In Christianity, clarifying the doctrines inferred rather than explicitly stated by Jesus is paramount. There is no higher authority than that which Jesus himself articulated. The doctrine of the Trinity, universally acknowledged in orthodox Christianity, is believed to be Biblically authenticated. Jesus’ verbal endorsement is essential for the validation of any Christian doctrine. Without it, teachings from others may be regarded with scepticism. Jesus highlighted the implied Trinity when he provided specific instructions to his disciples prior to his departure.
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” Amen (Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV).
The text implies that prior to this directive, Jesus had not been granted the full authority mentioned. The command given to the disciples was to spread the gospel to all nations. It is evident from this directive that the gospel was limited to what He had revealed to them, which did not encompass the Trinity but focused on proclaiming the Kingdom of God. Upon accepting the gospel, individuals were to be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
This prompts seeking an understanding of the significance of baptism in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Jesus would not have spoken of baptism if it lacked importance. Moreover, being baptized implies inclusion or immersion into something previously inaccessible. Such baptism is feasible when an individual believes in the gospel, demonstrating a readiness to embrace the teachings of Jesus. Peter also elaborated on the importance of baptism for those who yearn for a deeper comprehension.
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him” (1 Peter 3:18-23 NKJV).
When Jesus taught His disciples about this principle, He was the only physical human who had been welcomed into divinity. Peter views baptism as a parallel to Noah’s deliverance, along with his wife, their three sons, and their wives. Without Noah’s salvation from the flood, humanity would not exist today. In the same way, Jesus’ arrival allowed some to achieve redemption through baptism in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. However, this context does not affirm the doctrine of the Trinity, necessarily. It confirms a transformation into spiritual cognition. Those who are baptized enter into this state and become members of it.
“I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. On that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”
Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him” (John 14:18-21 NKJV).
In His discourse with the disciples, Jesus promised them a unique experience of seeing Him when the world could not. Responding to a disciple named Jude; Jesus explained that anyone who loves Him will demonstrate this by adhering to His teachings. Jesus and His Father will cherish the individual, manifesting themselves to him. The two figures mentioned are Jesus and His Father. Furthermore, Jesus comforted them with the promise that they would not be abandoned as orphans, assuring the arrival of a counsellor who would act on behalf of both Jesus and God. There is no ambiguity in that Jesus revealed Himself as the Son, whose Father is God.
Humans are identified by their physical presence. It would be absurd to claim that when a father and son are identified physically, their physical state represents a third individual. Likewise, since physicality is an antitype of spirituality, attributing personality to the Spirit becomes illogical. This is just as physicality cannot be a separate entity. Initially, God is a spiritual entity, as is Jesus. Those reborn into God’s Kingdom are transformed into spiritual entities. Therefore, it is puzzling how one might begin to imagine the Spirit as a distinct being.
The definition of the Spirit can challenge the concept of the Trinity. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a spirit is “the non-physical part of a person that is the seat of emotions and character; the soul.” The simplest way to define a spirit concerning humans is to say it represents what was created in the image of God. Past discussions have uncovered a duality in humanity, suggesting the presence of both good and evil. It has been observed that evil arises from the merging of the incompatible states of materiality and spirituality.
The term ‘Holy Spirit’ carries significant weight, particularly when considering Jesus’ intention of endowing humanity with it. The Holy Spirit is often portrayed as a sacred entity that must remain unprofaned. Since the time of Adam, the Holy Spirit has been inaccessible to humans. It became accessible to individuals only after Jesus’ crucifixion, provided such people met certain prerequisites. Access is granted solely through a commitment to the teachings of Jesus, a commitment that can be affirmed through baptism.
“Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come” (Matthew 12:31-32 NKJV).
Adam’s death was decreed after he consumed the forbidden tree in the Garden of Eden. Thus, death is characterized by the consumption of the forbidden tree, symbolizing the amalgamation of good and evil. In essence, blending the spiritual with the physical results in death. The Holy Spirit represents a Spirit that remains undefiled. In the referenced text, Jesus cautions against defiling what is pure, an act that led to Adam’s punishment in the Garden of Eden.
The term; “Holy,” should not be used interchangeably with “sacred,” as doing so is inaccurate. Sacred items are related to mythology and do not necessarily pertain to Holiness, signifying what is pristine. In our spiritual journey as humans, we departed from our original state of purity after the consumption of the forbidden fruit by our forebear, Adam. This act inherently defiled our spiritual condition. Jesus precisely demonstrated restoration of this concept when conversing with Nicodemus, suggesting the idea of being born again.
The physical attributes that many take pride in, hold no significance in our state of purity, as we are created in God’s image. The purification from impurity, through the sacrifice of Jesus, aims to reinstate that state of purity within us. The blood of Jesus acts as the most potent spiritual cleanser, enabling us to reclaim that purity. Thus, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit enables transforming our tainted spiritual state and restores us to our initial condition, reflecting God’s image.
“But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so, no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God” (1 Corinthians 2:10-12 NKJV)
That which is spiritually united with God cannot be divided at will. This is what proponents of the Trinity attempt to do. They claim that the Trinity, made up of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is impenetrable, forever separating humanity from God, thereby opposing Jesus’ mission. If the Trinity’s objectives are not from the author of confusion, then nothing is. Jesus aimed to unite us with our Father, but they argue that such unity is impossible. Three mistakes led to the development of the Trinitarian doctrine.
Initially, theological scholars were utilized to hypothesize on spiritual matters, yet their expertise is confined to the tangible realm. Based on this physical framework, the Trinitarian hypothesis is coherent, as it involves using mathematical calculations to fulfil objectives. Logic is derived from contrasting material entities with one another. The concept of Father and Son is comprehensible when paralleled with their earthly counterparts, leaving the spiritual aspect uncorroborated. Consequently, this leads to the presumption that the Spirit constitutes a separate entity.
The second error lies in the acceptance of an authoritarian culture, which presumes certain individuals to be authoritative on religious matters. This assumption persists even when those authoritarians display a lack of understanding. Their followers trust that such authorities will ultimately provide answers. This culture prohibits those without adequate credentials from being acknowledged as sources of truth. Jesus and the apostles were notably discredited by this culture, which Jesus explicitly challenged in His teachings. This suggests a logical hierarchy among people, yet it contradicts the teachings of Jesus, who directed His disciples to refrain from such views.
“But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves nor do you allow those who are entering to go in” (Matthew 23:8-13 NKJV).
Thus, the authoritarian culture hinders their followers who also assume that embracing such a culture signifies piety. Yet, it also obstructs ordinary people from accessing the truth. The definition of a Christian is that of a person who takes instructions directly from God. However, those under such authorities might recognize the truth within their own consciences, but feel powerless to challenge it. They defer to the belief that those in authority will ultimately acknowledge the truth and rectify it. This culture arises from idolatry, not from any other origin.
Authoritarians often fail to grasp that within God’s community, gifts are distributed liberally, regardless of human credentials. Spiritual gifts surpass the physical characteristics of individuals. They feel intimidated by those who display greater knowledge, especially if they would be considered of lower rank. Consequently, they overlook critical aspects of the gospel, despite Jesus being willing to impart such insights through those they undervalue.
The third error is the assumption that group consensus equates to accuracy. Rarely do groups yield precise information, as group decisions are frequently influenced by a single dominant figure. In democratic settings, the majority’s endorsement is often misconstrued as truth, even if it defies reason. Such a group mentality can be the root of numerous societal problems. It is for this reason that Jesus highlighted its inherent risks to His disciples. Acknowledging the existence of these pitfalls can lead to personal liberation from such entanglements.
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14 NKJV).
The Trinitarian doctrine is deemed valid largely due to its acceptance by the majority. The Council, convened by Eastern Emperor Theodosius and Western Emperor Gratian, not by Pope St. Damasus I, saw attendance from 186 Eastern bishops. Of these, 150 reaffirmed the doctrines established at Nicaea, while 36 did not, leading to their censure as heretics. Among the doctrines under consideration was that of the Trinity. It is possible that the minority of 36 bishops held a truthful stance, yet their position was overridden by the majority, following democratic principles. The doctrine of the Trinity was established on that basis, not on Biblical truth.
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