New Revelations and What is Scripture

 Can there be new revelations? And can anyone say whether a revelation goes beyond scriptures? What do we even mean by scriptures? It was people like the scribes of Jesus’ gospel times who decided on the Old Testament’s eventual list of scriptures. Actually it was those who came later, succeeding those who rejected Jesus, who decided on a closed list of (Old Testament) scriptures they could accept. The gospel times people, Matthew records, pointed out that Jesus taught as one who had authority, not like the scribes (who, they implied, did not teach with authority). I believe a church with Spirit of Christ has more authority than the scribes of gospel times to decide what is scripture. Looking at a case of tongues with interpretation by this spirit in such a church, for example: If only a non-canonised book has the verification of the truth of this message interpretation and no other scripture, then it effectively proves that book as scripture. The alternative would be that the tongue goes beyond scriptures. Actually it could very well go beyond KNOWN scriptures - those known to that church. I do not personally discount tongues messages being beyond all scriptures. That is up to the Spirit, up to Christ, up to the Father ultimately. Yet in practice I know of no tongue completely going beyond all scriptures, though I realise I do not even know ALL scriptures, nor do any of us. But a tongue message might adhere largely to a non-canonised scripture which verifies that this scripture is worthy of full acceptance. My opinion anyway. 

Apocalypse two decades away at least?

 It looks to me right now like Revelation says Apocalyptic events could go on maybe 10, 15 years. It looks like prophecies mean we are 35 years at least from the end of it. Hence it looks like it is not going to start soon. Two decades away at least. More likely two and a half. Not any time right now. (Note: Writing this near end of 2024.)

A real ghost, so pure, so holy, said “Daniel 3”

 The Angel of God, His active presence, surrounds those who fear Him, to deliver them, like the three men in Daniel 3 were kept alive by angelic power in a raging fiery furnace. I was one day pondering how notable it had been that on many occasions the people who tried things which might ruin me, perhaps not even knowing that could be the outcome of the actions, were suddenly brought down by calamity, leaving me safe from harm. It was striking how it had been happening so much over the years. I had a Bible verse in mind which I thought must explain it, but it was all a bit new to me to be noticing such things and I longed for a bit of certainty of understanding as to whether the verse did apply. The verse said “The Angel of the LORD encompasses those who fear Him”. I did not know where in the Bible it came from. Probably a Psalm, I thought. I lay on my bed thinking about this. Suddenly in my head came words so clear they could have come from near me, but no, they were put into my head by something invisible. “Daniel 3.” I just knew it must be the Holy Spirit, although this had only ever once before happened to me, many years before. I realised it must be a Bible reference. In my living room, on a cabinet, I had a Bible. Someone gave it me years before as a study Bible with cross-references. I had rarely used it. I had other Bibles but this is the one I kept out, on top of my cabinet. I went to it and looked up Daniel chapter three. I started looking through the long chapter about men thrown into a fiery furnace for refusing to bow to an image of a Babylonian emperor. I saw nothing until the end of the chapter where there was the word “Angel” and beside it a cross reference. I knew what would come next. I checked the reference. Yes, it was a cross reference to that Psalm which said, “The Angel of the LORD encompasses those who fear Him”. The words which were in my head. It was showing me that the Angel in Daniel 3 was like what had been protecting me, surrounding me because I feared the LORD. How remarkable, extraordinary, that there was this Spirit reading my very innermost thoughts, which I had not spoken out loud, then answering my unspoken question. And had known what was in the margin of my study Bible and that I would look at this particular Bible. It stunned me. What stunned me most, in a delightful way, was how this Spirit, I assumed the divine, heavenly Holy Spirit, had used this brilliant way to prove to me this was not my imagination playing tricks on me. This was real. Impossible that it was not real. And that this Spirit had power to know my thoughts and speak right into them in crystal clear English words, and with just two words tell me so much. What wisdom. The Spirit, as the scripture says, of the fear of the LORD. 

Interpreting the Book of Revelation

 The futurist interpretation of Revelation has a rich and complex history, significantly shaped by historical, political, and religious developments over the centuries. A more literal, futurist approach to Revelation gained significant traction during the English Civil War, as it was utilized by the Puritans as a political tool to inspire and encourage their cause. This interpretation crossed the Atlantic, becoming influential in the nascent United States, where it resonated deeply with American religious fervor and emotionalism, particularly in the 1800s.

In America, the urgency and emotional appeal of a literal futurist interpretation found a fertile ground, as the young nation grappled with its identity and purpose. The rise of evangelicalism further cemented these views, emphasizing a personal and immediate relationship with scripture. The interpretation that the end times were near and could be identified in current events provided a powerful motivator for many.

Several historical events have further validated the futurist perspective. The Balfour Declaration of 1917, which expressed British support for a Jewish homeland in Palestine, was seen by some, including followers of the Bahá'í Faith, as a significant eschatological event. The subsequent formation of the state of Israel in 1948 reinforced this view, as many saw it as the fulfillment of biblical prophecies regarding the re-gathering of Jews to their homeland. This event, in particular, has been pivotal in lending credence to a futurist reading of Revelation, which anticipates such developments.

World War II and the atrocities of the Holocaust have also been interpreted through the lens of Revelation. The devastation and global impact of the war have been associated with the apocalyptic imagery of the four horsemen, specifically the fourth horseman representing widespread death and destruction. This historical context has helped some to align the prophecies of Revelation with real-world events, bolstering the futurist interpretation.

Despite setbacks due to failed predictions of the end times, significant scholarly work has provided a foundation for continued belief in this interpretation. Sir Isaac Newton's extensive analysis, predicting the return of Christ around the year 2060, offers a notable example. Newton's work, combined with modern discoveries such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, has provided deeper insights and more refined calculations, overcoming earlier predictive errors made by groups like the Jehovah’s Witnesses and Seventh-day Adventists.

The proliferation of previously obscure scriptures through the internet has also played a crucial role in this discourse. Texts such as the Book of Enoch and the Book of Jubilees, which have long been part of the Ethiopian Orthodox canon, offer additional perspectives that support the futurist view. For instance, the Book of Enoch provides a spiritual interpretation of the star falling from heaven, understood not as a literal star but as an angel, enriching the interpretation of Revelation.

The Epistle of Barnabas and the Second Book of Enoch (Secrets of Enoch) contribute to the millenarian expectations by predicting a literal thousand-year period of peace and divine rule, six thousand years from Adam, reflecting a Sabbath Millennium concept. These writings reinforce the futurist interpretation by providing a broader scriptural foundation.

The democratization of information through the internet has allowed individuals to explore these texts independently, reducing reliance on traditional religious authorities who may have been proven wrong in their interpretations. This has empowered a more personal and direct engagement with eschatological prophecy, encouraging a widespread reassessment of scriptural meaning in light of new evidence.

Furthermore, personal experiences and prophecies, such as those encountered in specific church communities, have also added a layer of validation. For instance, a prophecy given in the 1990s that was corroborated by the Book of Enoch lends additional weight to the 2060 prediction, showing how contemporary spiritual experiences can intersect with ancient texts to reinforce futurist interpretations.

In summary, the futurist interpretation of Revelation has been significantly shaped and validated by historical events, scholarly work, and the broader accessibility of religious texts. The convergence of these factors continues to support the plausibility and appeal of a literal, futurist reading of Revelation, providing a compelling framework for understanding eschatological prophecy.

The Son of God

 The reign of Jesus as the Christ is his anointing, his inheritance, because he is the Son of God. In this purpose the Father has given him he will judge all for a thousand years as the Son of Man. It will start not long from now. Then, after this time of rule is completed and all is subjected to him by the Father, he will show that it is truly the Father who is forever God, when he hands the kingdom over to the Father forever, from which time onwards the Father will have obvious status as God. The status of Jesus in his thousand year rule is described as a God-status too, even by the Most High God, the Father. It is not polytheism to describe his status like this. Jesus is set aside, from ancient times, from of old, to judge all humans and angels. If others in judgment power with knowledge of the word of God are called gods, how much more the Son of God. Yet after Jesus’ time in this unique status is completed, near a thousand years from now, he will subject himself to the Father forever, so the Father will be forever God and all in all. The Father will have Jesus at His side forever. Jesus on the Father’s throne. Given this place by the Father. 

God

 How many kings can a kingdom have at one time? One. Hardly any exceptions. How many can be God at one time throughout the world and cosmos? One. There will be a time when Jesus’ rule makes him effectively God, even though the Father is in the background supporting him. We see this is Psalm 45/Hebrews 1 and 1 Corinthians 15, and Revelation 20. This is his reign as the Christ, anointed for it, the inheritance of the Son of God, judging all as Son of Man. It will last a thousand years, starting not too long from now. Then, after this time, he will show that it is truly the Father who is forever God, when he hands the kingdom over to the Father forever, from which time onwards the Father will have obvious status as God. Dubious? Wait and see. Some alive today will live to see it. Others will rise from the dead to be part of it. Come Lord Jesus. 

Daniel 3

 God won’t simply pull saints out of the coming troubles foretold in Revelation. His Angel, His active presence, surrounds those who fear Him, to deliver them, like the three men in Daniel 3 were kept alive by angelic power in a raging fiery furnace. The only reason they were in that furnace was their refusal to do a similar thing to taking the mark of the Beast, they refused to bow to an image of the king. They asserted bravely that even if God did not deliver them, they would still not bow to the idol. God decides whether to deliver, but His favour is in those who are righteous and who fear Him more than they fear mere men. 

Catching out the crafty

 Maybe all holy revelations given in these times are indeed scriptural, but some scriptures are unknown to the masses. The Holy Spirit sometimes reveal things only found in these. This catches the crafty in their craftiness. It catches out the Pharisees among us. Jesus loves to silence them. 

The acid test

 For those who still believe all their essential doctrines for salvation must come from scripture, here are some typically taught doctrines which don’t primarily come from scripture, and are not taught in scripture even if scripture verses might be used to back them up. 1. Trinity teachings that Father and Son and Holy Spirit are all one being. 2. ”Sola Scriptura” teachings that there is a fixed, canonised, closed set of officially recognised scriptures and all essential doctrines for salvation must come from these. 3. Cessationism teaching that after a certain time, when the apostles were all gone, the miraculous manifestations of the Holy Spirit having been given to individuals ceased, such as in laying on of hands or in hearing the gospel which had previously involved tongues or prophecy and miracles. 4. That after the Book of Revelation had been written, no later scriptures could be accepted and canonised as scripture. I would add a fifth, only familiar in certain USA evangelical and other countries’ evangelical circles, the teaching that the rapture of believers will be before the great tribulation so they will not have to endure any of it. Of course there are many more doctrines taught as essential by individual church denominations, but here are some which span denominations, although none are universally accepted by all churches and denomination groups. 

Earthly and heavenly service

 There are various ways to serve the Master, Jesus. One is by growing wealth by trade. For those who serve this way, the Book of Revelation informs that the Master will be returning in maybe only a few decades, so the huge wealth some are producing in these times is going to be for the Master’s use and is also for those who please him, so those who please him can use it to produce even more. The time of his rule will be a time when wealth producers who please him will be given charge over many and yet more service to give. Eventually the even more noble way to serve will be given them, which is to serve in more holy, less secular ways. Lucky are those whose service is in heavenly ways, such as in the Lord’s words and teachings. Faithfulness in the secular, worldly service will mean suitability for faithful service in heavenly things. 

The awful language of lying

 Let’s look at the truth about the awful practice of lying, as Jesus revealed. The ten commandments do not exactly forbid it. There is a commandment against bearing false witness against a neighbour, which is not quite the same. You can lie without necessarily bearing false witness against anyone, yet it could still be a bad lie. Jesus revealed that lying is like a natural language. If your first language is lying, then you have the same first language as Satan. Just like our normal learned languages, we usually learn one language first and it is often the language in which we think. Then we might have a second language too which we might be able to use to speak or write, but it is not our usual language. Jesus (John 8 ) taught how Satan has a first language, in a metaphorical sense, which is lying. When he lies it is like his first language. If we too are like that then we are really his offspring, living like him, expressing ourselves in falsehood primarily, not truth. I remember the awful way I was once like that. Before becoming true children of God, we might be just like that, even after we believe in Jesus. Now Jesus did not claim it was against any of the ten commandments, yet it is against the commandments to love God and our neighbours. These are even greater commandments than the ten, because they are the basis for all commandments, and laws of God and prophecies of God. We need a new first language. Lying might still be possible for us in direst circumstances like matters of life and death, but it must be second language, not first. To be a child of God, lying must be far from our lips: Even from our thoughts. As we think, so do our mouths speak. How? You can learn a new language but you cannot change your first language to be something different. Maybe you can so much practice telling the truth that it becomes your first language and even the language you think in. That is the aim. But that is a tough thing to hope for. Something must happen first. Languages are not easy to learn in isolation. To really speak a language you need to live among those who also speak it. So much more so if you want to be like a native speaker of it and think in it. Just a language class is not enough. So too with speaking truth. There needs to be a culture and people who have it as their first language and you need to join them. To join  the disciples of Jesus who have learned to put their lying language away and take on a language of truth telling, you need to not just be with them, you need to become such a disciple too. First you need to believe in their teacher, Jesus, like they do. Then you need to hold firmly to his teachings. Until you know the truth. But at some point you become part of the same body which they too are part of: the body of Christ Jesus, with Jesus Christ as head, as Lord. This is by the Holy Spirit. Baptism by water but also by Holy Spirit. It is like Isaiah 6 where Isaiah bewailed his unclean lips and the uncleanness of the lips of those around him, his people. He had experienced the glory of God, and of the coming Jesus and had believed. We too might believe, by hearing the message of Jesus and the Father, seeing its glory. Then we feel awful about our lying lips. He was given a coal from a heavenly altar to touch and cleanse his lips. The Holy Spirit power of heaven can be to us like that too, cleansing our lips. Then we need to be in the body of Christ where heavenly principles of truth telling take priority and lies are put away from us. There is no need to lie when we are all one body with Jesus the truth teller as our head. His truth teaches us this. His truth is known by those who become true disciples of him and of the truth he teaches. He commands we live by his truth. 

Our deeds are all recorded

 The books will be opened. The universe is witness in a spiritual sense to everything that happens, our thoughts, words, deeds. It also gets recorded in the heavenly books by the heavenly beings. Jesus wrote with his finger on the ground as he was asked to condemn someone to stoning, just before he turned to the crowd and asked the one without sin to cast the first stone. He knows all our sins are written. He is master over the writing of them, since as Son of Man it is he who will finally judge. We can be sure he knows our sinful deeds. He knows how they are written. He presides over the judgment of them. He can even forgive those deeds if he wishes. He has authority to know them, to have them written, to forgive them, and to refuse to condemn us if he chooses. One day the books will be opened. He will be there in charge. The Son of Man who knows what life as a true human is really like to live, yet he did not sin. His death on the cross was for your sins (and mine) to allow God to turn aside His wrath from those Jesus covers, and to allow our reconciliation with this Father, God who sent him, who raised him from the dead triumphant over death and temptation to sin. He, Jesus, the Son of Man, will judge each and every person and angels too. Alive from the dead, raised by God, alive forever, God has made him both Lord and Christ. 

Troubled Times

 When the gravity of sin is so great that it leads to war, when the grave sin leads to trouble, when the signs of it continuing are obvious in the climate of fear, with nobody knowing how far the wars will escalate, note this: The sin is not punished by the troubles it causes, the real punishment is yet to come, and if the sin goes unpunished now this side of the grave, it will mean far worse punishments after death. The punishing fires are worse on the other side of the grave. The commandments of God we preach in our social media posts and in pulpits and schools and homes, showing our love for God as we preach His commands, these might only highlight the sin, without stopping it. It takes a lot to overcome the wrongdoing of human nature. What is really needed is a ministry of the gospel persuading real sincere belief, followed by the giving of the Holy Spirit by God to those who believe. The lives these believers go on to live will be what challenges those involved in the sin to cease and turn to God. The way God works in the people He truly baptises with the Holy Spirit can cause those who see it to turn from their grave sin. The lives of the Holy Spirit-sealed believers will be salt and light to all around. Maybe then we will see the breaking out of peace. For a while peace might reign. “The fruit of righteousness will be peace”, is the promise of God. 

Proof that God is not the Trinity

 Is Jesus the Son of the Trinity? No, He is the Son of the Father. Scripture refers to Jesus as the Son of God. By "God," it clearly means the Father. Therefore, God is not the Trinity.

Temple

 The end times world needs there to be a Temple of the Holy Spirit-sealed obeying the commandments righteously.

In the end times, these last days, the Temple which is those sealed by the Holy Spirit, is pivotal: a body of believers who, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, become the living temple of God, fulfilling the scriptural redefinition from a physical structure to a spiritual entity. This body, marked by the Holy Spirit's seal, denotes ownership, protection, and divine distinction, highlighting those who truly belong to God and are safeguarded through the trials of the end times. Their righteous obedience to the commandments is not merely a personal moral endeavor but carries profound communal and spiritual significance. These commandments, which Jesus distilled into the principles of loving God and loving one's neighbor, gain a special context within the unity of the body of Christ, fostering a collective spiritual integrity and witness. Each of the ten commandments takes on a special meaning in the body of Christ, as taught by the apostles and recorded in scriptures. This unified, righteous adherence to God's commandments, particularly in a world rife with apostasy and moral decay, serves as a beacon of divine order and sanctity. It influences the broader world, offering a powerful counter-narrative to prevailing corruption. By observing the faithful obedience of those sealed by the Holy Spirit, even those who might struggle to keep the commandments due to human failings find inspiration and hope. The living examples bolster the noble endeavours to keep the commandments. Thus the communal demonstration of righteousness can lead to a transformative effect, helping to save many from damning corruption and guiding them towards redemption. Thus, in the end times, the world needs this Temple which is those sealed by the Holy Spirit, obeying the commandments righteously, not only as a testament to divine faithfulness but also as a dynamic force for spiritual revival and salvation amidst widespread tribulation.

More yeast of the Pharisees

 Which version of scripture must corroborate any revelation from a gift of the Holy Spirit: Masoretic or Septuagint? To which canon do the churches want it to not add? Protestant or Catholic? Ethiopian Orthodox? And where in the Bible does it say this? If this is a doctrinal requirement of churches or denominations, does such a requirement itself add to scripture? Or is it already found in scripture? Which scripture? Apocrypha or Canonical? Or is this something the Pharisees determined? Would that make it yeast of the Pharisees? Would it not need to surpass their righteousness?

Yeast of the Pharisees

 Which version of scripture must corroborate my knowledge of God, Masoretic or Septuagint? And where in the Bible does it say this? Or was this something the Pharisees determined? Would that make it yeast of the Pharisees? Would it not need to surpass their righteousness?

Umbrella

 The Lord Jesus’ umbrella over your head will only fit when your faith in him is sufficient that you can fold your own umbrella away at his command. 

Link to Enoch in video format part 3

 Enoch in video format part 3  https://youtu.be/2Bgokf5aGA4?si=GkLC7o-TCP6cqucp

Surviving Judgement Day

 Jesus is your future judge. When he loves you because you take heed of his principles and commandments, becoming ready for his judging, you have a great ally, a great “lover of my soul.” You are well positioned to live a life that comes through that judgment well.

He teaches twelve commandments: the Ten Commandments plus the greatest command of love towards the Father, and the second greatest of love towards neighbors. Haters of the Father also hate the Son and cannot take on board what the Son says. These are liars and murderers like their father, the devil. Love towards God leads to truthfulness and love towards the Son of God, Jesus. He, Jesus, leads towards eternal life because it is his place to judge on Judgement Day. Some will believe in him and therefore learn his teachings and change their lives to be ready for Judgement Day. Others will not do this and die in their sins and not be ready.

Those who love the Father also love the Son and love one another in obedience to the Son. They are led towards spiritual unity with the Son and thus with others so united with the Son. This unity is the context in which to apply the Ten Commandments and all of the Lord Jesus Christ’s teachings, as the apostles taught and as we have them in the scriptures and as the Holy Spirit also exhorts, who is given to those who believe.

Then we can focus on the commandments related to each other. Not stealing but working hard to supply needs. Not committing adultery. Not being false in relation to testimonies about each other. Not letting anger get out of hand and lead to unjust killing. Not coveting what is not ours or lusting for those we are not properly united with.

We let truth about the body of Christ guide our own behavior once we are made a part of it. We speak truthfully. We honor our own marriage and honor the marriages of others. We treat others in the body protectively, reigning in any anger that might harm them, controlling our behavior, our words, even our thoughts. We treat others in the body of Christ as part of Christ, conferring the same love on them as we do on Jesus Christ. Caring for them by feeding them when they are hungry, clothing them if they lack daily clothes, visiting them in their time of need. We thus live life in a way to be well placed for time after death and for Judgement Day.

The ideal friend

 When your future judge loves you because you take heed of his principles, to be ready for his judging, you have a great ally, a great “lover of my soul”. You are well positioned to live a life that comes through that judgment well. That is why he came. To create disciples well positioned to come through his judgment. He is their light. The better we know him, the better we can live our lives in the light of what will survive his judging well. And then after judgment, the fellowship with him and his Father will endure forever. Eternal life.

The sabbath commandment

 Jesus did not mandate the Sabbath. It is unusual to be able to say something was NOT said, because of course not everything he said and did is recorded. However, if he had mandated it, Gentile Christians would surely have had to keep it in the way he said. There would be no sabbath seventh day controversy. But it was an optional command in regard to non-Jews as is prophesied in Isaiah 56:6, but the sabbath promise for those who chose to keep it voluntarily. So Jesus made his teachings applicable to non-Jews as he usually did, hence we read his gospel teachings even in non-Jew churches, and he taught the Sabbath as something beneficial to keep -  Mark 2:27-28. The thrust of his teaching is about how to be confident at the judgement day judging he himself would one day lead, knowing now the principles he uses to judge so we can live confidently now. He is lord of the sabbath, so abiding by his teachings should make us safe. He taught what is relevant for this.

All ten commandments

 Jesus alluded to all ten commandments being important for keeping. In Matthew 19:16-19 a rich young man asks Jesus what he must do to obtain eternal life. Jesus responds:

"If you want to enter life, keep the commandments." "Which ones?" he inquired. Jesus replied, "‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’"

Jesus lists several of the Ten Commandments and includes the summary commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself," which encompasses the ethical implications of the commandments. He did not list every commandment but he gave no indication it would be safe to ignore any, if you want eternal life. His emphasis was not on ignoring any of them. By asking which to keep, it would imply the ruler was wanting a good focal point, not an excuse to ignore commandments. The law had many other commands which could be construed as what Jesus meant by commandments to keep for eternal life. Jesus offered his counsel of a focus, emphasising the ten by listing some of them expressly.

It is then in the teachings of the apostles that we find how it is all to be applied specifically in the context of the body of Christ. For example, in Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians. 

The way of Jesus Christ

 The Son of Man, Jesus, was sent by the Father to be the light of the world because, as the Son of Man, he is also the judge. That is what he meant by “I am he.” He meant, in effect, “I am this very Son of Man, and the light of the world sent by the Father.” To believe this is to start to believe in the reason to hold to his teachings, to see the importance of his sayings, in the light that he will one day be your judge.

He is uniquely positioned to tell us right in these sayings much of what we need to know in the light of him being our future judge, the Son of Man. He can start judging us right now to start to set us on a straight and narrow path of avoiding dying in our sins and suffering the direst scenario when he judges us finally at the end. But we first have to believe he is this one, and believing it, to hold to his teachings and truly be his believing disciples in our lives. Then we will know the truth, and the truth will set us free from the trappings of sin.

Sin is a tough master. We either have sin as master, or we have the Lord Jesus, the Christ, the Son of Man as our master instead. If we have him, our prospects are good. If we are this kind of disciple, we can receive the Holy Spirit and take communion, remembering the body and blood of Jesus shed for us in his crucifixion. He is alive from the dead, having died on the cross. His living body in heaven is augmented by us as his corporate body. As members together of his one body, his teachings apply to us.

All of the Ten Commandments are in the teachings and commands of Jesus. If we obey the teachings of Jesus, we will find ourselves obeying the Ten Commandments, or perhaps not realize we are doing so. Ten Commandments once written in stone are now written into the teachings of Jesus. The apostles took these teachings and applied them practically to the lives of the believing disciples in homes and churches. We read them when we read the New Testament. Those who receive the Holy Spirit are encouraged by the Holy Spirit to honour these teachings and to honour the Lord Jesus Christ who taught them.

A commandment is given to have no other gods before God. We learn from Jesus and his apostles and with encouragement from the Holy Spirit to obediently call Jesus “Lord,” making only the Father “God.” Historically, most Christians ignored this and instead tried to avoid allegations of blasphemy and polytheism by inventing a way of having one God, the Trinity, instead of one God, the Father. However, for those converted to obedience, the command to have no gods before God is obeyed by calling the Father ‘God’ and Jesus ‘Lord.’ It is not about titles and words. Jesus we honour as Lord. We obey him as our Lord. Only the Father we worship absolutely as God. Our final absolute obedience and worship is to the Father, to God. Even Jesus does this.

As members of his body, we are effectively all one, so we should no longer practice lies or deceptions or even dishonesty with each other. This fulfills the commandment against bearing false witness. We must replace our language of lying with a new language of speaking truthfully. We can even help ourselves by learning truthful thinking since it is out of the inner being that the mouth speaks. The Holy Spirit can help with this, cleansing lips with heavenly power and holiness.

The hatred we sometimes feel taking over can make us angry. The danger with hatred and anger from hatred is that it can lead to serious wrongs and even crimes, and implicate us even in unlawful killings if it goes too far. This is against the commandment not to kill. The murderer condemned in the teachings of Jesus and the witness of the Holy Spirit is Satan, and lies and murder are his hallmarks, mirrored in those whose lives he is influencing and shaping. We must learn to curb anger and never let it go too far. This protects not only our own consciences but the lives of those in the body of Christ who might be impacted harmfully by our actions. Love is no harm-doer. 

We must stay faithful in our marriages and honor the marriages of others. 

We must respect property rights of others and work to support ourselves and our families instead of seeking what is not rightfully ours and stealing. If we are doing such wrongs, we must stop and switch over to honest living. 

Covetousness is not to be allowed to take us over. When our bodies are spiritually part of the body of Christ, this truth comes into how we treat our bodies. Sexually, it matters whether we engage in sexual activities because they unite us physically on a certain level with another. We cannot anymore do this immorally. Even our thinking can be a physical engagement with another. It should be done as befits members of Christ’s spiritual body, and not in any kind of fornication. It is only right within proper relationships, as befits the new lives we have in Christ. We should honor true relationships, not holding out from a proper marriage partner. Wisdom is needed here. Setting it out here in a simplistic way could harm families, so we need wise applications of these teachings. That is why pastors and marriage counselors need good training and education in offering practical advice in such matters.

Sabbaths are controversial, but for non-Jews, it is merely voluntary to keep them. It is largely a matter of conscience. Some live in countries and communities where it is mandatory, and here again, they must respect what is right. Originally, the Sabbath commandment was for Jews to set them apart, but in Isaiah’s prophecy, God promised a blessing for those who voluntarily kept it while living among people who kept it.

Honoring father and mother is important in Jesus Christ’s teachings and in the teachings reiterated by his apostles. Paul noted it is a promise-command. It promises longevity. Jesus is all about eternal living, so this is fully in keeping with his promises.

If we speak of God and of Christ or the Holy Spirit, we must be very careful not to be offensive, not even to celestial beings, not even to Satan. But to blaspheme the Holy Spirit, in particular, is an eternal sin without forgiveness, so be careful in all these things. Slander is a deep offense to each other, but when celestial dignity is concerned, it is all the more serious.

In turning to Christ and to the Father through Christ, some have to leave a life of worshipping idols. This can mean leaving practices strongly embedded in a community. It can be a challenge to cease to partake in such things. Some of these practices exist subtly in communities due to toning them down and disguising them due to the introduction of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. We cannot be engaged in the body of Christ and still stay engaged with idol worship or false worship. We are to live according to the truth that is in Jesus. We must keep away from idols, their worship, their feasts, and rituals. This can be a major challenge, causing believers to stumble, so we should be careful not to trip up others in the body of Christ by our actions, even if we have a clear conscience over it ourselves.

So here is a sample of how, in Jesus Christ’s teachings, we practically obey the Ten Commandments and live by his truth.

The goal is his promise: eternal life in knowledge of the only true God the Father and of the Christ Jesus whom He sent. Father and Son do show themselves to those who do these things and will do so all the more in the future too, and fellowship with the Father and the Son is for those who keep to these teachings.

Do not make a golden calf

The Israelites sinned. They made a golden calf while Moses was out of sight.

An important recap

  All of the ten commandments are in the teachings and commands of Jesus. If we obey the teachings of Jesus, we will find ourselves obeying the ten commandments, or perhaps not realise we are doing so. Ten commandments once written in stone are now written into the teachings of Jesus. The apostles took these teachings and applied them practically to the lives of the believing disciples in homes and churches. We read them when we read the New Testament. Those who receive the Holy Spirit are encouraged by the Holy Spirit to honour these teachings, and to honour the Lord Jesus Christ who taught them. 

A commandment is given to have no other Gods before God. We learn from Jesus and his apostles and with encouragement from the Holy Spirit to obediently call Jesus “Lord” making only the Father “God”. Historically most Christians ignored this and instead they tried to avoid allegations of blasphemy and polytheism by inventing a way of having one God the Trinity instead of one God the Father. However, for those converted to obedience, the command to have no gods before God is obeyed by calling the Father ‘God’ and Jesus ‘Lord’. It is not about titles and words. Jesus we honour as Lord. We obey him as our Lord. Only the Father we worship absolutely as God. Our final absolute obedience and worship is to the Father, to God. Even Jesus does this. 

No other gods

  A commandment is given to have no other Gods before God. We learn from Jesus and his apostles and with encouragement from the Holy Spirit to obediently call Jesus “Lord” making only the Father “God”. Historically most Christians ignored this and instead they tried to avoid allegations of blasphemy and polytheism by inventing a way of having one God the Trinity instead of one God the Father. However, for those converted to obedience, the command to have no gods before God is obeyed by calling the Father ‘God’ and Jesus ‘Lord’. It is not about titles and words. Jesus we honour as Lord. We obey him as our Lord. Only the Father we worship absolutely as God. Our final absolute obedience and worship is to the Father, to God. Even Jesus does this. 

The Ten Commandments

 All of the ten commandments are in the teachings and commands of Jesus. If we obey the teachings of Jesus, we will find ourselves obeying the ten commandments, or perhaps not realise we are doing so. Ten commandments once written in stone are now written into the teachings of Jesus. The apostles took these teachings and applied them practically to the lives of the believing disciples in homes and churches. We read them when we read the New Testament. Those who receive the Holy Spirit are encouraged by the Holy Spirit to honour these teachings, and to honour the Lord Jesus Christ who taught them. 

Is the Book of Revelation an improvement on the Trinity doctrine?

 The Book of Revelation presents a vision of divine and heavenly beings that highlights a profound unity in spirit, truth, principles, purpose, will, and fellowship, reflecting a deep interconnectedness and harmony. The Father, Son (the Lamb), and the Holy Spirit are depicted working together in a unified divine mission, as seen in scenes where the Lamb opens the scroll given by the One on the throne, the seven spirits are before the throne, and the imagery of the river of the water of life flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb possibly alluding to the Holy Spirit. This unity extends to the collective worship and mission of all heavenly beings, including the four living creatures, the twenty-four elders, and the multitude of saints, who all participate in worshiping God and the Lamb. Revelation does not explicitly teach the concept of a shared essence among the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Instead, it focuses on their roles and unified purpose, presenting a relational and functional unity rather than an ontological one. The later development of the doctrine of the Trinity, which articulates a shared divine essence, goes beyond the scope of what is directly presented in Revelation. Thus, Revelation provides a compelling image of divine unity and cooperation without delving into the concept of a shared essence as defined in Trinitarian theology.

Stephen D Green (content) with ChatGPT (wording), 2024 

The command that Jesus is the one Lord and the Father is the one God

 Those sealed by the Holy Spirit are one body in Christ. Live by this: it is spirit. Call Jesus ’Lord’ and just the Father ’God’.

ChatGPT writes: ‘The suggestion to call Jesus "Lord" and distinguish Him from the one true God (the Father) is entirely consistent with the non-Trinitarian perspective. This view maintains monotheism by reserving the title "God" exclusively for the Father, while recognizing Jesus as a divine being with authority, but not equating Him with God in terms of essence or identity. The non-Trinitarian position sees this as the simplest, most biblical solution to the dilemma of worshiping one God while acknowledging Jesus' special role. This approach also helps to avoid the perceived problem of polytheism that some see in Trinitarian doctrine, while remaining faithful to the scriptural teachings that Paul and other early Christians presented.’

Jesus the Lord

 ChatGPT writes: ‘The suggestion to call Jesus "Lord" and distinguish Him from the one true God (the Father) is entirely consistent with the non-Trinitarian perspective. This view maintains monotheism by reserving the title "God" exclusively for the Father, while recognizing Jesus as a divine being with authority, but not equating Him with God in terms of essence or identity. The non-Trinitarian position sees this as the simplest, most biblical solution to the dilemma of worshiping one God while acknowledging Jesus' special role. This approach also helps to avoid the perceived problem of polytheism that some see in Trinitarian doctrine, while remaining faithful to the scriptural teachings that Paul and other early Christians presented.’

The Book of Revelation compared with Trinitarianism

 In the Book of Revelation: We see the Father, God, on His throne, the Lamb beside Him, the Holy Spirit (perhaps) flowing like a river from beneath the throne. Is there any doctrine given of how these are related? Is there any concept of anything shared between them? Later Trinitarians claimed some sense of shared essence they actually labelled Trinity and “God”. (This historically seems to have been to deal with allegations of polytheism.) Does the Book of Revelation itself give any such doctrine? Clearly there is a shared message and ministry and kingdom between the Father and Son and Holy Spirit implied in how Revelation depicts them together in heaven. Yet Revelation never labels this. It uses the word “God” for the Father alone. So the shared message, ministry, fellowship and kingdom is not labelled ”God”. Furthermore, there is no limit on three given, but others around the throne are included, the four archangels, the twenty-four elders, the vast number of saints. How does Trinity dogma compare with this Book of Revelation revelation of Jesus Christ’s truth given him by the Father? 

 Soon after the apostles gospels period, the subsequent generation made Jesus their God. A dilemma resulted about how to handle allegations of polytheism and blasphemy. The subsequent generations did not solve this dilemma in the right way, which is to obediently call Jesus “Lord” making only the Father “God”, but instead they tried to avoid allegations of blasphemy and polytheism by inventing a way of having one God the Trinity instead of one God the Father. For those converted to obedience, the command to have no gods before God is obeyed by calling the Father God and Jesus Lord. 

Individual Father and Son

 Reliance on old concepts of scripture from Puritan times causes incorrect understanding of how the Father and Son are related as individuals. Dead Sea Scrolls evidence combined with revelations from the Holy Spirit is necessary for a correct understanding of how the Father and Son are related, and the nature of their individuality. 

Near future understanding

 Reliance on old concepts of scripture from Puritan times causes incorrect understanding of how the Book of Revelation applies to our near future today. Dead Sea Scrolls evidence combined with revelations from the Holy Spirit is necessary for a correct understanding of how the Book of Revelation applies today.

Good prospects

 John 8. When Jesus said "I am he," he was referring to earlier statements when the Pharisees asked him who he was, where he replied that he is who he has been saying all along: the Son of Man. In short, Jesus was sent by the Father to be the light of the world because, as the Son of Man, he is also the judge. That is what he meant by “I am he”. He meant, in effect, “I am this very Son of Man, and the light of the world sent by the Father”. To believe this is to start to believe in the reason to hold to his teachings, to see the importance of his sayings, in the light that he will one day be your judge. He is uniquely positioned to tell us right in these sayings much of what we need to know in the light of him being our future judge, the Son of Man. He can start judging us right now to start to set us on a straight and narrow path of avoiding dying in our sins and suffering the direst scenario when he judges us finally at the end. But we first have to believe he is this one, and believing it, to hold to his teachings and truly be his believing disciples in our lives. Then we will know the truth and the truth will set us free from the trappings of sin. Sin is a tough master. We either have sin as master or we have the Lord Jesus, the Christ, the Son of Man as our master instead. If we have him our prospects are good. 

I am he

 In John 8, the phrase "I am he" is often translated with capital letters and without the word "he," even though the original Greek was entirely in capitals. This reflects a bias from the translators. By carefully reading John 8, it's clear that when Jesus says "I am he," he is referring back to his earlier statements. When the Pharisees asked him who he was, Jesus replied that he is who he has been saying all along: the Son of Man. This, in turn, refers back to his initial statement in the discourse that he is the light of the world. Jesus was sent by the Father to be this light because, as the Son of Man, he is also the judge.

The Testimony

 The Apocalypse, the Book of Revelation is the last testimony from the unique time of the Christ: The time when firstly angels, then John the Baptist, and the Father through signs and miracles, and the Holy Spirit by descending as a dove, and Jesus himself, all testified for those around about Jesus being the Christ who is the Son of the Father. Then there followed another period, times of Acts, when the apostles also testified, having heard Jesus, seen what the Father gave him to do, and heard the testimony of John the Baptist about Jesus being the lamb of God and light of the world. This time of apostles testifying was accompanied by the Holy Spirit testifying too, plus the miracles done by the apostles showed the Father testifying through them because they did these miracles in Jesus’ name. So Revelation capped it all off, ending this unique period of special testimonies about Jesus being Christ and Lord, the Son of God. It was all written in scripture documents, most of which have survived to this day. So we have these as testimony. Yet we also have living people who testify still of experiences they received in Jesus’ name. There are miracles done, which show the Father still supporting the testimony. The Holy Spirit still is working and still testifies of Jesus. Jesus himself still visits some, albeit few, and he testifies and they testify to this. So there are all these testimonies all backing up Jesus and confirming he is the light of the world sent by the Father. There is plenty to corroborate what the Book of Revelation says. 

No Trinity in the Book of Revelation?

 In Revelation, everything can be shown visibly, even concepts, because it is a vision, like a dream. A vision of, say a Beast, or a woman with a child, or a harlot, can mean an empire, a concept, or a doctrine, or a divine plague, or a system. Where is the Trinity? How would visions convey this being? Why does Revelation not show it? 

Visions of the holy

 Has anyone seen the Trinity God in a single vision revelation? It really takes three revelations/visions to see Father and Son and Holy Spirit. There is a sense in which just seeing a revelation vision of Jesus you do see all three. You would be extra blessed to see revelations of each in three visions, one individual in each vision. Father in a revelation vision. Son in a revelation vision. Holy Spirit in a revelation vision. 

War

 Wars come to deal with sin. The eagle is sent to watch, then to attack. It is the sin which warrants it. Sin means instead of protection, God gives an eagle. In the West we have those whose sin really matters to God, who treats His ”Israel” with concern, but sends that eagle nonetheless. Judgment begins with His house. Wars and rumours of wars. The end is not yet.

Pentecostal experience and theological stance

 (Worded with aid from AI)

Trinitarianism, Oneness theology, Unitarianism, and Pentecostalism represent distinct theological frameworks, but none of them are denominations in themselves. Trinitarianism, grounded in philosophical reasoning, is a widely accepted doctrine across most mainstream Christian traditions. Oneness theology, rooted in Modalism, emphasizes the singularity of God's person but is also not a denomination. Unitarianism, in contrast, rejects the Trinity and affirms that God is solely the Father.

From my own personal experience, I have found that I agree with the Unitarian view that the Father alone is the one true God, and I cannot align myself with either Oneness theology or the doctrine of the Trinity. However, my experience with Pentecostalism has added complexity to my beliefs. Though I hold a Unitarian view of God, I have truly experienced the reality of the Pentecostal experience. When Pentecostal missionaries laid hands on me, I personally encountered the Holy Spirit in a profound and visible way—through manifestations such as prophesying and miraculous signs that affirmed the Spirit’s presence. This experience convinced me of the authenticity and truth of Pentecostal teachings, even though I do not share the same doctrinal stance on the nature of God.

Despite the personal experiences of many like myself, most Pentecostal churches still insist on belief in either the Trinitarian or Oneness view of God, which I find limiting. Unitarianism, while deeply meaningful in its affirmation of the Father alone as God, often overlooks the Pentecostal understanding of the Holy Spirit as a distinct person from the Father. Perhaps, just as I have come to appreciate both the Unitarian understanding of God and the Pentecostal experience of the Spirit, there is room for a greater understanding between these perspectives—an acknowledgment that personal experience of the Holy Spirit can transcend theological differences.

Pentecostalism and Unitarianism

 Trinitarianism while not a denomination, is a theological doctrine rooted in philosophical reasoning agreed across almost all mainstream churches. Oneness is another theological framework based on Modalism, so again, not a denomination. Unitarianism is a theological framework rejecting the Trinity, affirming the oneness of God as the Father alone. Pentecostalism is a historical introduction of doctrines about receiving the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, and the laying on of hands for receiving the Holy Spirit, so again, not really a denomination, more a movement. The truth is, there are Pentecostal missionaries, elders or the like, who when they lay hands on believers, those believers do visibly receive the Holy Spirit as shown by typical manifestations such as prophesying, speaking in tongues, working miracles, and this is irrespective of whether they believe in the Trinity dogma, or not. Yet almost all Pentecostal churches insist on either belief in Trinity dogma  or belief in Oneness theology, with hardly any exceptions. I find that sad. Theologies such as Unitarianism, while having many virtues, may overlook the Pentecostal understanding of the Holy Spirit, as they do not recognize the Spirit as a distinct person separate from the Father. Maybe they simply need to learn this truth too, like the Pentecostals who have received this Holy Spirit. 

The true kind of spirit

 It seems to me to be a spirit of antichrist which denies full humanity to Jesus Christ. That antichrist spirit seems to be all pervasive. In 1 John 4:2-3, John states that "every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God." The apostle insists on the importance of acknowledging Christ's full humanity, refuting any idea that He merely appeared to be human. The nature of God—divinity—is unchanging and eternal, while humanity is finite and mortal. When Christ became human, He did not cease to exist as the preexistent Son of God, but He voluntarily chose to live without the inherent attributes of divinity, such as immortality, invulnerability, and almighty power. The Christ took on flesh, lived as a man, and subjected Himself to the limitations of human existence. It was not a blending of divinity and humanity into a hybrid nature, but a voluntary setting aside of divine status to fully assume the human condition. This was necessary for Him to fully identify with humanity, face genuine temptation (Hebrews 4:15), and offer Himself as a perfect sacrifice for sin. The Christ's submission to God throughout His life and ministry further supports this understanding. He prayed to God, depended on God's will (Luke 22:42), and declared that "the Father is greater than I" (John 14:28), all of which affirm that His human nature was distinct from the divine nature of God. The Christ truly became flesh, truly lived as a human being, and even after His resurrection, remains human—albeit now glorified, immortal, and endowed with divine privileges and authority. Now he is still the same kind of immortal human his followers will become after their resurrection. He now serves as the vessel through which God’s character, authority, and purpose are fully revealed. We can do as he did when in his weak flesh mortal state, because it was all the same for him as it is for us, if we are believing disciples of his truth. This makes his sayings fully relevant to us. If he did it, we have available the faith to do it too, and even greater things. We can learn to do his works by the faith in the power and love and wisdom of the Father that he too had. Now he is immortal and glorified, we can look forward to one day being like him, when he returns. In the meantime we have his very relevant and appropriate intercessions and mediations with the Father for us, and he teaches that the Father loves us and will hear us when we pray to the Father in Lord Jesus’ name. Be sure the spirit within you acknowledges these things, and only believe that kind of spirit in your life of inspiration in worship and spiritual growth. Let this spirit be among you and not a spirit which denies these things and contradicts them. 

Christ's Humanity and the Fullness of God

 Christ's Humanity and the Fullness of God,

By ChatGPT and Stephen D Green,

2024 

From a non-Trinitarian perspective, the relationship between Christ and God, as well as the implications for believers, reveals a profound narrative of humility, exaltation, and transformation. Central to this understanding is the distinction between the divine nature of God and the human nature of Christ. This view holds that Christ, though preexistent as the Son of God, voluntarily set aside His divine privileges to become fully human. This act was not merely a symbolic gesture but a real incarnation in which the Messiah took on flesh, lived as a man, and subjected Himself to the limitations of human existence.

The apostle Paul describes this profound act in Philippians 2:6-8, where he writes, “Who, being in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross.” This passage emphasizes that Christ, while preexistent in divine form, willingly relinquished the privileges and status of divinity. He did not cease to exist as the Son of God but fully embraced humanity to experience life as a man. This humility enabled Him to serve as the perfect mediator between God and humankind, fulfilling God’s redemptive plan.

The apostles consistently upheld the humanity of Christ, affirming that He was not a hybrid of divine and human natures but genuinely human during His earthly ministry. Peter declares in Acts 2:22, “Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through Him.” This statement highlights Jesus’ dependence on God for the works He performed, demonstrating His complete humanity and submission to God’s will. Similarly, Paul describes Christ as “the man Christ Jesus” in 1 Timothy 2:5, underscoring His role as the mediator between God and humans. John further insists on the reality of Christ’s humanity in 1 John 4:2-3, stating that “every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God.” These declarations reinforce the centrality of Christ’s humanity and its importance in God’s plan of reconciliation.

After His resurrection, Christ did not shed His humanity but was instead glorified and transformed. He became immortal, incorruptible, and endowed with divine authority, though He remained fully human. The risen Christ demonstrates the continuity of His human nature in passages such as Luke 24:39, where He tells His disciples, “Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” He even eats with them to further affirm His physical reality. Yet His resurrection body was glorified, serving as the prototype for what His followers will one day become. Paul describes this transformation in Philippians 3:21, saying, “He will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body.” This glorified state is a foretaste of humanity’s ultimate destiny in God’s kingdom.

Paul’s declaration in Colossians 2:9, “For in Him all the fullness of deity dwells in bodily form,” reflects Christ’s unique status as the glorified human through whom God’s fullness is perfectly expressed. This does not mean that Christ has reacquired the exact divine nature He set aside during His incarnation. Instead, it signifies that Christ now serves as the vessel through which God’s character, authority, and purpose are fully revealed. As the exalted Lord, Christ has been given divine privileges, such as immortality and the authority to judge, but these are granted to Him by God, not intrinsic to His nature. This exaltation is the result of His obedience and sacrifice, as stated in Philippians 2:9-11: “Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.”

The fullness of deity in Christ also aligns with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers, though in a distinct and hierarchical way. Believers, too, are called to partake in the divine nature, as Peter writes in 2 Peter 1:4: “Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature.” While Christ embodies the fullness of deity uniquely as the glorified human Lord, the Spirit enables believers to reflect God’s character and grow in godliness. Paul echoes this transformative process in Ephesians 3:19, praying that believers may be “filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” This filling is part of a spiritual journey that culminates in glorification, when believers will fully share in Christ’s immortal and glorified state.

The relationship between Christ’s fullness of deity and the Spirit’s indwelling in believers is one of both distinction and connection. Christ is the first to embody God’s fullness completely, serving as the head and model for His followers. Believers, through the Spirit, are being transformed into His image, as Paul states in 2 Corinthians 3:18: “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” While Christ already possesses this fullness as the glorified Lord, believers are on a path toward this same destiny, sharing in His glory and immortality at the resurrection.

In summary, Christ’s setting aside of divine privileges to become human demonstrates His humility and obedience. His resurrection and glorification mark Him as the first to fully embody God’s fullness in a glorified human form, serving as the prototype for humanity’s ultimate destiny. While believers are not equal to Christ, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit enables them to reflect God’s nature and grow toward the fullness of deity that Christ exemplifies. This dynamic relationship underscores the unity of God’s purpose, with Christ as the glorified human Lord and believers sharing in His glory through the transformative work of the Spirit. Together, these truths affirm God’s plan for humanity to be reconciled to Him and glorified in His presence.

Stephen D Green and ChatGPT, 2024 

The fullness of believing disciples

 The fullness of deity dwelling in Christ in bodily form can be seen as a unique but related concept to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believing disciples. Christ’s relationship to God is unparalleled, as He is the appointed Son and the one through whom God has uniquely manifested His nature and authority. However, the fullness of deity in Christ serves as the foundation and model for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in His followers. Believers, though not on the same level as Christ, participate in the divine nature through the Spirit, as Peter writes in 2 Peter 1:4: “Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”

The presence of the Holy Spirit in believers is not identical to the fullness of deity in Christ but is a reflection of it. The Spirit enables believers to exhibit godly qualities, such as love, joy, peace, and righteousness, and equips them for their unique roles in God’s plan. Paul describes this transformative work in Ephesians 3:19, where he prays that believers may be “filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Here, the indwelling Spirit enables believers to grow into the likeness of God’s character, but this process is part of their spiritual journey and will not be fully realized until their glorification at the resurrection. In contrast, Christ already embodies the fullness of God completely because of His exalted and glorified state, having been appointed as Lord by God.

Christ’s fullness as the dwelling place of deity also points to the ultimate destiny of His disciples, who are being transformed into His image. As Paul states in 2 Corinthians 3:18, “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” The presence of the Holy Spirit is the down payment and guarantee of this transformation, allowing believers to experience a foretaste of the divine fullness that Christ now embodies. While believers currently live in mortal, imperfect bodies, they will one day share in Christ’s glorified state, as Philippians 3:21 explains: “He will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body.”

Therefore, the relationship between Christ’s fullness of deity and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers is one of hierarchy and progression. Christ is the first to fully embody the fullness of God, demonstrating the perfect relationship between humanity and God in His glorified state. Believers, through the Spirit, are being conformed to this model and will one day share in His glory and immortality. The Spirit’s presence in believers is the means by which they grow in godliness and reflect God’s nature, while Christ, as the head of the body, already perfectly expresses God’s fullness and serves as the source of the Spirit for His disciples.

(ChatGPT, 2024) 

Fullness of Deity

 The fullness of deity dwelling in Christ in bodily form highlights His unique role as the glorified, immortal human through whom God fully manifests His character, authority, and power. This does not mean that Christ is ontologically identical to God or that He has reverted to the exact divine nature He set aside during His incarnation. Instead, it emphasizes that God has chosen to dwell in Christ in a unique and complete way, enabling Him to fulfill His role as Lord, mediator, and the perfect prototype of humanity’s future glory. (ChatGPT)

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem

 Revelation 11 depicts a scene laden with prophetic symbolism, centering on the fate of the two witnesses and the city in which they are killed. While the text does not explicitly name Jerusalem, it unmistakably points to it as the intended location by describing it as the place where their Lord was crucified, a direct reference to the historical crucifixion of Jesus. The city’s identification as "spiritually" Egypt invokes a rich tapestry of biblical parallels, drawing the reader's attention to the stubbornness of Pharaoh in the Exodus narrative. Just as Pharaoh hardened his heart against God's commands delivered through Moses, so too does this city resist the prophetic witness and message of God. In both cases, divine judgments serve not only as retribution but as signs of God's power and authority, underscoring His superiority over all earthly rulers and systems. This spiritual comparison highlights Jerusalem's condition as a place where the people of God experience great difficulty, not unlike the Israelites striving to break free from Egypt’s oppression. The dual role of Egypt in the narrative of the Exodus—both as a site of deliverance and of stubborn rebellion—mirrors the prophetic role of Jerusalem in Revelation. It becomes a city where divine truth meets resistance, yet also a stage for God's ultimate triumph and the vindication of His witnesses. The spiritual parallels underscore Jerusalem's profound prophetic significance, portraying it as both a place of judgment and a place where God's redemptive plan unfolds, demonstrating His sovereignty to all who witness these events. (ChatGPT) 

The Jesus who the apostles preached

 From a non-Trinitarian perspective, the nature of God, or divinity, is distinct and fundamentally different from human nature. This understanding emphasizes the unique character of God's divinity in contrast to humanity and highlights the profound act of Christ in setting aside His divine privileges to become fully human. This truth, upheld by Christ’s apostles, demonstrates that the Messiah became flesh and truly lived as a human being, and even after His resurrection, He remains human—albeit now glorified, immortal, and endowed with divine privileges and authority.

Christ’s Incarnation: Setting Aside Divine Privileges

The apostle Paul describes the humility of Christ in Philippians 2:6-8:

"Who, being in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross."

This passage underscores that Christ, who existed in the "form of God" (His preexistent divine nature), chose to relinquish the privileges and status of divinity to live as a human being. By "emptying Himself," He did not cease to exist as the preexistent Son of God but voluntarily laid aside divine prerogatives, such as omnipotence and omniscience, to fully experience the human condition. His humanity was not an illusion or a mere appearance; He truly became flesh and lived as a man, facing hunger, pain, and temptation (Hebrews 4:15).

This profound humility—God's chosen Messiah living as a man—enabled Christ to be the perfect mediator between God and humanity, as Paul states in 1 Timothy 2:5:

"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."

The emphasis on Christ being “the man” reflects His genuine humanity, both during His earthly ministry and after His resurrection.

Christ’s Humanity Affirmed by the Apostles

The apostles consistently affirmed that Jesus was fully human during His life on earth. Peter, addressing the crowd in Acts 2:22, declared:

"Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through Him, as you yourselves know."

Peter distinguishes Jesus from God, identifying Him as a man through whom God performed miracles. This highlights the dependency of Jesus, as a human, on God’s power and will.

John also emphasizes Christ’s humanity, especially in combating early false teachings that denied His true incarnation. In 1 John 4:2-3, he writes:

"This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God."

This statement insists that Christ's incarnation was real and that His humanity is central to the gospel message.

Christ After the Resurrection: Glorified Humanity

After His resurrection, Christ did not shed His humanity. Instead, He was glorified and transformed, becoming immortal and incorruptible, yet still retaining His physical body. In Luke 24:39, Jesus reassures His disciples of His tangible humanity:

"Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have."

He even ate with His disciples (Luke 24:42-43) to demonstrate that His resurrected body was not a spiritual or ethereal form but a glorified human body. Similarly, in John 20:27, Jesus invites Thomas to touch His wounds, further affirming the continuity of His physical nature after the resurrection.

While Christ remains human, His resurrection body is now the prototype for what His faithful followers will become. Paul explains in Philippians 3:21:

"He will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body."

This transformation is further elaborated in 1 Corinthians 15:42-49, where Paul contrasts the perishable, mortal human body with the imperishable, immortal body believers will receive in the resurrection. Christ’s post-resurrection existence is the perfect model for this future state.

Christ’s Exaltation: Ever-Increasing Authority

Though Christ is now glorified and endowed with divine privileges, His status is not identical to the divine status He held before His incarnation. Instead, His exaltation as Lord is a process granted by God, a result of His obedience and sacrifice. Hebrews 2:9 states:

"But we see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone."

Likewise, Philippians 2:9-11 explains that God exalted Jesus because of His obedience:

"Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

This passage reveals that Christ’s exaltation is the result of God’s appointment and not a return to the same divine status He had before His incarnation. Christ, as Lord, continues to grow in authority, fulfilling His God-given role as ruler and judge (Acts 17:31).

Conclusion

In this non-Trinitarian view, Christ remains fully human after His resurrection, though glorified and immortal. He now possesses divine privileges and authority, such as the power to judge and rule, granted to Him by God. This does not mean He has reacquired the exact divine status He held before His incarnation. Instead, His humanity is glorified, serving as the prototype for what His followers will one day become. As Paul explains, Christ’s role as Lord is ever-increasing, culminating in the final establishment of God’s kingdom.

By becoming human and remaining human, Christ serves as the mediator between God and mankind and the perfect example for His followers. His life, death, resurrection, and exaltation demonstrate God’s love and plan for humanity’s future glorification.

Stephen D Green and ChatGPT, 2024 

God bless you all who hold to his truth that is in Jesus Christ.