"Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?" - Jeremiah 23:29

Showing posts with label Godhead/Trinity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Godhead/Trinity. Show all posts

Sunday, March 4, 2012

A Present Danger: A Worldly Hope

If one pays much attention to the news today in the United States, they cannot miss the ongoing Republican primaries; which in some ways are quite interesting. One after another the self proclaimed conservatives are rising in popularity to "frontrunner" status only to fall down before Mitt Romney, the moderate. I forget the exact order now, and it is not worth researching. But I can clearly remember that in the very beginning Michele Bachmann was leading among the conservatives (the "conservatives" among these contenders for the republican nomination are essentially everyone besides Romney). For a while we saw Herman Cain grow in popularity, for a while it was Rick Perry. As of late Newt Gingrich seemed to be a real threat to Romney. Then Rick Santorum was in the spotlight, where many never thought he would be. Things may change again, and they will, but it appears Romney continues to hold his position as the established frontrunner in this contest. It only makes sense that he will get the nomination, seeing as he has more money than anyone else.

After their fall to Romney and the other conservatives we are at present down to four individuals, one of which will likely be the Republican nominee to run against Barack Obama in the upcoming general election. Some of you may be wondering why I have written on some political subjects here, you may also be wondering where it is I am going. The title gives a good summery, but there are a number of places I'm going and points I plan to make.

Let us briefly examine the four remaining contestants for the republican nomination.

First, there is Rick Santorum. Much good could be said about his opinions on various subjects. But it cannot be ignored that he is a political hypocrite and a member of an antichrist religion. That religion which masquerades as Christian, but is in fact an unbiblical, God forbidden mixture of Babylonian falsehoods. A religion which has left her first love (Christ) and gone a whoring after strange flesh, all the while maintaining in the sight of the blinded world its innocence. This is exactly what the Jewish people have done in time past (Deuteronomy 31:16).

Second, Newt Gingrich, who, is not only a political hypocrite, but a religious hypocrite as well. Not to mention the fact that he belongs to the same false religion as Mr. Santorum. "Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery." – Mark 10:11-12, Luke 16:18, Matthew 5:32 This could be a post in an of itself. A lot of Pastors today join in matrimony and attempt to legitimately establish relationships between adulterers and adulteresses. These Pastors would do better if they were less brazen than to dare to call holy what God has called unholy.

Third, we have Mitt Romney, who may owe some of his success to having less of a voting record; which gives him less chance to be found guilty of political hypocrisy. He may make conservative claims, and even say that we need to cut government spending, but if you view his past performance to predict his future actions, then it appears he is merely saying what he thinks people want to hear. It is known that Romney is a Mormon, that is, a member of what is called "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints." The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, is like Jehovah's Witnesses, a misnomer. Also, much like Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons are also antichrists, because, like them, they deny Biblical teachings, including who Jesus Christ is (the Trinity/Godhead). The Mormons have many unbiblical beliefs, which we will not go into now, but the notation of some facts comparing their similarities with other false religions will continue.

Mormonism is in any ways like the false religion of Islam. Both Islam and Mormonism were begun by a false prophet. Both false prophets (Joseph Smith of Mormonism and Mohammad of Islam) introduced (or were attributed with introducing) "new holy scriptures" either in addition to (Mormonism) or as standalone holy scriptures (Islam). Both of the founders of these false religions had numerous wives, and as a consequence, numerous children. Perhaps both were merely trying to multiply their newly invented religion as quickly as possible; perhaps more likely, they were hedonists of the first class. Both of these false religions teach many good, moral, and even godly ideals and principles (especially if you ignore the lives of their founders). But they both also teach just enough lies to sufficiently damn their adherents to everlasting judgment. This of course is the Devils design, just enough goodness to appear true, while lacking that which is necessary for salvation; the perfect plan for counterfeit religions capable of deceiving, enslaving, and damning a multitude of souls. This should make us weep.

Fourth, is Ron Paul. He is the only conservative who is not obviously a political hypocrite. He is the only one of these four, who is purportedly a Christian and is not a member of an antichrist religion. Pertinently, he is the one who is perhaps most likely, if elected president, to save our country from the financial destruction, which is coming upon us as the just cause of our moral and spiritual failings. He is the only one of these four who is able to think clearly enough to not only realize what is wrong with the situation our country is in, but how to fix it. He is the only one who conducts himself based on principles, who is open minded enough not to be completely blinded by the political games which corrupt so many. He is the only one who can see the drastic cuts to the size and funding of government and government programs, which must take place if we are to avoid catastrophic financial ruin. Further, he is the only one who is actually qualified for the presidency, based on the fact that he is the only one who would not be lying were he to take the pledge of allegiance to the constitution, which the president takes prior to entering office. He is the only one whom the founding fathers of this nation would perhaps not be ashamed.

But before we place false hope in a political system let us examine some things which cannot wisely be ignored. To pledge or affirm allegiance to the constitution of the United States necessarily denies Christ, and Christian teaching. One cannot serve two masters, and to put the constitution first in political matters denies Christ in the political realm. Matthew 6:24 As I have heard said before; Christ is Lord of all, or he is not Lord at all. Ron Paul understands what pledging allegiance to the constitution means. He has already denied Christ, essentially saying that his Christianity affects how he deals with people, and his personal life, but that it would not affect his decisions as president.

The only political system or kingdom to which biblical Christians belong is the Kingdom ruled by Christ. This kingdom began, and has endured among men since the time of Christ's coming. Isaiah 9:7, Luke 1:33, Luke 17:21, Romans 14:17 But it will not, and cannot manifest itself as an earthy kingdom until Christ returns in the flesh and rules it himself, with his saints.

Next we look at the founding fathers of the United States of America. Was the Revolution not fought to overthrow the reign of British tyranny upon the American people? What Biblical Christian principle did those early Americans use to justify the shedding of blood for the sake of a new earthly kingdom? How does killing men, who are created in the image of God, spread the Christian faith and serve as an example to unbelievers? Genesis 9:6, Philippians 2:14-15 How is it that so many seem impressed by the "Christianity" of the early American founders, when in reality, it is quite clear that they did what they did partially for their personal gain and for the ideals of liberty and independence, which, while unquestionably American, are not necessarily Christian. The strong "christian culture" which existed in early America was a positive force affecting society toward a form of godliness. However, a mere "christian culture," while good for the orderly functioning of society, is not necessary a means of salvation to those who are part of it. More dangerously, it convinces some that they are saved, even when they are far from God, because they foolishly compare themselves to other professing Christians; rather than the eternal standard which is God's word. 2 Corinthians 10:12 Consider all those who attend church regularly for years, but who never yield good fruit, or who refuse to give up their sacred cows (idols) and are thereby prevented from entering the Kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Revelation 21:8

In fact, in the American culture freedom and independence are often elevated to the status of a virtue. Biblically, freedom and independence are limited within the scope of the responsibility incurred by moral obligations. Freedom and independence can be invoked for either good or evil purposes and are, therefore not necessarily something which should be valued in a truly Christian society. Often they are nothing more than excuses of willfulness, selfishness, and generally loose living. In truth, aside from the bonds of Christian morality, freedom and independence are the tools of the devil and the wings by which sinners fly.

America fought for and obtained its freedom, for the most part, simply to avoid paying taxes. They gained this freedom through killing. The Declaration of Independence could only be signed due to supposed "Christians" who violated an express command of Christ, in order that they would be free to violate another. The command to love, and not kill, and the command to pay taxes. Matthew 5:21-48, Matthew 5:44, Mark 12:14-17. Perhaps they loved their high living more than Christ.

Today, patriotism continues among "Christians" because of the love of the world which dwells in their hearts. 1 John 2:15-17 Strangers and pilgrims they are not. Hebrews 11:13-16, 1 Peter 2:11-12 By their actions they are not followers of Christ, for they do not follow his example nor his words. Preoccupation with politics and hopes that a new leader or government will right the wrongs in society is not only folly, but idolatry, unbelief, and an aid to the devil and his workings.

Christians are to honor and pray for the government in the land where they dwell. They are not to mock the authority over them. It is one thing to state the facts, which is just criticism, it is another thing to mock and make fun in an inappropriate manner. 1 Timothy 2:1-3, Ecclesiastes 10:20, Romans 13:1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13

As America and all earthly nations are antichrists in one way or another, is it any wonder that we are ruled by leaders who are antichrists? 2 Corinthians 4:4, 1 John 4:3, Luke 4:5-7 The only Kingdom which can be anything other than antichrist, is a theocracy ruled by Christ himself. The Pope who labels himself as "Vicar of Christ" is not a legitimate substitute.

Christians rejoice! For your citizenship is in heaven, and your redemption draweth nigh! Philippians 3:20, Luke 21:28.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Jehovah’s Witnesses: The Cult Whose Name Is A Misnomer

Part II: The Arguments

Christ is Jehovah

Old testament prophesies such as Zechariah 12:1-10 and Jeremiah 23:5-6 equate Jehovah to Christ. We see that Isaiah 53:12 is fulfilled in Luke 22:37 - here we see that Christ was numbered among the transgressors, though he himself was without sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). Christ, being God even had the power to forgive sins (Matthew 9:2). We see Psalm 78:1-2 fulfilled in Matthew 13:34-35, in this example Jehovah God is also equated to Christ.

In Isaiah 43:11 and Hosea 13:4 we can see Jehovah declaring that beside him there is no Saviour. In John 4:42 and 1 John 4:14 we see that Christ Jesus is declared to be the Saviour. This is quite clear. The prophets said that there was no Saviour but God, yet the scriptures declare Christ as the only Saviour of the world, therefore Christ is God according to the Holy Scriptures.

If Christ was not God, he could not have been without sin, and he would not have been worthy to be a sacrifice for us (1 Peter 1:19).

In 1 Peter 1:21 we see that God raised Jesus from the dead, and in John 10:17-18 we see Jesus declaring that he will raise himself from the dead. This is not a contradiction, but it attests to the fact that Christ was God in the flesh. Again, if Christ was a liar he could not have done what he did.

In Exodus 3:13-15 we see that “I AM” and “Jehovah” are the same individual. In John 8:58 Jesus identified himself as “I AM.”

Psalm 34:8 is quoted in 1 Peter 2:3 - “Taste that the Lord is good.” Here again Christ is equated to Jehovah, because in Psalm 34:8 the LORD is Jehovah, and in 1 Peter 2:3 the Lord is Christ.

In Isaiah 44:6 and Revelation 1:8-18, especially verses 17-18 we can see that both Jehovah and Jesus Christ are one in the same. For they both say “I am the first, and I am the last.”

“Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.” - Isaiah 44:6

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs werewhite like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance wasas the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” - Revelation 1:8-18

In John 5:22-23 we read - “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgement unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which sent him.” (also see John 9:36-38)

In John 10:30 the Lord Jesus said “I and my Father are one.”

In Isaiah 9:6-7 we see that some names for God the Son - Jesus Christ - are the same as those used for God the Father (such as “mighty God” and “everlasting Father”).

Regarding the Holy Ghost - we can see that he is also described as God in Acts 5:3-4, as well as in Matthew 28:19, 1 John 5:7, 2 Corinthians 13:14, etcetera.

A god?

In Exodus 20:3-5, 34:14, Deuteronomy 4:24, etcetera, we can see clearly that God is a jealous God. He does not tolerate any other who claims to be God. If Jesus was not God in the flesh as he claimed and as the scriptures teach, then he could not have done what he did, nor wrought the Salvation upon us by his death as he has done.

“I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” - Isaiah 42:8

In the beginning of John chapter 1 we can see that Christ was with the Father in the beginning, and that it was by Christ that the earth and that which is therein was created (also see Colossians 1:16-17). This is why God said “let us make man in our image…” - “our” refers to the Godhead or Trinity (Genesis 1:26).

Another belief that these particular (and I suppose all) JW’s espoused is that there are many gods. This is perhaps best exampled by their corrupt Bible translation which reads the “Word was a god” in John 1:1 instead of the “Word was God.” The “Word” in John chapter one clearly refers to and is the Lord Jesus Christ, as can be seen by reading the whole of John chapter one (as well as 1 John 5:7, John 8:12, 9:5 and other verses). Since JW’s worship idols (a god of their imagination), it is fitting that they believe in many gods. However, as Christians there are two portions of scripture which help to make this clear.

In 1 Corinthians 8:5-6 we can see that many have idols who are their gods. We also see that to us there is but one God.

“For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.” - 1 Corinthians 8:5-6

In Isaiah 43:10 we read this verse which I also shared with those JW’s who came to my door -

“Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.”

The false prophets and their false prophesies

For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” - Matthew 12:37

The words of scripture themselves are enough to know that the JW’s are a antichristian organization. However, further insights, as to how deceived they really are, can be gained by judging the words of there own mouth according to the Holy Scriptures. Old copies of the Watchtower magazine are filled with clear and damning evidence, and they are a clear witness to all men of the fallaciousness of this cult which calls itself by a Christian name. I am not going to go into detail on every example, but will merely point out some references for those who seek proof of that which I speak. In the Watchtower Magazine, April 1, 1972, p197 it is claimed that Jehovah’s Witnesses are prophets - and it is true, they are prophets - false prophets. An example of their false prophecies can be seen in the works of their false prophets such as Joseph F. Rutherford and Charles Taze Russell. For example see page 101 of “The Time is at Hand” (1888) by Charles Russell, see page 485 of “The Finished Mystery” (1917) by Joseph Rutherford, also see his book “Millions now living will never die” (1920), see the old magazines published and copyrighted by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. See the Watchtower magazines of the 1920’s, and see page 23 of the “Awake” magazine of October 8, 1968 which is copyrighted by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, see page 226 of the “Zion’s Watchtower” magazine from July 15, 1894, see the old issues of the “Golden Age” the “Consolation” and the “Awake” magazines which are copyrighted by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. There could be more listed, but a review of the above will show plainly the false prophesies supported by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society and those who call themselves Jehovah’s Witnesses.

The New World Translation: A Corrupt Bible

Perhaps the biggest mistakes in the New World Translation stem from the fact that the Greek text primarily used for its translation of the New Testament is “The New Testament in the Original Greek” published by Westcott and Hort.* This is the same problem with nearly all modern Bible translations. It is really a wonder that so many are deceived into believing that the Westcott and Hort Greek has any accuracy whatsoever. To make a long story short Westcott and Hort were supporters of the Roman Catholic Church, and neither of them believed in the inspiration of scripture. This can be seen by those who have eyes to see upon reading the following books; “Life and Letters of Fenton John Anthony Hort” Volume I by Anthony Hort, published by Macmillan and Co. LTD. 1896, and “Life and Letters of Brooke Foss Westcott” Volume I by Arthur Westcott, published by Macmillan and Co. LTD. 1903. Upon reading these books and discovering who Westcott and Hort were, it is almost unbelievable, that in the present day, so many professing Christians are still deceived by them. This can only be evidence of the spirit of antichrist at work today.

The other, perhaps larger evidence of the corruption of the Westcott and Hort text, can be known by carefully comparing the Bibles translated from their text with Bibles translated from the preserved text (such as the KJV and the Geneva). Ask these questions; Which Bible gives more glory to God? Which Bible supports Christian doctrine?

For example, Westcott and Hort remove 1 John 5:7. Jehovah’s Witnesses are benefited by this fact, for without 1 John 5:7 it is much easier for them to deny Christ, and negate him to a position lower than that which the scriptures teach.

Antichrists

Seeing then that Jehovah’s Witnesses are antichrists it is important to remember what the scriptures say of them in 2 John 1:7-11. Furthermore, we can see that without Papist supporters (Westcott and Hort), of that Romish Whore, that the Jehovah’s Witnesses cult would be much less supported. Is it any wonder that these antichrists are supported by a greater antichrist, The Pope and his false church, which has shed the blood of the saints of God, and continues to deceive the world and to ensnare men with false teachings and pleasant words, entrapping them with damnation?

But Let Us Trust In Christ Alone, For He Is The Victory That Overcomes The World!

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” – 1 John 5:4-5

Faith Is The Victory

In Christ Alone

Also see a related Post > The Godhead (Holy Trinity)

*According to the introduction of the New World Translation, 1984 edition, published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, INC., International Bible Students Association, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A.

**Note that there are many other errors in the Jehovah's Witnesses theology that are not even mentioned here. For more info see the links below.

Jehovah's Witnesses Cult

http://www.chick.com/information/religions/jw/

Jehovah’s Witnesses: The Cult Whose Name Is A Misnomer

Part I: The Story

One Tuesday in the late morning I returned home from running some errands. Shortly thereafter, there was someone at my door, two middle aged ladies. I opened the door and stood in the doorway as I talked with them. I suspected right away that they were Jehovah’s Witnesses, or so they call themselves, but it is really a misnomer since they do not even know who Jehovah is, seeing that they deny his own words. I quickly saw that they were carrying a New World Translation of the Bible, confirming my suspicions. I thought “O what a great opportunity to witness, God brought these people to my door.”

Before they could say much I first pointed out something upon which we agreed - that neither of us celebrates the unbiblical pagan holidays. I then said that the biggest problem I have with JW’s is that they don’t believe in the deity of Christ (or of the Holy Ghost). I pointed out Isaiah 40:3 and I said that I believe that this is a prophecy of Christ’s coming. The one lady said she agreed that it was, and I told her that Christ is Jehovah. (In the Greek, as well as in the New World Translation, the word LORD in the KJV is actually “Jehovah”) Here she disagreed, but we know that Christ is Jehovah because this prophecy was fulfilled by Christ in Matthew 3:3. John the Baptist was the one preparing the way for Jehovah. John the Baptist was the one who prepared the way for the coming of Jesus Christ. We then discussed some other verses as well.

Both I and the one lady did a fair amount of talking, perhaps she more, I tried to give them a copy of “The Crisis” by Jack T. Chick but she would not take it. I did say that I admired the fact that they went door to door (it’s a Biblical way to get converts). I basically said that I was not prepared to talk to them anymore because I did not have any other Bible references ready to discuss. I think she thought she was getting to me with her false teachings, and so she invited herself back, and we agreed to begin again next Tuesday morning sometime between 11:00 and 11:30.

The next Tuesday morning I woke up shortly after 6:00 and put together three pages of notes, mostly verses, and dug up lots of information on the history of Jehovah’s Witnesses and Westcott and Hort of whose Greek version of the New Testament the JW’s used for their Bible Translation. I also compared some verses between their Bible and ours.

I just knew they were going to come early, and so I gathered all my materials together, my Bible, their Bible, printouts of embarrassing (to them) pages from old watchtower magazines, and my three pages of notes.

I walked out on the porch at 10:45 and planned to wait for them, but no waiting did I. Nearly as soon as I walked out they came, and we began. This time the lead lady brought a different sidekick - an elderly woman. Perhaps I’m a suspicious person, but I believe here that I’m dealing with the devil, and we know his subtle tricks. She came early in an effort to catch me unawares, and she brought with her an old lady to calm my demeanor and arouse sympathy. After all, who would dare criticize a sweet old lady?

Now it is very important to speak gently and recognize verbally when they are correct. Most likely these ladies were well meaning. However, this cannot hold you back from speaking the truth, because Hell is a reality which we can’t suppose men avoid by any means other than that described in and by the word of God. They were pleased to see my copy of their Bible. I did complement on a few of the good features it has, because, after all God’s name is Jehovah, and I don’t think there is anything wrong with translating it for what it is. Before they could say much we immediately got into sharing verses which prove the deity of Christ, and of the Holy Ghost (not what she wanted to talk about). When I mentioned John 10:30 she says “Yes, but what kind of oneness is that?” Very tricky indeed she is. At one point I said “Did you know that the people who write the Watchtower magazine claim to be prophets?” She said “No they don’t.” I said “O really?” I then walked over to the porch step, lifted up the NWT Bible I had setting there and pulled out a copy of an old watchtower magazine and said that in this watchtower issue from 1972 they claim just that. She wrote down the issue date and page and said she would look it up to check it out. I also pointed out that if you read the old watchtower magazines from the late 1800’s and early 1900’s that there are a lot of prophesies that never came true, and that the whole Jehovah’s Witness movement, if you will allow me to call it that, was began by false prophets. I pointed out that the Bible defines false prophets as those who make predictions which fail to come to pass (Deuteronomy 18:20-22). She agreed that that was the right definition of a false prophet. She also made this strange statement; she said that they (JW’s) do not consider those who are “spirit anointed to be divinely inspired.” So I said “So first you say that they do not claim to be prophets, and then when I show you that they do you say that those who are spirit anointed are not considered divinely inspired, it sounds to me like you are saying that the divinely inspired are not divinely inspired, as if they cannot be held accountable for what they say?” She did not have much of a response to that.

Then I finally got around to 1 John 5:7. I said that “I think part of the problem here is your translation.” I said “I know this verse isn’t in your Bible but I’m going to read it for you anyhow.” She says “I know what it says.” Then I read it “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” She said “That’s a spurious verse.” I said “O really, do you know anything about how your Bible was translated?” She said “well it was translated from the best copies of the originals.” I said “well that’s what you’ve been told.” I said “do you know what Greek text was primarily used for the translation of your Bible’s New Testament?” She did not know. I said that “the Greek text used was the one put together by Westcott and Hort, do you know who they were?” She did not know. I said “they supported the Roman Catholic Church.” She said “well everyone did, but there were those who knew the truth.” I said “did you know that these people did not even believe that the scripture was inspired, and you trust them to put a text together?” I said “did you know that these people based their text off two or three percent of the copies of scripture that were in existence?* And that they disregarded the majority of scripture. Just because the copies they chose may have been older, it does not mean that they were original.”

We also discussed John chapter 1 which their Bible badly mistranslates, as well as some other verses. I noticed her looking at her watch. She tried to get onto another subject, but I would not let her, and then I mentioned the fact that she was denying Christ for her failure to accept his divinity. She again tried to move onto another subject and I said “Well it is time for you to go,” and I motioned and pointed with my hand toward their van. She said “Hans you did this on purpose!” She tried to talk some more and I said “We have nothing else to talk about, because you deny Christ." I pointed to her van and said “You can leave now.” She said “well you read such and such a verse.” And I said “and you can read 2 John 1:7-11, and then you’ll know why I don’t let you in the house.” As they began to walk away I said “I pray you repent.” And I spent some time praying for them shortly thereafter.

Some explanations of this account

There were more details to our discussion/debate than I have written above, since writing every detail would be too time consuming. I have also written it as I remember, and it is possible that some of it is out of order or paraphrased. You can read Part II (the meat of the argument), which includes references for the facts shared in this account, as well as more arguments against the Jehovah’s Witness cult. When she said “Hans you did this on purpose!” I assume she was referring to the fact that I had planned for them to come back so that I could witness to them, and to the fact that I never let her get on to any other subject but that Glorious subject of our Lord Jesus Christ. I believe that it would have been an insult to God to let her speak a word after failing to recognize Christ in such a way as she did. Further, if she could not recognize Christ, I found it doubtful that she would be able to recognize anything else. You can't move on in Christian theology with people who do not even believe in something so basic as our Lord Jesus Christ.

Also see a related Post > The Godhead (Holy Trinity)

Thursday, October 21, 2010

The Godhead (Holy Trinity)

The Trinity can be defined as the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost three persons who are only one God. Two of the main verses rightly given in support of the Holy Trinity are Matthew 28:19 (“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”) and 1 John 5:7 (KJV)

Also in Matthew 3:16-17 we see God the Father in heaven saying “This is my beloved Son (God the Son), in whom I am well pleased” God the Father says this while God the Spirit descends like a dove on Jesus.

In Colossians 2:8-9 we see that in Christ dwells the fullness of the Godhead. In Matthew 8:29, 14:33, Mark 1:1, Mark 15:39, John 3:18, Galatians 2:20, and Hebrews 4:14 we see that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

In John 10:30 we see that the Son and the Father are One.

In Matthew 1:18 and Luke 1:35 we see that Mary was “found with child of the Holy Ghost” Mary had known no man but the Holy Ghost came upon her, the power of the Highest overshadowed her, and “that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” In contrast we read in Luke 1:15 (of John the Baptist) that he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost even while still in the womb of his mother Elisabeth. It is important to note that John was filled with the Holy Ghost from the womb, But Jesus was even “of the Holy Ghost” and in fact in existence before he was even in the womb of Mary, even in the beginning he was (John 1:1-14).

In Mark 1:8 and 13:11 we read of the Holy Ghost. In John 7:39 (also see Acts 1:1-9) we see that the Holy Ghost was not yet given since Christ had not yet been glorified (or had not yet ascended). In John 14:17, 26, 15:26, 16:13, 1 Corinthians 2:13, and 6:19 we see that the Holy Ghost is the Spirit of Truth, the Comforter, a teacher and is that which brings to our remembrance the teachings of Christ. Also we see that the Holy Spirit dwells in us and that our body is its temple. In 1 Corinthians 6:20 we read “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

There have also been instances where some have been filled with the Holy Ghost even prior to it being “officially” given. Such as was the case with John the Baptist (as was mentioned earlier) and with David as we see in Mark 12:36 and Psalm 110:1 and with Simeon (Luke 2:25-26).