THE TRINITY
By Robert Hyatt
August 1, 1992
One of the most fundamental differences in doctrine between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and other Christian Churches is that of the Trinity or the belief in a triune God. A Church's belief concerning the character and attributes of the Godhead and the understanding of God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, and our relationship to them should be the foundation of all Christian belief.
The purpose of this paper is to show by using the Bible (King James Version), that the doctrinal belief held by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is Biblically correct. The belief held by the (LDS Church) is that God our Heavenly Father is physically different from that of His Son, Jesus Christ. They believe that their oneness comes from a unity of purpose and not of physical nature.
Almost all other Christian Churches believe that God and Jesus are one in the same. They believe that God came down to Earth and took on a fleshly body and became Jesus Christ.
They also believe that God can change his character and become the Holy Ghost. The ability of God to change his character and become Jesus Christ or the Holy Ghost constitutes the doctrine of the Trinity or the Triune God theory.
Having gone through the entire New Testament only four scriptures lend themselves to the doctrinal belief of the triune God theory. From these scriptures and these alone, the doctrine of the Trinity or triune God has been formulated.
As mentioned above, a thorough research of the New Testament was done verse by verse. A list was generated supporting both doctrinal positions. Only 4 scriptures lend themselves to the triune God theory and over 350 scriptures showed that the LDS view of God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost was overwhelmingly supported by the Bible. I would think that any true seeker of the truth would agree that 350 to 4 would be a convincing percentage especially if the 4 scriptures could be explained. Even if these 4 scriptures could not be explained and they were a direct contradiction to the other 350, the overwhelming odds in support of over 350 scriptures would have to be considered. An explanation of these 4 scriptures in support of the triune theory will first be addressed then the view by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints concerning the Godhead will be addressed.
It is my intent as the writer of this paper that all those who read this may gain a testimony as I have gained a testimony concerning the true nature of the Godhead and their relationship to them. Remember that all truth comes by the Holy Ghost and is spiritually discerned. Before the Holy Ghost bares record of truth to an individual, certain things must happen. First of all, an individual must want to know the truth. They must pray to God in the name of Jesus Christ with a sincere heart and if necessary fast with a humble determination to know the truth. An individual must do all they can to know the truth. This may mean studying the gospel in depth by reading several books including the Holy Scriptures. This may mean repenting of past sins to spiritually prepare oneself for the influence of the spirit. If one does these things with faith, they will learn the truth of all things that they seek, providing the Lord feels they are spiritually ready to receive them. May you know as I know the truth concerning the nature of the Godhead is my humble and sincere prayer in the name of Jesus Christ.
As mentioned before, I only found four scriptures that lend themselves to the doctrinal belief of the triune God theory.
Listed below are the four scriptures that could be construed to promote the Triune God theory. A closer look and examination of other scriptures will show that sometimes scriptures can in fact be taken out of context or interpreted in a way to alter the real truth. Listed below are the four scriptures in defense of the Triune God theory:
John 10:30 Jesus is speaking when he says "I and my Father are one."
John 1:1,14 "In the beginning was the Word..., and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us,...".
John 10:38 Jesus is speaking when he says "...the Father is in me, and I in him."
John 14:8-10 "...He that hath seen me hath seen the Father,..."
Explanation of John 10:30
Jesus is speaking when he says "I and my Father are one."
First of all notice that Jesus talks of himself and his Father in this verse indicating two people. Just because someone says that they are one with someone else, doesn't mean that they meld together to become one person. The Bible says that man and wife are to become one. That doesn't mean they become one person, but one in purpose. John chapter 17 is an excellent chapter that explains how God and Christ are one.
John 17:21-23 Jesus Christ is praying to His Father in Heaven, (not himself) for his followers when he said "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me."
There are several other scriptures that explain that God and Christ are one in purpose, but John chapter 17 does the best job of explaining the oneness of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. There were no scriptures that indicated that Jesus and God were one physical person.
Explanation of John 1:1,2,14
"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. And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us,...".
This is a classic example of taking scripture out of context. Notice that the bolded area is only part of the text. The bolded area is the only area that believers of the triune God theory want you to know about. A closer look at the scripture in it's entirety will show that the Word (Jesus Christ) was with God before the Earth was created. This scripture proves that both God and Jesus existed separately even before the Earth was formed. Of course the Word (Jesus Christ) came to this Earth and was made flesh. This doesn't mean that God came to this earth and received an Earthly body; Just the Word (Jesus Christ) received an Earthly body. If you look at just the bolded area, it's easy to see how someone could make a conclusion out of context.
Explanation of John 10:38
Jesus is speaking when he says "...the Father is in me, and I in him."
To me this is another example of the oneness that the Father has with his Son, Jesus Christ. This is similar to John 10:30 when Jesus says, "I and my Father are one." Both of these scriptures can be explained by reading the 17th chapter of John where Jesus explains how He and the Father are one. (One in purpose, not one physical being)
Explanation of John 14:8-10
"...He that hath seen me hath seen the Father,..."
This scripture could be explained in two ways: The first is the one in purpose explanation. Jesus said several times that the things that he did was only what the Father would do if he were here. He represents the Father in all things.
The second explanation is that Jesus Christ could look exactly like His Father, after all he is His Son. Many fathers on Earth have sons in their exact likeness. The Bible says that Seth was in the exact likeness of his father Adam.
This concludes an explanation of the only four scriptures in the New Testament that I found that could support the Triune God theory. I feel that I have explained these four scriptures in their correct context. If I am wrong in any explanations, the chances that I am wrong in all four would be slim. I feel that I have explained each of the only four scriptures in their defense with an acceptable explanation.
I strongly feel that the evidence is overwhelmingly conclusive in favor of the LDS view, especially after one sees that there are over 350 scriptures in support of the Godhead being separate individuals. If however the reader of this paper still rejects the evidence before them it would seem only fair that they would have to explain verse by verse all 350 scriptures. If they cannot explain their view in light of the truth presented in this paper, then I feel that they need to re-think their position on the Trinity. If they have an open mind and are teachable as the Savior says we should be then they will see the truth that is presented in the scriptures and this paper.
At the end of this paper are all 350 plus scriptures in defense of the LDS view concerning the correct doctrine of the Godhead. I would encourage the reader to research each scripture that they may have an unshakable testimony as I do concerning the correct nature of the Godhead. Before I list 30 of the most conclusive scriptures in defense of the LDS view, I would like to list some general categories of scripture because most scriptures fall into these ten categories.
1. Jesus Christ is known as the Son of God and this is mentioned in over 40 scriptures.
2. Jesus talks about His Father in Heaven several times in the New Testament and refers to Him as His God.
3. Jesus prays to His Father in Heaven several times in the scriptures.
4. Jesus says that God is His Father and that He is greater than Jesus.
5. Jesus says that He came from God and will again return to God.
6. Gods voice is heard several times declaring His Son and asking those in the sound of His voice to hear the words of Christ.
7. The apostles declare that the Father and the Son are different.
8. The scriptures indicate that Jesus has a different role and duties than His Father.
9. The scriptures say that Jesus will sit on the right hand of God in heaven.
10. Several scriptures say that God sent His Son.
Most of the 350 scriptures fall within these categories but some do not. I will now list 30 of the most conclusive scriptures in defense of the LDS view. Some I will explain. Others need no explanation. These are listed in order as they appear in the New Testament
Matt 27:46 "...My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"
Jesus Christ said these words while on the Cross. He was talking to His God. (Not himself)
Mark 1:11 "And there came a voice from Heaven, Thou art my beloved son in whom I am well pleased."
This was God's voice from heaven. (Jesus was not a ventriloquist.)
Mark 9:7 "And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him."
Mark 15:34 "And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"
Who is Jesus talking to? I think it's quite clear. He is not talking to himself but His God.
Mark 16:19 "So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God."
Luke 2:49 "And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?
This is what Christ said when we was only 12 years old. It was His heavenly Father that He was talking about.
Luke 3:22 "And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased."
Luke 10:21,22 "In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him."
Jesus is praying to the Father and says in essence that people for the most part do not know who the Father is except when Jesus reveals to that individual by the spirit who the Father is. This is probably why more people do not know the truth concerning the Father.
Luke 23:46 "And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost."
These are the last words that He said on the cross.
John 3:16,17 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
John 5:18 "Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God."
Even Jesus admits that God is His Father. This scripture alone is proof that God and Jesus are separate.
John 5:22,23 "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him."
This shows that their duties are even different.
John 6:38 "For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me."
This scripture is so clear that it needs no explanation.
John 8:17,18 "It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me."
Under Jewish law, the testimony of two people was necessary to judge a case. This scripture shows that God and Jesus are two separate people. How much clearer must the scriptures be.
John 10:17 "Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again."
John 12:27-30 "Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour; but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes."
John 12:49 "For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak."
John 14:21 "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."
John 14:26 "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, what soever I have said unto you."
John 14:28 "Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I."
Even Jesus Christ admits that there is a difference between him and the Father.
John 16:16 "A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father."
John 16:28 "I came forth from the Father and am come into the world: again I leave the world, and go to the Father."
John 16:30 "Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God."
John 20:17 "Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God."
This scripture is very conclusive. Even Jesus Christ admits that he has a God and Father. This same God is our Heavenly Father too.
Acts 7:55,56 "But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus, standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God."
Steven an early Christian sees into heaven and sees both the Father and the Son. Do we really need more proof than this.
2 Peter 1:16-18 "For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. for he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount."
Peter the apostle admits that he heard Gods voice baring record of His son.
1 John 4:14 "And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world."
Jesus Christ did not send himself to this world; He was sent by the Father.
CONCLUSION:
With so may scriptures showing the correct doctrine of the Godhead, I do not see how anyone could continue to view the Triune God theory as having any validity. If the reader of this paper is a Bible believing person and believes that the Bible is the inherent word of God then they have an obligation to believe what is written in the Bible. If the believer of the Triune God theory continues in their belief after reading this paper, then in my opinion they are turning their backs on the written word of God. They will be held accountable for denying the truth after having received it.
It is my prayer that the reader, should they be a believer of the Triune God theory, take a long look at the scriptures that are listed in this paper, study them in depth, and then pray to our God and Heavenly Father if they be true. If you do, you will know as I know that God is our Heavenly Father and He did send His Son to this Earth with a mission, that is to save all mankind that will be saved. He will give everyone an equal opportunity to hear the whole truth and nothing but the truth, whether that be in this life or the world of spirits prior to the resurrection makes no difference. Everyone will be given an equal opportunity to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ in its entirety that they may have a choice to accept it or reject it. May God and Jesus bless you in your quest for the truth is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, AMEN.
The list that follows are scriptures in defense of the correct doctrine of the Godhead.
MOST CONCLUSIVE SCRIPTURES:
John: 5:22 8:17,18 14:28 16:28
16:30 17:1-26 20:17
Acts: 7:55,56
1 Peter: 1:3
1 John: 4:14
Revelation: 1:6
2ND BEST:
Mathew: 27:46
Mark: 1:11 9:7 15:34 16:19
Luke: 2:49 3:12 10:21 10:22
23:46
John: 3:16,17 5:18 6:38,39 10:17
12:27-30 12:49 14:21 16:16
Philemon: 1:3
1 Peter: 1:3
2 Peter: 1:16,17
1 John: 1:3 2:22,23 4:9,10 5:7-13
2 John: 1:3
3RD BEST:
Matt: 3:17 5:8 5:48 6:9
7:21 10:32 10:35 10:40
11:25-27 12:31-32 12:50 16:17
16:27 17:5 18:35 20:23
24:36 25:34 26:39 26:42
27:43 28:19
Mark: 5:7 10:18
Luke: 3:38 6:12 9:35 12:10
18:19 22:42 25:34
John: 1:1-2 3:35 5:19-20 5:26
5:36 8:42 11:41 14:16
14:26 14:31 15:10 15:15-16
15:26 16:3 16:5 16:27
Acts: 2:33 3:26 10:9 15:6
1 Cor: 1:3 3:23 8:6 12:3
2 Cor: 2:3 11:31
Gal: 1:3 3:26 4:4
Eph: 1:2,3 5:5 6:23
Phi: 1:2 2:6-9
Col: 1:2 2:2
1 Thes: 1:1 1:9,10 2:15 3:11,13
2 Thes: 1:2 2:16
1 Tim: 1:1,2 2:5
2 Tim: 1:2 4:1
Titus: 1:4
Phil: 1:3
Heb: 1:1-3 10:12
1 Peter: 1:20 3:21,22
2 Peter: 1:1
1 John: 2:8
Jude: 1:1 1:4
Rev: 3:5 3:21 14:4
Other:
Matt: 2:12 2:22 5:16 6:1
6:4 6:6 6:8 6:14,15
6:18 6:32 10:20 18:14
23:9
Mark: 1:24 3:29 3:35 8:38
11:25,26 14:61,62
Luke: 1:35 1:41 1:61 9:26
9:29 11:2 11:13 22:29
22:44 24:49
John: 2:16 5:37 5:43 6:27
6:32 6:37 6:40 6:44
6:46 6:57 6:69 7:28,29
8:19 8:26-29 8:38 8:47
10:15 10:18 10:25 10:29
10:32 10:37 12:26 13:3
13:20 14:2 14:6,7 14:12,13
14:23,24 15:1 15:8,9 15:23,24
16:10 16:15 16:23 16:25,26
16:32 18:11 20:21
Acts: 13:33 20:21
Rom: 1:7 1:9 2:16 3:22
3:24,25 5:1 5:8 5:10,11
6:4 6:11 7:25 8:17
8:28,29 8:34 15:7,8 15:30
16:27
1 Cor: 1:4 1:9 4:1 6:14
7:17 9:21 15:15
2 Cor: 4:4 13:14
Gal: 1:1 1:15,16 4:7
Eph: 1:17 5:2 5:20 6:6
Phi: 1:8 1:11 2:11 3:3
3:9 3:14 4:7 4:19
Col: 1:12,13 2:12
1 Thes: 1:3 4:14 5:9
Tim: 5:21
1 Peter: 2:5 3:18
1 John: 2:23
2 John: 1:9
Rev: 1:4 12:10 12:17 14:10
14:12 20:6 22:1 22:3
Scriptures that say Jesus Christ is the "Son of God"
Matt: 4:6 9:29 14:33 16:16
27:40
Mark: 1:1 3:11
Luke: 1:35 4:3 4:9 4:41
5:23 22:70
John: 1:34 3:18 9:35 11:4
11:27 19:7 20:31
Acts: 8:37 9:20
Rom: 1:4
2 Cor: 1:19
Gal: 2:20
Hebrews: 6:6 7:3 10:29
1 John: 3:8 4:15 5:5 5:13
Rev: 2:18