I know that this subject with all it's intricate details and issues is probably one of the least understood topics. Most simply feeling that this should be one of those things we will just have to find out once we get to heaven, therefore resting the whole topic as a mystery of faith and accepting this excuse not to find out the truths revealed by Scripture. In my searches of Scripture I have found that study has made understanding the Godhead much simpler than "The Great Mystery" it has been made out to be. Here is what I have found:

First Point:

• • Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (Rom 1:19-20)

Note that it plainly states that God's eternal power and Godhead are CLEARLY seen and understood by His creatures. Why? Because God has shown these things to us leaving us with no excuse not to know him. Does this mean we should know absolutely every finite detail about God? I don't think so, but we should be able to know at least as much as the Bible tells us. And here it tells us that the Godhead should be no mystery, because saying it is a mystery is an excuse for ignorance. If the Word tells us that God has indeed shown us the things that pertain to His power and Godhead then it is our responsibility to search out the matter and come to conclusions that are doctrinally sound.

Second Point:

What does scripture have to say about the nature of God? If we look up the word God itself it simple says self existant one. In other words One who has life within himself, or even simpler the `Eternal one. We know scripture also tells us that God is omniscient, all knowing, and omnipresent, filling all space at the same time. Now two very important attributes to God's nature are the fact that he is a Spirit, and that Spirit is invisible.

• • God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24)

    Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Tim 1:17)

    No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. (John 1:18)

Wait a minute here what about those places it says God appeared in the Old Testament? Ok, now this is where we need to pay special attention and use some of our noggin. Tell me exactly what would an invisible Spirit that fills all space have to do in order to become visible? Very simply God would have to put on a visible form. In the Old testament those appearances were called theophanies. Sometimes being called the Angel of the Lord, or One like the Son of man. But in short, and understandibly it is impossible to see all of God at once because He fills all space, but when He chooses he can put on a visible form. Now concerning that form. This is where Jesus comes in, because if you noticed in John 1:18 it says that Jesus ...hath declared him.

Also all these verses are speaking of Jesus:

• • Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: (Heb 10:5)

    Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: (Col 1:15)

    Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; (Heb 1:3)

    For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Cor 4:6)

    Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? (John 14:9)

Simply put the verses above are saying that when we are seeing Jesus we are seeing the body that God has chosen to reveal Himself through. Just to further understand this relationship consider this verse in Revelations:

• • And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, (photizo, fo-tid'-zo; from G5457; to shed rays, i.e. to shine) and the Lamb is the light thereof (luchnos, lookh'-nos; from the base of G3022; a portable lamp or other illuminator (lit. or fig.):--candle) (Rev 21:23)

Note the relationship: God is the source of the light, the Lamb is the portable lamp. God is the source, Jesus is the vessel. God is the invisible Spirit, Jesus is the body. The Lamb is not the Father, The Lamb is the vessel through which the Father, the invisible Spirit is revealed and made known.

Again:

• • To wit, that God was in Christ, (The Spirit was in the body) reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (2 Cor 5:19)

    And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, (The Spirit was in the body) justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. (1 Tim 3:16)

At this point I need to bring up an issue I know will stir some somebodies pot. But I want to define some terminology.

Whenever the Bible speaks about either God or the Father it is speaking of that great Eternal Spirit that is invisible and fills all space. This is very important because knowing this truth will let you realize it is impossible to ever actually see God. How can we who are so small and finite ever see something that is bigger than all that exists in this universe? Besides this being invisible to begin with. Nevertheless God has a mind, will, personality, and attributes etc. that He wants His creation to understand and this is where Jesus comes in.

Whenever the Bible speaks about the Lamb, or Christ, or the Son of man, or the Son of God. It is speaking of the man that was born of the Virgin Mary and later died on calvary. These terms are speaking of the anointed chosen sinless body in whom the Eternal Spirit the Father resided and through which has made His will known to all creation.

That man was 100% human just like you or me only he was sinless. The man part of him was not God because an eternal God by definition cannot be born with beginning of days, nor can an eternal God with life within himself die as he did. It was the man that said "The Father is greater" It was the man that hungered, thirsted, and suffered all the things common to mankind. It was the man with his human spirit and human will that prayed in submission to the Greater Eternal Spirit the Father, not my human will be done, but thine. It was the man that suffered extreem cruelty in the hands of sinful men. It was the man that was hung on a cross and payed an extreem penalty so that you and I would not have to suffer eternity in hell. And it was the man that was buried. And that is where the man ceased to exist. Because after that point he who was sown in corruption was raised as LORD of all. It is our Glorified Lord that now sits on the throne of heaven with 100% of everything that the Eternal Spirit posseses. Every single title, attribute and credit ever associated with Yahweh of the Old Testament are now possessed by Jesus. Whose name literaly means: (Yahweh has become our Salvation)

• • For in him (Jesus) dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: (Col 2:9-10)

Jesus now, after the resurrection is not in the Godhead, but everything that God is, is in Him. The Godhead is in Him!!!!

Everything that can be known and understood of God the eternal Spirit, is understood by knowing Jesus. Because Jesus has declared Him. All we will ever see in heaven is Jesus sitting on the throne. Jesus is not another person, He is THE person of God.

• • And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (John 17:3)

One God, (invisible Spirit) + One person (body) of God, Jesus Christ =

Father and Son = Spirit and Body = One living God = The Godhead = JESUS

That's the Godhead in a nutshell!! If you have grasped this truth then you are doing better than most. The rest of this study will dig a bit deeper into selected passages and show how this Oneness doctrine holds fast and true throughout the Bible.

Just to refresh our memory:

1) The terms God, and Father are interchangeable, and always refer to the Eternal invisible Spirit.

2) The terms Son, Son of man, Son of God, Lamb, Christ etc. are all interchangable, and always refer to the Man that was born, lived, suffered, died, and rose again.

So Jesus then, as mentioned, can always be thought of as the Body in whom the Eternal invisible Spirit made itself visible.

What also must be brought into account is that Man Christ Jesus, and this is important, the Man has his own separate human will that was always in submission to the Greater will and mind of the Eternal Spirit, God.

OK, with these things in mind we can put those passages that seem to indicate three persons and are often refered to under the microscope and examine if the definitions hold true.

• • And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (Mat 3:16-17)

Just to give a complete account here I want to also work out of the parallel passage in John 1:29-34

• • The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. (John 1:34)

This is a critical point to remember but this entire account is John the Baptists record on giving a positive ID to the Messiah. Note John stating "I knew him not" then he goes on to say but God told me "Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descend" he's the One! So the whole point of these passages is identifying the Messiah. OK, then let's go back to Matthew and see if the definitions above fit this passage.

• • And Jesus,(the Son) when he was baptized, (in submission to the will of the Father) went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he (John) saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, (the sign the Father told John to look for) and lighting upon him: And lo a voice (Now if it said he saw the Father as a seperate person the trinitarian position would be locked in) from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (Mat 3:16-17) Note this: The voice of God (the invisible Spirit) spoke identifying Jesus and saying "In whom, (the body) I am well pleased"

So what we have is The Spirit of God speaking and in essence saying This is my son (my body) in whom I am well pleased. I see two wills being manifest, that of the Father, and that of the Man Christ Jesus, but only one person is present, and that is Jesus. The problem with the traditional understanding of the trinity is in the insistence of using the term three persons. There are two definitions for the word Person in scripture and they are as follows:

This word is used in scripture when it speaks about the person of people:

• • 4383. prosopon, pros'-o-pon; from G4314 and ops (the visage; from G3700); the front (as being towards view), i.e. the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by impl. presence, person:--(outward) appearance, X before, countenance, face, fashion, (men's) person, presence.

But we have a seperate and unique to Jesus word for person found in this passage:

• • God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; (Heb 1:1-3)

    Person: 5287. hupostasis, hoop-os'-tas-is; from a comp. of G5259 and G2476; a setting under (support), i.e. (fig.) concr. essence, or abstr. assurance (obj. or subj.):--confidence, confident, person, substance

    The Greek word for person (hupostasis) is made up of two other words hupo + histemi. Looking at the separate definitions for each word clarifies the truth of scripture. Notice the term person applied to God speaks of His essence and substance, but not his visage or appearance. When we dig a little deeper we gain a little more insight in that His person is represented by one standing beneath.

    5259. hupo, hoop-o'; a prim. prep.; under, i.e. (with the gen.) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the acc.) of place (whither [underneath] or where [below]) or time (when [at]):--among, by, from, in, of, under, with. In comp. it retains the same gen. applications, espec. of inferior position or condition, and spec. covertly or moderately.

    2476. histemi, his'-tay-mee; a prol. form of a prim. stao, stah'-o (of the same mean., and used for it in certain tenses); to stand (trans. or intrans.), used in various applications (lit. or fig.):--abide, appoint, bring, continue, covenant, establish, hold up, lay, present, set (up), stanch, stand (by, forth, still, up). Comp. G5087.

So then God's "Person" (hupo/stasis) is an inferior agent, being a mortal man. Jesus confirming this by saying "My Father is Greater" He has been set up to represent God "All authority is given unto me in heaven and earth"

Even more insight is gained in the definition for the word Image:

• • 5481. charakter, khar-ak-tare'; from the same as G5482; a graver (the tool or the person), i.e. (by impl.) engraving (["character"], the figure stamped, i.e. an exact copy or [fig.] representation):--express image.

Now then if we combine these definitions we come up with this: Jesus, the Man, the Son, is in a position under submission (Hupo) and stands (histemi) for the exact copy or representation (Charakter) of God the invisible eternal Spirit. (This is the Oneness position) Jesus the man in submission to the "Greater" Father, the eternal invisible Spirit, yet being the perfect and exact representation of all God is in power and character "the fullness of the Godhead"

Can you see how it becomes difficult if we use pure scripture, and scriptural definitions to say that there are three persons, or three exact copies, or three under submission. That would make all three inferior to each other. This is just plain irrational, and not "Clearly seen and understood" This is why the traditional ideas of the trinity doctrine are scripturally unprovable, and must be declared a mystery just as an excuse for ignorance. Just a honest examination of the evidence shows how Oneness is the truth of the Godhead.

Let's move on to the next passage and I will add just a bit just to clarify what Paul is saying.

• • Then cometh the end, when he (Jesus) shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he (Jesus) shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he (Jesus) must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he (God) hath put all things under his (Jesus) feet. But when he (God) saith all things are put under him,(Jesus) it is manifest that he (God) is excepted, which did put all things under him. 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. (1 Cor 15:24-28)

 Translating this into plain Brooklynese comes out like this. God the eternal Spirit has ordained Jesus Christ to be Lord of Lords and King of Kings for the express purpose of destroying the chaos that Satan introduced. In that ordination God the Eternal Spirit has given Jesus All Authority in heaven and earth to accomplish this task. When in the end that task is finished something is going to happen (we see through a glass darkly) but at that point all that exists will be "God all in all" "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us...." (John 17:21) The mystery of marriage where two become one is something we cannot fully understand right now. "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." (1 Cor 13:12) Note how the next passage holds a similar thought in that "Man" has been given dominion over the works of God's hands and then explains that "Man" specifically is Jesus.

• • For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. (Heb 2:5-9)

Jesus was made, born of a virgin with beginning of days and mortal who has been given the position of LORD of all. (this puts a dilema on the co-eternal, co-equal elements of the trinity doctrine) So now we have the scriptural definition of who Jesus is:

((Jesus, the Man, the Son, is in a position under submission (Hupo) and stands (Histemi) for the exact copy or representation (Charakter) of God the invisible eternal Spirit. (This is the Oneness position) Jesus the man in submission to the "Greater" Father, the eternal invisible Spirit, yet being the perfect and exact representation of all God is in power and character "the fullness of the Godhead"))

We ask does this definition fit with what was said in the above passages? I would say that it very clearly does indeed!! As a matter of fact this definition can be held up to every other passage throughout the Bible and without fail prove itself true. We have two wills, that of the Man in submission to the greater will of the Father, but we have only One invisible Spirit God, and One exact copy in power and character Jesus, forming together the One person of the Godhead. Having said this let's go to Rev. 5 I'll just touch a few points. We have the throne of God in heaven, but notice very carefully the only "Form" mentioned is that of the Lamb Jesus, and here Jesus is receiving authority from God, this then is another parellel to Cor. 15:

Notice the task:

• • " ....for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us (by destroying the works of the devil) to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth." (Rev 5:9-10)

And the authority to complete the task being received:

• • "And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. (Rev 5:11-13)

I appreciate the consistency and faithfulness of the Word of God. Holding accurate theology makes it all the more beautiful. I like being able to read the Word and understand what I am reading and have confidence in the truths being revealed. Knowing Jesus is the One with all power and authority to save my soul makes knowing these verses all the more significant.

Finally, with the understanding of all that has been said I want us to look at Isaiah 9:6-7 and see the how the progressive fulfillment of that prophecy is being worked out in Jesus.

• • For 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, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. (Isa 9:6-7)

A careful examination of this passage reveals stages in the life, work, and identity of Jesus.

His beginning

1) "For unto us a child is born"

• • Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. (Mat 1:22-23)

    And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11)

    And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. (Luke 2:40)

    And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel. (Luke 1:80)

His Work

2) "Unto us a Son is given"

• • And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (Mat 3:16-17)

    The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)

    But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. (Heb 2:5-9)

    But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isa 53:5)

The Son was given as the Lamb which taketh away the sins of the world. His sacrifice paid for our salvation.

His Glorification

3) "And the government shall be upon his shoulder"

• • I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. I have manifested thy name..... (John 17:4-6)

    Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)

     And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: (Col 2:10)

    That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil 2:10-11)

    And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. (Rev 11:15)

His Present Identity

"And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace"

• • And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one. (Zec 14:9)

    And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. (Mat 1:21)

God's one New Testament saving name is JESUS

• • He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (John 1:10-12)

    Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? (John 14:9)

    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. (Isa 44:6)

    Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last ...(Rev 1:11)

    Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. 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. (Rev 1:7-8)

Jesus is the Father

• • And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. (Rev 21:6-7)

Jesus said: "I am the first" / "In the beginning God" / "In the beginning was the Word" meaning He is the Father

Jesus said: "I am the root" / "......who was the son of Adam, who was the son of God" meaning He is the Father

Jesus said: "I am the Last" / "That God may be all in all" meaning He is the Father

Jesus is the One saving name of God

• • Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. (Acts 2:38-39)

    Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)

My prayer for you:

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them. (Num 6:24-27)

God Bless.

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