Discuss Colossians 2 Page 5

Hi Earl,

To clarify, you wrote "BUT his words are a parable, because he said they were a parable."

Do you believe all of Jesus's words are parables? If so, then when Jesus said He was speaking in parables that also would be a parable, right? It would seem strange to believe 99.9% of what Jesus says is a figurative parable, except only one verse or phrase where He says He's speaking in parables, correct? For example Mark 4:11 is literal?

To me its evident when Jesus or anyone else in the Bible is speaking literally, telling a story, using a figure of speech, metaphor, simile, just as its usually evident when conversing with anyone else in person.

"Dost thou believe on the Son of God?" John 9:35 KJV

Jesus said He's the Son of God, do you believe he was being literal or telling a parable when He said that?

"Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?" Luke 22:48 KJV

Another literal quote from Jesus which do you believe is literal that Judas did in fact betray Him with a kiss, or do you believe this is also a parable?

Do you believe Jesus is Lord as it says in Colossians 2:6-9 and the Mighty God as it says in Isaiah 9:6?

God bless

I love king James Bible

Matthew 6:9-10

Betty:

You want your prayer to always be answer:

Matthew 6:9 After this manner always pray ye:

Matthew 6:10 ....THY WILL BE DONE....

Philippians 2:13 For it is God that worketh IN YOU both TO WILL and TO DO his good pleasure.

Colossians 2:27 ...this mystery .....Christ in you ....

1 Corinthians 12:27 ....ye are the BODY OF CHRIST .....

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come (the life of Christ in you), he will guide you into all truth .....

God Bless you, the body or life and truth.

I think what is missing in all of this theological discussion is the personal role the Spirit of God plays with an individual believer.

1 Corinthians 3:16 states that we are the Temple of God now. Thus; as Colossians 2:9 states the "fullness of the Godhead bodily" showed how Christ was fully God and fully man; but also he had the "Spirit without measure". ( John 3:34). We as believers in the N.T. times since Christ's atonement go immediately to heaven after death (see Hebrews 9:27; 2 Cor. 5:8). We are "sealed with the Spirit" ( Eph. 1:13-14) from the moment we are saved (that is TRULY saved); hence the Spirit dwells in us (see John 14:23).

We can look at the Holy Spirit (or Holy Ghost) as the pneuma in some extent; or what is breathed into us from above much as the soul of man had life given to it when we are born the first time. God therefore rules over all and determines times and seasons; Christ is the 2nd member of the "Godhead" hence in accordance with God's plan became the sin offering for our redemption and thus was "given" all authority over heaven and earth ( Matthew 28:18-20).

When He humbled Himself a man; he trusted totally in the Spirit to do His miracles as an example for us to do the same. Clearly; there were certain things which are at least primarily limited to the Apostolic era. Nonetheless; we are told to "bear fruits worthy (meet) of repentance ( Matt. 3:8 and elsewhere). There are characteristics of a Spirit filled life; and also various gifts or manifestations given by God to every believer (see 1 Cor. 12). PRIMARILY; the Spirit of Christ brings forth to convict the world of "sin; righteousness and judgment to come." ( John 16:8-11). We know we are one of His children if we have a new heart ( Ezekiel 36:26); and of course if we trust God; obey Him and obey Him to the best of our ability. We desire God and the Spirit will convict us (he chastises all He loves). ( Heb. 12:6 etc).

I pray that you have a personal experience with the Lord

Hello Jacqui,

I agree with you that this forum is an open forum for people to express their beliefs. It is also a forum for discussion which Giannis and Adam, myself and you are doing when we reply to a post.

I believe like Giannis and Adam in this way:

In Scripture the word "Godhead" is used 3 times: Acts 17:29, Romans 1:20, and Colossians 2:9.

The Greek words, Theoion, Theoites, and Theotis are used for this word. It means ALL that constitutes Who and What God is. So the what denotes His nature or essence (GK. ouisa) and the Who denotes the three distinct persons within the one Godhead where all three possess the same Divine Essence totally (100%) and equally so (no degree of difference between three of how much of this essence they each possess. They all three possess this essence completely, to the fullest sense, and eternally.

Jacqui, this is classic Christian teaching within the Christian church for 2000 years. You can go to site like: Got Questions, Compelling Truth and others to understand what God's essence is and how He can be one God, yet three persons, but not three Gods with divine essence.

I believe what has been classically taught in the church from Scripture that God is purely Spirit. He is not made of matter in His essence. He created all matter. Jesus, in His human nature is made of matter, but before He became man, He was always Spirit like the Father and the Holy Spirit. He still possesses this Godhood (essence) but also still possesses his humanity, too.

To continue, God, not being made of any matter, does not have parts or components like all creatures have. We have physical parts (hands, body) made of matter, and soul parts (mind, emotions) and a spiritual part. Animals also have components to their essential nature. Take away absolutely life sustaining parts and we and animals cease to exist. Angels also, though spirits, have a component nature. They have spiritual bodies but also, minds, and wills, like us. ...continued

Matthew 28:19, Mark 1:1-11, Mark 16:16, Luke 3:21, 1Corinthians 12:13, Acts 2:38,41, Acts 8:12, Acts 10:48, Acts 18:8, Acts 19:4,5, 1Peter 3:20-22, Acts 22:16,

Romans 6, Colossians 2:12,

Hopefully these are helpful

Hi James.

When you say "Old testament law and it's requirements are not applicable more in newtestament the righteousness.

I wouldn't put it that way by no means.

Here's Law.

The fact that "RIGHTEOUSNESS" does not come by the law that doesn't mean the law was abolished.

And Christ death on the cross did not do away with the law.

The law condemned man because no one was able to keep the law so all mankind was under the penalty of death.

Christ took on the penalty and "PAYED THE PRICE". by death on the cross.

( Colossians 2:14. Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;)

The law was the ministration of Death. "And still is"

2 Corinthians 3:7-16.

It was to show us our sin and bring us to Christ. Galatians 3:22-28.

Listen to Paul in Romans 7:7-14.

Also.

Galatians 3:13-14 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

So since you are justified by faith and made righteous by Christ What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? No! not if you have been freed from bondage.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13

Romans 6:1-23.

James 2:18.

Jesus came to give you a new Heart. A heart of flesh.

If a person is truly saved he/she would have MORE written on their heart than what's written in the law.

There's things we don't do is sin also. James 4:17. Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

God bless.

Hey Pamela,

It is about our conscience, it is to be pure, and you will not mess up, your words speak it is on your heart.

1 Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

When we are baptized in water in the name of Jesus the Christ/Messiah we are, Colossians 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

If you choose to be baptized in water you will have no doubt Acts.24:16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

Water baptism is a rehearsal when we go under, we die to sin and when we come up out of that water in a newness of life. It will be just like when we die and are buried, we will rise up out of the earth with an incorruptible new body.

God bless, go for it, I would love to be there, you will have no regrets or doubt in your conscience you will feel the glow.

RLW

Oakley. Simple answer is 1 John 3:1 now are we the Sons of God by

Spiritual birth.

Oaklley,

Please know that salvation is all from God, not by the works of humans.

God sent His Son, Jesus into the world to save humans from sin, death, the devil, and hell. So, the work of salvation is done by Jesus by His perfect life, sacrificial death for the sins of the world, and His glorious resurrection from the dead after three days of death in the tomb. All of this accomplished our salvation. Then the Holy Spirit was sent out to bring God's grace to us through the hearing of this gospel message of Jesus' work of salvation. The Holy Spirit uses the hearing of the Gospel as a means of convicting us of our sinfulness before God and need for His mercy, causing us to repent from sin, creating faith in us to believe the Gospel message and put our trust in Jesus and in what He accomplished for us. This is regeneration or being born anew. It is all accomplished by God in us. When we act on what God has done for us by using the faith the Holy Spirit births in us we will confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts that Jesus is Lord and Savior for us.

So it sounds to me like these things have occurred in you, Oakly. You can be assured that you are saved by God's grace and will. Please believe that this is true because the evil one wants to deceive you into thinking that perhaps you have not done all that is needed to be saved. But you are saved by what God has done. Satan wants to have us believe that we have to do the work of saving ourselves, but this is a lie. We just accept what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. It is simple, even so that a child can believe the Gospel.

Because you are now reconciled to God through the salvation received through Jesus, you are indeed a child of God, whereas prior to salvation you were His enemy and dead in sin. But due to what Jesus has done and the regenerative work of the Holy Spirit in you, you have been made alive to God and are in right relationship with Him. He calls you His friend, His child, His disciple.

If you have to ask the answer is no. Baptism doesn't save ,it is the outward show that you have repented of your sins and are following Jesus Christ, My experience was a soul cleansing, it was physical ,it was a washing , after I felt a burden had been lifted .True repentance is needed for salvation,Jesus wants us to acknowledge our wrong ,our sin when we are truly sorrowful he will hear our prayers and redeem us.

Son, Daughter of GOD: John 1:12, 1John 3:1,2, Matthew 5:9, context Matthew 5, Matthew 13:38, John 12:36, Luke 12:32, context Luke 12,

Romans 8:14, in context please read all of Chapter Romans 8, explanation of the answer of your question in detail.

Hopefully these are all helpful

Once we except the the death ,burial, resurrection of Jesus ask him to save us and get baptized . We are born again right? AM I a son or daughter of God now here on earth? Or do I have to be ressurected from the dead to be a son or daughter?

Thank you Mishael.

I know I was moved by the Holy Spirit when I wrote it. I could not take the credit, but Glory to God.

Since I was saved, I tried the best to understand the Bible and claimed the treasures of wisdom and knowledge as Colossians 2:3 says.

I came back for at least ten. I pray there are more. This is a parallel of what the Lord says..Genesis18:23-33.

Those who have ears, let them hear what the Lord says.

Agape.

Hello Michael K N,

Isaiah 40:1, 2Corinthians 1:3-22, 1Thessalonians 5:15-21,

Romans 15, 2Timothy 2:3,

Philippians 4:8,

I thank you for sharing your hardship & trusting us here with it.

I myself have suffered much as many of us have. I share scriptures in hopes to give you strength, help in endurance, encouragement.

Paul while suffering from being beaten, Colossians 2:11, Acts 22:25, stoned, 2Corinthians 11:25-27, in prisoned, 2Timothy 2:9-15, accused of sedition Acts 24:2,5,27, in context Acts 24, is this Paul who said I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me._. Philippians 4:12,13

Hebrews 13:3, Luke 17:25, 1Peter 4:12-19,

Bible has the final authority in all manner of faith and practice. I encourage everyone to read only what God says, which is forever settled-The Bible is the finish revelation of God. Maybe you need to memorize the Bible then read whatever book you want to read to know they are in line with the word of God. The Bible is complete to show you current circumstances and listen only to saved fellow believers' advices.

2 Peter 1:19-21

Jeremiah 23:29-31

Jeremiah 14:14-15

1 Corinthians 13:9-10

2 Corinthians 5:7

(For we walk by faith, not by sight:) If you want to see 20/20 vision, it is all written in the Bible.

Titus 1:9-11

Beware:

Matthew 16:6

Matthew 16:11-12

Mark 8:15

Luke 12:1

Colossians 2:8

2 Timothy 3:13

Revelation 20:10

Glory to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I did a thorough study on when Jesus died. It was very interesting that men follows the traditions of men. Paul already warned us in Colossians 2:8

I personally confirmed that Jesus died on Wednesday. Just as the pattern of a wonderful God has created a day, so understanding that a day starts in the evening and the morning Genesis 1:5. Then next a great God gave the Jews a great and only sign of Jonah 1:17 and Matthew 12:40 a prophetic sign of when Jesus will die, buried and resurrected for 3 days and 3 nights. Our God is such a great Intelligent Designer so that the true believers will not be deceived tossed to and fro ( Ephesians 4:14) by any so-called Religious Christian Deceivers. So by knowing this you will know who is lying to you and to stay away from this cult. Revelation 18:4

It was also a perfect match on the day of Passover and the Sabbath. Noticed the day Mary went to the tomb and her preparation of her spices. I will leave a room for you to study.

So anybody says Jesus died on Friday, it is fake news they are making you a merchandised 2 Peter 2:3; Revelation 18:11; Revelation 18:12 Stay away immediately if they do not listen to the truth. The truth will set you free. John 14:6. The greatest and intelligent thing God said is that there is no other interpretation in the word of God. So if you do not get it you must be a lost person and not saved or just not reading your Bible enough. I do want ALL to be saved 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. I just hate the Nicolaitans (2X) Revelations 2:6; Revelation 2:15. Beware of many modern Pharisees.

Main thing is that we true believers 1 John4:2-3; 2 John 1:7 should not be divided 1 Corinthians 1:10; Luke 11:17. We need each other Romans 12:4; 1 Corinthians 12:12 & 20

We are truly in the last days. Psalms 2:1-12. God wants everybody to understand The Word of God. Many of you will not believe. It is expected. Many will meet Jesus in the cloud 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:50-58. See you soon.

Let's see what else God's Word has to say in regards to your snarky comment against Jesus.

A few verses before in 2 Peter 1:11 it says "Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." Do you believe Jesus is your Lord and Savior?

Do you know what "Lord" means?

The same old straw man fallacy shows up again that God the Son isn't God the Father, but no one is claiming that. This attack on Jesus is repeated so much it seems to fall into the disingenuous and lie territory.

God is powerful enough to do what you don't comprehend as a man. Whether you comprehend that or not doesn't change reality or the truth. The Bible says that in John 1 the 'word was God' and was there at the beginning, so do you believe it?

More of God's truth about God:

Luke 4:34 - "Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God."

Luke 4:12 after satan put Jesus to the test Jesus says "Do not put the Lord your God to the test."

Isaiah 7:14 - Jesus is called Immanuel which means "God with us"

Isaiah 42:5 "Thus saith God the LORD..."

Isaiah 42:8 "I am the LORD: that is my name..."

Hebrews 1:8 "But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom."

Godhead:

Colossians 2:9

Acts 17:29

Romans 1:20

John 1:18

God is we and us plural:

Genesis 1:26

If the Bible flat out said Jesus is God like it does would you believe it?

Where are the verses that say Jesus isn't God the Son? (none)

Where are the verses saying Jesus IS God the Son (above, numerous)

And where are the verses where Jesus verbally denied being God? (none)

"I AM" John 8:56-59

John 10:30

John 8:19

Philippians 2:5-8

2 Corinthians 5:19

John 1:3

Matthew 28:19

1 Peter 1:2

2 Corinthians 13:14

Deuteronomy 6:4

John 14:10

John 20:28

1 John 2:22-24

Matthew 1:23-25

Colossians 2:9

Acts 17:29

Romans 1:20

Isaiah 7:14

Hebrews 1:8

Isaiah 44:6

Isaiah 43:11

John 17:5

John 17:21

J halli,

(Part 1)

In Colossians Chapter 2, Paul addresses a few major groups of people that are not only in Christian cult form today, but they actually began back in Paul's day. The first group that we're introduced to in Colossians 2:8-10 is Gnosticism. Gnosko is the Greek word for knowledge. The Gnostics were people who had "special" knowledge beyond the scriptures, beyond anything man has known.

The second group are the legalists. And they are found in Colossiand 2:11-17. Now the legalists said that it's okay to believe in Jesus as the Messiah, but the men had to be physically circumcised.

The third group is found in Colossians 2:18-19, and they are the Mystics. We have Mysticism around today. We have Mystic Christians. Their main emphasis is that they receive the truth from God through visions and revelation.



And then the fourth group (Asceticism) which has the answer to your question, these are the Ascetics. The ascetics believed that one can purify the spirit by punishing the body. Now stop and think about that, because this is where all the false teaching gets exposed. How is me punishing my body doing any good for my spirit? They are two different realms. If I punish my body, I'm hurting my body. That's it! I don't get more spiritual by punishing my physical body.

Colossians 2:20-23 deals with Asceticism. Verse 20 -21 says, "Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not;"

So they said that you attain spirituality by self-neglect. "Don't touch that, or don't taste that! Paul in a couple of places said that the kingdom of God is not in meat and drink, but in spirit. The food comes in and the food goes out. That's it. It never touches your spirit. It has nothing to do with it! There isn't anything spiritual about it whatsoever!

I am running out of space, so I will send a Part 2

Human nature has not changed even today after reading this chapter. Sad to see people here be like a modern Pharisees. Read your Bible. Many are deceived. Stay in prayers and Colossians 2:1:23 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

1peter 3: 20-21

8 souls were saved by water.

The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Romans 6:3-8, Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in the newness of life.

For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

For he that is dead is freed from sin.

Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him.

Also

Mark 16:16-17

Colossians 2:11-12

Also in the old testament the parting of the red sea was a type of baptism.

Peter said be baptized for the remission of sins.

In the book of Acts all were water baptized in the name of Jesus Christ /unto the Lord.

You are welcome. Please allow me to make myself be clear. Please read the entire chapter of John 1. John1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. When you see capital letter "W" Word in the Bible it means Jesus Christ. John 1:14. The lower case "w" word means the Bible. You cannot come to God the Father but by Jesus Christ John 14:6-7; For through him (Jesus Christ) we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Ephesians 2:18; it is a mystery Colossians 2:2-3; God gave to Jesus everything we need to know Revelation 1:1. In conclusion, There is one God the Father, one God the Son the Lord Jesus Christ, and one God The Holy Spirit. Three persons if you will, manifested from ONE GOD. Thank you so much for your question, I know how hard it is to many people understanding this concept, for I now have to be careful explaining it to you as well. Very happy for the opportunity. Glory to God.

More verses to prove Jesus is God. I will pray that you will be guided by the Holy Spirit in your journey to God. Agape.

1 Corinthians 1:10

Romans 16:25

1 Corinthians 1:9

2 Corinthians 8:6

2 Corinthians 1:19

2 Corinthians 4:6

2 Corinthians 5:18

2 Corinthians 13:14

Ephesians 1:17

Ephesians 3:9

Philippians 2:11

Revelation 1:5

Revelation 1:9

Dear Nats:

Even if I say Giannis has explained it very well, if you not "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:20-1. I can only perceived by reading "Nats if Jesus is God" you are still searching if Jesus Christ is God. I would be happy to show you how to be saved and obtain the Holy Spirit. Only then the verses you have inquired about will make sense to you because the Holy Spirit will guide you to the truth.

In John 10:36 Jesus Christ himself said He is the Son of God. If you read the entire conversation between the unbelieving Jews and Jesus Christ they will not believe no matter how anybody explained it to them. It is already prophesied in Isaiah 6:9-10, Isaiah 42:20; Jeremiah 5:21; Acts 28:27; Roman's 11.8

In John 14:28 the situation was that Jesus was about to fulfill another prophesy and that was to die on the cross for the sins of the world 1 John 2:2. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Colossians 2:2-3. When Jesus was buried and rose again the third day according to the scriptures, Jesus fulfilled what God the Father sent Jesus to do on earth. The mystery is that God the Father is greater than Jesus the Son of God. Remember Jesus came to Virgin Mary from God the Father. Then Jesus has to go unto the Father after Jesus rose the third day so the Comforter (i.e. Holy Spirit) will be fulfilled. John 14:16; John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:7. There is only one God. Romans 3:30; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:6; 1 Timothy 2:5; James 2:19. Hope this helps and that you be saved soon. Good question.

1 Thessalonians 3:10. I prayed and re-read the Bible. 2 Timothy 2:15. Matthew 24:4-5. If you are guided by the Holy Spirit of God, Colossians 2:2-3. Grow in grace and Charity 2 Peter 3:18; 1 Corinthians 13:4-9. Colossians 3:14. Many of you 2 Timothy 3:10. Galatians 6:6. Galatians 6:10. All scriptures tie out-Old Testament and New Testament. God directed my paths to be a very honest Corporate Auditor on earth to testify that the Bible is true and indeed cannot lie. Men lie. Every word in KJV Bible you can follow stories upon stories for us to know and learn what to do. There is no man can pervert the word of God, except you are lost. I pray that all be saved. Read the Bible and be guided by the Holy Spirit; Cover to cover are blessed and believe 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. All scriptures directed in the end to The blood of Jesus Christ for the world salvation. 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22

Revelation 3:2. Thank you for the opportunities to communicate through written comments to some of you. Thank you for the website Agape.

Hi GiGi,

I enjoy reading your posts, you wear your heart on your sleeve, a good thing. I know you are passionate about the triune God we disagree but please take my reply as done in love. I don't know if you have gone back and dug deep into the history of this creed, you may.

How many people (1000s) who most likely believed in Christ were killed on behalf of this creed. I strain to understand how God would be behind something so harsh and cruel and the vicious way people were killed for one word, heresy. Even today people are not killed but are told they are not saved and cannot be saved.

I agree that the beginning is the beginning of creation before anything was. I do not know how to reply to you because you have said before and, in this post, that not believing in a triune God is heretical which comes from strong orthodox teaching, and I do not believe anything can go above the salvation in the doctrine of Christ.

So out of love, I will not ask but one question that you or someone else may shine a light on.

The word Godhead is in the bible only three times, Acts 17:29 the Greek word Theios, definition divine, divine being Romans 1:20 the Greek word theiots meaning divine nature and Colossians 2:9 the Greek word theots meaning deity.

How can three Greek words with meanings; divine, divine being, divine nature, and deity that in context work with their original meaning be translated as Godhead? What I have studied the first known use of godhead was in the 13th century. Maybe you are someone else who can help?

God bless,

RLW

Part 3

So the transition was that Paul's epistles from Romans to Philemon depicted details of the rest of the Book of Acts from Jesus Christ blinding Paul in Damascus to the last chapter of Book of Acts. All Apostles are important. But because I am not a Jew, and God had chosen Paul to be the Apostle to the Gentiles, which I am, I believe God is telling me to read the writings of Paul. The Gospel revealed to Paul is in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. The difference between the early Apostles is that they were preaching who Jesus was VS Paul revelation from God was how that Christ died for our sins according to scriptures that he was buried and rose again the third day according to the scriptures. Why emphasized scriptures twice? Because we are talking about the same And only One God who manifested in three persons-God the Father, The God Son Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit (Trinity). Jesus death on the cross is a gift of grace for those who believe and justified through faith in Jesus blood, which I think Peter and the rest of the Apostles understood later through Paul Galatians 1:18. You see once you are sealed with the Holy Spirit of God you just know what to do. This I know I will not and refuse to think and accuse people today that they are anti-Christ if they are in any Christian Religion. They may have different interpretations, and traditional belief, but we have been warned about this in Colossians 2:8. That is fine with me if you do not believe the same way I understand the Bible. I just want to have a Godly conversation with anyone, for I am just another person who is trying to find the true God teachings in order to please the one and Holy God. To that effect, hoping that many will find the truth as well. Then in the end we all give Glory to God.

John 1:1

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."

Who is the Word?

John 1:14-15 says the Word is Jesus. Does anyone deny that the Word is Jesus?

If someone believes John 1:14, then do they believe John 1:1

"...the Word was God."

"...[Jesus] was God."

JESUS.

WAS.

GOD.

John 1:1

This is God's Word.

Some here are saying "Jesus was NOT God" despite John 1:1 clearly saying Jesus WAS God. I'd like to know exactly how someone can believe in all other verses of the Bible except this one? If something WAS something, that seems to offer little room for interpretation. It means it's the same, does it not? So, if something WAS something, how does someone twist this into believing it says something WAS NOT something?

It then must be asked: since it takes so much effort to take a sentence something WAS something to turn it into: something WAS NOT something, what is the true underlying motive here? Does God's Word carry the most weight and influence or does something else?

This is eerily similar to Gen 3:4 where satan denied what God said and claimed that they shall NOT surely die. Satan loves opposites and this seems to have his signature, does it not?

I welcome any perspective I'm missing, but do not consider anything other Bible verses as valid evidence. God's Word is all that matters and because there's already numerous verses supporting that Jesus is God like John 1:1 then that is what is true. Lastly, why not just pray and ask God directly to know the truth? Genuinely ask!

1 John 5:7-8

John 10:30

John 8:19

Genesis 1:26

Genesis 11:6-7

(plural "us")

Philippians 2:5-8

2 Corinthians 5:19

John 1:3

Matthew 28:19

1 Peter 1:2

2 Corinthians 13:14

Deuteronomy 6:4

John 14:10

John 20:28

1 John 2:22-24

Matthew 1:23-25

Colossians 2:9

Acts 17:29

Romans 1:20

Isaiah 7:14

Hebrews 1:8

Isaiah 44:6

Isaiah 43:11

Hi Doug,

This is an interesting logical argument. I find that in 1 Peter 3:22. Let's assume for argument's sake that your conclusion is correct and you get 1 point for this.

But for every verse you cite, there are even more that say that Jesus IS God, like John 1:1 saying the "Word was God" and verse 14 that Jesus is the Word.

This could continue to play out and you can cite any number of verses to support your position, but again we don't run out of very compelling verses saying that Jesus is God.

Let's say that it's a dead even race. 30 verses suggesting Jesus isn't vs 30 verses suggesting He is.

Then what? Which do you choose to believe?

I don't know if you've gone through this exercise or not, but I now have a spoiler: someone will run out of verses supporting that Jesus "isn't" God long before the verses supporting He IS God. Not only that, but each of the verses commonly cited to claim that Jesus "isn't" God require some extra creative interpretation and human logic whereas the verses supporting the other side can be read and interpreted more literally. Not only that, but there's logical explanations for why Jesus called His Father God. The main reason is that He temporarily became a human being and limited His power. Phil 2:6-7. So, yes, as a man, He prayed to His Father and called Him God. So, all verses must be considered as a whole, not cherry picked in order to have understanding about the Godhead and I admit it is hard to comprehend as we don't have anything like it in on earth. But perhaps like an orange with seeds, pulp, skin. Someone calls pulp an orange, and it is.

1 John 5:7-8

John 10:30

John 8:19

Genesis 1:26

, Genesis 11:6-7 (plural "us")

Philippians 2:5-8

2 Corinthians 5:19

John 1:3

Matthew 28:19

1 Peter 1:2

2 Corinthians 13:14

Deuteronomy 6:4

John 14:10

John 20:28

1 John 2:22-24

Matthew 1:23-25

Colossians 2:9

Acts 17:29

Romans 1:20

Isaiah 7:14

Hebrews 1:8

Isaiah 44:6

Isaiah 43:11

Romans 6:3-7 (Part 2)

I can get water baptized until I am water logged and it isn't going to do anything for me spiritually. It's just water on the outside of the body. Water baptism cannot produce the ministry Spirit of God. And if I look through this chapter, it's talking about being delivered from sin, dying to sin, and being born into the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. You don't do that through water. It's through the Spirit of God!



Spirit baptism, or the baptism of the Holy Spirit, is the name of the ministry of Jesus Christ. I know the term has been misused today so a lot of people try and stay away from the term "Baptism of the Spirit." But in Matthew 3:11, John the Baptist said "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance."

John's baptism is different than Christian baptism. His was for the Jews that they would repent at the coming of Messiah. He says I baptize you water unto repentance, (not remission of sin), but He that comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear, He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire. This is Jesus' ministry, to baptize us with His Spirit. The fire represents judgment. But we become a member of the body of Christ the moment we are saved and that is the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

In Galatians 3:27, it says "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ." So the baptism is parallel to and synonymous with putting on Christ, salvation, and receiving Christ. I have to understand this from Paul's perspective. Paul is the one that taught about Spiritual baptism being salvation, and the time that you come into the body of Christ. It is the Lord's ministry, and it is sad that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is misunderstood today and mistaught which takes away from the very function for which it is supposed to serve.

To be fair, I am going to look some more at Colossians 2:12. I may still be on the fence with that one. I hope you have a great day!

Hello again brother,

Here is why I believe Colossians 2:12 and Romans 6:3-7 are referring to spirit baptism. First of all we are told earlier on in Colossians Chapter 2 that we are circumcised by Christ by the putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh.

But now it tells us that we are also buried with him in baptism, wherein also you are risen with him through the faith of the operation, (or energizing of God), who has raised him from the dead.

Paul said in 1 Corinthians 12:13 that we are all baptized by one Spirit into the body of Christ. When a person is born of the Spirit of God, it is called the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It is the time when you are cleansed from your sin, and that is our identification with Christ. It is not water baptism that saves. Peter argued that in his first letter in Chapter 4 that it's not the pouring of water over the flesh, but it's the answer of a good conscience towards God. So for me, it's spiritual, not physical.

But what is baptism supposed to be for? Water baptism is a testimony of the inward work of God's Spirit. Can a person get baptized and still not be saved? Yes! I think we both agree that water baptism is an outward expression, a testimony of the inward work of God's Spirit. In other words, I am baptized by God's Spirit. That's the coming of Christ into my life, the cleansing.

And I get water baptized in order to be a testimony that I have experienced the Spiritual baptism by Christ. Like I said, I can be unsaved and still get baptized in a religious ceremony. But it doesn't mean a thing. It's just water. It's not spiritual. 1 Corinthians 12:13 tells us that we're all baptized by one Spirit into the body.

I'm running out of space. I'll send my thoughts on Romans 6:3-7 in a separate post.