Got Questions? https://www.mosaiccc.com Biblical Wisdom for Today's Honest Questions Fri, 29 Mar 2024 10:55:10 -0400 http://churchplantmedia.com/ Where did Mankind come from? https://www.mosaiccc.com/got-questions/post/where-is-mankind-come-from https://www.mosaiccc.com/got-questions/post/where-is-mankind-come-from#comments Fri, 03 Jun 2022 14:00:00 -0400 https://www.mosaiccc.com/got-questions/post/where-is-mankind-come-from Mankind, both male and female, is created in the image and likeness of God. The account of Man’s creation is found in the first two chapters of Genesis. From that account, and other places in the Bible, we can draw the following observations: 

 

  1. It is God who created the heavens, the earth, and mankind. He created time (“in the beginning”), space (“the heavens”), and matter (“and the earth”). The writer of the book of Hebrews, wrote, “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” (Hebrews 11:3). 
  2. Man was the final piece of God’s creation. God spoke everything else into existence, but when it came to man, He formed Adam from the dust of the earth. This is different from the way God created everything else. Genesis 2:7 tells us, “... the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” 
  3. Jesus endorsed the Genesis account of creation when he said, “Haven’t you read ... that at the beginning the Creator made them male and female.” (Matthew 19:4) 
  4. God gave man a charge, to “... be fruitful and increase in number, fill the earth and subdue it.” (Genesis 1:28) In other words, man is the capstone of creation and has a God-given responsibility over the earth. 
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Mankind, both male and female, is created in the image and likeness of God. The account of Man’s creation is found in the first two chapters of Genesis. From that account, and other places in the Bible, we can draw the following observations: 

 

  1. It is God who created the heavens, the earth, and mankind. He created time (“in the beginning”), space (“the heavens”), and matter (“and the earth”). The writer of the book of Hebrews, wrote, “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” (Hebrews 11:3). 
  2. Man was the final piece of God’s creation. God spoke everything else into existence, but when it came to man, He formed Adam from the dust of the earth. This is different from the way God created everything else. Genesis 2:7 tells us, “... the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” 
  3. Jesus endorsed the Genesis account of creation when he said, “Haven’t you read ... that at the beginning the Creator made them male and female.” (Matthew 19:4) 
  4. God gave man a charge, to “... be fruitful and increase in number, fill the earth and subdue it.” (Genesis 1:28) In other words, man is the capstone of creation and has a God-given responsibility over the earth. 
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Who is the Holy Spirit? https://www.mosaiccc.com/got-questions/post/who-is-the-holy-spirit https://www.mosaiccc.com/got-questions/post/who-is-the-holy-spirit#comments Wed, 25 May 2022 14:00:00 -0400 https://www.mosaiccc.com/got-questions/post/who-is-the-holy-spirit The Holy Spirit is perhaps the least understood member of the Triune God. He the third person of the Trinity, co-equal with the Father and Son. Among other things, He convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. He guides us into all truth and gives us life. He is the Supernatural Agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the body of Christ, indwelling and sealing them unto the day of redemption. (Genesis 1:2, John 16:8-13, Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians 12:13, 2 Corinthians 3:6, Ephesians 5:18) 

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The Holy Spirit is perhaps the least understood member of the Triune God. He the third person of the Trinity, co-equal with the Father and Son. Among other things, He convicts the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. He guides us into all truth and gives us life. He is the Supernatural Agent in regeneration, baptizing all believers into the body of Christ, indwelling and sealing them unto the day of redemption. (Genesis 1:2, John 16:8-13, Romans 8:9, 1 Corinthians 12:13, 2 Corinthians 3:6, Ephesians 5:18) 

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What is Sin? https://www.mosaiccc.com/got-questions/post/what-is-sin https://www.mosaiccc.com/got-questions/post/what-is-sin#comments Wed, 25 May 2022 14:00:00 -0400 https://www.mosaiccc.com/got-questions/post/what-is-sin This is a very important question, and while the answer might be simple, the effects of sin are profound. It would be wonderful if there were no such thing as sin. It would be fantastic if every human being was by nature loving, patient, kind, and full of goodness. But that isn’t our reality. 

 

Sin, at its core, is living apart from God. Speaking through the prophet Jeremiah, God said, “My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water” (Jeremiah 2:13). Sin, in God’s definition, has two parts, (1) we turned our backs on the God who created us, and (2) attempted to exist on our own, apart from God. Every other sin proceeds from these two choices.

 

It is also important to note that when the Bible speaks about sin, it not only speaks about sinful acts, but it also speaks of sin as a power. Sin is not only the act of lying, cheating, stealing, or some other wrongful act. Sin is the thing in us that compels us to do wrong. The apostle Paul wrote the clearest description of the battle within every human. 

 

“We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do - this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it” (Romans 7:14-21). 

 

In summary, sin is rebellion against God. It is not merely doing bad things, but rather it is a power that compels people to reject God. 

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This is a very important question, and while the answer might be simple, the effects of sin are profound. It would be wonderful if there were no such thing as sin. It would be fantastic if every human being was by nature loving, patient, kind, and full of goodness. But that isn’t our reality. 

 

Sin, at its core, is living apart from God. Speaking through the prophet Jeremiah, God said, “My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water” (Jeremiah 2:13). Sin, in God’s definition, has two parts, (1) we turned our backs on the God who created us, and (2) attempted to exist on our own, apart from God. Every other sin proceeds from these two choices.

 

It is also important to note that when the Bible speaks about sin, it not only speaks about sinful acts, but it also speaks of sin as a power. Sin is not only the act of lying, cheating, stealing, or some other wrongful act. Sin is the thing in us that compels us to do wrong. The apostle Paul wrote the clearest description of the battle within every human. 

 

“We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do - this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it” (Romans 7:14-21). 

 

In summary, sin is rebellion against God. It is not merely doing bad things, but rather it is a power that compels people to reject God. 

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What are "Spiritual Gifts"? https://www.mosaiccc.com/got-questions/post/what-are--spiritual-gifts- https://www.mosaiccc.com/got-questions/post/what-are--spiritual-gifts-#comments Wed, 25 May 2022 14:00:00 -0400 https://www.mosaiccc.com/got-questions/post/what-are--spiritual-gifts- The New Testament has a lot to say about spiritual gifts. The first thing to note is that gifts (and talents) are different than the fruit of the Spirit. Fruit, in the New Testament, has to do with godly character. Gifts have to do with a unique set of talents and abilities that God bestows upon each person. Some are permanent while others are temporary, given by God for a particular occasion. Various spiritual gifts are listed in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and 1 Peter 4. 

 

We believe that God is sovereign in the giving of spiritual gifts. We also believe that any particular spiritual gift is neither essential, nor proves the presence of the Holy Spirit, nor is an indication of deep spiritual experience (1 Corinthians 12:7, 11, 13; Ephesians 4:7-8). We believe that it is the privilege and responsibility of every believer to minister according to the gift(s) and grace of God that is given to them. (Romans 12:1-8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 1 Peter 4:10-11)  

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The New Testament has a lot to say about spiritual gifts. The first thing to note is that gifts (and talents) are different than the fruit of the Spirit. Fruit, in the New Testament, has to do with godly character. Gifts have to do with a unique set of talents and abilities that God bestows upon each person. Some are permanent while others are temporary, given by God for a particular occasion. Various spiritual gifts are listed in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, and 1 Peter 4. 

 

We believe that God is sovereign in the giving of spiritual gifts. We also believe that any particular spiritual gift is neither essential, nor proves the presence of the Holy Spirit, nor is an indication of deep spiritual experience (1 Corinthians 12:7, 11, 13; Ephesians 4:7-8). We believe that it is the privilege and responsibility of every believer to minister according to the gift(s) and grace of God that is given to them. (Romans 12:1-8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 1 Peter 4:10-11)  

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What is the church? https://www.mosaiccc.com/got-questions/post/what-is-the-church https://www.mosaiccc.com/got-questions/post/what-is-the-church#comments Wed, 25 May 2022 14:00:00 -0400 https://www.mosaiccc.com/got-questions/post/what-is-the-church The church, which is also called the body of Christ, is a spiritual organism made up of all born-again persons. God created man to live in community, and the church is the expression of that community. The universal church consists of everyone who has placed their faith in Jesus Christ. The local church is a subset of the universal church and consists of a group of Christians who meet regularly in a particular location. It is important to note that the church is the people, not the building. (Matthew 16:18, Acts 11:25-26, 20:28, 1 Corinthians 12:12-14; 2 Corinthians 11:2, Ephesians 1:22-23, 3:10) 

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The church, which is also called the body of Christ, is a spiritual organism made up of all born-again persons. God created man to live in community, and the church is the expression of that community. The universal church consists of everyone who has placed their faith in Jesus Christ. The local church is a subset of the universal church and consists of a group of Christians who meet regularly in a particular location. It is important to note that the church is the people, not the building. (Matthew 16:18, Acts 11:25-26, 20:28, 1 Corinthians 12:12-14; 2 Corinthians 11:2, Ephesians 1:22-23, 3:10) 

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Is Critical Race Theory compatible with the Bible? https://www.mosaiccc.com/got-questions/post/crt-and-the-bible https://www.mosaiccc.com/got-questions/post/crt-and-the-bible#comments Wed, 25 May 2022 13:00:00 -0400 https://www.mosaiccc.com/got-questions/post/crt-and-the-bible This all depends on what someone means by CRT. If it means there are racial and ethnic disparities in the United States that have persisted despite decades of civil rights reforms, then there is truth to it. If it means that more than 150 years after the Civil War was fought there still exist systems and attitudes that negatively affect African Americans to a greater degree, then it has a point. If it means there is a tendency for people in power to marginalize those who are not, we see this time and again through history, both in the Bible and in the history of every nation.

The Bible is clear that every human is created in God's image, bears His likeness, and carries equal value as His created beings.

The Bible is clear that every human is created in God's image, bears His likeness, and carries equal value before God. Our value before God is irrespective of race, ethnicity, sex, age, class, or any other metric. Paul wrote,“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28b) James wrote likewise, “If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers" (James 2:8-9). We should value others as God values them. Since the Fall, however, men and women in every part of the world, all throughout history, have not treated one another in that fashion.

The Bible is also clear that God has a special place in His heart for the poor, oppressed, and marginalized. David captured this when he wrote, “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed” (Psalm 82:3). When Jesus announced the beginning of His ministry, He quoted from the prophet Isaiah,“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19). God cares for the poor and oppressed regardless of race or ethnicity. So should we.

CRT, along with every other worldview, must be measured in relationship to what the Bible teaches. To the degree it aligns with a Biblical worldview, it can be helpful. To the degree it opposes a Biblical worldview, it should not be used. CRT can be effective when used to illuminate the various racial and ethnic disparities that exist in any nation. But it is entirely unable to offer a transformative solution, precisely because it does not understand the heart of the problem, which is fallen, sinful men and women of every race. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the only thing able to transform the human heart. It is the only foundation able to produce a culture where every person is valued, regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, or class standing.

The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the only thing able to transform the human heart. It is the only foundation able to produce a culture where every person is valued, regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, or class standing.

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This all depends on what someone means by CRT. If it means there are racial and ethnic disparities in the United States that have persisted despite decades of civil rights reforms, then there is truth to it. If it means that more than 150 years after the Civil War was fought there still exist systems and attitudes that negatively affect African Americans to a greater degree, then it has a point. If it means there is a tendency for people in power to marginalize those who are not, we see this time and again through history, both in the Bible and in the history of every nation.

The Bible is clear that every human is created in God's image, bears His likeness, and carries equal value as His created beings.

The Bible is clear that every human is created in God's image, bears His likeness, and carries equal value before God. Our value before God is irrespective of race, ethnicity, sex, age, class, or any other metric. Paul wrote,“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28b) James wrote likewise, “If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers" (James 2:8-9). We should value others as God values them. Since the Fall, however, men and women in every part of the world, all throughout history, have not treated one another in that fashion.

The Bible is also clear that God has a special place in His heart for the poor, oppressed, and marginalized. David captured this when he wrote, “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed” (Psalm 82:3). When Jesus announced the beginning of His ministry, He quoted from the prophet Isaiah,“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19). God cares for the poor and oppressed regardless of race or ethnicity. So should we.

CRT, along with every other worldview, must be measured in relationship to what the Bible teaches. To the degree it aligns with a Biblical worldview, it can be helpful. To the degree it opposes a Biblical worldview, it should not be used. CRT can be effective when used to illuminate the various racial and ethnic disparities that exist in any nation. But it is entirely unable to offer a transformative solution, precisely because it does not understand the heart of the problem, which is fallen, sinful men and women of every race. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the only thing able to transform the human heart. It is the only foundation able to produce a culture where every person is valued, regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, or class standing.

The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the only thing able to transform the human heart. It is the only foundation able to produce a culture where every person is valued, regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, or class standing.

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What is the Bible? https://www.mosaiccc.com/got-questions/post/what-is-the-bible https://www.mosaiccc.com/got-questions/post/what-is-the-bible#comments Wed, 25 May 2022 13:00:00 -0400 https://www.mosaiccc.com/got-questions/post/what-is-the-bible The Bible is an amazing book, or rather a collection of 66 books divided into two parts with a common theme. Christians throughout the centuries consider the Bible to be the infallible Word of God. It was inspired by God and its original manuscripts are free from errors and contradictions. The Bible is the supreme and ultimate authority in all matters of Christian doctrine. In matters not addressed by the Bible, truth must be consistent with what the Bible teaches. (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21) 

 

The Old Testament, consisting of 39 books, can be divided into four parts. The first is the Law (also called the Torah or Pentateuch), which is the first five books and covers the period from creation to Moses. The second is the Historical books, which covers the history of the Jewish people from Joshua through the return from Babylonian captivity. The third is the Wisdom books, which include Psalms, Proverbs, and others. The fourth part is the Prophets, which is sometimes further divided into the Major and Minor Prophets. 

 

The New Testament, with 27 books, is also divided into several parts. The four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) are accounts of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, culminating in His death and resurrection. The Book of Acts is a short history of the first 30 years of church history. Then come 13 letters written by Paul, an early apostle and church leader, to various churches and other leaders. After that are an additional eight letters written by others, and finally the Book of Revelation. 

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The Bible is an amazing book, or rather a collection of 66 books divided into two parts with a common theme. Christians throughout the centuries consider the Bible to be the infallible Word of God. It was inspired by God and its original manuscripts are free from errors and contradictions. The Bible is the supreme and ultimate authority in all matters of Christian doctrine. In matters not addressed by the Bible, truth must be consistent with what the Bible teaches. (2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:21) 

 

The Old Testament, consisting of 39 books, can be divided into four parts. The first is the Law (also called the Torah or Pentateuch), which is the first five books and covers the period from creation to Moses. The second is the Historical books, which covers the history of the Jewish people from Joshua through the return from Babylonian captivity. The third is the Wisdom books, which include Psalms, Proverbs, and others. The fourth part is the Prophets, which is sometimes further divided into the Major and Minor Prophets. 

 

The New Testament, with 27 books, is also divided into several parts. The four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) are accounts of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, culminating in His death and resurrection. The Book of Acts is a short history of the first 30 years of church history. Then come 13 letters written by Paul, an early apostle and church leader, to various churches and other leaders. After that are an additional eight letters written by others, and finally the Book of Revelation. 

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Is Modern Evolutionary Theory Compatible with the Bible? https://www.mosaiccc.com/got-questions/post/evolution-and-the-bible https://www.mosaiccc.com/got-questions/post/evolution-and-the-bible#comments Wed, 25 May 2022 13:00:00 -0400 https://www.mosaiccc.com/got-questions/post/evolution-and-the-bible The short answer is, NO. But we must first distinguish between micro- and macro-evolution. For purposes of this discussion, micro-evolution refers to the observable reality that species adapt to changing circumstances. Such changes though, have never been shown to create an entirely new species. Macro-evolution is the theory that the first living organisms came from non-living matter, and that the diversity of life then came through small changes here and there, natural selection, the struggle for survival, and vast amounts of time. 

The major difference between evolutionary theory and the Genesis account of creation is the place of God. Evolutionary theory has no place for a God who is intimately and actively connected with His creation. The Genesis account, on the other hand, shows God involved in every step of creation. Therefore, the two are incompatible.

The major difference between evolutionary theory and the Genesis account of creation is the place of God.

 

Evolutionary theory has two insurmountable barriers to explain, (1) how living matter arose from non-living matter, and (2) how the first living things became ever more complex, resulting in the astonishing diversity of life on earth today. The gulf between the most complex non-living things (crystalline structures) and the simplest living thing (a virus) is beyond imagination. Speaking about the difficulties that evolutionary theory faces, Stephen Jay Gould, a world-renowned evolutionary biologist, wrote, “…can we invent a reasonable sequence of intermediate forms – that is, viable, functioning organisms – between ancestors and descendants in major structural transitions? I submit, although it may only reflect my lack of imagination, that the answer is no.” (The Panda’s Thumb, page 189).

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The short answer is, NO. But we must first distinguish between micro- and macro-evolution. For purposes of this discussion, micro-evolution refers to the observable reality that species adapt to changing circumstances. Such changes though, have never been shown to create an entirely new species. Macro-evolution is the theory that the first living organisms came from non-living matter, and that the diversity of life then came through small changes here and there, natural selection, the struggle for survival, and vast amounts of time. 

The major difference between evolutionary theory and the Genesis account of creation is the place of God. Evolutionary theory has no place for a God who is intimately and actively connected with His creation. The Genesis account, on the other hand, shows God involved in every step of creation. Therefore, the two are incompatible.

The major difference between evolutionary theory and the Genesis account of creation is the place of God.

 

Evolutionary theory has two insurmountable barriers to explain, (1) how living matter arose from non-living matter, and (2) how the first living things became ever more complex, resulting in the astonishing diversity of life on earth today. The gulf between the most complex non-living things (crystalline structures) and the simplest living thing (a virus) is beyond imagination. Speaking about the difficulties that evolutionary theory faces, Stephen Jay Gould, a world-renowned evolutionary biologist, wrote, “…can we invent a reasonable sequence of intermediate forms – that is, viable, functioning organisms – between ancestors and descendants in major structural transitions? I submit, although it may only reflect my lack of imagination, that the answer is no.” (The Panda’s Thumb, page 189).

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Who is God? https://www.mosaiccc.com/got-questions/post/who-is-god https://www.mosaiccc.com/got-questions/post/who-is-god#comments Wed, 25 May 2022 13:00:00 -0400 https://www.mosaiccc.com/got-questions/post/who-is-god This is the most important question one can ask. The Bible is clear that God exists. The first words of the Bible are, “In the beginning God ...” (Genesis 1:1). The entire Bible claims to be inspired by God. In the prophet Isaiah, God declares, “I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’” (Isaiah 46:9-10) 

 

In the Bible, God reveals Himself as the only Supreme Being, with no gods created before or after Him in all of existence, in all places, in all time (Isaiah 43:10; 44:6). He has always been God and was never anything else (Psalm 90:2). He is Eternal (Isaiah 57:15), Omnipotent (Jeremiah 32:17,27), Omnipresent (Psalm 137:12), and Omniscient (1 John 3:20). He is Love (1 John 4:8,16); Light (1 John 1:5); Truth (Psalm 117:2); and Creator (Genesis 1:1). 

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This is the most important question one can ask. The Bible is clear that God exists. The first words of the Bible are, “In the beginning God ...” (Genesis 1:1). The entire Bible claims to be inspired by God. In the prophet Isaiah, God declares, “I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’” (Isaiah 46:9-10) 

 

In the Bible, God reveals Himself as the only Supreme Being, with no gods created before or after Him in all of existence, in all places, in all time (Isaiah 43:10; 44:6). He has always been God and was never anything else (Psalm 90:2). He is Eternal (Isaiah 57:15), Omnipotent (Jeremiah 32:17,27), Omnipresent (Psalm 137:12), and Omniscient (1 John 3:20). He is Love (1 John 4:8,16); Light (1 John 1:5); Truth (Psalm 117:2); and Creator (Genesis 1:1). 

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What is the Trinity? https://www.mosaiccc.com/got-questions/post/what-is-the-trinity https://www.mosaiccc.com/got-questions/post/what-is-the-trinity#comments Wed, 25 May 2022 13:00:00 -0400 https://www.mosaiccc.com/got-questions/post/what-is-the-trinity The Trinity is a difficult concept to grasp. Is there one God? Or are there three? These, and other questions have perplexed people through the ages. The best we can do is to accept God’s description of Himself, whether we fully understand it or not. 

 

In the Genesis account of creation, God said, “Let us make man in our image.” He did not say, “Let me make man in my image.” That implies that God is more than one, and yet we read in God’s declaration to Moses, “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4). God is one and yet He refers to Himself as “us” and “our”. Is God singular or plural?

 

The Bible teaches there is one God in whom there are three eternal, distinct, simultaneous persons – the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. All three are the one God, co-eternal and co-equal, yet there is only one God, not three gods, and not one person who took three modes. (Gen. 1:26-27; 3:22; Matt. 3:16-17; 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14, Ephesians 2:18, 1 Peter 1:2). 

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The Trinity is a difficult concept to grasp. Is there one God? Or are there three? These, and other questions have perplexed people through the ages. The best we can do is to accept God’s description of Himself, whether we fully understand it or not. 

 

In the Genesis account of creation, God said, “Let us make man in our image.” He did not say, “Let me make man in my image.” That implies that God is more than one, and yet we read in God’s declaration to Moses, “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4). God is one and yet He refers to Himself as “us” and “our”. Is God singular or plural?

 

The Bible teaches there is one God in whom there are three eternal, distinct, simultaneous persons – the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. All three are the one God, co-eternal and co-equal, yet there is only one God, not three gods, and not one person who took three modes. (Gen. 1:26-27; 3:22; Matt. 3:16-17; 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14, Ephesians 2:18, 1 Peter 1:2). 

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