The Trinity Denies the Father and the Son relationship

 Introduction: 

The doctrine of the Trinity, central to mainstream Christianity, posits that God exists as three co-equal and co-eternal persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. However, a careful reading of specific biblical passages, particularly in the Gospel of John, the writings of Paul, and the letters of John, reveals a potential conflict with this concept. These verses suggest that the Trinity may inadvertently obscure the distinct identities and roles of the Father and the Son, ultimately denying their unique positions within the Godhead.

Scriptural Evidence: Exhibit ‘A’

1. Revelation 3:11-12: “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.”

In this passage, Jesus, speaking to the church in Philadelphia, repeatedly refers to “my God.” This language clearly indicates a distinction between Jesus and God, with Jesus acknowledging a higher authority to whom he himself is subject. This contradicts the Trinitarian idea of co-equality, portraying a hierarchical relationship instead.

Jesus says “my God” four times in verse twelve in such a way, that one is hard pressed to say that Jesus doesn’t have a God whom he loves and worships, who is his heavenly Father, our God and our Father, as Jesus stated in John 20:17. We are now going to examine Exhibit ‘A’ in more detail.

Scripture evidence: Exhibit ‘B’

1. John 17:3: “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”

Jesus, in his prayer to the Father, explicitly identifies the Father as “the only true God.” This statement directly challenges the Trinitarian notion that Jesus is ontologically equal to the Father. If Jesus is also the “true God,” the Father cannot be the “only true God.” This verse highlights the Father’s unique position as the source of divinity.

Scripture evidence

1. John 20:17: “Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.”

After his resurrection, Jesus instructs Mary Magdalene to inform his disciples that he is ascending to “my Father” and “my God.” This declaration further reinforces the distinction between Jesus and God, portraying Jesus as a separate being who worships and submits to God. This undermines the Trinitarian concept of “co-equal persons.”

Scripture evidence

1. 1 Corinthians 15:24-28: “Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.”

This passage depicts a clear hierarchy within the Godhead. Christ, despite his exalted position, ultimately submits to the Father. This submission implies a distinction in roles and authority, challenging the Trinitarian idea of perfect equality within the Godhead.

Scripture evidence

1. 1 John: Throughout this letter, the author (traditionally attributed to John the apostle) emphasizes the unique relationship between the Father and the Son. For instance, 1 John 2:22-23 states: “Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.” This passage highlights the importance of acknowledging both the Father and the Son, but it also implies a distinction between them. Denying the Son is distinct from denying the Father, suggesting separate identities.

Analysis

These scriptures collectively present a picture that seems at odds with the Trinity. The language employed by Jesus, Paul, and John consistently points to a hierarchical relationship within the Godhead, with the Father occupying a position of ultimate authority and Jesus acknowledging his subordination to the Father.

The Trinity, by asserting the co-equality and co-eternity of the Father and the Son, risks blurring this distinction and obscuring the clear biblical portrayal of their unique roles and identities. It potentially denies the Father His unique position as the “only true God” and minimizes Jesus’s own acknowledgment of his submission to the Father.

Conclusion

The biblical evidence presented here raises important questions about the philosophical framework of the Trinity. While the Trinity seeks to express the complex nature of God, the scriptures clearly depict a distinction between the Father and the Son, with Jesus consistently acknowledging his subordination to the Father.

It is essential for Christians to engage in thoughtful reflection on the scriptural foundations of their beliefs and to critically evaluate the doctrine of the Trinity in light of the clear teachings of Jesus and the apostles. By upholding the biblical portrayal of the Father and the Son, we can more accurately understand and worship the one true God.

Remember that “iron sharpens iron” and we are to “provoke one another to good works” and let’s not forget that our Father’s word is a lamp to our feet, and a light to our paths.

Let’s keep the conversation going!

Praise Jesus our brother King, to the glory of God our Father, and the grace and guidance of the Father’s holy spirit. Amen!

 

Glory the the one true God, and His only begotten Son, Jesus our Messiah. Amen.