Some people doubt the existence of Father and Holy Spirit today as distinct living beings or personas, also doubting that Jesus Christ is alive today and human. There is help in the experiences of those so blessed today so they can bear witness to all. Is there scriptural help or proof too? The Book of Revelation is a book which was written about our times so we see all this in relation to how Father and Son and Holy Spirit are today right there in this book. The book tells of these times today. So the Father and Son and Holy Spirit have witness to their existence today right there in this book. It is true that the Father is a being who exists as an entirely spirit being today. The Son also exists today as a human being, alive from the dead, touchable, powerful in his faith in the Father’s love. The Son does not compete with the Father but cooperates with the Father lovingly. The Holy Spirit is a being too and comes and goes in many places at once, speaking, appearing in forms which have prophetic significance. Experiences of witnesses tell us this. The Book of Revelation supports it all too in scripture prophecy.
Thursday 31 October 2024
The marking with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit
The promised Holy Spirit’s marking as a heavenly seal is typically manifested through the sudden, involuntary appearance of one or more miraculous gifts—often prophetic, mystical, or revelatory—such as tongues, prophecy, or interpretation of tongues. The event is generally witnessed by a congregation or a significant spiritual leader, such as a senior elder, especially during services, baptisms, or confirmations when hands may be laid on the believer or group of believers. The marking signifies the recipient's entry into the mystical body of Christ and is marked by a divine confirmation. It cannot be achieved by human means alone; it is a manifest act of holy heaven. (For some, unusually, the Holy Spirit actually visibly rests upon them in a prophetic sign-like form.)
If there is a human construct, an artificial imitation of the true, heavenly-sealed body of Christ, it is not entry into the genuine body of Christ. Without the heavenly marking, or sealing, by the Holy Spirit, entry into the body of Christ cannot be authentically claimed.
Scriptures, such as the New Testament epistles and the Book of Revelation, are directed toward the true body of Christ. If a person lacks this mark, this sealing by the Holy Spirit, it could suggest they do not fully believe that Christ is the Son, the light sent by God. It may indicate they have not truly received or believed in the gospel of truth, or that, despite believing, they have not adhered to Jesus’ teachings. Those who have genuinely believed in Jesus Christ and the message of truth are marked with the promised Holy Spirit. Some may await the laying on of hands by one through whom this marking is imparted, or they may be earnestly praying for the Holy Spirit’s gift.
The gospel—the message of truth—is that Christ died on the cross for your reconciliation with the Father, who raised him from the dead. Jesus Christ lives forever.
Those marked with the seal which is the promised Holy Spirit are one body in Christ, and Christ’s just governance begins once they are living in obedience.
If you are marked with the seal which is the promised Holy Spirit and have received miraculous gifts, remember that Jesus is the great fountain from which your gifts flow. He is the greater fountain. You are a fountain too. Allow the living water of the Holy Spirit to flow from you to bless others.
If you are marked with the seal which is the promised Holy Spirit, the coming Day of Redemption is for you. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit.
If you are marked with the seal which is the promised Holy Spirit, you now serve the Lord Jesus, and he desires to reveal future things to you. The Book of Revelation is a divine gift from God, given to Jesus to show these things to his servants. The New Testament epistles, preserved for the church, also guide you in understanding your position in the Lord Jesus Christ as part of his body.
New Theological Framework, by ChatGPT
New Theological Framework
DS (Divine Source)
The Father alone is the one true God and the unique source of all divinity, embodying the full essence and authority of the Godhead.
DD (Derived Divinity)
The Son is fully divine, yet His divinity is derived from the Father, establishing a relationship in which He shares the Father’s essence authentically.
DI (Distinct Identities)
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit each possess distinct identities: the Father as Creator, the Son as Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit as God’s active presence in creation.
RU (Relational Unity)
The Father, Son, and Spirit maintain a unity of essence and purpose, rooted in the Father’s primacy and expressed through relational harmony within the Godhead.
HSM (Holy Spirit Mystery)
The Holy Spirit’s relationship to the Father and Son is left as a divine mystery, allowing for reverence and open exploration of the Spirit’s unique role.
SF (Scriptural Fidelity)
This framework is based on a careful interpretation of scripture that honors the Father’s primacy, the Son’s derived divinity, and the Spirit’s active presence.
NCD (Non-Competitive Divinity)
Within the Godhead, there is no competition; the Son’s and Spirit’s divine identities do not diminish the Father’s unique status as the one true God.
UD (Unity Through Diversity)
The distinct identities of the Father, Son, and Spirit reveal different aspects of God’s nature while upholding divine unity through the Father as the ultimate source.
EE (Experiential Engagement)
Believers are encouraged to relate to God personally: the Father as the one true God, the Son as Redeemer, and the Spirit as the empowering presence within.
RDM (Respect for Divine Mystery)
This framework values humility in understanding God’s nature, recognizing the limits of human comprehension and encouraging reverence for divine mystery.
Correction
DI (Distinct Identities)
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit each possess unique, identifiable presences within the Godhead. The Father is the source of all creation and authority; the Son is the Word made flesh, embodying redemption and revealing God’s nature; and the Holy Spirit is God’s indwelling and sustaining presence, actively empowering, guiding, and sanctifying creation. Unlike the Father’s manifestations as “Angel of the LORD,” which signify direct, protective actions, the Holy Spirit operates as an ever-present force of divine interaction, uniquely filling, moving upon, and influencing individuals, as seen with King Saul, the prophets, and at Pentecost. This distinct identity sets the Holy Spirit apart from the Father, emphasizing His unique relational engagement within the Godhead.
Tuesday 29 October 2024
Before the darkness overtakes
This is the time for God’s people, called by God in ancient times ”people of Israel” or “House of Israel”, to clean things up. Recognition of unclean ways is the first step needed towards reconciliation. “And ye shall remember your evil ways and your practices that were not good, and ye shall be hateful in your own sight for your transgressions and for your abominations. Not for your sakes do I this, saith the Lord God, as it is known to you: be ye ashamed and confounded for your ways, O house of Israel.” Ezekiel 36:31-32. The eagle is overhead. The Lord is not far from coming. Yet there is time, before the wrath comes and things get too dark for making changes. “Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you.“ “Give glory to the LORD your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness…” Jeremiah 13:16-17. Once the real wrath begins, then people will start to stumble with the shortage of light, the shortage of the heavenly wisdom needed for the time of doom. Now there is time still. Put off violence. Put off undeserved hatred. Put away the actions that leaders can only support by treacherous lies. Once the wrath begins, there will be no respite until the Lord Jesus comes as judge. And judge he will.
Heavenly sealing by the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit sealing is normally by the sudden involuntary showing of one or more miraculous gifts, sometimes prophetic, mystical or revelatory in nature, such as tongues, prophecy, interpretation of tongues, and for some people the Holy Spirit visibly descends and rests upon them in some significant form (the form is like a prophetic sign). It is typically witnessed by a congregation, in a service, or by a major anointed elder or other major leader who might have laid hands on the believer, or group of believers, such as after baptism, or perhaps in a confirmation ceremony of some kind. Since it is the recipient’s entry into the mystical body of Christ, it is in accordance with some divine signifying of this. It is not something human: Not something humans alone can bring about. It is from holy heaven and is manifestly so.
Imposters in churches and charities and assemblies
The sealing by the Holy Spirit still brings together saints of all backgrounds but beware the many imposters in the end times. If you run a church, beware, because imposters are many, and they can be a menace, especially to the vulnerable. Be extra careful in who you allow to have access to children. Just because these imposters are convincing, it does not mean they are not imposters. Believe the best possibility, but make precautions assuming the worst possibility might be true. Too much child abuse happens and gets covered up. Many churches and church leaders do not believe that miraculous gifts are real and necessary manifestations of the Holy Spirit, and it might be that these church leaders are letting imposters go unchallenged, unscreened. If they are not sealed by God with obviously manifested Holy Spirit seal, they could be anybody. Even if they have been raised in church by respected Christian parents, they are not necessarily reconciled to God, accepted by God, sealed by God. They might be living sinfully. They might be a real danger to children. Even those sealed and commended by God will be prone to temptation. Some do fall into disgrace, particularly if they are young, or young in faith. The common practice of putting young people in charge of children is especially risky. Churches and assemblies which try to be separate from the state might be all the more prone to making major failings in these things, failing to report abuse. Charities can be like this too. Protect your children. And watch out for possible imposters. When wolves wear sheep’s clothing they do so convincingly.
Beware of imposters
Those sealed by the Holy Spirit have been reconciled with the Father by Jesus Christ dying on the cross for them. They believed he died for them and is alive. God sealed their reconciliation with Himself by giving them the Holy Spirit as this seal of approval and their place in the body of Christ. They are all one body with Christ as head. The head of Christ is the Father. The sealing by the Holy Spirit still brings together saints of all backgrounds but beware the many imposters in the end times.
The Holy Spirit seal
Those sealed by the Holy Spirit have been reconciled with the Father by Jesus Christ dying on the cross for them. They believed he died for them and is alive. God sealed their reconciliation with Himself by giving them the Holy Spirit as this seal of approval and their place in the body of Christ. They are all one body with Christ as head. The head of Christ is the Father.
But if you find yourself outside this body of Christ, the ten commandments are still a light for your path if you will keep them, obeying them. Even the Sabbath is a blessing to keep, if you wish to do so and are not bound to do so. You can keep the commands of God to give your life the life-force it needs. And remember the poor. Seek reconciliation with God. Ultimately the reconciliation is the death of Christ Jesus on the cross. Look to this as something on which to pin your hopes. Ask for the Holy Spirit. If you find yourself believing truly in Jesus as the Christ, who died for you, and is raised from the dead by God, seek baptism if you are not already baptised. Ask daily for God to give you the Holy Spirit. This can seal His acceptance of you, if you believe. And daily the Holy Spirit can be your life giving comfort. When the Father reconciles you personally, this Holy Spirit becomes your daily bread, as you ask like in the Lord’s Prayer for daily bread. The tasks given by the Father are this bread too. Seek reconciliation with the Father. Then you too can be brought into the body of Christ. With all the truth and promises of Jesus Christ to set you free from this corrupting world.
To those sealed by the Holy Spirit
The sealing by the Holy Spirit still brings together saints of all backgrounds as the time of Christ’s return draws near.
The sealing by the Holy Spirit still brings together saints for whom Christ died on the cross, and Christ is alive from the dead.
The sealing by the Holy Spirit still brings together saints for whom Christ died on the cross, making them one body in Christ.
Christ is coming. Those sealed by the Holy Spirit are all one body in Christ and should not lie to each other.
Those sealed by the Holy Spirit are all one body in Christ and should not sin when angry with each other. Christ is coming.
Monday 28 October 2024
Sourcetheism
Draft 0.1, 28th October 2024
Sourcetheism is a theological framework that centers on the Father as the singular, ultimate source of all divinity. The name “Sourcetheism” is drawn from this foundational concept: the Father is the unique “source” or “fountainhead” of divine essence and authority, establishing Him as the one true God. This framework holds that while the Son and Holy Spirit are genuinely divine, their distinct identities reflect a unified relationship in which divinity is shared through the Father’s primacy. Sourcetheism seeks to remain faithful to biblical descriptions of the Father’s singular divinity, the Son’s full but derived divine identity, and the Holy Spirit’s active, yet mysterious, presence. Below are the core assertions of Sourcetheism, presented as labeled principles that encapsulate its foundational beliefs:
DS (Divine Source)
The Father alone is the one true God and the singular source of all divinity. His essence and authority are unique and unshared, making Him the ultimate origin and embodiment of the divine nature. All divine attributes flow from the Father, affirming His position as the foundational source of God’s being.
DD (Derived Divinity)
The Son possesses full divinity, yet His divine identity is derived from the Father rather than being self-originating. In this framework, the Son shares in the Father’s essence as one who has received authentic divinity from the Father, establishing a unique, relational bond in which the Father remains the source.
DI (Distinct Identities)
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit each embody distinct identities within the Godhead. The Father is the Creator and Sovereign, the Son is the Redeemer and the incarnation of divine presence, and the Holy Spirit is God’s active power and presence in creation and within believers. Each identity expresses a unique aspect of the divine essence and God’s relationship with humanity.
RU (Relational Unity)
The Father, Son, and Spirit maintain distinct identities within a unity of essence and purpose. This unity does not require equal origin but rather a relational harmony in which the Father is the source, the Son is the fully divine expression, and the Spirit is God’s active presence. This unity upholds the oneness of God while honoring each distinct identity.
HSM (Holy Spirit Mystery)
The exact nature of the Holy Spirit’s relationship to the Father and Son is left open to divine mystery. While the Spirit is recognized as essential and active in God’s work, Sourcetheism refrains from defining the Spirit’s precise ontological status, allowing room for a reverent approach to the Spirit’s mysterious place in the Godhead.
SF (Scriptural Fidelity)
Sourcetheism is rooted in a careful interpretation of scripture that affirms the Father’s primacy as the “one true God,” the Son’s fully derived divinity, and the Spirit’s mysterious and active presence. It emphasizes fidelity to biblical passages that reflect this relational structure without imposing rigid definitions, allowing for depth and openness in understanding.
NCD (Non-Competitive Divinity)
There is no competition within the Godhead; the Son’s and Spirit’s identities do not challenge or diminish the Father’s unique status as the one true God. The Son’s derived divinity and the Spirit’s enigmatic presence coexist with the Father’s singularity, presenting a united Godhead without equal origins or independent divinity.
UD (Unity Through Diversity)
The Father, Son, and Spirit’s distinct identities provide diverse expressions of God’s engagement with humanity, yet this diversity does not disrupt divine unity. Each person reveals a unique aspect of God’s nature while affirming the Father’s singular essence as the ultimate source.
EE (Experiential Engagement)
Sourcetheism emphasizes a relational, experiential faith in which believers relate to the Father as the one true God, the Son as Redeemer, and the Spirit as the empowering presence within. This framework allows for a personal, integrated experience of God that aligns with each divine identity.
RDM (Respect for Divine Mystery)
Sourcetheism maintains a humble respect for the mystery of God’s nature, particularly regarding the Spirit’s relationship to the Father and Son and the unique nature of the Father-Son relationship. Rather than exhaustive definitions, it encourages reverence and acknowledges the limits of human understanding in grasping the fullness of God’s complex nature.
In sum, Sourcetheism provides a theological approach that affirms the Father’s primacy as the one true God, recognizes the Son’s fully derived divinity, and honors the Holy Spirit’s mysterious identity, preserving unity without enforcing complete equivalence. It seeks to respect both the unity and complexity within the Godhead, balancing clarity with a reverence for divine mystery.
Correction
DI (Distinct Identities)
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit each possess unique, identifiable presences within the Godhead. The Father is the source of all creation and authority; the Son is the Word made flesh, embodying redemption and revealing God’s nature; and the Holy Spirit is God’s indwelling and sustaining presence, actively empowering, guiding, and sanctifying creation. Unlike the Father’s manifestations as “Angel of the LORD,” which signify direct, protective actions, the Holy Spirit operates as an ever-present force of divine interaction, uniquely filling, moving upon, and influencing individuals, as seen with King Saul, the prophets, and at Pentecost. This distinct identity sets the Holy Spirit apart from the Father, emphasizing His unique relational engagement within the Godhead.
Stephen D Green, using ChatGPT, October 2024
Oneness Pentecostals and Atheists
In a fresh ChatGPT chat session I prompted with the following only.
Oneness Pentecostalism as a religion which allows people to accept Jesus as their God, and not have to acknowledge any other being as God, is bound to appeal to atheists and anyone who is too afraid or too doubtful to believe in spirits. The spirit aspect is reduced to a mere nuance. The followers who cannot believe in any purely spirit being simply claim that Jesus is God. Those who are more theological and more ready to consider a spirit as God, can make assertions concerning to spirit nuances and attributes of this same one God without offending those who prefer to ignore all this and just accept the human Jesus as God.
ChatGPT responded as follows.
Your observation about Oneness Pentecostalism highlights a distinctive feature of its theology: it uniquely emphasizes the oneness of God in a way that simplifies complex theological concepts, potentially making it more approachable to a broad range of believers, including those who may not be inclined toward spiritual or metaphysical complexities. Oneness Pentecostalism, as a branch of Pentecostalism, rejects the traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity, which posits God as three distinct persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) in one being. Instead, it views God as a single entity manifesting in different roles or forms, with Jesus as the full and singular expression of God.
For those who may have reservations about engaging with unseen or purely spiritual beings, the focus on Jesus as the sole manifestation of God can provide a more tangible point of connection. This approach allows followers to center their faith around a single, historically-grounded figure without needing to reconcile the complexities of a multi-personal Godhead. For adherents who are more inclined to spiritual or theological exploration, Oneness doctrine also offers room to discuss the Holy Spirit and the attributes of God, albeit as different modes or manifestations of the same divine presence rather than distinct persons.
This simplicity of belief, where followers can choose to either emphasize or de-emphasize spiritual aspects, does indeed make Oneness Pentecostalism potentially appealing to individuals who might otherwise be hesitant about traditionally complex or abstract theological structures.
ChatGPT, 2024
Sourcetheism: A new theological framework, by ChatGPT, 2024
“Imagine a scenario in which the Father reveals Himself to someone in a vision, declaring, “I am God,” affirming that He alone is the one true God. In this experience, the Son and the Holy Spirit also make themselves known, appearing as distinct from the Father but without claiming the title of “one true God” in the same way.” (ChatGPT, 2024)
A new theological framework is needed for this. The ways existing frameworks address this are not satisfactory.
Here is a suggestion from ChatGPT.
“A theological framework that centers on the Father as the singular divine source, with His divine nature fully unique to Him, could begin by recognizing the Father as the “one true God” and the origin of all divinity. In this understanding, the Son shares in the Father’s divinity not as an independent source but as one to whom this divine nature has been fully bestowed by the Father. This relationship reflects the concept that the Son’s divinity is authentically real yet derived, coming from the Father who remains the fountainhead of all divine authority and essence. Such a view aligns with scriptural themes where the Father “sends” or “exalts” the Son, implying that the Son’s divine status is granted and sustained by the Father.
Within this framework, the Holy Spirit would be recognized as a divine presence but approached as a mystery in terms of relationship to the Father and Son. Rather than defining the Spirit’s divine nature in specific ontological terms, this perspective would acknowledge the Spirit’s essential role in God’s work—active in creation, redemption, and the lives of believers—while embracing the mystery surrounding His exact relationship to the Father as the one true God and the Son as recipient of divine essence. The Spirit’s role would thus be understood more by His works and presence than by precise relational terms.
In this model, God’s unity and complexity are preserved: the Father alone is the ultimate divine source, the Son is distinct but shares in the Father’s divinity as fully granted, and the Spirit is divine yet mysterious. This approach respects biblical descriptions of the Father’s primacy, the Son’s authentic but derived divinity, and the Spirit’s enigmatic yet active presence, offering a nuanced understanding that is rooted in scripture and open to the inherent mystery of God’s nature.
In this framework, where the Father is understood as the singular divine source and the one true God, a vision in which the Father appears and declares, “I am God,” would be seen as a direct affirmation of His unique, unshared divinity. The Father’s proclamation would highlight His central identity as the origin and fullness of God’s nature, distinct in His role as the ultimate source of all divinity. When the Son appears in this vision, He would be understood as embodying the divine nature as received from the Father, sharing in the Father’s essence but not as a separate, self-originating divine source. The Son’s appearance as distinct from the Father would reinforce the framework’s view that the Son’s divinity is real and complete, yet uniquely derived from the Father who remains the “one true God.”
The Holy Spirit’s appearance would then be approached with an appreciation for the mystery that surrounds His role and relationship to the Father and Son. Within this framework, the Spirit’s distinct appearance in the vision would emphasize His unique identity and function within the divine economy, affirming His divinity while respecting the unknowable aspects of His exact relationship to the Father as the source and the Son as recipient of divine essence. Rather than claiming the title of “one true God,” the Spirit’s presence would signify His active and divine role without requiring a precise explanation of His relationship to the Father’s ultimate divinity.
This vision would thus affirm the framework’s understanding: the Father alone is the one true God, the Son shares in the Father’s divine essence through a unique, bestowed relationship, and the Spirit is divine in a manner that remains open to mystery. The scenario would reinforce the Father’s role as the singular divine source, highlight the Son’s authentic yet derived divinity, and honor the Spirit’s place in the Godhead as a mysterious but essential presence. Through this vision, the framework would allow for both clarity in God’s unique identity as the Father and the depth of mystery in God’s relationship with creation.” (ChatGPT, 2024)
Sunday 27 October 2024
A religion without gods
The attraction of Oneness Pentecostalism is probably that it does not require any belief in divine persons except Jesus the human being. If you do not believe in ghosts and find it scary to think any spirits might exist, then oneness is ideal. You just have Jesus, a nice friendly person to think about. Nothing scary. Just atheism and a man named Jesus. It is really how it would be if an atheist had met Jesus and misunderstood Jesus’ teachings and never realised the Father he spoke of is actually an extremely powerful spirit being. If you did listen to him like this, you could just assume Jesus was speaking about himself all the time in an odd “modal” kind of way, and assume there were no gods or ghosts or any invisible supernatural beings to worry about. You just listen to Jesus and dismiss all suggestion of supernatural beings as just symbolism in how he spoke. Perfect for people who cannot believe in gods, ghosts or anything hidden and supernatural. Divinity becomes about modes, not divine beings. No God being. No ghosts. No spirit beings.
Personal Statement of Faith
Personally, I do not adhere to a theological framework like Trinitarianism, Unitarianism, Oneness, or Islam. In the 1990s, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit revealed themselves to me in a series of visions, each making distinct declarations about their nature. In these visions, the Father appeared first and identified Himself, saying, “I am God,” declaring His exclusive status as the one true God. Subsequently, the Son and Holy Spirit appeared, revealing themselves as distinct but not claiming the title of the “one true God” in the same sense as the Father. I remember the visions and keep faith with the Father and Son and Holy Spirit in their revelations to me and words they gave me. I keep the words written on a kind of notice on my wall. I know the scriptures fairly well too. I try to always adhere to the teachings of Jesus Christ and his apostles. Obviously my life has involved many other teachings. When I find these are out of accord with the above I try to drop them. It has taken time.
Stephen D Green, 2024
Father and Son and Holy Spirit
In a hypothetical scenario where the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit reveal themselves in a vision, each making distinct declarations about their nature, different theological viewpoints would interpret these events according to their core beliefs. In this vision, the Father appears first and identifies Himself, saying, “I am God,” declaring His exclusive status as the one true God. Subsequently, the Son and Holy Spirit appear, revealing themselves as distinct but not claiming the title of the “one true God” in the same sense as the Father.
From a biblical Unitarian perspective, this vision would directly affirm their belief that the Father alone is truly God, aligning with scriptural passages like John 17:3, where Jesus describes the Father as “the only true God.” Biblical Unitarians hold that the Son (Jesus) is uniquely related to God as the Messiah but is not equal to the Father as the one true God, and they view the Holy Spirit as God’s active presence rather than a separate divine person. This vision, with the Father proclaiming Himself as the only true God and the Son and Holy Spirit as distinct but not claiming the same title, would reinforce the Unitarian view of strict monotheism, where the Father alone possesses ultimate divinity. Unitarians would interpret this revelation as a clear validation of their belief that the Father is the sole God, with the Son and Holy Spirit serving distinct roles within God’s plan but not sharing in His exclusive divine identity.
For Trinitarians, this vision would pose a unique theological question. Trinitarians believe that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are co-equal, co-eternal persons sharing the same divine essence within the Trinity. If the Father declares Himself as the only true God, and the Son and Holy Spirit appear as distinct but do not claim the title of “one true God” in the same way, Trinitarians might interpret this as symbolic of the Father’s unique role within the Trinity rather than a negation of the Son’s and Holy Spirit’s divine nature. Trinitarians might argue that this vision reflects a relational understanding within the Trinity, where the Father’s unique role as the “source” within the Godhead is highlighted without undermining the divinity of the Son and Holy Spirit. For some Trinitarians, the vision could emphasize the Father’s role in the economy of salvation while still upholding the belief that the Son and Spirit share fully in God’s nature. This interpretation would allow Trinitarians to maintain their understanding of a complex unity within diversity, viewing the vision as a revelation that underscores relational roles without denying the full deity of the Son and Holy Spirit.
From a Oneness Pentecostal perspective, this scenario would present a different kind of interpretive challenge. Oneness theology holds that God is one indivisible being who manifests as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in various roles or aspects rather than as distinct persons. If the Father claims, “I am God” as the one true God, and the Son and Holy Spirit appear as distinct without asserting the same identity, Oneness Pentecostals might interpret these events as metaphorical or symbolic rather than literal. They would likely view the Father’s self-declaration as the core revelation, with the appearances of the Son and Holy Spirit representing God’s specific roles rather than separate entities. For Oneness believers, this vision could affirm God’s singular nature, where the Father is fully God, and the Son and Spirit signify God’s self-revelation in redemption and presence. They might argue that the vision illustrates the way God manifests in different relationships to humanity rather than proving distinct persons in the Godhead, reinforcing their belief in a single, unified deity.
Each theological perspective would thus interpret the vision in ways that align with its central teachings on God’s nature. Biblical Unitarians would see it as clear evidence that the Father alone is God, with the Son and Spirit as distinct but not the “one true God.” Trinitarians would likely interpret it as emphasizing the Father’s role without denying the shared deity of the Son and Spirit, seeing the vision as relational. Oneness Pentecostals would view it as illustrating God’s singular nature in various roles, upholding a unified God without separate persons. In this way, each viewpoint would find theological meaning in the vision, interpreting it to reinforce its understanding of God’s identity and nature.
ChatGPT, 2024
The real Lord’s Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer appears to affirm a biblical understanding of the Father as fully and entirely God, aligning with the portrayal of God in the Book of Revelation as the ultimate, singular divine authority. In the prayer, Jesus addresses God as “Our Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:9), emphasizing God’s unique role as the sovereign source of all blessings, provision, and forgiveness. The structure and content of the prayer highlight the Father as the one to whom all worship, obedience, and dependence are due: “Hallowed be your name,” “Your kingdom come,” “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:9-10). These petitions direct reverence and submission exclusively to the Father, underscoring His complete sovereignty over heaven and earth, a God who is fully and wholly engaged in His creation.
This emphasis on the Father alone aligns closely with the Revelation portrayal of God as “Alpha and Omega,” the unchanging source of all things, who governs creation from His throne. Just as Revelation presents worship as directed toward a singular, supreme authority, the Lord’s Prayer does the same by inviting believers to approach God directly as the Father who provides daily sustenance, forgiveness, and deliverance (Matthew 6:11-13). This language suggests a self-sufficient, omnipotent God who encompasses all divine power and authority within Himself, without needing other persons to fulfill His identity or purpose. The prayer’s focus on the Father as the source of all divine action and grace reinforces the idea of a single, undivided deity who fulfills all roles of creation and redemption.
From a Trinitarian perspective, however, the Lord’s Prayer is often understood within a relational framework, where addressing the Father implies an internal relationship within the Godhead, with the Son and Holy Spirit also actively participating in the believer’s life. While the prayer itself directs all petitions to the Father, Trinitarian interpretations might see this as part of a broader divine relationship, where the Father, Son, and Spirit are distinct persons who embody God’s fullness together. For instance, forgiveness in the prayer could be seen as enacted through Jesus and empowered by the Spirit, with the Father remaining the ultimate authority. Thus, Trinitarians view the prayer as a reflection of unity within diversity, with each person of the Trinity sharing in the work of God while upholding the Father’s role as central.
Oneness Pentecostalism, by contrast, would view the prayer as a direct affirmation of the Father’s unique revelation in Jesus, without the need for distinct persons within the Godhead. In this view, Jesus’s address to the Father is a model for believers but does not imply an interpersonal relationship within God. Instead, it reflects a singular divine will fully expressed through Jesus, with the Father as the source of all things yet fully manifested in Christ. Oneness theology interprets the prayer as a monotheistic declaration of God’s unity, where Jesus and the Father are one and the same divine being.
Thus, the Lord’s Prayer conveys a biblical position that sees the Father as entirely God in His own right, supporting a monotheistic view in which all divine worship, authority, and provision are centered on one sovereign Father. This biblical emphasis on God as a singular, all-encompassing Father aligns with Revelation’s vision of God on the throne, guiding creation toward its fulfillment in His singular will and power. Trinitarian and Oneness perspectives interpret this prayer differently based on their theological frameworks, but each views the prayer as a powerful expression of God’s authority, provision, and unity with humanity.
ChatGPT, 2024
How people read Revelation
The Book of Revelation, seen through the biblical affirmation of the Father as fully God in His entirety, emphasizes a vision of God that is singular, self-sufficient, and sovereign over all creation. Revelation presents God the Father as the “Alpha and Omega,” the “Lord God Almighty,” and “He who was, and is, and is to come” (Revelation 4:8, 21:6). These titles, rooted in a biblical sense of God's completeness, point to His all-encompassing nature—an unchanging, eternal source of all things. In Revelation, worship is directed toward this undivided, all-powerful figure, affirming the Father’s central role as the ultimate, self-existent authority, who needs no other to fully embody deity. This portrayal aligns with a biblical sense that emphasizes the Father’s complete divinity, both apart from and through His actions in the world, culminating in the final restoration of creation to Himself.
When viewed from Trinitarian perspectives, however, Revelation is often interpreted through a lens where the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are seen as distinct persons, each participating in the divine mission while sharing in the same essence. In this view, Revelation’s titles—like "Alpha and Omega"—can be understood as shared across persons of the Trinity. For instance, Revelation 1:8’s statement, “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” is sometimes interpreted as referring to both the Father and Jesus, showing them as co-equal, co-eternal persons within one Godhead. Trinitarians may see Revelation’s worship scenes as a reflection of this complex unity, with God’s power and victory displayed through the cooperation of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each fully divine yet not encompassing God alone. This interpretation introduces a nuanced, relational understanding of God in which Revelation’s symbols and visions reflect a Godhead operating in harmony yet as distinct persons.
In contrast, Oneness Pentecostalism interprets Revelation’s language as affirming the singular manifestation of God in Jesus Christ alone. Passages like Revelation 1:8 and titles like “Alpha and Omega” are seen as referring solely to Jesus, who embodies all of God’s fullness without distinct persons. For Oneness adherents, the Revelation image of Jesus on the throne at the culmination of history is the ultimate expression of God’s totality manifesting in Christ. This view interprets Revelation’s titles and symbols not as descriptions of distinct persons but as various revelations of the one God made visible through Jesus. Revelation, from this perspective, becomes a testimony to the unified, singular expression of God in Jesus as the sole manifestation of divinity.
Thus, Revelation’s portrayal of God provides a profound and multifaceted message that shifts depending on theological perspective. A biblical understanding focuses on God the Father as the all-encompassing authority, a singular, independent deity governing all things. Trinitarian readings bring out a complex unity of three co-equal persons within the Godhead, all sharing titles and attributes, while Oneness Pentecostalism views Revelation as affirming the fullness of God manifested exclusively in Jesus. These contrasting perspectives influence how each tradition understands Revelation’s ultimate vision of divine sovereignty and the fulfillment of God’s plan.
ChatGPT, 2024
There IS a God
The biblical affirmation that the Father is God in His entirety is rooted in numerous scriptural passages that underscore His sovereignty, omnipotence, and unique role as Creator, often portraying Him as the ultimate source of divine authority and power. For instance, in Isaiah 44:6, God declares, "I am the first and the last; apart from me there is no God," emphasizing His singularity and completeness as the one true God. This contrasts sharply with both Trinitarian and Oneness perspectives, which, while affirming the divinity of the Father, complicate the understanding of His complete identity by introducing additional divine persons or manifestations. In Trinitarianism, the Father is fully God but is understood to coexist with the Son and the Holy Spirit in a shared divine essence, which can create the perception that He is not entirely self-sufficient on His own. Meanwhile, Oneness theology holds that God is fully embodied in Jesus Christ, suggesting that the Father’s divine identity is not separate from the Son, thereby implying a unique interpretation of God’s fullness. Thus, while all three views affirm the divinity of the Father, the biblical portrayal presents a clear, unified understanding of the Father as wholly God, independent and complete in Himself, without the complexities introduced by Trinitarian or Oneness frameworks.
ChatGPT, 2024
Is it only Unitarianism which is not Atheistic?
In Trinitarianism, the understanding that the Father is not God in His entirety, independently of the Son and the Holy Spirit, marks a notable departure from Unitarian views, which assert that God is a single, undivided person (typically identified as the Father) who is fully and entirely God. Within the Trinitarian framework, each person—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is considered fully divine, yet none is understood to embody God in isolation from the others. This shared divine essence implies that no single person of the Trinity is viewed as encompassing the entirety of God alone; instead, they collectively constitute the one divine nature. Consequently, this interdependence can lead to the perception that no one person possesses the full, undivided identity of God, as each is inherently linked to the others within the Godhead. While the Father is fully divine, the notion that He is utterly God in His own right is somewhat diminished, potentially creating the impression that no distinct person within the Trinity embodies the totality of God.
Atheism, in contrast, outright denies the existence of any deity or divine persona, asserting that there is no God whatsoever. This position leads to the conclusion that no divine being exists at all, thereby eliminating any concept of a supreme being or divine entity. Interestingly, both atheism and Trinitarianism share a superficial similarity in that neither posits a single person who is God in His entirety. In Trinitarianism, the distinct persons of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit each contribute to the fullness of the divine nature without any one of them fully encapsulating it alone. This notion may resonate with atheism's rejection of the concept of a singular, all-encompassing God, though the two beliefs diverge sharply in their conclusions about the existence of the divine.
Oneness Pentecostalism further complicates this discussion, as it similarly maintains that there is no distinct divine persona apart from Jesus. In this view, God is fully revealed in the person of Jesus Christ, and there are no other divine beings or persons separate from Him. This perspective emphasizes the unity of God in a way that parallels the Trinitarian rejection of a single divine identity but goes further by asserting that all divine attributes and fullness are contained solely within Jesus. While Trinitarianism affirms the existence of three distinct persons who are all fully divine, Oneness theology posits a singular manifestation of God, suggesting that the full essence of God resides exclusively in Jesus. Despite their theological differences, both Trinitarianism and Oneness Pentecostalism can be misconstrued as lacking a concept of a singular divine being when viewed through an atheistic lens, but they ultimately affirm the existence of a divine reality—something atheism categorically rejects. Thus, while Trinitarianism and Oneness Pentecostalism each present unique interpretations of God's nature, they remain fundamentally theistic, contrasting sharply with atheism, which denies any form of divine existence altogether.
ChatGPT, 2024
ChatGPT on whether Trinitarianism is Atheistic by not having any person who is God in entirety
In Trinitarianism, the understanding that the Father is not God in His entirety, independently of the Son and the Holy Spirit, marks a notable departure from Unitarian views, which assert that God is a single, undivided person (typically identified as the Father) who is fully and entirely God. Within the Trinitarian framework, each person—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is considered fully divine, yet none is understood to embody God in isolation from the others. This shared divine essence implies that no single person of the Trinity is viewed as encompassing the entirety of God alone; instead, they collectively constitute the one divine nature. Consequently, this interdependence can lead to the perception that no one person possesses the full, undivided identity of God, as each is inherently linked to the others within the Godhead. Thus, while the Father is fully divine, the idea that He is utterly God in His own right is somewhat diminished, potentially creating the impression that no distinct person within the Trinity embodies the totality of God. However, this interpretation does not equate Trinitarianism with atheism, as the doctrine still affirms the existence of a supreme, divine being composed of three persons who are all fully God. While some may argue that the distinctiveness of the Father is diminished, this does not negate the theistic belief in God's existence; rather, it represents a different understanding of the divine nature within a theistic framework, distinguishing it from atheism, which outright denies the existence of any deity.
ChatGPT, 2024
ChatGPT on whether Oneness Pentecostalism is a covert form of Atheism
The Oneness Pentecostal belief that there is no separate divine "person" apart from Jesus can, to some, appear almost as a covert form of atheism or, at the very least, a denial of the traditional Christian and Judaic concept of God the Father as a distinct, wholly divine persona. In mainstream Christian theology, particularly in Trinitarian doctrine, God the Father is viewed as a distinct person who coexists with the Son (Jesus) and the Holy Spirit within a triune Godhead, aligning with centuries of Christian interpretation and certain Judaic concepts of a singular, transcendent God often described as “Father.” By contrast, Oneness Pentecostals believe that God is fully embodied in Jesus alone, with no distinct person of the Father or the Holy Spirit apart from Him. To some, this can seem like a significant departure from both Christian and Judaic views and may even resemble a covert form of atheism by seemingly erasing any divine presence or persona beyond the human figure of Jesus. However, Oneness adherents argue that this is not a denial of divinity but rather a unique interpretation of God’s indivisible nature, viewing Jesus as the complete revelation of the one true God. Thus, while the Oneness view may initially seem to undermine traditional concepts of a distinct divine being, adherents regard it as a different understanding of God’s unity, not a rejection of His existence or presence.
ChatGPT, 2024
Saturday 26 October 2024
Oneness Theology: A Baptism for Atheists in a Human-Only Faith
Oneness gives you just one person, a human. No other person is necessary. Father and Spirit become symbolic attributes of this human. No theism is needed. Hence it is atheism. And it offers a baptism for atheists.
A king’s respite
The Book of Revelation tells of the time between the four horsemen and the start of the most terrible wrath. It is a time when martyrs will be created, yet apart from this there is relative calm compared to the cataclysmic apocalyptic events later. I believe it is now this time of respite. There is war, but not so terrible as will come. It started when the second world war ended. We might still have some relative peace for two or maybe as much as three decades. This time is such as kings long for. Time when we, like them, can turn our hearts to praising God. Maybe we can please Him, even though His wrath is on the way and His martyrs call out for Him to avenge them. Praising God later will be a challenge. Now is time we can well use in His praise. In spirit and in truth. As pleases Him.
Redemption through all time
The Book of Revelation tells of “The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world”. Christ’s atonement, is an eternal and unchanging provision. God’s salvation plan, anchored in the cross, transcends time entirely, making redemption accessible to all humanity at all times without reliance on distinct administrative eras. Think of ancient world righteous men such as the King David of Old Testament scripture. He sinned by, as king, causing the death of a man so that he could continue in a relationship with this man’s wife. A terrible sin. Before he had done it, he had only ever lived in obedience to all of God’s commands and will, having a heart after God’s own heart. After he did the terrible wrong, why go back to obedience? Why ask God to cleanse him? Why seek a rightful spirit within again from God. If no provision for sin existed, David would have condemned himself so terribly by his sin that it would mean his eternal future would be hopeless. The Spirit-led king was fully aware prophetically of the Christ who would provide the necessary propitiation. He knew he could be put right again with God and true atonement made. He knew spiritually that Day of Atonement sacrifices and offerings in the Temple could not fully atone, not for all time, hence they were needed every year. He knew a better sacrifice transcended time. He had promises that even from his own lineage the Christ, the Son of God, would come and suffer one day, for the good of all. “In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required. Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book, it is written of me: I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.’” Psalm 40:6-8. Therefore, David knew, it was not hopeless to seek God’s loving forgiveness. It was not in vain to turn in contrition and prayer to God, asking to be cleansed. He could continue his life having gained forgiveness, and knowing this, he did indeed live the rest of his life in a way that pleased God, obeying rightly. He could write in his psalms, “For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:10-11). God had promised the Christ would come from his descendants, after he died. “When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” (2 Samuel 7:12-13)
The Book of Enoch and the Transcendent Son of Man
From the perspective that the Book of Enoch is both historically accurate and spiritually prophetic, it aligns with the timeless, transcendent provision for sin offered by the “Son of Man” by presenting him as an eternal figure who supports the righteous from humanity's earliest days. Enoch describes the “Son of Man” as a preexistent, messianic figure who acts as a heavenly advocate, judge, and savior for humanity, with a clear mission to protect and vindicate the faithful while pronouncing judgment on the wicked and rebellious, including fallen angels. This depiction parallels the New Testament’s portrayal of Christ as the “Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8), suggesting that the provision for sin was divinely established before time and operates continuously throughout human history.
The Book of Enoch emphasizes that the “Son of Man” has always been present to aid the righteous and to oversee their ultimate vindication. By portraying him as a figure who transcends time, Enoch reinforces the notion of an eternal plan for humanity’s redemption that is not confined to a sequence of dispensational periods. Instead, the “Son of Man” is presented as an ever-present source of divine justice and mercy, actively participating in the spiritual battles and ethical challenges faced by humanity since the beginning. This timeless role underscores a single, uninterrupted plan of redemption for the righteous, complementing the biblical idea that Christ’s atonement is universally effective across all ages, affirming God’s constant and active provision for those who seek righteousness, irrespective of historical period. In this way, Enoch enriches the vision of a messianic salvation that has always been in place, offering a prophetic continuity that harmonizes with the concept of a timeless and transcendent redemption through Christ.
(ChatGPT, 2024)
Transcendent Provision for Sin
There are two contrasting views regarding Christ as “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8) and its implications for understanding God’s plan for salvation. The dispensationalist view, as articulated by John Nelson Darby and in the Scofield Reference Bible, posits that God has governed humanity through a series of historical “dispensations,” or distinct periods of divine administration, each revealing different aspects of His character and requirements. In this view, while Christ’s sacrifice is timeless, the full understanding and application of redemption are progressively disclosed across dispensations, culminating in the age of grace. Each period—from the age of law to the age of grace—demonstrates humanity’s need for redemption and builds toward the ultimate revelation of salvation in Christ. In contrast, a non-dispensational view holds that Christ’s atonement, foreordained “from the foundation of the world,” is an eternal and unchanging provision that renders separate dispensations unnecessary. This perspective argues that God’s salvation plan, anchored in the cross, transcends time entirely, making redemption accessible to all humanity at all times without reliance on distinct administrative eras. From this view, Revelation’s language indicates that Christ’s sacrifice is complete and universally available, asserting that the atonement operates outside of human history and bypasses the need for incremental dispensational phases, thereby affirming the constancy of God’s redemptive work across all ages. (ChatGPT, 2024)
Atheism in Disguise: Navigating Faith through a Secular Oneness Framework, worded by ChatGPT
An atheistic Oneness framework offers a curious and somewhat disingenuous avenue for atheists to integrate into Christian communities by reframing their secularism in theological terms. By interpreting Oneness as a doctrine in which Jesus is the sole divine figure—fully human, with no need for a non-human God, Father, or Spirit—atheism finds an intriguing parallel. In this view, Jesus embodies humanity's ultimate ethical ideals without invoking a supernatural realm, and all scriptural references to God or the Spirit become symbolic of human attributes or moral aspirations rather than literal, non-human entities. This approach enables atheists to engage with Christian practices, even Evangelical and Bible-focused communities, by presenting secular interpretations that appear theologically sound. While it may verge on trolling or fooling believers, it also provides a social bridge, allowing atheists to participate without conflict, enjoying the community and ethical discussions these spaces offer. For those navigating Evangelical or NeoCon social settings, it allows a hidden secularism that respects cultural norms while subtly reinterpreting them, blurring the line between faith and reason within the very framework of Christian doctrine.
ChatGPT, 2024
Oneness and Atheism in the USA
Oneness, I speculate, provides a neat theological quasi-Christian framework for atheists. If you believe in the Oneness framework you can be “pentecostal” and still be an atheist. Sounds great in a nation steadily being swept up into secularist atheism. You can have best of both the religious cultural community, and the atheism. If Jesus is the one divine human being, there need not be any being in your theological worldview which is not at least partly human. No need for any “unhuman beings” to be part of your reality and philosophy. Father and Spirit get rolled up into the single human being Jesus. Maybe he did not exist, but you can go along with the existence of scriptures on this basis. It gives an atheistic, human-only framework in which to explain every verse of the Bible.
Wrath to come
The sixth seal of the apocalypse marks the beginning of the time of God’s full-blown wrath. The souls of the martyrs wish it will be earlier but it might be just over twenty years away. The haters, in the meantime, will carry on harming believers and many unbelievers will be caught in the crossfire. Oh that God would rend the heavens and come down, … send forth lightning and scatter the enemies, but God will seem far off, “Why forsake us?!” He will let the enemies triumph. He will let the believers keep having to wrestle with their thoughts. It is going to be a nasty couple of decades for many believers, and a waiting time for the souls of the martyrs. God is patient, not wanting any to perish. But when the number of martyrs reaches its limit, the wrath will start in avenging them, and that sixth seal will be the beginning of the worst wrath in history. O that it were sooner.