(Copyright ©1truth1law.com 2008)
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Since the beginning of man’s history, people have worshiped many different gods. Even today there are different gods within the religious system that calls itself Christianity. In this system, some teach that God consists of three entities known as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (the trinity). In 325CE, there were some religious leaders at Rome during the Nicene Council who wanted to set Christ’s mother on the same level as Christ himself. These men were called Melchites who represented Christians who lived in Egypt. They proposed that the trinity should consist of the Father, the Son, and Mary (“Two Babylons”, by Alexander Hislop, pg. 108, published by EZREADS, 2009). Other Christian groups believe that God consists of only two, the Father and the Son. With all this confusion, it should not be a surprise that very few people understand who the only true God is. In fact, God gave a prophesy through Jeremiah showing that this confusion will continue until Christ returns to establish his Father’s kingdom/government worldwide,
No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man is brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity (which prevents them from correctly understanding who the only true God is), and their sin I will remember no more” (Jer. 31:34; NKJV throughout unless noted; Ed. notes in parenthesis).
Jesus Christ stated it is a prerequisite to everlasting life that everyone comes to the correct understanding of who the only true God is,
And this is eternal life that they may know (understand) (who) You (are), the only true God, and Jesus Christ (a being who is separate from the only true God) whom You (God our Father) have sent (Jn. 17:3; Ed. notes in parentheses).
Therefore it is essential, for anyone who wishes to inherit the kingdom of the only true God (also referred to as Almighty God, God our Father, and the Most High God – Gen. 14:18, Nu. 24:16, Deut. 32:8, Mk. 5:7), to come to a correct understanding of who He is. Hopefully, by examining His word, the Bible, we can come to this understanding,
I am the Lord, and there is no other; there is no God besides Me (Isa. 45:5a).
And there is no other; there is no other God (Isa. 45:14b).
For thus says, the Lord, who created the heavens, who is God, who formed the earth and made it, who has established it, who did not create it empty, who formed it to be inhabited; I am the Lord, and there is no other (Isa. 45:18).
You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe – and tremble (Jas. 2:19)!
In these scriptures it is plain that there cannot be more than one true God, even though there may be other spirit beings that were created by Him,
Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. 5 Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the measuring line upon it? 6 To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone, 7 when the morning stars (archangels) sang together, and all the sons of God (other members of God’s heavenly host) shouted for joy (Job 38:4-7; Ed. notes in parenthesis)?
The only true God has always existed; whereas the angels mentioned above did not,
I urge you in the sight of God (our Father) who gives life to all things, and before Jesus Christ (who is separate and distinct from God our Father) who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing (at his return to rule this earth), 15 which He (God our Father) will manifest in his own time, He (God our Father) who is blessed and the only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power (1Tm. 6:13-16; Ed. notes in parentheses).
The only true God has bestowed many of His offices and titles upon Jesus Christ. Consequently, Jesus Christ carries these offices and titles by delegation from his Father as well as the authority that goes with them,
Beware of him (the Angel of God who later became Jesus Christ) and obey his voice (Mt. 17:5); do not provoke him, for he will not pardon your transgressions; for my (the only True God’s) name is in him (Isa. 9:6; Jn. 5:43; Ed. notes in parentheses).
For unto us a child is born (Jesus Christ), unto us a son (of man) is given; and the government (including all the law and commandments of God our Father) will be upon his shoulder. And his (Christ’s) name will be called Messenger (angel) of Great Counsel (Septuagint, cf. Judges 13:18), Mighty God (SHD#410 - El), Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over his kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts (the only true God) will perform this (Isa. 9:6-7; Ed. notes in parentheses).
Then I (the apostle John) saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And he (Christ) who sat on him was called Faithful and True (to his Father’s commands), and in righteousness (Ps. 119:142, 172) he judges and makes war (against the Adversary – 1Pe. 5:8). 12 His (Christ’s) eyes were like a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns (granted to Christ by his Father). He (Christ) had names written (titles and offices, cf. Isa. 9:6-7) that no one knew except himself (Rev. 19:11-12; Ed. notes in parentheses).
And he (Christ) has on his robe and on his thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS (Rev. 19:16; Ed. notes in parenthesis).
Those faithful to the only true God will also be granted a title, with responsibilities, under the leadership of Jesus Christ,
And from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness (Rev. 19:11), the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To him (Christ) who loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 and has made us kings and priests (cf. 1Pe. 2:5, 9) to his (Christ’s) God and Father, to Him (the only true God) be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen (Rev. 1:5-6; Ed. notes in parentheses).
Therefore, as the only true God bestows titles and offices upon Jesus Christ, so Jesus Christ can bestow titles and offices upon those who are faithful to his Father’s commands,
So Jesus said to them (his disciples), ‘Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the son of man sits on the throne of his glory, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Mt. 19:28; Ed. notes in parenthesis).
Now the wall of the city (New Jerusalem) had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb (of God) (Rev. 21:14, cf. Eph. 2:19-22; Ed. notes in parentheses).
Do you not know that we (those faithful and obedient to God our Father) shall judge (the fallen) angels? How much more the things that pertain to this life (1Cor. 6:3; Ed. notes in parentheses).
It is important to note that no man has ever seen the only true God, except the one who became a man, Jesus Christ,
Not that anyone (human being) has seen the Father, except he (Jesus Christ) who is from God ; he (Christ) has seen the Father (Jn. 6:46; Ed. notes in parentheses).
No one (human being) has seen God (our Father) at any time (Jn. 1:18a; Ed. notes in parentheses).
Christ did point out that other angelic beings have seen the only true God,
See that you do not have a low opinion of one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels [in the heavens] at all times see the face of my Father in the heavens (Mt. 18:10; RNT, bracketed section omitted in some Gk. mss).
Christ pointed out that all worship is to be directed to God our Father, who is separate and distinct from him (Christ),
But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you (Mt. 6:6).
While Messiah was speaking to a Samaritan woman he identified the object of worship as his Father and not himself,
But the hour is coming, and now is, when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those whom worship Him must worship in spirit and truth (Jn. 4:23).
Christ also reminded Satan that only God our Father is to be worshiped,
It is written: “You shall worship the Lord, your God, and Him alone shall you serve” (Lk. 4:8).
Jesus Christ has his own throne and position within the heavenly realm,
But this man (Jesus Christ) after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God (our Father), from that time waiting till his enemies are made his footstool (Heb. 10:13; Ed. notes in parentheses).
Therefore, (King David) being a prophet, and knowing that God (our Father) had sworn with an oath to him (David) that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He (the only true God) would raise up (by a resurrection from the dead) Christ to sit on his (David’s) throne (Ac. 2:30; Ed. notes in parentheses).
So Jesus Christ is sitting (metaphorically) on the throne of his human father, King David.
This throne is distinct and separate from the throne of the only true God. God the Father’s throne is exhaustive because it encompasses the entire earthly and heavenly realm,
And I (Jesus Christ) say to you make no oath at all, neither by heaven, because it is the throne of God, 35 “nor by the earth, because it is the footstool of His feet, and not toward Jerusalem, for it is ‘the city of the great King’ (Mt. 5:34-35; RNT; Ed. notes in parenthesis).
Only God our Father has always existed. Every other being in heaven and on earth has been created by Him,
Before the mountains were brought forth (created), or ever You (the only true God) had formed the earth and the world (before approximately 4.5 billion years ago), even from everlasting to everlasting (from the past that has no beginning to the future which has no end), You (the only true God) are God (Ps. 90:2; Ed. notes in parentheses).
Your (the only true God’s) throne is established from of old; You are from everlasting (no beginning) (Ps. 93:2; Ed. notes in parentheses).
Therefore, the only spirit-being that has always existed is God the Father, who is the only true God, and the Almighty God. All other beings both physical and spiritual have been created by Him either directly, or by delegation. The spirit being that became Jesus Christ was given authority, by his heavenly Father, to participate in major aspects of creation in the same manner that a building contractor delegates the actual construction of a building to other workers (sub-trades) (Col. 1:12-20; Ed. notes in parenthesis).
The only true God created other gods (SHD#430 – elohim, used to describe spirit beings), but these gods are not to be worshiped, only Almighty God is to be worshiped (Rev. 22:8-9),
Who is like You, O Lord (Almighty God), among the gods? (Ex. 15:11).
You shall have no other gods before Me (Almighty God) (Ex. 20:3).
As Jesus Christ was created by his heavenly Father, and was later sent to earth by Him, it is clear that Almighty God alone is to be worshiped,
I (Christ) am ascending to my Father and your Father, and to my God and your God (Jn. 20:17b; Ed. notes in parenthesis).
Most assuredly, I (Christ) say to you, a servant (Christ) is not greater than his master (Almighty God); nor is he (Christ) who is sent (by his Father) greater than he (God our Father) who sent him (Christ) (Jn. 13:16; Ed. notes in parentheses).
From Genesis 1:26, it appears more than one of the gods (SHD#430 – elohim) were involved in the creation of man,
Then God said, ‘Let us (more than one spirit being) make man in our (plural) image, according to our (plural) likeness (Gen. 1:26a; Ed. notes in parentheses).
When any religious organization teaches that it is acceptable to direct worship to anyone other than Almighty God, they are breaking the first commandment. Although Jesus Christ is head of the church, and should be respected for his faithfulness to God, worship is not to be directed to him. Christ explained this fact to a rich young ruler during his ministry,
And travelling out in the way, a man having run toward him (Christ) and having fallen on his knees, was questioning him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit age-abiding life?” 18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except one, God (our Father) (Mk. 10:17-18; RNT; Ed. notes in parentheses).
Christ stated plainly that his Father in heaven was greater than he and, therefore, the only one to be worshiped,
My (Christ’s) Father, who has given them (the disciples) to me, is greater than all (Jn. 10:29a; Ed. notes in parentheses).
You have heard me (Christ) say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice because I said I am going to the Father, for my Father is greater than I (Jn. 14:28).
Those who believe that Jesus Christ is equal to his Father in heaven do not understand John 17:3,
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God (as all of mankind was originally intended to be – Gen. 1:26a), did not consider equality with God (our Father) something to be grasped (at), but made himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant, and coming in the likeness of men (flesh and blood) (Phil. 2:5-7; Ed. notes in parentheses).
Christ’s action is in stark contrast to another spirit being who wanted to grasp equality with God our Father, which is actually what the false doctrine of the trinity does. The trinity places two other entities in an equal position with Almighty God. This is blasphemy and breaks the first commandment,
How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star (Lucifer – originally one of the morning stars mentioned in Job 38:7), son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground (Gen. 3:14), you (now known as Satan and the Adversary) who weakened the nations (Rev. 12:9)! For you have said in your heart (inner motivations): I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars (angels) of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north (seat of Almighty God’s government); I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High (Almighty God) (Isa. 14:12-14; Ed. notes in parentheses).
So Satan did seek equality with Almighty God because he was not content with the responsibilities he had been given. In contrast, Jesus Christ humbled himself and was obedient to his heavenly Father, even unto death for the purpose of restoring all those who have been led astray by Satan’s devices,
Now all things are of God (our Father), who has reconciled us (sinners) to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in (through) Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses (sins) to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation (1Cor. 5:18-19; Ed. notes in parentheses).
Almighty God is both our Creator as well as restorer. His plan of salvation makes it possible to be restored in our relationship with Him while still maintaining freedom of choice. Jesus Christ is the one through whom Almighty God could accomplish this plan of restoration,
Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name (the same name delegated to Jesus Christ, cf. Ex. 23:20-21; Isa. 9:6-7) under heaven given among men, by which we must be saved (Ac. 4:12; Ed. notes in parenthesis).
Understanding this plan, and the responsibilities that were taken by two separate and distinct beings, is a prerequisite to everlasting life as Almighty God said through the apostle John (Jn. 17:3).
This document is the collaborative work of individuals who believe God's truth should be given freely (Mt. 10:8; 1Cor. 2:12; 2Cor.11:7; Rom. 10:14-21) and the message of the one true God should be made available to all nations (Mt. 24:14) as a prerequisite to the return of Jesus Christ as King of kings (Mt. 17:10; 19:17; Mk. 9:11; Lk. 1:17; Rev. 19:11-16).
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