Q/A: I have been reading your answers to questions regarding the Trinity and I would appreciate it if you could give me your conclusions on a couple of questions I would like answers to: 1.      Why for thousands of years did none of God’s prophets teach their people about the Trinity? 2.      Why would Jesus not make himself clear as to being a part of a Trinity?  He always said he was the Son of God and that his Father was greater than he was. 3.      Since when has a Spirit been a person?  A spirit is not made of flesh. You have stated in one of your answers that the Persons of the “triune” God are equal.  That is not true according to Philippians 2:5-6.  Your attitude should be the same as Christ, who being in very nature God (means like God in nature) DID NOT CONSIDER EQUALITY WITH GOD something he grasped—he made himself nothing. ... - Joan

Q/A: I read with interest some of your answers on the Trinity.  I suppose this is not so much a question as some thoughts on your answers.  For decades I tried to believe what my church told me.  Now I only believe what I can see in Scripture.  I honestly don’t know whether God is triune or not; I don’t see it taught in Scripture.  But I believe in God the Father, in the Lord Jesus Christ as his beloved Son, My Savior, and in the Holy Spirit of God.  I don’t see that it matters whether I believe in something just because it is a tradition.  You claim that one has to believe something to be a true Christian.  In doing that you diminish grace.  God’s gift of salvation is entirely free, dependent only on God’s choice.  You cannot attach conditions or it no longer is of grace, it is of works.  Of course being saved will produce fruit.  However, “the Lord knows those who are his”.  I think we will be surprised at some who are his saints— his mercy is great. - Dave

Q/A: Using only the Bible as a reference, please explain why the Trinity doctrine is considered to be a core essential.  What makes the doctrine rise to that level of importance while other doctrines, which have long historical acceptance in large portions of the Christian faith, do not?  I’m looking for an explanation that does not cite religious history for justification but instead only cites Bible scripture. - Kevin

Q/A: Do you believe that the Holy Spirit, Jesus and God are all one being?  Do you believe that when you are born again you are made a God or as God?  Do you believe that the only way to heaven for a woman is through her husband? - Jessica

Q/A: I am of the opinion that if God is a Trinity, then he has not told us so in Scripture and you Trinitarians must then admit that you do not hold Scripture as your only rule of faith and doctrine.  Is it possible to be a Christian while thinking the Trinity doctrine is nonsense? - James

Q/A: ... I am still having issues with the Trinity. ... When I die, I know without a shadow of a doubt I will be with the Lord forever.  I will have a glorified body like my Savior, and I know I’m trying to look at this through the eyes of flesh instead of the Spirit.  Do you feel that in heaven we will see Jesus (glorified body) and two spirits?  Or what? - Michael

Q/A: Can you tell me what it means in Revelation when it talks about the seven spirits of God?  My son is confused and says this is a contradiction of the Trinity.  I don’t understand it myself, but I know there is only one God in three persons.  Can you please help us to understand this? - Vicki

Q/A: I have been studying the intimate relationship that God the Father requires of his children with him and Jesus Christ.  Particularly one’s relationship with God’s Holy Spirit and our human spirit. Are we becoming one with God and Jesus Christ through his Holy Spirit, but yet not losing our individual identity? - Fred

Q/A: I often hear you saying that belief in the Trinity is the foundation of authentic Christianity.  What do you think about people who claim to be Christians but say that the Trinity is false—perhaps even pagan and Satanic? - Jim

Q/A: When we pray, to whom do we direct our prayers?  Jesus Christ?  The Father?  Christ taught his disciples to pray to the Father.  Was Christ (the Word) actually the God of the Old Testament?  I guess what I am looking for is, how does Jesus Christ fit into prayer?  Is it acceptable to pray to Christ?  Praying in Jesus’ name—is that also a way of praying to him or around him?  Through Christ or “around” Christ to reach the Father? I hope you understand my many questions and would give me a little insight. - Anthony

Q/A: My wife and I have been married for 9 years.  When we married I assumed that she believed in God as I did, as one God existing as a trinity of persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.... I found out shortly after we were married that she was raised in the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI).  The United Pentecostal Church (UPC) teaches that God is one, manifesting himself in three ways.  They believe Jesus is not only the Son but also the Father and Holy Spirit.  This belief has been referred to as “oneness” or “Jesus only”.... For our entire nine years of marriage we have both been members of a church that teaches the Trinitarian view of God.  I assumed that she now accepted this. Five or six months ago her father passed away.  He was also a member of the UPCI.  Ever since the time of her father’s death she has started attending the UPCI church meetings by herself on Tuesday mornings and Wednesday evenings.  She has been attending church on Sundays with me at our home church for the a.m. and p.m. services.  I have told her that I do not support the theology and doctrine of the UPCI and that I basically consider it a cult. Now she says she wants to attend the UPCI church exclusively by herself since she knows that I will not attend there with her.... I think she started going to the UPCI after her father’s death because it made her feel closer to him, due to this being his home church.  I did not object at the time because I knew she was grieving for her father.  Now I don’t know what to do. I gave her scripture where she is not being submissive to me on this and she blew it off.... Any opinions for a brother in the Lord?  Please pray for my situation.- Larry

Q/A: In Isaiah 9:6 the name used to describe Jesus is the “eternal father”.  Some religious groups use this scripture to promote the oneness or Jesus only movement.  Please share with me your thoughts concerning this title. Also, please share with me your wisdom of the scripture found in Matthew 19:24, Mark 10:25, and Luke 18:25 of the camel and the “eye of the needle”. Thanks in helping others to get a better understanding of the Word. - T.W.

Q/A: In 1 Corinthians 15:28 it states Jesus will be subjected to God after all has been put under Christ. Are we not plainly seeing the operations of a hierarchy? How can this hold with the interpretation that Jesus is God? Thank you, your ministry is very much appreciated. - Terry

Q/A: I have two questions: 1. Does the Trinity merely assert that God is one in three persons or does it go further and attempt to explain exactly how? 2. Would it be fair to say that the doctrine of the Trinity is man’s attempt to define and explain God, rather than God’s explanation of himself? - Dave

Q/A: Could you please explain 1 John 5:16-17?  What is this sin that is not unto death?  Also explain 1 John 5:7.  Is it true that this verse is not found in some of the earlier manuscripts?  If this is true, what are the implications of this? - David

Q/A: I have wanted to mail you about questions regarding the Holy Spirit: did the Triune God always exist? My thinking is that the Trinity could not have always existed because Jesus was born as a human being.  His physical body was born at a specific time and place on this earth.  From my understanding, the Holy Spirit always existed.  It says that Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.  Does that mean that when Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in Matthew 3:13-15 and then the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles (at Pentecost) that these were actual events that symbolized the power of the Holy Spirit which always existed? Does my understanding suggest that God the Father and the Holy Spirit were two before Jesus, and then the mystery of the Trinity was revealed when Jesus was born and existed on earth? - Robert

Q/A: Do you think Jesus Christ was the God of the Old Testament? - George

Q/A: If God and Jesus are the same being, then: 1.  Who forsook Jesus on the cross? 2.  Who was Jesus praying to his whole life? Does your ministry believe he was acting during these times? - Scott

Q/A: Do you think it’s possible that Christ and the Holy Spirit are the same?  Christ said he would not leave us orphans, but would come to us and live in us, yet he prayed that the Father would send the comforter, the Holy Spirit. - Joe

Q/A: By what authority do you preach the Trinity?  Where in the Bible does it speak of a holy Trinity?  Is not this teaching from the Roman Catholic Church?  In 1 Corinthians 11:3 it is written, the head of Christ is God.  In all your answers, your main emphasis seems to be that Jesus is God. Does not Jesus refer to God as “my God, and your God”?  Can God have a God?  God is not the author of confusion, Satan is.  As for me, I believe what Jesus said is the first of the commandments: Hear O Israel, the Lord your God is one Lord. - Bill

Q/A: My question concerns the Trinity.  Does the “Holy Spirit” represent the third part of the Trinity? - Raymond

Q/A: I attend different prayer groups.  In almost all of these groups, prayer requests are made directly to the Holy Sprit.  Should we speak directly to the Holy Spirit?  I am not able to find any evidence of this taking place anywhere in the scriptures. - Jim

Q/A: Some believe that Jesus is God.  Is there not God the Father and Jesus, His son?  Why would Jesus cry out to Him if they were one and the same? - Tam

Q/A: I appreciate your ministry. Presently I am discussing various beliefs with a “Jehovah’s Witness”.  Denying Christ’s divinity (as it seems these folks do) in my view comes close to “taking the name of the Lord thy God in vain”—not recommended!!  ... One of their main sticking points is the Trinity doctrine, and I have supplied him with various articles in an attempt to explain this to him.  He writes:  “I am interested in your comments on Bible verses relating to the time after Jesus’ resurrection, such as 1 Corinthians 15:24,28.” He later writes: “…does the Father have more knowledge than the son, or does this apply only when Jesus was on earth?  (Matthew 24:36)” Could you please help me to provide authoritative answers for him? - Ian

Q/A: You made a statement recently that pagans worshipped a triune god.  This is in error.  The Hindu worship a god that is one essence or unity but three in manifestation.  The Hindi believe that Brahma, Yishnu, and Shiva are one god manifested in the persons.  Many drawings and statues of this god show one body with three faces or heads, just as many drawings and statues of Catholic origin show the trinity as one body with three faces or heads.  So in summary, your statement on pagan origins of the trinity was incorrect. - Pastor Ray

Q/A: .... I was reading in Genesis and came across Genesis 1:26, “And God said, Let Us make man. . .”   It’s apparent that God was not alone, someone was with Him.  Who was it? -  Bob

Q/A: I have been studying about the fundamental doctrine of the Trinity so that I can defend the faith.  My girlfriend’s parents are christadelphians and as I have studied in the web page, they deny this basic doctrine.   I have found a lot of biblical proofs of Jesus Christ’s deity, but there is a passage where Jesus said that he himself did not know when the day of His return would be, only the Father.  I need to know how this could be interpreted, because these people say it is because Jesus is divine but not God himself. - Alexander

Q/A: I am having trouble with the distinction of the Trinity.  In the Q&A section you answered a question from Mike about who the father of Jesus is.  You said, “Jesus the man was fathered by God, specifically the agency of the Holy Spirit who overshadowed Mary” and I wonder if you could go over this in a little more depth.  Specifically, this passage seems to blur the distinction between God the Father and God the Spirit.  Maybe this passage doesn’t mean what it sounds like it is saying? - Mark

Q/A: ...  I do believe in the trinity, but would you give me scripture to prove the Holy Spirit is a person?  I was talking to someone and I was weak in expressing my view.  I would like to be able to have something to back up my belief. - Ron

Q/A: I disagree with your Triune concept of God.  I have diligently studied the Bible for 31 years.   I do not think that you grasp the concept of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is a small part of the Father plus a small part of Jesus combined to give us a small part of Godly energy so that we can be changed into God beings.  The Holy Spirit is a communication link to the Father and a sanctification seal on the elect. - Harold

Q/A: ... I’ve been reading a great deal of your forum today, and I would like to invite your response on the topics of the Incarnation and the Trinity.  In my past studies in Scripture, Theology and Church History, my conclusion is that the Bible does not EXPLICITLY state that God and Jesus are One, nor does it explicitly state that there is a unity of divine and human nature in the man Jesus.  I believe that people have interpreted, too literally, references and phrases regarding Jesus’ statement that “I and the Father are one” and others where there is singular mention of “the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.” ... Greg, I would very much enjoy your response and insight on my mention of scriptural inference and interpretation, specifically regarding the incarnation and trinity doctrines.  I welcome your balanced perspective, because I believe it can only add to my knowledge and help to strengthen my faith. - Robb 

Q/A: I applaud your efforts to share what you feel is the truth to fellow Bible readers and would ask your assistance with some questions I’ve been presented with. All questions address the idea of a Trinity... 1) Why is Jesus called the "firstborn of all creation" (Colossians 1:15, Revelation 3:14) if God had no being, or not created? 2) Why did Jesus say he did not come of his "own initiative" but was "sent forth"? (John 8:42). I mean, who sent him if he is God – himself? 3) Why did Jesus not know the "day and hour" of the Great Tribulation, or judgment day, but his father, God did. In other words, doesn’t God Almighty know everything? If Jesus is God, wouldn’t he know everything also? (Matthew 24:36). - Niki

Q/A: 1. Who does Jesus pray to on the many occasions that he prayed? 2. How is it that Jesus "will sit at God’s right hand?" (Psalm 110:1, Hebrews 10:12-13). 3. Why would it be necessary to "hand over the kingdom to his God" and subject himself to God? (1 Corinthians 15:24, 28). - Niki

Q/A: What is the true name of our Heavenly Father and Creator and what is his Son’s true name? - Franklin

Q/A: I looked through some of your answers to questions regarding the trinity. I have difficulties agreeing with some of your answers. You mentioned phrases like "God the Son".., but this term is not found in the Bible – we only know "Son of God" in the Bible. To name God the son is to humanize the eternal God which is wrong and an act of blasphemy. Also, the phrase "eternal son" is not in the Bible. What we find is the begotten son…because we know the Son has a beginning and he is not in existence in the beginning except in the mind of God. I believe in the "Oneness" of God and the Father, son and Holy Spirit are but titles of the One God – Jesus Christ. Deuteronomy 6:4 says it all: "Hear, O Israel, the Lord thy God is one Lord…." - Irene

Q/A: I have looked at some of the answers given to the curious and to the sincere. I believe your heart is attempting to give valid answers, but Greg, they just aren’t true. How can you tell interested ones that Jesus was "divine" when he was on the earth? Satan would easily have challenged Jehovah with this response: "How is it you claim Jesus is an equal and corresponding sacrifice if he is greater than Adam?" You see, Greg, if Jesus had been any more than "Adam", (with freedom of choice as to whom he served) he could not have been that "equal sacrifice". This also blows a hole in the "trinity" story. If Jehovah sent himself, how could it prove that a MAN could be faithful to death? Satan would have had a field day with this one! You might consider the "whole of the scriptures" before misleading any more sheep-like children of God. I doubt you will print this as it would cause you too much controversy. Please think about these things, and reply if you feel so inclined. I believe you are seeking the truth, but you might be so involved in your "business" that certain things are escaping your view. - Anthony

Q/A: 1 John 1 states the one who has existed from eternity became flesh. Does this mean since God is One, the one and only God became flesh, therefore, the Father manifested Himself in the flesh to become Jesus? Since he was fully God and fully man, was he also fully the Father and fully his son, Jesus? Still being one God? Our one God certainly could be both Father and Son at the same time because he is God. He can do anything. Even be his own son. - Alan

Q/A: I do not know if I am at the right place to ask this question and help me to understand this Bible chapter. As I was reading the Bible, the book of Ezekiel, chapter 1, I could not understand. Please explain what you think is the outcome of this chapter. - Ajay

Q/A: How can I explain to people (in plain English) the answer to the question: "If Jesus is God then why did he not know the hour and only his Father knew?" I know the book of John says he knows all. But, I am having trouble explaining how he humbled himself and why? Also, I desire to be able to remember scripture but just can’t. I am a "homeschool mother" and my mind is so full of everything else, I just can’t make it stick. I have prayed and I know God is faithful. How can I become prepared in such a busy life. Thank you and God bless. - Julie

Q/A: I am wondering why we as humans always address God in male terms, and just what did Jesus mean when he made the statement that those who had seen him had seen the Father? I have always thought of God as being a Spirit and those that worship him must worship him in the Spirit. Can you explain these questions to me? Thanks, and may God continue to bless you and your ministry. - Bob

Q/A: I am a strong believer in the Trinity (the Triune nature of God), but I still have a hard time understanding how God can remain a Trinity and yet Jesus be resurrected in bodily form even to this day. How can we say then that there are not "two" separate God beings? - Diane

Q/A: We have been doing a Bible study where the subject of baptism was discussed. It was pointed out that before Jesus’ death and resurrection, baptism was performed in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. After Jesus’ resurrection, Peter taught in Acts 2:38 to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins and you would receive the Holy Spirit... Our Bible study friends believe that Christians should be baptized in the name of Jesus so that they will be recognized as the bride of Christ when the rapture comes. What does Plain Truth Ministries have to say about this?

Q/A: Can you explain (briefly) the trinity? - Bob

Q/A: Isn't the Trinity pagan? Please answer. - Keith

Q/A: Relating to the Trinity, explain why Jesus said in Matthew 27:46, my God my God why have you forsaken me? - Dean and Celia

Q/A: Concerning the Trinity – In the phrase - one in essence, - what does it mean? What is God’s essence? And in God as three persons – what is meant by person? - Paul

Q/A: I have hang-ups on a number of doctrines. I need help with the doctrines of the Trinity, baptism, and eternal salvation. I know that this is a large order, but I honestly need to understand the truth in these areas. Can you help me out? - David

Q/A: Who is the father of Jesus? Jesus said God was his father but Matthew 1:20 says the Holy Spirit is his father. - Mike

Q/A: I have been reading Edward Gibbon’s, Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. I remembered reading about the schism in the 12^th century, chapter LX, years ago and wanted to check it out again. It seems that the Catholic Latins believed that the third person of the Trinity (Holy Spirit) comes from or proceeds from the Father and the Son. That the birth of Jesus was less analogous to the Holy Spirit, who, instead of a divine gift or attribute, was considered like a substance (force), a person, a god. The Holy Spirit was not begotten but in the orthodox style proceeds from both the Father and the Son. What do you think? I thought that the Holy Spirit is a divine person just like God the Father and Jesus? - Dennis

Q/A: I appreciate your ministry. Presently I am discussing various beliefs with a “Jehovah’s Witness”.  Denying Christ’s divinity (as it seems these folks do) in my view comes close to “taking the name of the Lord thy God in vain”—not recommended!!  ... One of their main sticking points is the Trinity doctrine, and I have supplied him with various articles in an attempt to explain this to him.  He writes:  “I am interested in your comments on Bible verses relating to the time after Jesus’ resurrection, such as 1 Corinthians 15:24,28.” He later writes: “…does the Father have more knowledge than the son, or does this apply only when Jesus was on earth?  (Matthew 24:36)” Could you please help me to provide authoritative answers for him? - Ian

Q/A: I have a good friend who had done extensive study of the scriptures.  His belief (I don’t agree) is that “Jesus is the son of God, not God, the Son.”  It sounds to me like he does not believe in the triunity of the Godhead, but I do not have enough knowledge at this time to present the truth.  To me it would seem that leaving Christ separate from God in this way is not biblical.   Others of my acquaintances have said this person is part of a cult, but I find that hard to believe.  Can you give me an overview of what this belief is and some references to study? - Walt

Q/A: I believe that Jesus is NOT God.  Jesus is our Lord.  He is God’s son and he is our Savior!  I believe in the Holy trinity!  There are 3 bodies: Father, Son and Holy Ghost! Jesus is NOT God because: 1.      Exodus 20—God is a jealous God and we should have no other gods.  We are not to have any idols!  The Catholic Church prays to Mary, which, in my opinion, is an idol.  Our direct contact should be with God. 2.      When Jesus was baptized, he prayed.  The Holy spirit came down upon him in the form of a dove.  A voice from heaven said, “You are my own dear Son, and I am pleased with you”.  God talks to Himself?  God was proud of His Son! 3.      Luke 9:34: “While Peter was still speaking, a shadow from a cloud passed over them.  From the cloud a voice spoke, “This is my chosen son, listen to what he says!” 4.      Luke 10:16: “My followers, whoever listens to you is listening to me. Anyone who says ‘no’ to me is really saying ‘no’ to the one who sent me.”  His Father, God, sent Him. I believe in God.  I believe in the 10 Commandments.  I believe in the apostles’ creed.  I believe in Jesus, as God’s son. - Max

Q/A: I’m having difficulty explaining to a friend that Jesus is both fully God and fully human in the present tense. She can understand ‘was’ human, but not "is". Any suggestions? - Don