Today, reply is made to a question on oneness and sameness of authority within the GODhead. Correctly understood, divinity must be acknowledged as spirit substances that are diffuse, yet, inseparable, and are not limited through frameworks of time and space, discrete events, or natural law that applies to material and physical objects and their processes for duration. That one aspect of the full GODhead has appeared using flesh to complete mortality does not alter or diminish the character, description, and nature of Deity. The essential elements of divine existence and process (e.g., authority, glory, government, grace, ownership, preeminence, active presence, purpose) continue as immutable and unchanging. The fighter at “Yahoo! 7 Answers (Australia)” using the ID “Trilobiteme” (Level 3 with 1,651 points, a member since September 29, 2011) posted the following:
If the old testament says there is one God and Jesus Christ said the Father and I are one does that mean he on equal footing with God?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. (John 1: 1-5, King James Version, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Exalted By The Father? (01/26/2017); The Firstborn of GOD (01/02/2017); Different Form, Same Relationship? (11/20/2016); Word, Son, and Christ? (08/24/2016); A Servant and More (08/17/2016); The Holy Spirit and Unity? (08/13/2015); Oneness, Not Equality or Rank? (07/16/2015)
“Trilobiteme”, don’t be confused by the many divine uses of flesh and blood. Sacred operations by the persons of GOD all express oneness without sameness. Therefore, in general, Christians regard argument, debate, and questions about differences in divine authority, function, and majesty to be irrelevant, unfruitful, and useless—they do not build up spiritual control and power. Mature Christian believers often understand the fullness of divinity (we say, the GODhead) to be made up of all spirit substance that may ever exist, is active, eternal, and incorruptible. The inseparable aspects of spirit (we also say, breath, life essence, word) do not appear having measurable dimensions and form except as the person Jesus Christ. The makeup of Deity is held to include existence, faith, holiness, longsuffering, lovingkindness, person, presence, sovereign will, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Through rebirth and sanctification, believers enter into a transforming relationship that does not encourage pursuing questions regarding differences in authority and hierarchy within the GODhead. In their beginnings, believers may envision the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit relying on images and thoughts that are carnal, material and social. However, eventually, focus is to be on the work of proclaiming the gospel, edifying the body of believers, and performing in accordance with the principles and precepts of divine law and the imparted, indwelling Spirit. With this in view, consider, again, the following:
(1.) Philippians 2: 5-11, King James Version (KJV): 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
(2.) Colossians 1: 12-20, KJV: 12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) 1st Corinthians 15: 21-28, KJV: 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. 24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
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