son?" Hebrews 1:1-5.
God is the Father of Christ; Christ is the Son of God. To Christ has been given an exalted position. He has been made equal with the Father. All the counsels of God are opened to His Son.” (Ellen White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, page 268)
“A complete offering has been made; for “God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son,”—not a son by creation, as were the angels, nor a son by adoption, as is the forgiven sinner, but a Son begotten in the express image of the Father’s person, and in all the brightness of his majesty and glory, one equal with God in authority, dignity, and divine perfection. In him dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” (Ellen White, The Signs of the Times, May 30, 1895)
Christ has been made equal with the Father in the following ways:
- “Authority”
- “Dignity”
- “Divine perfection”
But yet the Father is still greater than Christ, as described in the following verses:
“Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.” (John 14:28)
“My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.” (John 10:29)
Is the Father also the God of Christ?
The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not. (2Cor 11:31)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (Eph 1:3)
And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? (Matt 27:46)
Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. (John 20:17)
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; (2Cor 1:3)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (1Pet 1:3)
Is Christ truly begotten?
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
By this the love of God is revealed in us: that God has sent his one and only Son into the world so that we may live through him. (1John 4:9)
For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? (Heb 1:5)
So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, today have I begotten thee. (Heb 5:5)
As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. (Heb 5:6)
Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; (Heb 5:7)
Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; (Heb 5:8)
“A complete offering has been made; for "God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son,"-- not a son by creation, as were the angels, nor a son by adoption, as is the forgiven sinner, but a Son begotten in the express image of the Father's person, and in all the brightness of his majesty and glory, one equal with God in authority, dignity, and divine perfection. In him dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” {ST, May 30, 1895 par. 3}
Definiton: Be·get
- (especially of a male parent) to procreate or generate (offspring).
- to cause; produce as an effect: a belief that power begets power.
(Source: Dictionary.com)
Summary:
- The Old Testament tells us there is only one God (one Almighty One).
- The New Testament tells us that this one God is the Father.
And it also tells us that this one God has a son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who was begotten in His express image.
- The Son has been given His Father's name.
- He has been given His Father's authority, power, and dignity
- And He has been made equal with His Father in authority, dignity, and divine perfection.
- But, at the same time He always remains a submissive, obedient, Son.
Note added by Yochanah - But some may be saying, 'What about the Holy Spirit?' In John 16:7 (KJV) Messiah said, "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you."
The word 'Comforter' is parakletos, Greek 3875, Strong’s par-ak'-lay-tos; an intercessor, consoler :- advocate, comforter. In the KJV this same word is used as "mediator" in the following verses:
1 Tim. 2:5 (KJV) For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
Hebrews 8:6 (KJV) But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
Hebrews 9:15 (KJV) And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
Hebrews 12:24 (KJV) And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
Yahushua [the true Hebrew name of our Messiah] is our intercessor, our mediator, it is His Spirit that could not be sent until He was with His Father. - Yochanah