pastorlarrydelacruz.weebly.com · web viewbut god can take the form of a man. he can do this...

IGLESIA NI CRISTO’SDENIAL

OF THE DEITY OF CHRIST(FOUNDED 1914)

Pastor Larry Dela Cruz

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JESUS CHRIST IS MAN IN NATUREAND HE IS NOT GOD

THE KEY IN ANSWERING IS ALWAYS GOING TO THE TEXT THE IGLESIA NI CRISTO HAS QUOTED AND WE CAN FIND THEIR ERROR AND MISAPPLICATION OF THE TEXT. WE SHOULD BE IN THE CONTEXT.

QUESTION:

“Good evening, I am a born again Christian. Why the Iglesia Ni Cristo believe that the Lord Jesus is a man and not God. Is this teaching written in the Bible?”

INC ANSWER:

It is not only our statement or opinion. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself proclaimed that He is a man:

John 8:40 NKJV“But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this.”According to this verse, the Lord Jesus did not only make an explicit statement that He is a Man, but also showed that He is different from God. He said, “a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God.” Actually, there are many statements of the Lord Jesus that clearly show that He is indeed different from God. These are some of those statements:

Let us go to the text and see the context.

Jn 8:40 "But as it is, you are seeking to kill Me, a man who has told you the truth, which I heard from God; this Abraham did not do.41 "You are doing the deeds of your father." They said to Him, "We were not born of fornication; we have one Father: God."42 Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and have come from God, for I have not even come on My own initiative, but He sent Me.

It is true that Jesus was speaking there as a man for He took the form of a man. Notice the next verse, Jesus said He proceeded and came from the Father. He came down from Heaven where God was.

Jesus was not human before He came down from Heaven.Jn 3:31 "He who comes from above is above all, he who is of the earth is from the earth and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all.Jn 6: 38 "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.

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62 "What then if you see the Son of Man ascending to where He was before?64 "But there are some of you who do not believe."

When He was talking to the Jews He was speaking as man. He took the human form but when He was with God the Father whom He spoke with Jesus was in the form of God. He is above all.

Jesus confirmed His pre-existence.58 Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.”

The difference of Jesus Christ from the Father is that the Son came down from heaven and took the human form. INC only see the human form but not the divine nature of Christ the same as the Father.

Heb 1: 2 in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

Col 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him.17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

Phil 2: 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

John 17:1 and 3 NKJV“Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: ‘Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You…And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God...”


Jn 17:1 Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You,2 even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life.3 "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.4 "I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do.

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5 "Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.

According to Jesus what is eternal life? “That they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”

To have eternal life we must know the Father and Jesus Christ whom He sent.1. The Father is the only true God- we believe that.2. Jesus Christ is the Son of God who was with the Father and came down from Heaven, who was in the form of God and took the form of man, He is the exact representation of the Father, He is the image of the invisible God, He is above all, through Jesus all things were made. 3. The Father is the true God so is the Son. The Christ is true God and eternal life.

1Jn 5:20 And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 11 And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.12 He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.

Therefore if the INC only believes that the Father is only the true God and the Son is also not the true God then they will not have eternal life. Jesus Christ is the true God and eternal life. They deny Him they deny the Father.

The Son of God came down from Heaven and took the form of a man and was called the Son of Man.

2Jn 7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.8 Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward.9 Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son.

Mark 15:34 NKJV“And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?’ which is translated, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’”


Eloi is the singular form for Elohim.

Deut 6:4 "Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one!YAHWEH is Elohim. Yahweh is the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

He called upon God as Eloi referring to the Father.

Jesus called the Father as God:4

1. He was in the form of a man so He worshiped the Father. He came to fulfill the Law. He abided by the Law to worship God.2. It is customary that the Father and the Son call themselves “God”.

Heb 1: 5 For to which of the angels did He ever say, "You are My Son, Today I have begotten You"? And again, "I will be a Father to Him And He shall be a Son to Me"?6 And when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says, "And let all the angels of God worship Him."7 And of the angels He says, "Who makes His angels winds, And His ministers a flame of fire."8 But of the Son He says, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, And the righteous scepter is the scepter of His kingdom.9 "You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness above Your companions."10 And, "You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the works of Your hands;11 They will perish, but You remain; And they all will become old like a garment,12 And like a mantle You will roll them up; Like a garment they will also be changed. But You are the same, And Your years will not come to an end."13 But to which of the angels has He ever said, "Sit at My right hand, Until I make Your enemies A footstool for Your feet"?

John 8:42 NKJV“Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me.”


We can read the following replies of Jesus:Jn 8:54 Jesus answered, "If I glorify Myself, My glory is nothing; it is My Father who glorifies Me, of whom you say, 'He is our God';55 and you have not come to know Him, but I know Him; and if I say that I do not know Him, I will be a liar like you, but I do know Him and keep His word.56 "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad."57 So the Jews said to Him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?"58 Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.”

Let’s go back to the verse.42 Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and have come from God, for I have not even come on My own initiative, but He sent Me.43 "Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word.

Jesus said:1. Before Abraham was born, I am.2. I proceeded forth and have come from God.3. He sent Me.

QUESTION: If Jesus existed before Abraham was born and if He came and was sent by the Father where was He that time before He came?

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Let our Lord Jesus answer:He came down from Heaven to earth where He was before.

Jn 3:13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.

Jn 6:38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.

Jn 6:42 They said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I came down from heaven’?”

Jn 8:23 But he continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.

Jn 14:28 “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.

Jn 16:10 in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer;

Jn 16:28 I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”

The statement of the Lord Jesus Christ saying that He is “a Man” is also a proof that He is not God. When He said that He is “a man” it is also like saying that He is not God because God explicitly said that He is not man:

When Jesus is saying He is a man He never meant that He is not God. It does not follow. He indeed took the human form so it is correct that He speak as a man. He is the Son of God as He is the Son of Man.

Hosea 11:9 NKJV“I will not execute the fierceness of My anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim. For I am God, and not man, The Holy One in your midst; And I will not come with terror.”

God clearly said, “I am God, and not man.” Actually, God also said that “man is not God”:

Ezekiel 28:2 YLT“`Son of man, say to the leader of Tyre: Thus said the Lord Jehovah: Because thy heart hath been high, And thou dost say: A god I `am', The habitation of God I have inhabited, In the heart of the seas, And thou `art' man, and not God, And thou givest out thy heart as the heart of God.”It is clearly written in the Bible that God is not man and man is not God. And because the Lord Jesus Christ explicitly said that “He is a Man,” thus, He is not God.

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Yes God is not man and man is not God.But God can take the form of a man. He can do this without violating His divine attributes. But to teach that God commanded us to worship a “man” and making him lord and savior without being like His nature will violate His words not to worship other gods worst worship a man or bow to him, and not to have other lord or savior. Jesus Christ was also worshiped, was also called the Lord and Savior because He is not purely a man but of the same nature as the Father being the Son of God.

In the Old Testament God took the human form.

Gen 18: 1 Now the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day.2 When he lifted up his eyes and looked, behold, three men were standing opposite him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth,3 and said, "My Lord, if now I have found favor in Your sight, please do not pass Your servant by.4 "Please let a little water be brought and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree;5 and I will bring a piece of bread, that you may refresh yourselves; after that you may go on, since you have visited your servant." And they said, "So do, as you have said."6 So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah, and said, "Quickly, prepare three measures of fine flour, knead it and make bread cakes."

13 And the LORD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh, saying, 'Shall I indeed bear a child, when I am so old?'14 "Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, at this time next year, and Sarah will have a son."15 Sarah denied it however, saying, "I did not laugh"; for she was afraid. And He said, "No, but you did laugh."16 Then the men rose up from there, and looked down toward Sodom; and Abraham was walking with them to send them off.17 The LORD said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do,

The Son of God was given a body.

Heb 10: 5 Therefore, when He comes into the world, He says, "Sacrifice and offering You have not desired, But a body You have prepared for Me;

Phil 2: 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Jn 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.2 He was in the beginning with God.14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

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God is not man because God is spirit in state of being (John 4:24), and a spirit does not have flesh and bones:

Again we have discussed above herein that Jesus took the human form. Before He took the human form the Christ exists as a Spirit. He was with Israel and the prophets.

In the Old Testament1Pet 1:11 seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow.

1Cor 10:1 For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea;2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea;3 and all ate the same spiritual food;4 and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ.5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not well-pleased; for they were laid low in the wilderness.

In the New TestamentRom 8:9 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.

Luke 24:38-39 NKJV“And He said to them, ‘Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”

The context here the disciples feared they saw a ghost. They didn’t believe that Jesus has risen from the dead. He asked them to touch Him. He was not talking here if He is God or not. In fact in those appearances Thomas believed and confessed, “My Lord and my God”. Jesus accepted Thomas faith and not rebuked him if he is in error.

Lk 24:36 While they were telling these things, He Himself stood in their midst and *said to them, "Peace be to you."37 But they were startled and frightened and thought that they were seeing a spirit.38 And He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?39 "See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have."40 And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet.

Jn 20:24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.25 So the other disciples were saying to him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe."26 After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus *came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, "Peace be with you."27 Then He *said to Thomas, "Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing."

28 Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!"

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29 Jesus *said to him, "Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed."

THEREFORE, IT IS CLEARLY WRITTEN IN THE BIBLE THAT:

(1) Christ Himself said that He is a Man (John 8:40). He spoke to the Jews as a man because He took the human form. But at the end of His ministry when asked if He is the the Christ, Son of God and He said, “Yes”, they accused Him of blasphemy and killed Him. Mk 14:61-64

(2) That Christ made many statements that show that He is indeed different from God (e.g. John 17:1 and 3; Mark 15:34; and John 8:42). He is the true God and eternal life. 1Jn 5:20 The Father also called Jesus “God” and “Lord”. Heb 1:8-9. He proceeded and came from the Father. He came down from Heaven where He was before.

(3) When Christ explicitly said that He is a man, it is like saying that He is not God because God is not man (Hos. 11:9) and man is not God (Ezek. 28:2).The Son of God took the form of man. God in the OT took the form of three men.

(4) The Lord Jesus Christ is NOT true Man and true God, because if so, then Jesus does have flesh and bones (true man) and does not have flesh and bones (true God).He took the human form and was a Spirit before that.

(5) Although everything is possible with God, however, He will not do such absurdity and confusion that He is at the same time have flesh and bones and have no flesh and bones, because “God is not the author of confusion” (I Cor. 14:33 KJV).It is not confusing for God to take a human form and worshiped. What is confusing God will make a man and be worshiped by men. Make him lord and savior while God said, “He alone be worshiped. He alone is the Lord and Savior.” Jesus Christ is the Son of God of the same nature with the Father and took the human form and highly exalted by the Father.

(6) God said, “I am God, not man.” God also said that man is not God. Remember that God is true to His words, He can’t break His words, and His word cannot change.God is true in His words. He won’t and never will command a man be worshiped and be made lord and savior. Only the Christ the Son of the living God can. He of the same nature with the Father.

THE GOD OF THE IGLESIA NI CRISTOAlthough for us the Lord Jesus Christ is not God, however, we believe that Jesus is the Son of God, the Lord, the Savior and God’s greatest messenger. For us, the true God is the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ because this is what He himself taught to us:

John 17:1,3 NKJV

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“Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: "Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You,“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

This is eternal life that we accept the truth written in the Bible and taught by Christ Himself that the Father is the only true God and Jesus Christ is whom He have sent.

According to Jesus what is eternal life? Jn 17:3 “That they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”

To have eternal life we must know the Father and Jesus Christ whom He sent.1. The Father is the only true God- we believe that.2. Jesus Christ is the Son of God who was with the Father and came down from Heaven, who was in the form of God and took the form of man, He is the exact representation of the Father, He is the image of the invisible God, He is above all, through Jesus all things were made. 3. The Father is the true God so is the Son. The Christ is true God and eternal life.





ON JOHN 10:30

Question:

Jesus admits divinity when He said in John 10:30, “I and My Father are one.”

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ANSWER

“One” Not In NumberNowhere in the verse that Jesus said “I and My Father are one IN NUMBER.” Actually, the interpretation that when Jesus said “I and my Father” means they are “one in number” contradicts the very words of the Lord Jesus in John 8:16-18:

John 8:16-18 Amplified“Yet even if I do judge, My judgment is true [My decision is right]; for I am not alone [in making it], but [there are two of Us] I and the Father, Who sent Me.“In your [own] Law it is written that the testimony (evidence) of two persons is reliable and valid. [Deut 19:15.]“I am One [of the Two] bearing testimony concerning Myself; and My Father, Who sent Me, He also testifies about Me.”

Here, it is clear that Jesus and the Father are not one in number. Jesus explicitly said, “…for I am not alone [in making it], but [there are two of us] I and the Father…”

“One” Not in State of Being

It is also wrong to say that when the Lord Jesus said “I and My Father are one” they are one in state of being. The Bible clearly tells us that the Father is “spirit” (cf. John 4:23-24), has no flesh and bones (cf.Luke 24:39), while the Lord Jesus has flesh and bones:

Luke 24:38-39 NKJV“And He said to them, "Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.’”

Although Jesus is now in heaven, He continues to be flesh and bones or human in nature. This is what the Bible says regarding the one at God’s right hand in heaven:

Psalms 80:17 NKJV“Let Your hand be upon the man of Your right hand, Upon the son of man whom You made strong for Yourself.”

Jesus is the one referred to as the Man at God’s right hand:

Colossians 3:1 NKJV“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.”

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“One” in Taking Care of Christ’s sheep

If we are going to examine the context of John 10:27-30, it is clear here why the Lord Jesus said “I and My Father are one”:

John 10:27-30 NKJV“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand. I and My Father are one."

Christ’s said, “neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” He also said, “My father, who has given them to Me, is greater tha all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.” Thus, His conclusion, “I and My Father are one.”

Take note that when the Lord Jesus said “I and My father are one,” He is not taking about His state of being or his true nature. He is talking about how He and the Father will take care of His sheep that if they will hear His voice and follow Him no one shall snatch them out of His and His father’s hand.

Other Translations of John 10:30

Based on the context of the John 10:27-30, it is clear that the Lord Jesus is talking about how He and His Father are one in taking care of His sheep. Further strengthening this position, many versions of the Bible support our position that when Jesus said in John 10:30, “I and My Father are one,” He is not referring to His divinity, but rather on how He and his Father are one in taking care of His sheep.

The Message – “I and the Father are one heart and mind”:

John 10:27-30 The Message“My sheep recognize my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them real and eternal life. They are protected from the Destroyer for good. No one can steal them from out of my hand. The Father who put them under my care is so much greater than the Destroyer and Thief. No one could ever get them away from him. I and the Father are one heart and mind.” (Emphasis Mine)

Contemporary English Version – “I am one with the Father”:

John 10:27-30 CEV“My sheep know my voice, and I know them. They follow me,and I give them eternal life, so that they will never be lost. No one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father gave them to me, and he is greater than all others. No one can snatch them from his hands, and I am one with the Father.” (Emphasis Mine)

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New Testament: An Expanded Translation – “I and the Father are one in essence”: John 10:27-30 Wuest“The sheep which are mine are in the habit of listening to my voice, and I know them by experience, and they take the same road that I take with me, and I give to them life eternal. And they shall positively not perish, never. And no one will snatch them by force out of my hand. My Father who gave them to me as a permanent gift is greater than all. And no one is able to be snatching them by force out of the hand of my Father. I and the Father are one in essence.”

The Greek Text Supports our Position

Our position that when the Lord Jesus said in John 10;30, “I and My Father are one,” He is not referring to His divinity, but to how He and His Father are one in taking care of the His sheep is also supported by the Greek text of John 10:30.

There are three equivalents in Greek of the English word “one” based on gender:

eis (masculine)mia (femenine)en (neuter)

The example in the New Testament of the used of these three Greek terms is in Ephesians 4:5:

eis kurios (“one Lord”)mia pistis (“one faith”)en baptisma (“one baptism”)

John 10:30 in Greek is:

ego kai pater en esmen

As translated “ego” (“I”), “kai” (“and”), “pater” (“father”), “en” (“one”), and “esmen” (“are”).

Take note that the word used in the Greek Text of John 10:30 which is equivalent of “one” in English is “en” (the “neuter adjective”). Thus, in the Greek Text of John 10:30, the equivalent of the English word “one” (the Greek “en”) doesn’t refer to Jesus and the Father. If the word “one” refers to Jesus and the Father, the verse should used the masculine “eis” instead of “en.”

In the book The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Gospel According to John, in page 394, the author D.A. Carson agreed that if the masculine “eis” is used this could refer to Christ and the Father and could meant that Christ and the Father are one in state of being or nature. However, because the neuter “en” was used instead, it shows that Jesus and the Father are “one accord” or one in objectives and actions. This is the reason why in I Corinthians 3:8 the Greek term “en” is also used:

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I Corinthians 3:8 NKJV“Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.”

The equivalent in the Greek text of the English word “one” here in I Corinthians 3:8 is the neuter “en” because the verse shows that Apostle Paul (“he who plants”) and Apollos (“he who waters”) are “one” in goal, objective or action.

Conclusion

Thus, the context of John 10:27-30, the Greek Text of John 10:30, and other English translations of the said verse, support and strengthen our position that the words of Jesus stating “I and My Father are one” refers not to the state of being or nature, not proving divinity, but that the Lord Jesus and the Father are one in taking care of the sheep.

Let us see the context where the Father and Jesus are ONE.

Jn 10: 24 The Jews then gathered around Him, and were saying to Him, "How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly."25 Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father's name, these testify of Me.26 "But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep.27 "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;28 and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.29 "My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.30 "I and the Father are one."31 The Jews picked up stones again to stone Him.32 Jesus answered them, "I showed you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you stoning Me?"33 The Jews answered Him, "For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy; and because You, being a man, make Yourself out to be God."

Where the Father and Jesus are ONE?1. One in Work2. Giving eternal life3. Protecting believers

Jesus was doing an act of God giving eternal life.

When Jesus said that He and the Father are ONE and the Greek word is “hen/en” in neutral gender and not “heis” masculine gender, Jesus ment ONE IN ESSENCE with the Father. If He would use “heis” that is numerical one that would mean He is the Father but He is not the Father rather He has the same essence/nature with the Father. The fact is He is doing the work of the Father giving eternal life. Only God can give eternal life.

What was the reaction of the Jews when Jesus said that He and the Father are one? 14

1. They picked up stones to stone Him.2. He accused Him of blasphemy.3. They understood He is making Himself equal with God because they believe He is only a man.

“One” here therefore is about the Divinity of Jesus as the Christ. They knew Jesus was born as a man- lived, slept, drunk and ate with them. To prove this they questioned Him in verse 24 to tell them plainly if He is the Christ. The High Priest knew that the Christ is the Son of God- DIVINE. At the end of Jesus’ ministry this was evident in the belief of the Jew who is CHRIST is.

Mt 26: 63 But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest said to Him, "I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God."64 Jesus *said to him, "You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven."65 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, "He has blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? Behold, you have now heard the blasphemy;66 what do you think?" They answered, "He deserves death!"

Jesus confirmed this that the CHRIST is the Lord and not a man.

Mt 22: 41 Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question:42 "What do you think about the Christ, whose son is He?" They *said to Him, "The son of David."43 He *said to them, "Then how does David in the Spirit call Him 'Lord,' saying,44 'The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand, Until I put Your enemies beneath Your feet"'?45 "If David then calls Him 'Lord,' how is He his son?"46 No one was able to answer Him a word, nor did anyone dare from that day on to ask Him another question.

The CHRIST is the Lord of glory. No human can be the Lord of glory.1Cor 2:8 the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory;

CONCLUSION:

Therefore when Jesus said that He and the Father are ONE he meant of His essence and nature. The Christ is not human. He took the form of a man and this confused the Jews and so with the Iglesia ni Cristo. The Jews only saw the human form of Jesus but when Jesus confirmed that He is the Christ the Son of the Living God (which the Father has revealed to Peter and the Apostles), they accused Him of blasphemy and killed Him. The Greek used was “hen/en” in neuter gender referring to the essence or nature of the Godhead. If Jesus is not the Christ who is Divine how then can He give eternal life and raise unto life the same manner as the Father? Jesus is the eternal life.

Jn 1: 4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.

Jn 2: 19 Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."

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Jn 5: 21 "For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes.

Jesus Christ therefore is Divine and has the nature and essence like the Father. He took the form of a man to die for our sins and rose from the dead to bring eternal life. That is the work His Father asked Him to finish so that the world might be saved through Him. This is the mystery hidden long before but revealed now through the apostles.

Rom 16: 25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past,26 but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith;27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen.

ON COLOSSIANS 1:16

Question:

Does Colossians 1:16 teach that the Lord Jesus Christ created all things? The verse clearly said, “For by him all things were created…all things were created by him and for him” (Col. 1:16 NIV)

ANSWER:

Nowhere in the verse that says “Christ is God” and “Jesus created all things.” What the verse actually said:

“For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.” (Col. 1:16 NIV)It is only the interpretation of those who believe that Jesus is God that this verse teaches that “Jesus created all things.” According to their interpretation, the phrase “For by him all things were created” means that “Jesus Christ created all things.”

However, their interpretation contradicts the teachings of the Bible. The Bible explicitly tells us who is the God who created all things. In Isaiah 45:18, this is what we could read: “For thus says Yahweh who created the heavens, the God who formed the earth and made it, who established it and didn't create it a waste, who formed it to be inhabited: I am Yahweh; and there is no one else.” (Isa 45:18 World English Bible)

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The Bible clearly said that the God “who created the heavens…who formed the earth and made it” is “Yahweh.” And the Bible also made explicit proclamation if who “Yahweh” is. In Exodus 3:15 this is what “Yahweh” said about Himself:

“God said moreover to Moses, ‘You shall tell the children of Israel this, 'Yahweh, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.' This is my name forever, and this is my memorial to all generations.” (Ex 3:15 WEB)

God said to Moses, “You shall tell the children of Israel this, ‘Yahweh, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." Thus, the God who created the heavens and formed the earth is the “God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” The Bible has explicit declaration that clearly proves the Lord Jesus Christ is not the “God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” this is what the Bible says about Jesus:

“The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go.” (Acts 3:13 NKJV)

It is clear in the Bible that the Lord Jesus is the Servant of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Thus, those who say that Jesus is the God who created all things contradict the teachings of the Bible that the God who created everything, who made the heavens and the earth, is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and the Lord Jesus is His Servant.

Therefore, those who say that "Jesus created everything" misinterpreted Colossians 1:16. What does Colossians 1:16 meant in saying “For by him (Jesus) all things were created: things in heaven and on earth…”? Let us see first the Greek Text of Colossians 1:16 (the New Testament is originally written in Greek):

Take note that what some English Bible (like NIV and KJV) translated as “For by him” is “hoti en auto” in the Greek Text. Actually, the literal translation of “hoti en auto” is “For in him.” This is the reason why there are versions of the Bible that translated Colossians 1:16 as “For in him” like the American Standard Version:

“For in him were all things created, in the heavens and upon the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and unto him.” (Colossians 1:16 ASV)

“For IN him were all things created” is much appropriate rendition of the first part of Colossians 1:16 than “For BY him all things were created.”What does “for in him were all things created” means? The last part of colossians 1:16 explains this. The last part of the verse said, “all things have been created through him, and unto him.” Take note of the difference between NIV and ASV.

NIV (and also KJV) rendered the last part as “all things were created BY him and for him.” While ASV rendered it as “all things have been created THROUGH him, and unto him.”

This part of Colossians 1:16 is "ta panta di' autou" in the Greek Text. According to the book Learn to Read Greek New Testament, p. 116, when the Greek word “dia” followed by a Greek word in genitive case, although it can be translated as “by,” however, the word “through” is more appropriate and this means “intermediary.”

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The Greek “di’ autou,” the Greek word “autou” is in genitive case, and di’ is a contraction of the Greek word “dia.” Thus, the ASV’s “all things have been created THROUGH him, and unto him” is more appropriate rendition than NIV’s “all things were created BY him and for him” of the Greek’s "ta panta di' autou."

Applying the Greek rules, “dia” in “di' autou” (“through him”) means “intermediary.” The word “intermediary” means “mediator” according to Merriam dictionary, p. 266. Indeed, Christ is the mediator between the one true God and man:

“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (I Timothy 2:5 NIV)

Even Bible Scholars attest to this. This is what the book Bible knowledge Commentary states: “The third characteristic of Christ is that by Him all things were created. In fact all things were created by Him (di' autou, instrumental Cause) and for Him (eis auton, final Cause), and in Him (en auto-) they hold together (He is the constituting or conserving Cause). Christ is not only the One through whom all things came to be, but also the One by whom they continue to exist. Two other New Testament verses parallel this description of Christ: "Through Him all things were made" (John 1:3), and Christ the Son is the One "through whom [the Father] made the universe" (Heb 1:2). The Father, then, is the ultimate Source (efficient Cause), and the Son is the mediating Cause of the world.” (Bible Knowledge Commentary/New Testament Copyright © 1983, 2000 Cook Communications Ministries.)

This is the reason why Wuest rendered Colossians 1:16 as follows: “Because in Him were created all things in the heavens and upon the earth, the visible things and the invisible ones, whether they are thrones or lordships or principalities or authorities. All things through Him as intermediate agent and with a view to Him stand created.” (Col 1:16 Wuest)

Thus, Colossians 1:16 does not teach that Christ created all things, but that all things were made through Him and for Him “as an intermediate agent” or as the mediator between God and man.

Let us study Col 1:16 and the verses in context including other biblical text that confirm through Jesus all things were created.

16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him.

The Greek used is dia.

For by Him all things were created… Col. 1:16 Jn. 1:3 By /through (dia) Greek word - the instrument or intermediate cause that which intervenes between the act of the will and the effect, and through which the effect proceeds, meaning through, by, by means of: dia refer to

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the author or first cause, when the author does anything through himself instead of another.

a. Used of God Rom. 11:36 Heb. 2:10 1Cor. 1:9

b. Used of Christ Jn. 1:3 Col 1:16

Let us define the word “THROUGH” (by/ with) first before we proceed.

1. by the means of2. by the means or agency of3. by virtue of, with the assistance of, as a consequence or result of4. by instrumentality of

Synonymscompleted, concluded, done, down, ended, finished, over, over with, terminated, complete, up

Synonym Study By, through, with indicate agency or means of getting something done or accomplished. By is regularly used to denote the agent (person or force) in passive constructions: It is done by many; destroyed by fire. It also indicates means: Send it by airmail. With denotes the instrument (usually consciously) employed by an agent: He cut it with the scissors. Through designates particularly immediate agency or instrumentality or reason or motive:

Col 1: 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him.17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.19 For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him,

Through/by Christ all things were created. The verse is very clear without the agency, instrumentality, means or assistance of the Son of God nothing shall be created. All things are not created only in Him or for Him but BY or THROUGH HIM.

What should we consider for Christ to be an instrument for creation?1. He should be there or exist at the time of creation.2. He should possess the power and wisdom for creation to take place.3. He should be nonetheless God in nature.

What are the biblical accounts that the Son of God took part in creation?

Prov 8: 22 "The LORD possessed me at the beginning of His way, Before His works of old.23 "From everlasting I was established, From the beginning, from the earliest times of the earth.

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24 "When there were no depths I was brought forth, When there were no springs abounding with water.25 "Before the mountains were settled, Before the hills I was brought forth;26 While He had not yet made the earth and the fields, Nor the first dust of the world.27 "When He established the heavens, I was there, When He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep,28 When He made firm the skies above, When the springs of the deep became fixed,29 When He set for the sea its boundary So that the water would not transgress His command, When He marked out the foundations of the earth;30 Then I was beside Him, as a MASTER WORKMAN; And I was daily His delight, Rejoicing always before Him,

Prov 30:4Who has ascended into heaven and descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has wrapped the waters in His garment? WHO HAS ESTABLISHED ALL THE ENDS OF THE EARTH? WHAT IS HIS NAME or HIS SON’S NAME? Surely you know!

Jn 1:2 HE WAS IN THE BEGINNING WITH GOD. 3ALL THINGS CAME INTO BEING THROUGH HIM, AND APART FROM HIM NOTHING CAME INTO BEING THAT HAS COME INTO BEING.

Col 1:16 16For BY HIM ALL THINGS WERE CREATED, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--ALL THINGS HAVE BEEN CREATED THROUGH HIM AND FOR HIM.

Rev 3:14 "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the BEGINNING of the creation of God,…

1Cor 1: 24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

The verses confirmed the Son of God was there at creation beside the Father as a Master Workman. The verses confirmed that through and by the Son of God all things were created and nothing was made without Him. The verses confirmed that the Son of God is the power and wisdom of God.

Genesis chapter 1 confirmed this when God created man.26 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."27 God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

The God in the OT who was speaking was YAWHEH. YAHWEH is the name of God (ELOHIM). YAHWEH is also the name of the Son of God. Jesus is YESHUA or YAWHEH SAVES.

Jn 1: 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.

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Apart from Him (Christ) nothing came into being that has come into being… Jn 1:3 Apart/ without(choris) means separately, by itself, apart(separately from, without) a. Used many times Mt. 13:34 Rom. 3:21, 28

Eph.2:12 Heb. 4:15

And finally this is the true Christ, the Son of God through and by whom all things were created, is the HEAD of the body the church.

Col 1: 18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.

On John 14:9

Question

Jesus said “He who has seen Me has seen the Father…” (John 14:9b, NASB). Thus, Jesus Christ is God.

ANSWER:

The verses followed John 14:9 explained why Jesus said “He who has seen Me has seen the Father.” Let us first quote verses 7-8 the we continue up to verse 11:

John 14:7-11 NIV

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

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Philip the Apostle asked Jesus to show them the Father. He answered Philip, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” The verses that followed explained why Jesus said “He who has seen Me has seen the Father.” He said, “How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me?”

Jesus said that “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” not because Jesus is the Father, but because He is in the Father and the Father is in Him. Also, when Jesus said “It is the Father living in me, who is doing His work” also further explains why He said “he who has seen Me has seen the Father.”

Who has seen Jesus has seen the Father, not because Jesus is the Father, that Jesus is God, but because the Father is in Him, the Father is living in Him, and the Father is doing His work in Him. Why did the Lord Jesus said that the Father is doing His work in Him? Apostle Peter explained this:

Acts 2:22 TEV“Listen to these words, fellow Israelites! Jesus of Nazareth was a man whose divine authority was clearly proven to you by all the miracles and wonders which God performed through him. You yourselves know this, for it happened here among you.”The Father is doing His work in Jesus because the Father (God) performed many miracles, wonders and signs THROUGH Jesus Christ. Thus, this is the reason why Jesus said that “He who has seen Me has seen the Father.” Because the miracles, wonders and signs seen in Christ, it is God who performed it through Him. Indeed, the Bible attests that the invisible God can be seen through the things He made:

Romans 1:20 TEV“Ever since God created the world, his invisible qualities, both his eternal power and his divine nature, have been clearly seen; they are perceived in the things that God has made. So those people have no excuse at all!”God did many miracles, signs and wonders THROUGH Jesus Christ. Thus, when Philip asked Jesus to show them the Father, He replied “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me?…it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.”

Jn 14: 7 "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him."8 Philip *said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us."9 Jesus *said to him, "Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, 'Show us the Father'?10 "Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works.11 "Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves.

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Jesus Christ is indeed not the Father. He is the Son of God the Father. When He said whoever has seen Him has seen the Father because He is the image of the invisible God and the exact representation of His nature.

Col 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.

Heb 1:3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power.

Whatever the Father does the Son also does in the same manner. He and the Father are of the same nature. He is honored in the same manner the Father is honored. All that the Father has is of the Son.

Jn 5:18 For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.19 Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner.20 "For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater works than these, so that you will marvel.21 "For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes.22 "For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son,23 so that all will honor the Son even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

Jn 16: 15 "All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you.

ON IJOHN 5:20

QUESTION:

“Who is the true God mentioned in 1John 5:20? "We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we may know Him Who is true and we are in Him who is true-even in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” The verse clearly said"His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life."

ANSWER:

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Sorry, but you used a wrong translation of I John 5:20 because this rendering of the verse contradicts itself. The verse clearly stated that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came. Now, if Jesus is the true God mentioned in the verse, who is the “Jesus” that the same verse mentioned as the “Son of God”? Then there will be two “Jesuses”: the True God and the Son of the True God. This is how Young’s Literal Translation (take note – literal translation) rendered this verse:

I John 5:20 YLT“and we have known that the Son of God is come, and hath given us a mind, that we may know Him who is true, and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ; this one is the true God and the life age-during!” The Son of God which the same verse explicitly said, “in His Son Jesus Christ” came to give us mind (understanding) that we may know “HIM WHO IS TRUE.” This the verse mentioned “Him who is true” is not Jesus because the verse also said, “in HIS son Jesus Christ.”

The Son of God, Jesus Christ, came to make known “Him who is true” which the verse referring to when it said “THIS ONE IS THE TRUE GOD.” Thus, the true God mentioned in the verse was not the Son of God, not Jesus Christ, but the one “Him who is true” that Jesus came to make known to us. THIS IS ONE OF THE MISSION OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD, TO MAKE KNOWN WHO IS THE TRUE GOD.

Who is the true God Jesus made known to men? This is what the Lord Jesus stated in John 17:1 and 3:

John 17:1 and 3 NIV“After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.“Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” The verse said, “he (Jesus) looked toward heaven and prayed: Father…” And Jesus added, “This is eternal life: that they may know YOU, the only true God…” And how did the Lord Jesus introduce Himself? He said, “and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”Thus, the "True God" mentioned in I John 5:20 is not the Lord Jesus Christ, but the one that the Son of God (Jesus Christ) made known to men as one of the reasons why He came (why He was sent).


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In 1John chapter 5 and in the whole book of 1 John who is spoken of as the eternal life where we are in?

5:11 And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.12 He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.

1 Jn 1: 1 What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life--2 and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us--3 what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.

Apostle John was teaching that the eternal life is the Son who came and manifested to us and we are in Him. So in the last chapter he wrote this:

1Jn 5: 11 And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.12 He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. Therefore John concluded that the eternal life is also the true God.

1Jn 5:20 And we know that the Son of God has come, and (God) has given us understanding so that we may know Him (Son) who is true; and we are in Him (Son) who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.

Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life. Jn 14:6

Jesus Christ is the visible God who is to come and all eyes shall see while the invisible God is Father and is not the one coming back that all eyes shall see.

Tit 2: 13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,

And what is the context of John 17:3 The eternal life?

Jn 17: 1 Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You,2 even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life.3 "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.4 "I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do.

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5 "Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.


To have eternal life we must know the Father and Jesus Christ whom He sent.1. The Father is the only true God- we believe that.2. Jesus Christ is the Son of God who was with the Father and came down from Heaven, who was in the form of God and took the form of man, He is the exact representation of the Father, He is the image of the invisible God, He is above all, through Jesus all things were made. 3. The Father is the true God so is the Son.

Therefore if the Iglesia ni Cristo only believes that the Father is only the true God and the Son is also not the true God then they will not have eternal life. Jesus Christ is the true God and eternal life. They deny the Son and they deny the Father.

Why The Lord Jesus is Not GodTHE Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ) firmly believes that the Lord Jesus Christ is man in nature and He is not God because this is what the Bible explicitly teaches. If we are going to examine the teachings written in the Bible, the evidences are overwhelming that the Lord Jesus Christ is indeed not the true God the Holy Scripture teaches.




THE FATHER ALONE ISTHE TRUE GOD

Why the Lord Jesus Christ is not God? Because there is only one true God, the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ is not the Father but the Son of the One True God.

The Lord Jesus Himself clearly said that the Father is the only true God:

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John 17:1,3 NKJV1Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: "Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You,3And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

And what is the context of John 17:3 the eternal life?

Jn 17: 1 Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You,2 even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life.3 "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.4 "I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do.5 "Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.




Even Apostle Paul also said that the Father alone is the rue God:

I Corinthians 8:6 NKJV6yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.Thus, the apostle explicitly wrote that the true God is the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ: This is what apostles taught and wrote because this is what they heard from the Lord Jesus Christ Himself:

1Cor 8:6

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yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.

The One God addressed here is the Father. The One Lord addressed here is Jesus Christ.

The verse did not say that Jesus is not God nor it did not say the Father is not Lord. But one thing is seen in the verses is that from the Father are all things through the Son and all things exist for the Father and through the Son. All things were created by the Father through the Son. The Son is the Co-Creator with the Father.

Being the Co-Creator with the Father makes the Christ God in nature.Jn. 1:3,10 Col 1:16 Heb. 1:2,10 1Cor. 8:6 Prov. 30:4, 8:22-31 Rev. 3:14

INC ministers say that the Lordship of Jesus was only given by God. The question is when did the Christ exist as the Lord?

Act 2:36 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ--this Jesus whom you crucified."

The Son of God took the form of a man and was named Jesus. The Man Jesus was made and Lord and Christ. The human form was made Lord and Christ but Christ, the Lord, the Son of God existed with the Father.

The Apostles said He was the Lord of glory when He was crucified.

1Cor 2:8 the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory;

God called the Son of God the Lord who made the heavens and the earth and said to sit at His right Hand.

Heb 1: 8 But of the Son He says, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, And the righteous scepter is the scepter of His kingdom.9 "You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness above Your companions."10 And, "You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the works of Your hands;11 They will perish, but You remain; And they all will become old like a garment,12 And like a mantle You will roll them up; Like a garment they will also be changed. But You are the same, And Your years will not come to an end."13 But to which of the angels has He ever said, "Sit at My right hand, Until I make Your enemies A footstool for Your feet"?

Jesus confirmed that the Lord (God the Father) called Him Lord and said to sit at His right hand and He is not a mere Son of Man but the Son of God, the Lord.

Mt 22: 41 Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question:42 "What do you think about the Christ, whose son is He?" They *said to Him, "The son of David."43 He *said to them, "Then how does David in the Spirit call Him 'Lord,' saying,44 'The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand, Until I put Your enemies beneath Your feet"'?

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45 "If David then calls Him 'Lord,' how is He his son?"46 No one was able to answer Him a word, nor did anyone dare from that day on to ask Him another question.

Therefore His Lordship was from the beginning with God His Father and came down from Heaven to earth and was not from this world. John 3:31-32 , 6:38, 6:62, 64a, 16:27-31

John 20:17 NKJV17Jesus said to her, "Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, 'I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.'"

Thus, we firmly believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is not God because His Father is the only true God. Hence, when we say that Jesus is not God, we only mean that the Lord Jesus Christ is not the Father, but the Son of the One True God.

Indeed Jesus is not God the Father but He is the Son of God- a blasphemous claim the Jews are against. The Jews understood if one call God His Father or saying he and the Father are one that will tantamount to making yourself equal with God.

Jn 5: 18 For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.19 Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner.

In Jn 20:17 Jesus spoke as a man. He took the human form and was duty bound to obey the Law ansd therefore worship God. He came to fulfill the Law and not to break it.

Although the Lord Jesus is not God, but a man, but He is a very special man as clearly written in the Bible: Acts 2:22 NCV“People of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus from Nazareth was a very special man. God clearly showed this to you by the miracles, wonders, and signs he did through Jesus. You all know this, because it happened right here among you.”The Lord Jesus Christ is a “very special man” because:

(1) “This man was the Son of God”:

Mark 15:39, NIV29

“And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, ‘Surely this man was the Son of God!’”

Christ is the Son of God is not man. When He came and took the human form that man was called Jesus whom the Jews only see. He is Divine and the Lord in the beginning.

In biblical context the Son of God is addressed as the Lord that is divine.

1Cor 2: 8 the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory;

Mk 14: 61 But He kept silent and did not answer. Again the high priest was questioning Him, and saying to Him, "Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?"62 And Jesus said, "I am; and you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven."63 Tearing his clothes, the high priest *said, "What further need do we have of witnesses?64 "You have heard the blasphemy; how does it seem to you?" And they all condemned Him to be deserving of death.


Heb 1: 10 And, "You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the works of Your hands;11 They will perish, but You remain; And they all will become old like a garment,12 And like a mantle You will roll them up; Like a garment they will also be changed. But You are the same, And Your years will not come to an end."13 But to which of the angels has He ever said, "Sit at My right hand, Until I make Your enemies A footstool for Your feet"?

(2) The Man God has made both Lord and Christ:

Acts 2:36, New Century Version“So, all the people of Israel should know this truly: God has made Jesus — the man you nailed to the cross — both Lord and Christ.”Who was made both Lord and Christ? The man Jesus. The baby who was born was named Jesus. The Christ took the human form who was named Jesus. The humanity of Jesus was made Lord and Christ but Christ was already Lord ever since.

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(3) The Man God exalted to His right hand as ruler and Savior:

Acts 5:30-31, Holman Christian Standard Bible“The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had murdered by hanging Him on a tree. God exalted this man to His right hand as ruler and Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.”The humanity of Jesus was exalted because He is the Son of God from being in the form of God He humbled himself and took the human form to die for our sins and therefore God has exalted His Only Son.

Phil 2: 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

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11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

(4) The Man Jesus Christ is the Mediator between the one true God and men:

I Timothy 2:5, NIV“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus”

1Tim 2: 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.5 For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,6 who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.

Being man alone Jesus can’t be a mediator between God the Father and humanity. Mediation in 1Timothy is about our salvation. Salvation is of God alone. The bible declared God has shut all men under disobedience and sin for all have sinned and only Jesus who is the Son of God who took the human form was sinless and perfect. Therefore He alone who can both mediate to God being the Christ the Son of God and of the same nature with the Father and mediate for man being a Son of Man.

Heb 10: 5 Therefore, when He comes into the world, He says, "Sacrifice and offering You have not desired, But a body You have prepared for Me;6 In whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You have taken no pleasure.7 "Then I said, 'Behold, I have come (In the scroll of the book it is written of Me) To do Your will, O God.'"8 After saying above, "Sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You have not desired, nor have You taken pleasure in them" (which are offered according to the Law),9 then He said, "Behold, I have come to do Your will." He takes away the first in order to establish the second.10 By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.11 Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins;12 but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God,13 waiting from that time onward until His enemies be made a footstool for His feet.

(5) He is the man seated on the right hand of God:

Psalms 80:17 NIV“Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand, the son of man you have raised up for yourself.”

Colossians 3:1 NIV

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“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.”

Yes Jesus is indeed the Son of Man. Jesus knew that the Jews did not believe that He is also the Son of God- the Christ. In the teachings of Jesus and the Word of God it has been stressed that the Christ is the Son of the living God and is not mere man. He is the Lord. He is the Lord who made the heavens and the earth and sits at the right Hand of God the Father.




There is One Throne in Heaven- the Throne of God and the Lamb.

Rev 22: 1 Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb,

Although the Lord Jesus Christ is now in heaven, the Bible proves that He remains Man in nature. He is the Man "seated at the right hand of God."

The Divine nature was never lost when He took the human form that is why all the angels worshiped Him and all man and all shall kneel before Him and confess Him as Lord.

Phil 2: 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,

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7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The ONE WHO IS ASKED TO SIT at the Right Hand of God the Father is the Christ, Son of God, the Lord who made the heavens and the earth.


Mt 22: 42 "What do you think about the Christ, whose son is He?" They *said to Him, "The son of David."43 He *said to them, "Then how does David in the Spirit call Him 'Lord,' saying,44 'The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand, Until I put Your enemies beneath Your feet"'?45 "If David then calls Him 'Lord,' how is He his son?"46 No one was able to answer Him a word, nor did anyone dare from that day on to ask Him another question.

Jesus resurrected in a spiritual glorified body.

1Cor 15: 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body;43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power;44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.45 So also it is written, "The first man, Adam, became a living soul." The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual.47 The first man is from the earth, earthy; the second man is from heaven.48 As is the earthy, so also are those who are earthy; and as is the heavenly, so also are those who are heavenly.49 Just as we have borne the image of the earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly.

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JESUS CHRIST IS DIFFERENT FROM GOD

If all people will rely solely in the Bible in their belief about the nature of Christ, no one would have fallen into the false belief that Christ is the true God because the Bible clearly proves that the Lord Jesus Christ is different from the Lord God.

GOD IS THE FATHER ANDJESUS IS THE SON OF GODNumerous verses of the Bible clearly state that the Father alone is the true God. However, Jesus explicitly proves that He is not the Father when He said that:

John 14:28 NKJV“You have heard Me say to you, 'I am going away and coming back to you.' If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, 'I am going to the Father,' for My Father is greater than I.”

That is correct Jesus is not the Father. He is the Son of the Father. His Father sent His Son for a mission- to save man from his sins. He is above all and came down from Heaven to earth in human form.

The Lord Jesus Christ said that “My Father is greater than I.” thus, it is wrong to say that Jesus is also the Father, the one true God. Jesus is different from the One True God, from the Father, and He himself testified to this truth when He said “My Father is greater than I.” Who then is the Lord Jesus:

Matthew 16:16 NKJV“Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” The Bible clearly teaches that the Lord Jesus Christ is the Son of God of the living God.

Thus, God is the Father and Jesus is the Son of God. Hence, the Lord Jesus (the Son of God) is different from the One true God (the Father). Take note that although we believe that Jesus Christ is not God, but we firmly believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

That is correct Jesus is not the Father and the Father was greater than Him. In relationship the Father is greater because Jesus is His Son but in Godhead they are equal.

Jn 5: 17 But He answered them, "My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working."

Jesus' Equality with God

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18 For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.19 Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner.20 "For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater works than these, so that you will marvel.21 "For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes.22 "For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son,23 so that all will honor the Son even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

GOD IS ETERNAL, HAS NO BEGINNING OR ENDWHILE JESUS CAME FROM GOD

God is “from everlasting to everlasting”:

Psalms 90:2 NIV2Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

“From everlasting to everlasting” means that God is without beginning or end:

Psalms 90:2 TLB“Before the mountains were created, before the earth was formed, you are God without beginning or end.”

Who is also the Lord of David? Ps 110: 1 The LORD says to my Lord: "Sit at My right hand Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet."

Did this Lord also make the heavens and the earth according to the Father?


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And this Lord who is the Chris is from everlasting?

MIC 5:2 “ But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity.”

He is the Lord of glory.


However, the Lord Jesus came from God:

John 8:42 NIV“Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me.”Christ said, “I came from God,” while God has no beginning or end. Thus, the Lord Jesus is not the eternal God. What else proves that Jesus is not the eternal God?

Yes Jesus came from God. He is the Christ, the Son of God who came down from heaven to earth and was with the Father in the beginning.

John 3:13 13"NO ONE HAS ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN, BUT HE WHO DESCENDED FROM HEAVEN: THE SON OF MAN. John 3:31-32 31"HE WHO COMES FROM ABOVE IS ABOVE ALL, he who is of the earth is from the earth and speaks of the earth HE WHO COMES FROM HEAVEN IS ABOVE ALL. 32"WHAT HE HAS SEEN AND HEARD, of that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony. John 6:38 38"For I HAVE COME DOWN FROM HEAVEN, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who SENT Me. John 6:62, 64a 62"What then if you see the Son of Man ASCENDING TO WHERE HE WAS BEFORE? John 8:23-25 23And He was saying to them, "You are from below, I AM FROM ABOVE; you are of this world, I AM NOT OF THIS WORLD.

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24"Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for UNLESS YOU BELIEVE THAT I AM HE, you will die in your sins." 25So they were saying to Him, "Who are You?" Jesus said to them, "What have I been SAYING to you from the beginning?

John 16:28-3128 “I CAME FORTH FROM THE FATHER AND HAVE COME INTO THE WORLD; I AM LEAVING THE WORLD AGAIN AND GOING TO THE FATHER.” 29 His disciples said, “Lo, NOW YOU ARE SPEAKING PLAINLY and are not using a figure of speech. 30 “Now we know that You know all things, and have no need for anyone to question You; BY THIS WE BELIEVE THAT YOU CAME FROM GOD.” 31 Jesus answered them, “DO YOU NOW BELIEVE?”

Jn 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.2 He was in the beginning with God.

Isaiah 40:28 NIV“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.”The everlasting God will not grow tired or weary. However, the Lord Jesus Christ got tired:

John 4:6 NIV“Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour.”

Thus, the Lord Jesus is not the everlasting or eternal God. The Lord God has no beginning or end, while the Lord Jesus came from God.

The Christ took the human form from the form of God. He was named Jesus. He needed a human body for our redemption.

Phil 2:5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

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11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Jn 1: 14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.15 John *testified about Him and cried out, saying, "This was He of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.'”

His Name is the Word of God.

Rev 19: 13 He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.

GOD IS IMMORTAL WHILE JESUSDIED ON THE CROSSThe Bible explicitly said that the Lord God is immortal:

I Timothy 1:17 NIV“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”The Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross:

John 19:30, 33 NIV“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.“But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.”

The Spirit of Christ or the Christ remains forever. It is the human body of Jesus that died.

Heb 1: 11 They will perish, but You remain; And they all will become old like a garment,

Jn 12:32 "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself."33 But He was saying this to indicate the kind of death by which He was to die.34 The crowd then answered Him, "We have heard out of the Law that the Christ is to remain forever; and how can You say, 'The Son of Man must be lifted up'? Who is this Son of Man?"

Jn 2: 18 The Jews then said to Him, "What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?"19 Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."20 The Jews then said, "It took forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?"21 But He was speaking of the temple of His body.

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22 So when He was raised from the dead, His disciples rememberedCol 1:22 Yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshy body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach--

To condemn sin in the flesh

Rom 8:3For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh,

For our redemption

Heb 10: 5 Therefore, when He comes into the world, He says, "Sacrifice and offering You have not desired, But a body You have prepared for Me;6 In whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You have taken no pleasure.7 "Then I said, 'Behold, I have come (In the scroll of the book it is written of Me) To do Your will, O God.'"8 After saying above, "Sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You have not desired, nor have You taken pleasure in them" (which are offered according to the Law),9 then He said, "Behold, I have come to do Your will." He takes away the first in order to establish the second.10 By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.11 Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins;12 but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the right hand of God, that He said this; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken.

GOD DOES NOT RECOGNIZE ANY OTHER GODWHILE CHRIST DEIFIES GOD

The Lord God explicitly said that there is no other God besides Him:

Isaiah 44:8 NIV“Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.”

In Isaiah 44:8 'Do not tremble and do not be afraid; Have I not long since announced it to you and declared it? And you are My witnesses. Is there any God besides Me, Or is there any other Rock? I know of none.'"

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The one speaking here is YAHWEH. YAHWEH is the Name of God (Elohim). The name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

In verse6"Thus says the LORD (YHWH), the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: 'I am the first and I am the last, And there is no God besides Me.

JESUS (In Hebrew is YESHUA, or YAHWEH SAVES) IS YAHWEH.

1. JESUS/YESHUA/YASHUA IS YAHWEH PIERCED. Zec 12:1-9,102. JESUS IS YAHWEH WHO IS COMING TO JUDGE WITH FLAMES OF FIRE ISA 66:15- 16 2Th 1:7-93. JESUS IS YAHWEH WHO SHALL COME AND STAND AT THE MOUNT OLIVES Zec 14:3-44. JESUS IS YAHWEH COMING WITH HIS HOLY ONES Zec 14:5-9 Jude 1:14-15 Rev 19:11-16 5. JESUS IS YAHWEH SENT BY THE FATHER GOD ALMIGHTY TO RULE WITH HIM FOREVER AND DWELL WITH HIS PEOPLE. Zec 2:9- 11 Rev 20:6 Rev 21:1 -7

That is why Jesus (YESHUA OR YAHWEH SAVES) is also called:

1. The Rock Is. 28:16 Ps.118:22 2Cor. 10:1-4 2. The First and the Last Rev 22:12-133. God 2Pet 1:1 Tit 2:13 Rev 1:7-8, 18

However, the Lord Jesus Christ deifies God:

Mark 15:34 NIV“And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"-which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

John 20:17 NIV“Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'”

Jesus was in the human form and came to fulfill the Law. Being found in the form of a man from the form of God He too worshiped God and called upon God the Father. He is worshiped because He is God and Lord.

The Father on the other hand called the Son God and Lord.

Hebrews 1:5-13 (Ps 2:7, 45:6, 102:25-27, 110:1)5For to which of the angels did He ever say, "YOU ARE MY SON, TODAY I HAVE BEGOTTEN YOU"? And again

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"I WILL BE A FATHER TO HIM AND HE SHALL BE A SON TO ME"? 6And when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says, "AND LET ALL THE ANGELS OF GOD WORSHIP HIM." 7And of the angels He says, "WHO MAKES HIS ANGELS WINDS, AND HIS MINISTERS A FLAME OF FIRE." 8But of the Son He says, "YOUR THRONE, O GOD, IS FOREVER AND EVER, AND THE RIGHTEOUS SCEPTER IS THE SCEPTER OF HIS KINGDOM. 9"YOU HAVE LOVED RIGHTEOUSNESS AND HATED LAWLESSNESS; THEREFORE GOD, YOUR GOD, HAS ANOINTED YOU WITH THE OIL OF GLADNESS ABOVE YOUR COMPANIONS." 10And, "YOU, LORD, IN THE BEGINNING LAID THE FOUNDATION OF THE EARTH, AND THE HEAVENS ARE THE WORKS OF YOUR HANDS; 11THEY WILL PERISH, BUT YOU REMAIN; AND THEY ALL WILL BECOME OLD LIKE A GARMENT, 12AND LIKE A MANTLE YOU WILL ROLL THEM UP; LIKE A GARMENT THEY WILL ALSO BE CHANGED BUT YOU ARE THE SAME, AND YOUR YEARS WILL NOT COME TO AN END." 13But to which of the angels has He ever said, "SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND, UNTIL I MAKE YOUR ENEMIES A FOOTSTOOL FOR YOUR FEET"?

GOD KNOWS EVERYTHING WHILE THEREIS SOMETHING JESUS DON’T KNOW

God knows everything:

I John 3:20 NIV“Whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.”

Even the Son (the Lord Jesus Christ) doesn’t know the day or hour of His second coming:

Matthew 24:36 NIV

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“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

Jesus knew all things according to His apostles.

Jn 6: 64 "But there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him.

John 16:30 Now we know that You know all things, and have no need for anyone to question You; by this we believe that You came from God."

John 21:17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Tend My sheep.

Regarding knowing times, periods and seasons this authority is reserved to the Father.

Act 1:6 So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, "Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?"7 He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority;

In the same manner the Father judges no one but judgment is given to the Son.

Jn 5:22 "For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son,23 so that all will honor the Son even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

2 Tim 4: 1 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom:

GOD IS ABOVE ALL WHILE JESUSWILL BE SUBJECTED TO GOD

God is above all:

Ephesians 4:6 NKJV“One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”

Jesus will be subjected to God:

I Corinthians 15:27-28 NKJV“For "He has put all things under His feet." But when He says "all things are put under Him," it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. 28Now when all things are made subject to

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Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.”

Jesus also above all. While being the Son the Father is above Him in their relationship but equal in reign and throne.

John 3:31-32 31"HE WHO COMES FROM ABOVE IS ABOVE ALL, he who is of the earth is from the earth and speaks of the earth HE WHO COMES FROM HEAVEN IS ABOVE ALL. 32"WHAT HE HAS SEEN AND HEARD, of that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony.

At the end He shall reign with the Father and there will be only one Throne.

Luke 1:31, 3331"And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 33and HE WILL REIGN over the house of Jacob FOREVER, and HIS KINGDOM WILL HAVE NO END.“

Revelation 5:1313And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, "To Him who sits on the throne, and to the LAMB, BE BLESSING AND HONOR AND GLORY AND DOMINION FOREVER AND EVER."

Revelation 22: 1, 3, 51Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the THRONE OF GOD AND OF THE LAMB, 3There will no longer be any curse; and the THRONE OF GOD AND OF THE LAMB will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him; 5And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will REIGN FOREVER AND EVER.

GOD IS NOT A SON OF MAN WHILEJESUS IS CALLED “SON OF MAN”

God is not a man, nor a son of man:

Numbers 23:19 NKJV“God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?”

Jesus is called the “Son of Man”:

Matthew 16:13-16 NKJV44

“When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" So they said, "Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus is called the Son of Man because He took the form of a man. He took it from the virgin Mary. He is the Son of the Most High. Mary bore Him through the power of the Spirit.

Mt 1: 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.19 And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly.20 But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.21 "She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."

He is not the son of a human father but the Son of the Most High.

Lk 1: 32 "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David;33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end."34 Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?"35 The angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.

In Jesus’ teaching the Son of God is Lord and not human nor was a descendant from man.

Mt 16: 13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?"14 And they said, "Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or ONE OF THE PROPHETS."15 He *said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."17 And Jesus said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.

Mt 22: 41 Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question:42 "What do you think about the Christ, whose son is He?" They *said to Him, "The son of David."43 He *said to them, "Then how does David in the Spirit call Him 'Lord,' saying,44 'The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand, Until I put Your enemies beneath Your feet"'?

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45 "If David then calls Him 'Lord,' how is He his son?"

GOD IS SPIRIT WHILE JESUS IS A MAN

God is spirit has no flesh and bones:

John 4:24 NKJV“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Luke 24:38-39 NKJV“And He said to them, "Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”

Jesus is a man, he has flesh and bones:

John 8:40 NKJV“But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this.”

Luke 24:38-39 NKJV“And He said to them, "Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”

Because the Christ took the human form when He came from heaven to earth that is why He has flesh and bones. The Bible testified He is Spirit before He came.

COL 1:17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

JN 1:15 John testified about Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘ He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’ ”

1Co 10:2 They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 1Co 10:3 They all ate the same spiritual food 1Co 10:4 and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ.

JN 8:58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.”

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1Pe 1:11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.

Rom 8:9 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.

IF JESUS IS GOD THEN THERE WILL BE TWO GODS

In the Old Testament we can read that there is only one Lord, one God and one Savior. It was Yahweh (LORD), the Elohim (God) of heaven and earth, who spoke these words. Elohim is the plural form of El i (God). Beside Yahweh there is no other Lord, God and Savior. Yahweh, the Holy Name of Elohim (God), shall be remembered and abide to all generations (Psalms 45:17, 102:12).

Deut 6.4 says Yahweh our Elohim is one (echad) Lord. The Hebrew word echad means compound unity and not one (yacheed) solitary unity. The Father and the Son of God share that precious Name and were called by the same Name Yahweh.

Jesus in Hebrew is Yeshua/Yahushua or Yahweh is salvation. He is the I AM (Jn 8:58, Ex 3:14).

1. JESUS/YESHUA/YASHUA IS YAHWEH PIERCED. Zec 12:1-9,10

2. JESUS IS YAHWEH WHO IS COMING TO JUDGE WITH FLAMES OF FIRE ISA 66:15- 16 2Th 1:7-9

3. JESUS IS YAHWEH WHO SHALL COME AND STAND AT THE MOUNT OLIVES Zec 14:3-4

4. JESUS IS YAHWEH COMING WITH HIS HOLY ONES Zec 14:5-9 Jude 1:14-15 Rev 19:11-16

5. JESUS IS YAHWEH SENT BY THE FATHER GOD ALMIGHTY TO RULE WITH HIM FOREVER AND DWELL WITH HIS PEOPLE. Zec 2:9- 11 Rev 20:6 Rev 21:1 -7

That is why Jesus (YESHUA OR YAHWEH SAVES) is also called:

1. The Rock Is. 28:16 Ps.118:22 2Cor. 10:1-4 2. The First and the Last Rev 22:12-133. God 2Pet 1:1 Tit 2:13 Rev 1:7-8, 18

The Father alone is the true God. This is the teaching explicitly written in the Bible. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself, the apostles, and even the prophets of ancient Israel clearly declared that there is only One True God, the Father. And the Lord Jesus Christ also declared that to attain eternal life is to accept that the Father is the only true God:

John 17:3, 1 NIV47

“Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.“After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.

There is no contradiction in the Bible. This teaching of the Holy Scripture that the Father alone is the True God must not be contradicted. Thus, if a belief contradicts this teaching of the Bible that there is only One True God, the Father, that belief must be rejected. The apostles admonish the Christians to reject the “gospel” different from the one they preached:


Jn 17:1 Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You,2 even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life.3 "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.4 "I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do.5 "Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.



The Christ is true God and eternal life.


Galatians 1:6-8 NIV“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel- which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are

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throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!”Did you know that the belief that the Lord Jesus is God contradict the teaching of the Bible that the Father alone is the true God?




They are preaching another Jesus that the apostles have not preached.

2Cor 11: 3 But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.4 For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully.

And the real gospel preached is salvation through faith in Christ and not through entering the Iglesia ni Cristo built in 1914.

Act 26: 17 rescuing you from the Jewish people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you,18 to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.’

1Tim 1: 15 It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.16 Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.

He that has the Son has eternal life.

1Jn 5:9 If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater; for the testimony of God is this, that He has testified concerning His Son.

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10 The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son.11 And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.12 He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.This Is Written That You May Know 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

He who receives the Son through faith in the only gospel Christ died for our sins is saved.

Rom 1: 8 But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart"--that is, the word of faith which we are preaching,9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.11 For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed."12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him;13 for "Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved."14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?15 How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!"16 However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our report?"17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

Therefore the Iglesia ni Cristo (1914) preaches another Jesus not the Son of God who took the human form and came down from Heaven to earth to die for our sins. They preach another Jesus and another gospel that salvation is not through Christ and by faith in Him alone but by entering their church. Eternal life is by believing the only true God the Father and His Son who is like His Father, the true God and eternal life. Salvation is not by entering the church but through faith in Christ.

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pastorlarrydelacruz.weebly.com · web viewbut god can take the form of a man. he can do this...

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