Doctrine

CHAPTER 6: THE NATURE OF GOD

BEFORE WE BEGIN WITH THIS CONTROVERSIAL CHAPTER LET ME SAY ONE THING; THE BIBLE IS NOT A DISSERTATION ON THE NATURE OF GOD. GOD HAS NOT REVEALED TO MANKIND EVERYTHING ABOUT HIMSELF. THERE IS NO MEDICAL BOOK THE SIZE OF THE BIBLE THAT CAN COVER EVEN ALL OF THE PHYSICAL NATURE OF HUMANS, LET ALONE THE PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS. HOW ANYONE COULD EVEN CONSIDER THAT THE BIBLE, WHICH WAS NOT EVEN WRITTEN TO DISCUSS THE NATURE OF GOD, BUT ONLY MENTIONS IT AS IT PERTAINS TO OTHER SUBJECTS, COULD GIVE US A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ALL OF GOD'S ATTRIBUTES, IS BEYOND COMPREHENSION.THERE IS ROOM IN THE CHURCH FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN THE TRINITY, FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN ONENESS AND FOR THOSE WHO HOLD TO SOME FORM OF ARIANISM. FOR ALL WE KNOW ALL THREE OF THESE THEORIES MAY BE IN ERROR. SALVATION IS NOT BASED ON UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE OF GOD. THE PURPOSE OF THE BIBLE IS TO GIVE US ENOUGH INFORMATION TO ALLOW US TO BE SAVED AND ENTER INTO GOD'S KINGDOM AFTER WE DIE OR AT THE RETURN OF CHRIST. THERE IN HIS KINGDOM HE WILL TEACH US ABOUT HIMSELF AND ALL OF THE OTHER MYSTERIES OF THE UNIVERSE.

1 Corinthians 13:12 NIV Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

HAVING SAID THAT, WE WILL LOOK INTO THE BIBLE AND TRY TO FIND ALL OF
THE INFORMATION THAT GOD HAS GIVEN TO US ABOUT HIMSELF. IT WILL IN NO WAY BE COMPLETE, BUT PERHAPS IT WILL ENABLE US TO BETTER UNDERSTAND HIS WORD, AND TO BE MORE CONSIDERATE OF THOSE WHO HOLD TO DIFFERENT OPINIONS ABOUT THE NATURE OF GOD AND CHRIST. THE EARLY CHRISTIANS ALSO DESIRED TO LOOK INTO THESE MATTERS AND BASICALLY CAME UP WITH ABOUT THE SAME VARIETY OF OPINIONS ON THE SUBJECT THAT WE HAVE IN EXISTENCE TODAY.

CHRISTOLOGICAL CONTROVERSIES OF THE PATRISTIC AGE

CHRISTOLOGICAL CONTROVERSIES
The rise of gnosticism as a Christian deviation began in the 2d century and led to the development of docetism, the view that the humanity of Jesus was apparent rather than real. Catholic Christianity insisted on his true humanity--hence the statement in the Apostles' Creed, "conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary." In the 3d and 4th centuries there were some who continued to question the full humanity of Jesus and others who questioned his full deity. When Arius denied that the preexistent Son, or Word, was fully God, the Council of Nicaea 325; formulated a creed (the Nicene Creed) containing the phrases "of one substance with the Father" and "was made man." Next, Apollinarius, anxious to assert the Son's deity, taught that the Logos replaced the human spirit in the earthly Jesus. This teaching was condemned at the Council of Constantinople 381. Next, the theologians of the school of Antioch were so anxious to maintain the reality of Jesus' humanity that they seemed to compromise his deity. Thus Theodore of Mopsuestia and his pupil Nestorius separated the deity from the humanity almost to the point of denying the unity of his person. To preserve this unity the Council of Ephesus 431; affirmed that Mary was the "God-bearer" (Theotokos, later popularly rendered as "Mother of God").

Eutyches from the Alexandrian school then claimed that the two natures of Christ were, at the incarnation, fused into one. This view was ruled out at the Council of Chalcedon 451; which insisted that Christ was one person in two natures (divine and human) "without confusion, without change, without division and without separation." Modern Christologies generally start "from below" rather than "from above," finding Jesus first to be truly human, and then discovering his divinity in and through his humanity: "God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself" (2 Corinthians 5:19).
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AS YOU CAN SEE FROM THE HISTORICAL REFERENCE ABOVE, IT IS NOT AS IF THERE WAS UNITY OF THOUGHT IN THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH CONCERNING THE NATURE OF GOD. SOME PEOPLE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE IT SEEM THAT THE TRINITY DOCTRINE WAS TAUGHT IN THE EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH. IT WAS NOT, BECAUSE IT WAS NOT EVEN INVENTED UNTIL 325 AD, AND EVEN THEN IT WAS ONLY ACCEPTED BECAUSE THE STATE MANDATED IT UNDER PAIN OF EXCOMMUNICATION AND LATER, DEATH. FOR THE FIRST 325 YEARS AFTER THE CHRISTIAN ERA BEGAN, THERE WAS MUCH CONTROVERSY WITHIN THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH CONCERNING THE NATURE OF GOD AND CHRIST. FOLLOWING THE COUNCIL OF NICAEA THAT WAS INVOKED BY CONSTANTINE, THE ROMAN EMPEROR, THE NICENE CREED WAS DRAWN UP AND GRADUALLY OVER THE NEXT FEW HUNDRED YEARS CAME TO BE ACCEPTED AS STANDARD CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE FOR MOST CHURCHES.

MOST CHRISTIANS TODAY DO NOT EVEN THINK TO QUESTION THE DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN AROUND FOR SO LONG. THE REFORMATION LEADERS WHEN THEY DISCOVERED THAT SALVATION WAS BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH, NOT THROUGH BEING A MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING OF THE ROMAN CHURCH, SHOULD HAVE TAKEN A LOOK AT ALL OF THE OTHER DOCTRINES OF THE ROMAN CHURCH TO SEE IF THEY WERE IN AGREEMENT WITH THE SCRIPTURES. THEY DIDN'T, AND SO THE ORTHODOX CHURCHES AND THOSE THAT WERE FORMED DURING THE REFORMATION ERA INHERITED THE DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY FROM THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.

IN THIS STUDY WE WILL USE ONLY ONE TOOL IN ATTEMPTING TO LEARN ABOUT GOD. ONLY THE TESTIMONY OF THE SCRIPTURES WILL BE UTILIZED. ALL OF THE OPINIONS OF THE VARIOUS CREEDS AND CHURCH DOCTRINAL STATEMENTS WILL BE RELEGATED TO THE TRASH HEAP. THIS WILL BE A FRESH STUDY, DIRECTLY FROM THE WORD, AND WE WILL FOR THE MOST PART LET THE WORD OF GOD TELL IT'S OWN STORY.

THE NATURE OF GOD, AS TAUGHT IN THE SCRIPTURES

IT WOULD BE TOO CONFUSING TO STUDY THE FATHER, THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, ALL AT THE SAME TIME. IN THIS CHAPTER WE WILL LOOK AT THE SCRIPTURES PERTAINING TO THE FATHER AND THE SON AND THEN SEE WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT SEPARATELY, IN THE NEXT CHAPTER.

GOD, THE FATHER, IS A SPIRITUAL BEING.

John 4:24 NIV God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."

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

NO HUMAN HAS EVER SEEN GOD THE FATHER AT ANY TIME. ONLY CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD HAS SEEN HIM. ALL OF THE MANIFESTATIONS OF A VISIBLE GOD IN THE OLD TESTAMENT WERE MANIFESTATIONS OF THE SON, JESUS CHRIST.

John 1:18 NIV No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known.

1 John 4:12 NIV No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

GOD THE FATHER AND JESUS CHRIST HIS SON ARE ALWAYS IN PERFECT AGREEMENT WITH ONE ANOTHER.

1 John 5:6 & 8 This is the one who came by water and blood--Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.

THE APOSTLE PAUL WHO ACTUALLY WAS TRANSPORTED TO HEAVEN AND WAS GIVEN THE GOSPEL BY CHRIST HIMSELF, TAUGHT THAT GOD AND CHRIST WERE TWO SEPARATE BEINGS, AND THAT CHRIST WAS NOT OVER THE FATHER, BUT WAS SUBJECT TO HIM.

1 Corinthians 15:27-28 NIV For he "has put everything under his feet." Now when it says that "everything" has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.

Ephesians 1:22-23 NIV And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

PAUL MAKES IT PERFECTLY CLEAR IN THE VERSES ABOVE THAT CHRIST AND GOD ARE SEPARATE AND THAT GOD, WHOM WE CALL THE FATHER, AND SOME YAHWEH OR JEHOVAH IS OVER AND ABOVE CHRIST. GOD WILL PUT EVERYTHING UNDER THE RULE OF CHRIST AND CHRIST WILL THEN PRESENT HIMSELF AND EVERYTHING HE IS IN CHARGE OF BACK TO THE FATHER SO THAT GOD MAY BE OVER EVERYTHING.

THIS IS NOT TO SAY THAT GOD IS NOT OVER EVERYTHING TODAY. WHAT THIS IS REFERRING TO IS TO THE TIME AFTER THE LAST JUDGMENT WHEN EVERYTHING EVIL HAS BEEN CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE AND THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH ARE RE-CREATED AND MADE PERFECT, CHRIST WILL PRESENT A PERFECT UNIVERSE AND PERFECT BEINGS TO GOD THE FATHER. THIS IS CHRISTS JOB, TO MAKE PERFECT A FALLEN UNIVERSE AND MAKE PERFECT THE FALLEN BEINGS IN IT AND PRESENT THEM TO GOD, THE FATHER.

DAVID IN THE PSALMS PROPHESIED CONCERNING EVERYTHING BEING PLACED UNDER THE DOMINION OF CHRIST. THIS PLACING OF EVERYTHING UNDER CHRIST PRECEDES THE VERSES ABOVE WHERE CHRIST PRESENTS IT BACK TO THE FATHER. THE FATHER HAS PLACED EVERYTHING UNDER CHRIST, CHRIST WILL MAKE IT PERFECT, AND PRESENT IT BACK TO THE FATHER. DAVID'S LORD WAS CHRIST, AND CHRISTS LORD AND GOD IS THE FATHER.

Psalms 110:1-2 & 4 NIV Of David. A psalm. The LORD says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." The LORD will extend your mighty scepter from Zion; you will rule in the midst of your enemies. The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind: "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek."

CHRIST, WHEN HE WAS ON EARTH CHALLENGED THE SCRIBES AND THE PHARISEES TO EXPLAIN THIS PROPHECY OF DAVID. THEY HAD NO ANSWER, THEY DID NOT UNDERSTAND IT, AND MOST CHRISTIANS TODAY STILL DO NOT UNDERSTAND IT.

Luke 20:41-44 NIV Then Jesus said to them, "How is it that they say the Christ is the Son of David? David himself declares in the Book of Psalms: "'The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." ' David calls him 'Lord.' How then can he be his son?"

CHRIST DID NOT EXPLAIN THE ANSWER TO THIS RIDDLE TO THE SCRIBES AND THE PHARISEES, HE EXPLAINED IT TO HIS DISCIPLES IN PRIVATE, AND PETER PREACHED IT ON THE DAY OF PENTECOST.

Acts 2:29-36 NIV "Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, "'The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." '"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."

PETER EXPLAINED TO THE PEOPLE THAT GOD HAS MADE JESUS BECOME BOTH LORD AND CHRIST. THE LORD GOD OF THE OLD TESTAMENT, JESUS CHRIST, TOOK ON A HUMAN BODY OF FLESH AND BLOOD, DESCENDED FROM THE LINE OF DAVID.

John 1:14-15 NIV The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.'"

CHRIST HIMSELF TAUGHT THAT HE WAS THE LORD OF THE OLD TESTAMENT WHO APPEARED TO MOSES, ABRAHAM, AND ALL OF THE PROPHETS. CHRIST IS THE "I AM" GOD, THE LORD OF THE UNIVERSE. CHRIST WAS IN EXISTENCE AND WAS THE "LORD," LONG BEFORE HE WAS EVER BORN INTO A HUMAN BODY.

Exodus 3:13-14 NIV Moses said to God, "Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what shall I tell them?" God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'" Isaiah 42:8 NIV "I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols.

Isaiah 43:10-13 & 15 NIV "You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed-- I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "that I am God. Yes, and from ancient days I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?" I am the LORD, your Holy One, Israel's Creator, your King."

CHRIST, WHEN DISPUTING WITH THE PHARISEES REVEALED HIMSELF TO BE THE "I AM" GOD OF THE OLD TESTAMENT. THEY UNDERSTOOD WHAT HE WAS SAYING, AND THEY DESIRED TO STONE HIM.

John 8:53-59 NIV Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?" Jesus replied, "If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad." "You are not yet fifty years old," the Jews said to him, "and you have seen Abraham!" "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!" At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.

EVEN THOUGH CHRIST IS THE "I AM" GOD OF THE OLD TESTAMENT, HE STILL
MAINTAINED THAT HE AND THE FATHER WERE SEPARATE BEINGS, AND THAT THE FATHER WAS GREATER THAN HIM. THE UNITY OF GOD AND CHRIST IS IN THE FACT THAT CHRIST ALWAYS HAS AND ALWAYS WILL OBEY THE FATHER PERFECTLY. IN THIS SENSE, CHRIST IS EQUAL TO GOD, BUT HE IS NOT THE SAME BEING AS THE FATHER. CHRIST, AT THE RESURRECTION WILL TRANSFORM US IN OUR NEW BODIES INTO BEINGS WHO LIKE HIM, FOLLOW THE WILL OF GOD PERFECTLY SO THAT WE ALSO MAY BE ONE WITH THE FATHER AND IN PERFECT UNITY AND AGREEMENT WITH HIM.

John 14:8-11 NIV Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us." Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.

John 14:28 NIV "You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.

John 16:28 NIV I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father."

SOME MIGHT THINK THAT THE VERSES ABOVE TEACH THAT GOD THE FATHER AND CHRIST ARE EXACTLY THE SAME PERSON, BUT THIS IS NOT THE CASE.

John 14:20 NIV On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.

IN THE VERSE ABOVE JESUS ALSO INCLUDES THOSE HE WAS SPEAKING WITH IN THE EQUATION. THE DISCIPLES OF JESUS WERE NOT HIM ANYMORE THAN HE WAS THE FATHER. JESUS IS SPEAKING ABOUT THE PERFECT UNITY THAT EXISTS BETWEEN HIMSELF, THE FATHER AND THOSE WHO WILL BE IN GOD'S KINGDOM.

NO ONE CAN COME TO THE FATHER BUT BY CHRIST. THERE MAY BE SOME WHO ARE IGNORANT OF THIS AND THINK THEY ARE PRAYING DIRECTLY TO THE FATHER, BUT IF THESE PEOPLE ARE SEEKING GOD WITH A PURE HEART AND GOD IS LISTENING TO THEM, IT IS CHRIST WITH WHOM THEY ARE SPEAKING. IF A PERSON IS SEEKING GOD WITH A PURE HEART AND AN HONEST DESIRE TO KNOW HIM AND TO DO HIS WILL, GOD, THROUGH
JESUS CHRIST, WILL ANSWER HIM AND SEND THE GOSPEL TO THAT PERSON.

John 14:6 NIV Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

1 Timothy 2:5-6 NIV For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men--

THERE IS ONE MEDIATOR BETWEEN GOD AND MEN, JESUS CHRIST. NO HUMAN CAN PRAY DIRECTLY TO THE FATHER. MARY IS NOT THE MEDIATOR, THE ANGELS ARE NOT THE MEDIATOR, THE CANONIZED SAINTS ARE NOT THE MEDIATOR. ONLY CHRIST IS THE MEDIATOR.

Ephesians 2:18 NIV For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

IF YOU ARE GUILTY OF PRAYING TO SOMEONE OTHER THAN CHRIST IN THE PAST OUT OF IGNORANCE OF THIS, HE WILL FORGIVE YOU FOR THAT.

Acts 4:12 NIV Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

IN THE PAST CHRIST, IN HIS MERCY MAY HAVE ANSWERED SOME OF YOUR PRAYERS WHEN YOU PRAYED TO MARY OR TO ALLAH OR TO SOMEONE ELSE. CHRIST IS MERCIFUL AND DOES NOT HOLD US HUMANS RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT WE DO IN IGNORANCE AS LONG AS WE WERE TRULY SEEKING GOD WHILE WE WERE DOING IT. BUT, NOW THAT YOU KNOW THE TRUTH YOU SHOULD PRAY ONLY TO THE FATHER THROUGH JESUS CHRIST. NOW THAT YOU HAVE READ THIS IT IS TOO LATE FOR YOU TO CLAIM IGNORANCE WHEN YOU STAND BEFORE GOD, AT THE LAST JUDGMENT. IT WILL BE BETTER FOR THOSE WHO CAN SAY "I NEVER HEARD THE GOSPEL OR OF CHRIST IN MY LIFETIME," THAN FOR THOSE WHO MUST SAY, "YES, THE GOSPEL AND CHRIST WERE PREACHED TO ME, BUT I REJECTED IT BECAUSE I LOVED MY SINS AND THE WORLD TOO MUCH TO ACCEPT IT."

CHRIST TAUGHT THAT ANYONE WHO IS TRULY SEEKING GOD WILL ACCEPT THE GOSPEL WHEN IT IS PREACHED TO THEM. ANYONE WHO CLAIMS TO BE SEEKING GOD, BUT REJECTS CHRIST, IS A LIAR, BECAUSE HE (CHRIST) OPENS THE MINDS OF ALL WHO ARE TRULY SEEKING GOD TO UNDERSTAND THE TRUTH WHEN IT IS PRESENTED TO THEM.

John 8:47 NIV He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God." John 10:27-29 NIV My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one."

WHEN CHRIST STATES THAT HE AND THE FATHER ARE ONE, HE DOES NOT MEAN THAT THEY ARE ONE AND THE SAME PERSON, HE MEANS THAT THEY HAVE ONE AND THE SAME PURPOSE, AND THAT PURPOSE IS TO DO THE WILL OF THE FATHER. PAUL USES THIS TERMINOLOGY IN SPEAKING ABOUT THE CHURCH.

Philippians 2:2 NIV then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Romans 12:4-5 NIV Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

THE SAME THING IS TRUE OF US, WHEN CHRIST RAISES US FROM THE DEAD WE WILL BECOME PERFECT IN DESIRING TO DO THE WILL OF THE FATHER. WE WILL STILL BE SEPARATE PEOPLE, NOT A PART OF SOME MILLIONS OF PERSONS ALL ROLLED TOGETHER INTO SOME TYPE OF GOD-BEING WITH MULTIPLE BODIES AND PERSONALITIES. WE WILL ALL BE UNITED TO GOD BY HIS SPIRIT, GIVING US ONENESS OF PURPOSE.

1 Corinthians 15:28 NIV When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.

IN EPHESIANS PAUL TEACHES THAT THE FATHER IS JESUS CHRISTS GOD WHEN HE STATES THAT THE GOD OF OUR LORD, JESUS CHRIST IS THE FATHER. IT IS GOD, THE FATHER, WHO AT THE REQUEST OF JESUS CHRIST GIVES US THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHEN WE REPENT AND ARE CONVERTED, AND MAKE US PARTAKERS OF THE DIVINE NATURE. THIS IS WHAT IS KNOWN AS BEING "BORN AGAIN."

Ephesians 1:17-21 NIV I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

THE CONFUSION IN THE CHRISTIAN WORLD STEMS FROM THE FACT THAT GOD HAS GIVEN CHRIST EVERY TITLE THAT CAN BE GIVEN, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO BE CALLED GOD. THE KINGS AND EMPERORS OF THE WORLD GIVE THEMSELVES TITLES THAT ARE A MILE LONG. THE FORMER SHAH OF IRAN HAD A TITLE SO LONG YOU WOULD HAVE THOUGHT HE RULED THE WHOLE WORLD AND THE UNIVERSE AFTER READING IT. ALL THE ROYAL SOVEREIGNS OF EUROPE AND THE POPES HAVE GREAT AND GRANDIOSE TITLES THAT EXALT THEIR DOMINION OVER THEIR TERRITORY.

THE TITLES OF THE POPES
It is by virtue of their decision (The Sacred College of Cardinals) that each new pope inherits his official titles, ancient and modern, secular and sacred: bishop of Rome, vicar of Jesus Christ, successor of the prince of the apostles, supreme pontiff of the universal Church, patriarch of the West, primate of Italy, archbishop and metropolitan of the Roman province, sovereign of the state of Vatican City, servant of the servants of God.
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GOD HAS GIVEN CHRIST EVERY TITLE THAT CAN BE GIVEN, CHRIST IS "LORD OF LORDS AND KING OF KINGS," AND TO HIM EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW, AND EVERY TONGUE SHALL CONFESS, THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD."

Isaiah 45:21-23 NIV Declare what is to be, present it-- let them take counsel together. Who foretold this long ago, who declared it from the distant past? Was it not I, the LORD? And there is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me. "Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear.

GOD HAS SWORN BY HIMSELF, BECAUSE THERE IS NOTHING GREATER THAN HIMSELF, THAT BEFORE HIM EVERY KNEE WILL BOW AND EVERY TONGUE WILL SWEAR, THAT HE IS GOD. IN THE NEW TESTAMENT WE ARE SHOWN THAT IT IS TO JESUS CHRIST AND TO GOD THE FATHER THAT EVERY BEING WILL DO THIS.

Philippians 2:5-11 NIV Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

IT IS TO THE GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER THAT TO HIS SON EVERY KNEE WILL BOW AND EVERY TONGUE WILL CONFESS, THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD. BY WORSHIPPING CHRIST ALL OF THE BEINGS IN THE UNIVERSE WILL THROUGH CHRIST ALSO BE WORSHIPPING THE FATHER, WHO HAS GIVEN TO CHRIST THE RIGHT TO BE CALLED GOD, LORD, AND SAVIOR.

Romans 14:10-12 NIV You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. It is written: "'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.'" So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

BECAUSE OF THE GREAT AND GRAND TITLES THAT HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO CHRIST BY GOD, THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH LOST SIGHT OF THE FACT THAT THE FATHER AND THE SON ARE NOT THE SAME PERSON.

Ephesians 1:22-23 NIV And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

GOD HAS PLACED EVERYTHING BUT HIMSELF UNDER CHRIST, AND CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH. IT IS NO DIFFERENT THAN WHEN A HUMAN KING OR RULER DELEGATES TOTAL AUTHORITY TO SOMEONE UNDER HIM TO RULE OVER HIS KINGDOM. TO THE PEOPLE BEING RULED OVER THE WORD OF THE KING OR THE WORD OF THE MAN THE KING HAS GIVEN HIS AUTHORITY HAS THE SAME EFFECT, IT MUST BE OBEYED OR THEY WILL SUFFER THE WRATH OF THE KING. THE COMMANDS OF JESUS CHRIST ARE EQUAL TO THE COMMANDS OF GOD, BECAUSE CHRIST ONLY SPEAKS WHAT HE HEARS FROM GOD.

John 7:16-18 (NIV) Jesus answered, "My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me. If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.

CHRIST HAS ALWAYS OBEYED THE FATHER PERFECTLY, AND EVERYTHING THAT HE HAS SAID OR DONE WAS IN PERFECT AGREEMENT WITH THE WILL OF THE FATHER. FOR THIS REASON HE CAN LEGITIMATELY BE CALLED "GOD," AND IN THIS SENSE IS EQUAL TO GOD.

Colossians 1:12-15 NIV giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

THE MISUNDERSTANDING OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOD AND CHRIST CAME ABOUT BECAUSE OF THE FACT THAT THE SCRIPTURES ALSO TEACH THAT CHRIST WAS IN EXISTENCE BEFORE THE WORLD WAS CREATED, AND IS THE FIRSTBORN OF ALL CREATION. BECAUSE OF THIS, CONFUSION HAS REIGNED SINCE THE EARLY DAYS OF THE CHURCH. THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM WHEN YOU UNDERSTAND THAT CHRIST WAS THE FIRST BEING THAT GOD CREATED, BUT AT THAT TIME CHRIST DID NOT HAVE THE HUMAN BODY THAT HE WAS BORN INTO WHEN HE WALKED THE EARTH, HE WAS A SPIRITUAL BEING. GOD CALLS CHRIST HIS SON BECAUSE HE WAS A DIRECT CREATION OF GOD, THE SAME AS ADAM WAS CALLED THE SON OF GOD, BECAUSE HE HAD NO HUMAN FATHER OR MOTHER. WHENEVER GOD CREATES A BEING, A NEW INTELLIGENT LIFE FORM, THE FIRST ONE CREATED IS CALLED THE SON OF GOD. ALL BEINGS AFTER ADAM WERE CALLED THE "SONS OF MEN," BECAUSE THEY CAME INTO EXISTENCE THROUGH THE METHOD OF NORMAL HUMAN REPRODUCTION RATHER THAN BY DIRECT CREATION.

Luke 3:38 NIV Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.

BOTH ADAM AND CHRIST WERE DIRECT CREATIONS, AND HAVE THE TITLE, "SON OF GOD." ADAM THOUGH, WAS A DIRECT CREATION OF CHRIST, AND NOT OF THE FATHER. BECAUSE OF THIS ADAM WAS NOT THE SON OF GOD IN EXACTLY THE SAME SENSE THAT CHRIST IS. CHRIST ALSO HAS ANOTHER TITLE THAT GOD HAD GIVEN TO HIM BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD, AND THAT TITLE IS "LORD." WHEN THE BIBLE SPEAKS ABOUT "THE LORD GOD," THAT TERM INCLUDES BOTH GOD THE FATHER AND THE "LORD," JESUS CHRIST. CHRIST IS THE "LORD" OF HEAVEN AND EARTH BECAUSE HE CREATED ALL THINGS, AT THE COMMAND OF THE FATHER.

Revelation 17:14 NIV They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings--and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers."

CHRIST WAS, IN A SENSE TWICE CREATED BY GOD. HE WAS CREATED AS A
SPIRITUAL BEING BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE WAS CREATED. LATER GOD CAUSED THIS SPIRITUAL ENTITY TO BE BORN INTO A HUMAN BODY THROUGH THE VIRGIN MARY. CHRIST, THROUGHOUT THE COURSE OF HIS LIFE OBEYED GOD PERFECTLY. FOR THIS REASON, BECAUSE HE VOLUNTARILY OBEYED GOD AND LIVED HIS LIFE WITHOUT SIN WAS ABLE TO LAY DOWN HIS LIFE IN PAYMENT FOR OUR SINS.

John 10:17-18 NIV The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life--only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father."

CHRIST VOLUNTARILY LAID DOWN HIS LIFE BY THE COMMAND OF THE FATHER. THIS WAS GODS PLAN FOR REDEEMING HIS CREATION FROM BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD. IT DOES NOT MATTER IF YOU LIKE GODS PLAN OR NOT. IT IS JUST THE SAME AS IF YOU ARE AT WORK AND YOUR BOSS TELLS YOU TO DO SOMETHING THAT YOU THINK IS STUPID. IT DOESN'T MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE WHAT YOU THINK. IF HE IS IN AUTHORITY OVER YOU, YOU MUST DO IT HIS WAY OR EVENTUALLY BE FIRED. IN THE CASE CONCERNING CHRIST YOU WILL NOT JUST BE FIRED, BUT THROWN INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE.

MANY PEOPLE JUST CANNOT UNDERSTAND HOW THE DEATH OF CHRIST COULD PAY FOR THEIR SINS. CHRISTS DEATH PAID FOR THE SINS OF MANKIND BECAUSE THE REQUIREMENT OF GOD THE FATHER FOR FORGIVENESS IS A PERFECT SACRIFICE. ONLY CHRIST COULD FULFILL THAT REQUIREMENT OF GOD. CHRIST DID NOT DESERVE TO DIE. HE HAD OBEYED GOD PERFECTLY THROUGHOUT HIS LIFE AND HE COULD HAVE CALLED DOWN TWELVE LEGIONS OF ANGELS TO DESTROY THOSE WHO WANTED TO KILL HIM.

Matthew 26:53-54 NIV Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?"

HE CHOSE NOT TO DO IT BECAUSE GOD IT WAS THE WILL OF GOD FOR CHRIST TO FULFILL ALL THAT WAS WRITTEN ABOUT HIM IN THE SCRIPTURES. GOD HAD GIVEN CHRIST THE RIGHT TO REDEEM AND PAY FOR THE SINS OF ANY BEING IN THE UNIVERSE BY LAYING DOWN HIS LIFE VOLUNTARILY. THE SACRIFICE OF CHRIST, THE PERFECT ONE, PAID FOR ALL THE SINS OF EVERY BEING IN THE UNIVERSE. I BELIEVE THAT EVEN SATAN COULD BE FORGIVEN IF HE WOULD REPENT AND WORSHIP GOD. BUT HE WILL NOT, AS HE DESIRES TO BE WORSHIPPED HIMSELF.

Matthew 4:8-11 NIV Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'" Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

WE OURSELVES, THE ANGELS, AND ALL LIVING THINGS WERE CREATED BY GOD THROUGH CHRIST FOR HIS OWN PLEASURE.

Revelation 4:11 KJV Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

GOD ALWAYS ALLOWS HIS CREATURES TO DO WORK FOR HIM. WHEN GOD IN GENESIS SAID "LET US MAKE MAN IN OUR IMAGE, AND IN OUR LIKENESS," HE WAS SPEAKING TO CHRIST AND TO THE ANGELS WHO WERE LISTENING, HE WAS NOT A THREE PART BEING TALKING TO HIMSELF.

Genesis 1:26-27 NIV Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

WE ARE TOLD IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN THAT NOTHING THAT HAS COME INTO EXISTENCE SINCE THE BEGINNING WAS CREATED WITHOUT CHRIST BEING INVOLVED IN IT. THIS IS THE REASON THAT CHRIST HAS BEEN GIVEN THE TITLE OF "LORD," BECAUSE HE AT THE COMMAND OF GOD IS THE CREATOR OF ALL THINGS, OTHER THAN HIMSELF AND THE FATHER. GOD HAS ALSO ALLOWED CHRIST, WHO ALWAYS FOLLOWS THE WILL OF THE FATHER PERFECTLY, TO BE CALLED "GOD" BY THE BEINGS THAT HE CREATED.
TO US, AND THE ANGELS, CHRIST IS BOTH OUR LORD AND OUR GOD, EVEN
THOUGH HE IS A SEPARATE AND DISTINCT BEING FROM THE FATHER AND HE IS UNDER THE FATHER.

John 1:1-3 NIV In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

Genesis 2:7 NIV And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

IT IS GOD THE FATHER ALONE WHO FORMED CHRIST OUT OF NOTHING, BUT ALL SUBSEQUENT CREATIVE WORK HAS BEEN DONE BY CHRIST, THE "LORD GOD." THIS IS SHOWN CLEARLY IN ISAIAH, AND THE SPEAKER IS DEFINITELY CHRIST, BECAUSE HE IS THE SAVIOR.

Isaiah 43:10-12 NIV "You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed-- I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "that I am God.

CHRIST WAS THE ONLY BEING EVER FORMED WHO WAS GIVEN THE RIGHT TO BE CALLED "GOD," AND HE IS THE ONLY ONE WHO WILL EVER HAVE THAT RIGHT. SATAN, THE FIRST ANGEL CREATED DESIRED THAT THE TITLE "GOD," BE GIVEN TO HIM ALSO, AND FOR THIS REASON HE REBELLED AGAINST GOD AND CHRIST THE LORD, BECAUSE HE COULD NOT ATTAIN THAT RIGHT. TO THE ANGELS GOD HAS NOT GIVEN THEM THE RIGHT TO BE CALLED GOD OR TO BE WORSHIPPED. THE ANGELS WERE ALL CREATED BY CHRIST HIMSELF, AND DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE WORSHIPPED, JUST THE SAME AS MAN DOES NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE WORSHIPPED. THE ONLY BEING OTHER THAN THE FATHER WHO HAS THE RIGHT TO BE WORSHIPPED IS CHRIST, BECAUSE HE WAS THE DIRECT CREATION OF THE FATHER.

Revelation 22:8-9 NIV I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers the prophets and of all who keep the words of this book. Worship God!"

THE ANGELS TOO ARE REQUIRED TO WORSHIP CHRIST WHO IS THE IMAGE OF GOD, AND HAS THE RIGHT TO BE CALLED GOD.

Hebrews 1:1-2 NIV In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.

HERE AGAIN WE ARE TOLD THAT GOD, THROUGH CHRIST, CREATED THE UNIVERSE. IN COLOSSIANS PAUL TELLS US THE SAME THING AGAIN, THAT CHRIST WAS THE ONE WHO CREATED ALL THINGS.

Colossians 1:16-19 NIV For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him,

CHRIST CREATED ALL THINGS, OTHER THAN GOD THE FATHER AND HIMSELF. IT IS CHRIST WHO HOLDS ALL THINGS TOGETHER, AND HE IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH. HE IS ALSO THE FIRST BEING WITH A HUMAN BODY TO BE RAISED FROM THE DEAD AND GIVEN A PERFECT GLORIFIED BODY AND IN HIM DWELLS THE FULLNESS OF GOD. AT THE RESURRECTION HE WILL GIVE US GLORIFIED BODIES LIKE HIS NEW BODY.

Hebrews 1:3 NIV The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

CHRIST IS THE EXACT REPRESENTATION OF GOD AND IS TODAY SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF THE FATHER WAITING FOR THE FATHER TO COMMAND HIM TO RAISE THE DEAD AND RECEIVE HIS KINGDOM.

Hebrews 1:4-6 NIV So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father " ? Or again, "I will be his Father, and he will be my Son"? And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, "Let all God's angels worship him."

WHEN CHRIST WAS BORN INTO A HUMAN BODY THROUGH THE VIRGIN MARY, ALL OF THE ANGELS OF GOD WERE COMMANDED TO WORSHIP THIS CHILD.

Luke 2:13-14 NIV Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

THEY WERE WORSHIPPING THE VERY BEING THAT HAD CREATED THEM, ONLY HE WAS NOW IN A HUMAN BODY RATHER THAN IN SPIRITUAL FORM.

Hebrews 1:7-8 NIV In speaking of the angels he says, "He makes his angels winds, his servants flames of fire." But about the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom.

GOD HAS GIVEN THE SON, JESUS CHRIST, THE RIGHT TO BE CALLED GOD, CHRIST IS FAR OVER AND ABOVE ALL OF THE ANGELS AND MAN.

Hebrews 1:13-14 NIV To which of the angels did God ever say, "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet" ? Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

THE ANGELS TOO ARE WORKING FOR OUR SALVATION BY THE COMMAND OF GOD AND CHRIST. THE ANGELS CAN AND DO INVISIBLY PROTECT US AND DIRECT THOSE WHO ARE SEEKING GOD TO A PLACE WHERE THE GOSPEL IS BEING PREACHED. THE ANGELS DO NOT KNOW WHO OF THE SONS OF MEN WILL REPENT AND BE CONVERTED. THERE IS JOY IN THE PRESENCE OF THE ANGELS WHENEVER ONE SINNER REPENTS.

Luke 15:10 NIV In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." Luke 15:7 NIV I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

THEIR JOB IS TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYONE WHO SEEKS GOD GETS THE OPPORTUNITY TO FIND HIM. GOD CAN READ OUR THOUGHTS, AND WHEN GOD KNOWS THAT A HUMAN IS SEEKING TO FIND GOD, HE SENDS HIS ANGEL TO DIRECT THAT PERSON TO SOMEONE WHO WILL REVEAL TO THAT PERSON THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE ANGELS ARE NOT YET COMPLETELY PERFECT EITHER. WE KNOW THAT THEY HAVE THE CAPABILITY OF SINNING BECAUSE 1/3 OF THEM FELL WITH SATAN.

Job 4:18-19 NIV If God places no trust in his servants, if he charges his angels with error, how much more those who live in houses of clay, whose foundations are in the dust, who are crushed more readily than a moth!

PAUL, IN COLOSSIANS 1:20 TELLS US THAT THROUGH CHRIST ALL THINGS IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH WILL BE RECONCILED TO GOD. THIS INDICATES THAT THERE ARE OTHER BEINGS BESIDES HUMANS THAT ARE IN NEED OF FORGIVENESS.

Colossians 1:20-23 NIV and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation--if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

IT IS THROUGH THE SACRIFICE OF THE PERFECT ONE, JESUS CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD, OUR HIGH PRIEST THAT IT IS POSSIBLE FOR US AND ALL CREATION TO BE RECONCILED TO GOD, THE FATHER. FAITH IN CHRIST IS THE ONLY WAY TO THE FATHER.

Hebrews 10:10-14 NIV And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

IT WILL NOT BE LONG BEFORE CHRISTS ENEMIES ARE MADE HIS FOOTSTOOL. SOMETIME WITHIN THE NEXT SEVENTY OR EIGHTY YEARS THE SIX THOUSAND YEAR TIME PERIOD THAT GOD HAS DECREED FOR NORMAL HUMAN HISTORY TO TRANSPIRE, WILL EXPIRE. CHRIST WILL RULE THE WORLD WITH A ROD OF IRON FROM HIS THRONE IN JERUSALEM.

Matthew 25:31-32 NIV "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

NO ONE KNOWS THE DAY OR THE HOUR OF CHRISTS RETURN. NOT THE ANGELS IN HEAVEN, OR EVEN THE SON, BUT ONLY THE FATHER. WHEN CHRIST SPOKE THESE WORDS THIS HE WAS IN HIS HUMAN BODY ON THE EARTH. WE DO NOT KNOW IF HE EVEN KNOWS THE DAY OR THE HOUR OF HIS RETURN NOW, IN HIS GLORIFIED BODY.

Mark 8:38 NIV If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."

Luke 12:8-9 NIV "I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God. But he who disowns me before men will be disowned before the angels of God.

EVERYONE WHO REJECTS CHRIST IN THIS WORLD WILL BE DISOWNED BY CHRIST BEFORE THE ANGELS OF GOD.

1 John 5:1 NIV Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well.

EVERYONE WHO TRULY LOVES GOD, WILL LOVE CHRIST AS WELL. THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE ANGELS WILL SEE TO IT THAT EVERYONE WHO LOVES GOD HEARS AND UNDERSTANDS THE MESSAGE OF CHRIST AND THE GOSPEL.

1 John 5:4-5 NIV for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

THOSE WHO OVERCOME THE WORLD AND GAIN ETERNAL LIFE ARE THOSE WHO BELIEVE THAT JESUS CHRIST IS THE SON OF GOD.

1 John 5:9-13 NIV We accept man's testimony, but God's testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. Anyone who does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because he has not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

IT IS THE OPINION OF THIS AUTHOR THAT GOD AND CHRIST ARE TWO SEPARATE BEINGS. HOWEVER, AS I STATED AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS CHAPTER THERE IS ROOM IN GOD'S CHURCH FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN THE TRINITY, IN ONENESS, IN SOME FORM OF ARIANISM, OR ARE OF SOME OTHER OPINION. GOD WILL REVEAL THE SECRETS OF HIS NATURE TO US IN HIS KINGDOM. FOR NOW, IN THIS PRESENT WORLD IT IS ENOUGH TO KNOW AND BELIEVE IN THE FOLLOWING SCRIPTURE.

2 Corinthians 5:19 NKJV that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them,