I never received Byron's email about the Trinity or non-Trinity.

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-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.com), March 18, 2004

Answers

Funny how the pulp gets filtered from the juice.

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-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.com), March 18, 2004.

http://greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=00Bqu1

For those of you too lazy to actually type the "a href" tag, as David would say:

Elder Byron's Thread.

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-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.com), March 18, 2004.

I actually did, Rod. It was an attachment about his church and their beliefs.

The Christian Yahwist

-- Elpidio Gonzalez (egonval@yahoo.com), March 18, 2004.

Oops! Maybe I did? I going loopy. Too much work I guess.

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-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.com), March 19, 2004.

Last week, I sent the attachments to each of you. There were no returns saying that I had the wrong email address, so I asume that you had recieve them. Leading me to believe that you agreeed with me, (Ha Ha) or you just thought that I was some kind of nut, and wanting nothing to do with me. And since I am not about fighting, I left it alone. But if you did not recieve them, maybe Elpidio, if he doesn't mind, could pass them along, or I could resend them on late Sunday or Monday. I am out of town at this moment, so just leave me a note and let me know if you recieve it or not.

Be Blessed

Byron

-- T. Byron Williams (agapewotc@yahoo.com), March 19, 2004.

Actually, I had a momentary lapse of memory. I did receive your email Byron. It is just that my hectic schedule clouded my recollection of reading your email. I shall revisted your writings more closely. Please accept my apology for my lapse.

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-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.com), March 19, 2004.

Yes, Byron, I do think you are a nut. I think that you are probably a walnut, while I am probably a nuece (pecan). Elpidio is a cacahuate (peanut), David is an acorn, Ian is a cachew, Faith is an almond, yes we are all nuts.

All in good humor, of course.

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-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.com), March 19, 2004.

Yes I also received a copy. Working on some other things currently, not much time for computer. Life happens.

-- Luke Juarez (hubertdorm@yahoo.com), March 19, 2004.

There's the other nut, hi Luke.

Ok...explanation:

Walnut= big and important.
Pecan= solid and both sweet and bitter.
Peanut= two to a shell; God and Jesus as two, rather than one.
Acorn= hard to crack or should I say strong in his convictions.
Cachew= traditionally flavored.
Almond= big, flavorful, either like em or not.

Each can be roasted, salted, or sugar coated. Kevin and Luke fit in there somewhere. And, yes, we are mixed nuts.

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-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.com), March 19, 2004.

I didn't receive anything

-- David Ortiz (cyberpunk1986@hotmail.com), March 19, 2004.

ditto

-- Ian (ib@vertifgo.com), March 19, 2004.

Hey.., I got zippo from him!

I am not surprised. He couldn't answer any of my questions satisfactorily and probably realized that I am not easy to convince.

-- (faith01@myway.com), March 26, 2004.

Faith, you are very easy to convince. It is just that God has his time frame, us humans aren't as patient. I'd like to know what brought you to such staunchy-ness in character. I imagine that you are a great person to be around, as long as religious discussions are avoided.

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-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.com), March 26, 2004.

Hmmm, funny, You all got zippo; I got harpo and Elpidio got groucho.

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-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.com), March 26, 2004.

You are probably right rod. I cannot talk religion with laypersons in general because too many people simply don't look into religion or the Scriptures--even when they consider themselves believers.

Catholics in particular, are so ill-informed when it comes to their faith. My whole family on both my Mom's and Dad's side, know zip about the Bible.

I think the only Catholics who open the Bible at all--come to this greenspun site! Seriously. That's it.

It's easier not to talk about religion or politics. But I am so compelled to share Jesus that I try to do it almost secretly.

For example--my sister is a 34 year old mother of two--and she is a school teacher. She has no real faith, though she says she believes in something.. But she is so busy and stressed out, and she has no way to release it. She doesn't even work out. So, naturally--she is feeling her stress physically in all sorts of ways. SWhe worries constantly and she has constant anxiety which effects her stomach, and she gets major headaches.

So I'll say things, like..,"I know how you feel. I used to have that too. But ya know--since I have discovered the truth about God, and I have received Jesus--I have His peace in me. I don't get that anxiety in my stomach--or that worry, anymore...it's amazing."

If she's curious enough, she'll ask me what I mean??...

Then I can share Scripture in particular. In this case, I gave her a wall hanging that I had made for myself with the Scripture verses from Philipians 4:7-7..

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

-- (faith01@myway.com), March 26, 2004.

Well, see? When we live in faith, we shine the Light on others. People are affected by how we live in faith.

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-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.com), March 26, 2004.

Rod

IMHO, if Faith's sister lives her life by atheitsic "logos", she stands a far better chance than if she spends her time trying to twist Scripture in ungodly ways the way Faith does.

-- Ian (ib@vertifgo.com), March 28, 2004.

It is a good thing, Ian--that this is just your opinion.

Jesus, on the other-hand.., asked "what credit is loving others or doing good things? to us? He pointed out that even atheists can do that. His point was that it isn't about what we do--but whose name we do them in.

An atheist is not even better off than you.

-- (faith01@myway.com), March 28, 2004.

Faith,

you must step back and see that BLIND, IGNORANT, HEAVING, BILIOUS PREJUDICE never did anyone any good. not in the long grass, certainly.

God is not the alternative to a good shrink. He has a message. He gave us that message in the Bible. He founded a Church, of which He is head. it has survived the most vicious persecution. it has survived the most arrogant schism and the most self-aggrandising heresy.

from day one, it fought and resolved these issues. The Ark of Salvation continues its bee-line to Heaven.

anonymous, self-deceiving little pirates, who loathe each other as much as they loath the Truth, sling their little poisonous arrows every inch of the course: most o the times, the wind throws them back..

they have attacked and attacked and attacked ...... since He founded the Church. they have gnawed at its flesh. they have, to their own damnation, tried to undo the work of the Redeemer. they despise the fabric of the Bride of Christ. they hate her more than they love anything, apart from themselves.

its all words in a way. but it is the Grace of God that keeps us aboard the only boat that is going in the right direction. Onwards and Upwards.

-- Ian (ib@vertifgo.com), March 28, 2004.

I agree with everything you say here Ian.

It is just that i recognize that Christ's church is not hold up in some religion--and certainly not in Catholicism.

The Catholic church nis guilty of committing some of the most horrific crimes against humanity. Persecution at its worst! How dare you think that God approves of yours ,or any religious movement that kills for his sake.

Nope.., Jesus' church is not of this earth..she is spiritual and cannot be divided or accused of any wrong doing.

-- (faith01@myway.com), March 28, 2004.

Hi, Ian.

Did you notice that my comment was rather generic?

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-- rod (elreyrod@yahoo.com), March 28, 2004.

For those not receiving Elder Byron's attachment: (actually the material is dated May 14, 2001. So it was probably compiled then)

The Oneness of God

The Understanding of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost

"In Him dwelleth the fullness of the Godhead bodily"

Colossians 2:9

In a world of so much Trinitarian doctrine, the message of the Oneness of God is a revelation that one should adore and hold dear. As it is a revelation that will say that Jesus Christ is the God of the Old Testament and of the New. For He is Father in creation, Son in redemption, and the Holy Ghost in the world today. With a belief that says that in Him (Christ) dwells the fullness of the Godhead. In this doctrine a heresy, is the belief of a cult, or just the teachings of a bunch of sincere, yet confused Christians. Or is it the Word of God.

Hear Ye O Israel, the Lord Our God is One Lord

Deuteronomy 6:4

This is the teaching that is called the Shema; it is a practice that was originated during the early part of Jewish history. During a time of when many served many different Gods. Israel was constantly reminded that it was the Lord thy God that brought them out of Egypt and He alone is God. For He was a jealous God, who glory He would not share with another. So everyday, parents were instructed to teach and have the children rehearse this scripture. It was to post upon the doors and the walls, and never to let them forget the Oneness of their God throughout all generations.

Throughout the Old Testament God had many names, for He was Elohim (God), Jehovah-jireh (the Lord will provide), Jehovah-rapha (the Lord who heals), Jehovah-nissi (the Lord our banner), Jehovah-ra-ra (the Lord my shepherd). Jehovah-Shalom (the Lord our peace), El Elyon (the most high God) Adonai (Master) El Shaddai (Almighty God) El Olam (everlasting God) and it was though these names that God revealed himself to his people. Though the Jews did not really know His name, they also held to the belief that His name was too holy to pronounce. There is a modern tendency to claim that the divine name of God in the OT was Jehovah. The most influential group advocating this teaching today is the Jehovah Witnesses. They claim to have restored the divine name. This study is intended to demonstrate that the name "Jehovah" is not, and never was the name of God in the OT, but is a fabricated pronunciation of the divine name. Those who came up with this spelling and name did so because they had a misunderstanding of the Hebrew Tetragrammaton "YHWH," as it appears in the OT text. The rendering of YHWH as "Yahweh" is much closer to the actual Hebrew name of God.

Table 1: Old Testament Names For God English Hebrew Example of Scripture 1 God Elohim Genesis 1:1 2 God El Genesis 14:18 3 God Eloah Nehemiah 9:17 4 God Elah (Aramaic form) Daniel 2:18 5 GOD YHWH (Yahweh) Genesis 15:2 6 LORD YHWH or YH Genesis 2:4 7 JEHOVAH YHWH Exodus 6:3 8 JAH YH (Yah) Psalm 68:4 9 Lord Adon Joshua 3:11 10 Lord Adonai Genesis 15:2 11 I AM THAT I AM Eheyeh asher Eheyeh Exodus 3:14 12 I AM Eheyeh Exodus 3:14 13 Most High God El-Elyon Genesis 14:18 14 The God of sight El-Roiy Genesis 16:13 15 Almighty God El-Shaddai Genesis 17:1 16 Everlasting God El-Olam Genesis 21:33

The way in which God’s name came to be spelled and pronounced as "Jehovah" is detailed with a lot of history and study of phonetics, but a few comments are in order here to help make some sense of the issue. The Hebrew Tetragrammaton, YHWH, is the way the name of God appears in the Hebrew Bible. The Hebrew language is a consonantal language, possessing no vowels. Vowels were pronounced, but not written. Though there some names that are plural in their meaning, and could lead some to a Trinitarian God, study shows it has no value. Two of the most notable are Elohim and Echad.

Elohim-Most scholars agree that the use of the plural word Elohim indicates God's greatness or His multiple attributes; it does not imply a plurality of persons or personalities. The Jews certainly do not see the plural form as compromising their strong monotheism"The form of the word, Elohim, is plural. The Hebrews pluralized nouns to express greatness or majesty." The Bible itself reveals that the only way to understand the plural form of Elohim is that it expresses God's majesty and not a plurality in the Godhead. Both by its insistence on one God and by its use of Elohim in situations that definitely portray only one person or personality. For example, Elohim identifies the singular manifestation of God in human form to Jacob (Genesis 32:30). The Israelites used the word Elohim for the golden calf they made in the wilderness (Exodus 32:1, 4, 8, 23, 31), yet the Bible account makes it clear that there was only one golden calf (Exodus 32:4, 5, 8, 19-20, 24, 35). The Old Testament often uses Elohim for singular pagan gods such as Baalberith (Judges 8:33), Chemosh (Judges 11:24), Dagon (Judges 16:23), Baalzebub (II Kings 1:2-3), and Nisroch (II Kings 19:37). The Bible even applies Elohim to Jesus Christ (Psalm 45:6; Zechariah 12:8-10; 14:5), and no one suggests there is a plurality of persons in Jesus. So the word Elohim does not indicate three persons in the Godhead. Only one being called Elohim wrestled with Jacob, only one golden calf was called Elohim, and one Lord Jesus Christ is God made manifest in flesh.

Echad- Without wavering, the Bible states that God is one (Deuteronomy 6:4). Some Trinitarians suggest that one in respect to God mean one in unity rather than absolutely one in numerical value. To support this theory they appeal to the Hebrew word echad, which the Bible uses to express the concept of one God. The word apparently can mean both one in unity and one numerically, for Strong defines it as "united, one, first." Biblical examples of the word used in the sense of absolute numerical oneness are enlightening: a list of Canine kings each designated by the word echad (Joshua 12:9-24); the prophet Micah (I Kings 22:8); Abraham (Ezekiel 33:24); a list of gates each designated by echad (Ezekiel 48:31-34); and the angel Michael (Daniel 10:13). Certainly, in each of the above cases echad means one in numerical value. In view of the many Old Testament passages that describe in unequivocal terms God's absolute oneness (see, especially the scripture references in Isaiah), it is evident that echad as used of God does mean the absolute numerical oneness of His being. To the extent that echad does convey a concept of unity, it connotes a unity of God's multiple attributes, not a cooperative union of separate persons. If echad does not mean one in number, then we have no defense against polytheism, because three (or more) separate gods could be one in unity of mind and purpose. However, it is clearly the intent of the Old Testament to deny polytheism, and it does use echad to mean one in numerical value.

But yet his people knew that this was not the promised name of He would come. Only a way to identity with Him. The one who would bruised the heel of the serpent, the one who had no beauty that we should behold him, the one that with His stripes we are heal. For Zechariah said that in that day His name shall be ONE. For Isaiah when prophesied of coming of Christ said

Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, (El Olam) The Everlasting Father (El Shaddai), The Prince of Peace (Jehovah-Shalom).

Isaiah 9:6

So throughout the Old Testament, the prophets told of He that would come. The Messiah. And in that day his Name would be One. So in the Gospel, according to Matthew, the 1st chapter it reads:

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.

19Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.

20But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

21And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins."

22So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23"Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us."

24Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife,

25And did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.

Let us look at a couple of things

If Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and God is his Father. Then the Holy Ghost must be God. For it says in both the 18 and 20 verse, that Jesus was the child of the Holy Ghost. Jesus name was call Immanuel (God with us). Who was with us? GOD.

To understand that the revelation of Jesus Christ is the fullness of the Godhead is a mystery. For the Apostle Paul said, "Great is the mystery of godliness. For God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Sprit, preached unto the Gentiles, and received up into glory (1st Timothy 3:16). For who sent Jesus? Easy question, the Father sent Jesus. I agree totally. But look at what Jesus said, "And he that seeth me, seeth Him that sent me". (John 12:45) Jesus sent Himself, because He is the Father.

For 1st Chapter of St. John tells us much about the deity of Christ

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2He was in the beginning with God.

3All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

We see before anything was ever made, the Word was there. And this Word was God, and that all things was made by this Word. And most would agree that God did make all things. We learn this way back in Genesis. In the beginning God created……… But let us look at the 14th verse.

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

So IF God is the Word, and the Word created all things, then oneday the Word became flesh. In other words, God became flesh, because God is the Word. So when the Word became flesh, how did we behold Him? As the only begotten of the Father. John 3:16 tells that Jesus is the only begotten of the Father.

The foundation of the Oneness believer is that Jesus Christ is God Almighty, not one of three, not one of three personalities. But God all by Himself. He was God in the Old Testament, He is God now, and will be forevermore. Jesus said "I am He was was liveth, and died, but behold I am alive forevermore the Almighty. (Revelation 1:8) In other words, Jesus Christ is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. For there cannot be two almightys, two first and last, two Lights of the World, and two creators. Again, I repeat, "Hear Ye O Israel, the Lord Our God is One Lord" Is there two Lord of lords, is there two saviors, two I Am, NO! For there is only One Lord, One Faith, and One Baptism. One God the Father, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4:5-6)

Table 2: Jesus is Jehovah Jehovah Jesus 1 Almighty Genesis 17:1 Almighty Revelation 1:8 2 I AM Exodus 3:14-16 I am John 8:58 3 Rock Psalm 18:2; 28:1 Rock I Corinthians 10:4 4 Horn of Salvation Psalm 18:2 Horn of Salvation Luke 1:69 5 Shepherd Psalm 23:1; Isaiah 40:10-11 Good Shepherd, Great Shepherd, Chief Shepherd, Hebrews 13:20; I Peter 5:4 6 King of Glory Psalm 24:7-10 Lord of Glory I Corinthians 2:8 7 Light Psalm 27:1; Isaiah 60:19 Light John 1:4-9; John 8:12; Revelation 21:23 8 Salvation Psalm 27:1; Isaiah 12:2 Only Salvation Acts 4:10-12 9 Lord of lords Psalm 136:3 Lord of lords Revelation 19:16 10 Holy One Isaiah 12:6 Holy One Acts 2:27 11 Lawgiver Isaiah 33:22 Testator of the First Testament (the Law) Hebrews 9:14-17 12 Judge Isaiah 33:22 Judge Micah 5:1; Acts 10:42 13 First and Last Isaiah 41:4; 44:6; 48:12 Alpha and Omega, Beginning and Ending, First and Last

Revelation 1:8; 22:13 14 Only Savior Isaiah 43:11; 45:21; 60:16 Savior Titus 2:13; 3:6 15 Giver of Spiritual Water Isaiah 44:3; 55:1 Giver of Living Water John 4:10-14; 7:38-39 16 King of Israel Isaiah 44:6 King of Israel, King of kings John 1:49; Revelation 19:16 17 Only Creator Isaiah 44:24; 45:8; 48:13 Creator of everything John 1:3; Colossians 1:16 18 Only Just God Isaiah 45:21 Just One Acts 7:52 19 Redeemer Isaiah 54:5; 60:16 Redeemer Galatians 3:13; Revelation 5:9

The Father

The term "God the Father" is biblical and refers to God Himself (Galatians 1:1-4). God is the Father; He is not merely Father of the Son, but the Father of all creation (Malachi 2:10; Hebrews 12:9). He is also our Father by reason of the new birth (Romans 8:14-16). The title Father indicates a relationship between God and man, particularly between God and His Son and between God and regenerated man. Jesus taught many times that God is our Father (Matthew 5:16, 45, 48). He taught us to pray, "Our Father which art in heaven" (Matthew 6:9). Of course, Jesus as a man had an additional relationship to God in a sense that no one else has ever had. He was the only begotten Son of the Father (John 3:16), the only One who was actually conceived by the Spirit of God and the only One who had the fullness of God without measure. The Bible plainly states that there is only one Father (Malachi 2:10; Ephesians 4:6). It also clearly teaches that Jesus is the one Father (Isaiah 9:6; John 10:30). The Spirit that dwelt in the Son of God was none other than the Father. It is important to note that the name of the Father is Jesus, for this name fully reveals and expresses the Father. In John 5:43, Jesus said, "I am come in my Father's name." According to Hebrews 1:4, "by inheritance obtained a more excellent name." In other words, the Son inherited His Father's name. We therefore understand why Jesus said that He manifested and declared the Father's name (John 17:6, 26). He fulfilled the Old Testament prophecy that stated the Messiah would declare the name of the LORD (Psalm 22:22; Hebrews 2:12). In what name did the Son come? What name did He obtain from His Father by inheritance? What name did the Son manifest? The answer is apparent. The only name He used was the name of Jesus, His Father's name.

The Son

Basically, the term "Son of God" refers to God as manifested in the flesh in the person of Jesus Christ for the salvation of mankind. The name of the Son is Jesus: "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS" (Matthew 1:21). Since Father refers to deity alone, while "Son of God" refers to deity as incarnated in humanity, we do not believe that the Father is the Son. The distinction is pivotal. We can say the Son died, but we cannot say the Father died. The deity in the Son is the Father. Although we do not believe that the Father is the Son, we do believe that the Father is in the Son (John 14:10). Since Jesus is the name of the Son of God, both as to His deity as Father and as to His humanity as Son, it is the name of both the Father and the Son.

The Holy Ghost

The terms "Holy Ghost" and "Holy Spirit" are interchangeable, meaning identically the same. These two terms in the KJV are translated from the one Greek word pneuma; therefore, there is absolutely no distinction between the terms. Either is perfectly acceptable since both mean the same. The Holy Spirit is simply God. God is holy (Leviticus 11:44; I Peter 1:16). In fact, He alone is holy in Himself. God is also a Spirit (John 4:24), and there is only one Spirit of God (I Corinthians 12:11; Ephesians 4:4). Therefore, "Holy Spirit" is another term for the one God. That the Holy Ghost is God is evident from a comparison of Acts 5:3 with 5:4 and from a comparison of I Corinthians 3:16 with 6:19. These passages identify the Holy Ghost with God Himself. We cannot limit the terms "Holy Ghost," "Holy Spirit," or "Spirit of God" to the New Testament, nor can we so limit the role or manifestation of God they describe. We find the Spirit mentioned throughout the Old Testament beginning with Genesis 1:2. Peter tells us that the prophets of old were moved by the Holy Ghost (II Peter 1:21). If the Holy Spirit is simply God, why is there a need for this term? The reason is that it emphasizes a particular aspect of God. It emphasizes that He who is a holy, omnipresent, and invisible Spirit works among all men everywhere and can fill the hearts of men. When we speak of the Holy Spirit, we are reminding ourselves of God's invisible work among men and of His ability to anoint, baptize, fill, and indwell human lives. The term speaks of God in activity: "And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters" (Genesis 1:2). It refers to God working among mankind to regenerate man's fallen nature and enable him to do the supernatural will of God in the world. We note that the Spirit is the agent in the new birth (John 3:5; Titus 3:5). Since the Holy Spirit is God Himself, we properly use the pronouns He and Him to refer to the Spirit. We often use "Holy Ghost" and "Holy Spirit" as abbreviated forms of "the baptism (or gift) of the Holy Ghost," and in such cases it is proper to use the pronoun it as a substitute. When we do this, however, we should always remember that the Holy Ghost is God and not merely an unintelligent force or fluid. The following verses of Scripture reveal that the Holy Ghost is not an unintelligent force but is in fact God: Acts 5:3-4, 9; 20:23, 28; 21:11.

The Spirit is revealed and received through the name Jesus. He is not a separate person with a separate identity who comes in another name. Jesus said, "The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name…" (John 14:26). So the Holy Ghost comes in the name of Jesus.

The Right Hand of God

Lastly, I want to deal with the subject of the Right Hand of God. So many times we see in the scripture of Jesus sitting on the Right Hand of God. If Jesus is God, then how can He sit on God's right hand?

Numerous passages in the New Testament tell us Jesus sits on the right hand of God. Peter used this _expression in Acts 2:34, quoting Psalm 110:1. According to Acts 7:55, Stephen looked up into heaven while being stoned to death and "saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God." What does this phrase mean? Does this mean that there are two physical manifestations of God in heaven, God and Jesus, with the latter perpetually stationed on the right hand of the former? Is this what Stephen saw?

First, no man has seen God at any time, nor can a human see Him (John 1:18; I Timothy 6:16; I John 4:12). God is a Spirit and as such He is invisible (I Timothy 1:17). He does not have a physical right hand unless He chooses to manifest Himself in a human form. If he saw two persons, why would he ignore one of them, praying only to Jesus? (Acts 7:59-60). If he saw separate physical manifestations of the Father and the Son, why did he not see the Holy Ghost as a third person?

A careful reading of Acts 7:55 will support the statement that Stephen did not see God apart from Jesus. Verse 55 does not say Stephen saw the Spirit of God, but tells us he saw "the glory of God" and Jesus. In verse 56 Stephen said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God." The only visual image or person Stephen actually saw was Jesus Christ.

In Revelation 4:2, which describes one throne in heaven and One who sits on that throne? Does the Father sit on the one throne and does Jesus sit beside it? What about the fact that Jesus is the One seated on the throne? (Revelation 4:2, 8 with 1:8, 18).

Obviously, then, the description of Jesus on the right hand of God must be figurative or symbolic. Indeed, this is evident from numerous references throughout the Bible to the right hand of God. In Psalm 16:8, David wrote, "I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved." Does this mean the LORD was always bodily present at David's right hand? Psalm 77:10 says, "I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High." Did the psalmist promise to remember the number of years God had a right hand? Psalm 98:1 declares of the LORD, "His right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory." Does this mean God defeated His enemies by holding back His left hand and crushing them with a physical right hand? Psalm 109:31 states that the LORD "shall stand at the right hand of the poor." Does He physically station Himself next to poor people all the time? The LORD declared in Isaiah 48:13, "My right hand hath spanned the heavens," and in Isaiah 62:8 the LORD swore by His right hand. Did God reach out a giant hand and literally cover the sky, or did God put His left hand on His right hand and swear by it? Jesus cast out devils by the finger of God (Luke 11:20). Did He pull down a giant finger from heaven and punch devils out of people?

Of course, the answer to all of these questions is "No." Therefore, we must understand "right hand of God" in a figurative, symbolic, or poetic sense and not in a physical, bodily sense. This being so, what does the phrase signify?

In the Bible, the right hand signifies strength, power, importance, and pre-eminence just as it does in the English phrases, "He is my right hand man" and "I would give my right arm for this

When the Bible speaks of Jesus sitting at the right hand of God, it means Jesus has all the power and authority of God. Jesus Himself made this clear in Matthew 26:64: "Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven." (See also Mark 14:62; Luke 22:69.) Jesus thus claimed to have all the power of God; by this implication He declared Himself to be God. The Jews understood these claims and because of them the high priest accused Jesus of blasphemy (Matthew 26:65). 1ST Peter 3:22 further demonstrates that "right hand" means Jesus has all Power and authority: "Who is gone to heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. Acts 5:31 indicates that the right hand of God or the arm of God sometimes specifically refers to God's power in salvation. Many other verses of Scripture speak of the right hand of God as representing the deliverance and victory God gives to His people (Exodus 15:6; Psalm 44:3; Psalm 98:1). Isaiah 59:16 says, "His arm brought salvation." It appears, therefore, that the description of Jesus on the right hand of God connotes that Jesus is the _expression of God's saving power. This concept harmonizes with the association of the position of Jesus on the right hand of God with His mediatorial role, particularly His work as our intercessor and high priest (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 8:1).

Returning to our original question, what did Stephen actually see? It is apparent that he saw Jesus. Isaiah 40:5 says with reference to the coming of the Messiah, "And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together." Jesus is the revealed glory of God. Stephen saw the glory of God when he saw Jesus. He saw Jesus radiating the glory that He possessed as God and with all the power and authority of God. In short, he saw the exalted Christ. He saw Jesus not merely as a man but as God Himself, with all glory, power, and authority. That is why he called on God by saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit" (Acts 7:59).

It would be totally impossible for me in one setting, or this type of forum to cover all and everything, about the Oneness of God and the Godhead. For to understand the true deity of Jesus Christ, not only must be taught, more importantly, it must be revealed. As there are so many different areas that we still haven't covered, such as "Let us make man". And who is the us? But for a start, I pray that this is enough information to at least make one think. "For everybody don't know who Jesus is, but I'm glad that I know who He is. That is why I encourage you to write back, respond, and make me search, and challenge my mind. On this or any other subject that is one's mind.

Again, any prayer request, even a testimonies that you which to share, please email me at agapewotc@yahoo.com. Also please pass this on to others, and always know I am praying daily for each and everyone in this address book.

Again, we are here to put down any other denomination, or group. We are not here to say who is saved and who is not. That God’s business. We are just here proclaiming the Word of the Lord. Together, let's win the world for Christ. To help further understand, here is a chart called the “Wheel of Prophecy, Who is God” that bring together the Oneness of God, through both the New and Old Testaments. Next week, I will give some thoughts from a message that I preached. "The Answer to the Question Why".

Be Blessed in Jesus Name

Elder T. Byron Williams

-- Elpidio Gonzalez (egonval@yahoo.com), March 31, 2004.

Elpidio, please don't post really long posts. They might mess up the threads again.

-- David Ortiz (cyberpunk1986@hotmail.com), March 31, 2004.

Thanks for letting me know.

I will avoid this next time.

-- Elpidio Gonzalez (egonval@yahoo.com), March 31, 2004.