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NASB | John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 1:1 In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. [Gen 1:1; Is 9:6] |
Bible Question:
I work with a Unitarian man and we talk Bible a couple of times every week. He believes the Unitarian creed, which holds the holy spirit to be just the influence of the Almighty God on the minds of his servants,dwelling in the hearts of believers, as the source of their spiritual life. He also showed me just yesterday 2 Cor 1:3, Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Here he says is proof that the trinity is not Bible based. I told him that he couldn't just pick out one scripture and make a whole doctrine out of it. But he said that there were many more bible verses that showed that Jesus has a God but Almighty God doesn't, and that proves Jesus isn't the Almighty God. He's very sharp when it comes to the Bible and I study it too, regularly. Being a Baptist, I try to prove him wrong about who God really is. He told me he would show me more verses that shows him that the trinity is not a bible teaching. He seems very sincere. So for now, any suggestions from anyone about this verse 2 Cor 1:3? Thanks |
Bible Answer: Hi, Steve... The doctrine of the trinity is poorly understood, and I count myself amoung the impoverished! However, in this day and age were are particularly philosophically unsophisticated. If you want a good handle on the doctrine of the trinity, I'd start with the Nicene Creed. Study its origins and proponents at the time it was penned. (I'm thinking in particular Athanasius.) Study also the heresy of Arianism, which is what prompted the Nicene Council. As a fellow Baptist, I'd also study carefully the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, particularly Chapter 2. (This is readily available on-line.) Unitarians are a funny folk. Although they embrace rationalism and tolerance, they throw out both when ever the subject of Protestant Reformed Orthodoxy comes up. Since their mind is their ultimate authority, the best you can do is show them that their god is finite, often fallible, and can be easily deceived. However, don't be discouraged. God is working in your friend's life one way or another. Isn't it great having a Sovereign Lord? :-) As you come to our minds, the believers in this forum will pray for you. God bless you. In Him, Doc |