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Bible Study Paper

Is God a Liar?
Would God have us believe something that is not true? Is God a liar? Romans 3:4.
Hebrews 6:18.

Answer: "God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou
mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged."
Romans 3:4. "That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie,
we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope
set before us:" Hebrews 6:18.

Would God change our beliefs after He has revealed them to us? Does He write new
doctrines when it suits Him? James 1:17, Mal. 3:6.

Answer: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from
the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." James
1:17. "For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed."
Malachi 3:6.

What warnings from the Scriptures do we have that help us discern new doctrines,
false beliefs and error from God's truth? Colossians 2:8. Matt. 15:8,9. Mark 7:9.

Answer: "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the
tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." Col. 2:8. "This
people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their
heart is far from me. But in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the
commandments of men." Matt. 15:8,9. "And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the
commandments of God, that ye may keep your own tradition." Mark 7:9.

Note: Whenever we see doctrines or beliefs that are based upon tradition, we need to
beware. If there is no scriptural proof for a belief, there is no foundation; there is therefore
no evidence for its validity. The Pharisees had built up a system of worship in their day
that placed tradition and formalism above the Word of God. Today, Roman Catholicism
has also built up a system of traditions which takes precedence over the Bible.

Extra: "One sentence of Scripture is of more value than ten thousand of man's ideas or
arguments." - Testimonies to the Church, Vol. 7, p71.

Therefore as Christians, do we have a foundation upon which to build our faith? 1


Cor. 3:11. Matt. 16:16-18.

Answer. Yes! "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus
Christ." 1 Cor. 3:11. "He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter
answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered
and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed
it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art
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Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail
against it." Matthew 16:16-18.

Note: This foundation is not just an affirmation that Jesus is the Christ, but that He is the
"Son of the living God." This "rock" is the foundation of the gospel message that we are to
give to the world.

Extra: "The truth which Peter had confessed is the foundation of the believer's faith. It is
that which Christ Himself has declared to be eternal life." - The Desire of Ages, p412.

Is this foundation that important? Does our eternal life hinge upon knowing this
foundation? John 17:1-3. John 3:36.

Answer: "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus
Christ, whom thou has sent." John 17:3. "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting
life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on
him." John 3:36.

Note: Christ is telling us here that life eternal is a knowledge of God; therefore a
knowledge of God is life eternal. The converse of this would be that a lack of a true
knowledge of God is eternal death and therefore eternal death is a lack of true knowledge
about the only true God, and His Son Jesus Christ.

Extra: "The Eternal Father, the unchangeable one, gave his only begotten Son, tore from
his bosom Him who was made in the express image of his person, and sent him down to
earth to reveal how greatly he loved mankind." - R&H July 9, 1895.

"Who could bring in the principles ordained by God in His rule and government to
counterwork the plans of Satan, and bring the world back to its loyalty? God said, 'I will
send My Son.' 'God so loved the world, the He gave His only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.' John 3:16." - 6T
p236, 237.

Study also Jer. 9:23,24; John 16:25-33, and John 3:14-18.

What is so important for us to understand about the Father's gift of His only-
begotten Son? 1 John 4:8-10.

Answer: "He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the
love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that
we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us,
and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." 1 John 4:8-10.

Note: God's love for us was manifested in His gift of His dear Son to mankind, that we
might learn to love, and to know Him. God had to already have a Son in order to be able
to give that Son.

Extra: "As Jehovah, the supreme Ruler, God could not personally communicate with
sinful men, but He so loved the world that He sent Jesus to our world as a revelation of
Himself. ... Taking humanity upon Him, Christ came to be one with humanity, and at the

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same time to reveal our heavenly Father to sinful human beings." - E.G.W in MR-#708
(1900) pg. 122.
"All things Christ received from God, but He took to give. So in the heavenly courts,
in His ministry for all created beings: through the beloved Son, the Father's life flows out
to all; through the Son it returns, in praise and joyous service, a tide of love, to the great
Source of all." - The Desire of Ages, p.21.
"The dedication of the first-born had its origin in the earliest times. God had
promised to give the First-born of heaven to save the sinner." - The Desire of Ages, p51.

How does this love become a reality to us? 1 John 4:15,16.

Answer: "Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him,
and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is
love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." 1 John 4:15,16.

Note: Understanding Jesus' relationship to God His Father is a key to having God dwell in
us.

Extra: "The knowledge of God as revealed in Christ is the knowledge that all who are
saved must have. It is the knowledge that works transformation of character. This
knowledge, received, will re-create the soul in the image of God. It will impart to the
whole being a spiritual power that is divine. ... As Jesus was in human nature, so God
means His followers to be. In His strength we are to live the life of purity and nobility
which the Saviour lived." - 8T p289. 1903.
"All who are one with Christ through faith in Him gain an experience which is life
unto eternal life. 'As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that
eateth me, even he shall live by me' (John 6:57). He 'dwelleth in me, and I in him' (John
6:56). 'I will raise him up at the last day' (John 6:54). 'Because I live, ye shall live also'
(John 14:19). Christ became one with humanity, that humanity might become one in spirit
and life with Him." - 1SM p302.

Study also Col. 1:26-28.

How close is the bond of love between the Father and His Son? Heb. 1:5,6.

Answer: "For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day
have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?
And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the
angels of God worship him." Hebrews 1:5,6.

Note: The relationship between the Father and the Son is portrayed as exactly that; the
love and closeness that exists between a Father and a Son.

Extra: "From the days of eternity the Lord Jesus Christ was one with the Father; He was
'the image of God,' the image of His greatness and majesty, 'the outshining of His glory.' It
was to manifest this glory that He came to our world. To this sin-darkened earth He came
to reveal the light of God's love, - to be 'God with us.'" - The Desire of Ages, p.19.

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Is Christ, the Son of God, equal with His Father? Heb. 1:2; 1:8,9. John 5:26,27.

Answer: "God, ... hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath
appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;" Hebrews 1:1,2.
"But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of
righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated
iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above
thy fellows." Hebrews 1:8,9.
"For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in
himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of
man." John 5:26,27.

Note: God loves His Son so much he has exalted him to His throne, and given Him all
authority. Christ has been appointed heir of all things by His Father.

Extra: "The Scriptures clearly indicate the relation between God and Christ, and they
bring to view as clearly the personality and individuality of each. (Heb. 1:1-5 quoted) God
is the Father of Christ; Christ is the Son of God. To Christ has been given an exalted
position. He has been made equal with the Father. All the counsels of God are opened to
His Son." - 8T p268. 1903-1904. (emphasis supplied)
"Christ the Word, the Only Begotten of God, was one with the eternal Father, - one
in nature, in character, and in purpose, - the only being in all the universe that could enter
into all the counsels and purposes of God." - Great Controvery, p493. (emphasis supplied)
"The Son of God shared the Father's throne, and the glory of the eternal, self-
existent One encircled both." - Patriarchs and Prophets, p36. (emphasis supplied)

What other texts reveal to us the Father and Son bond between Christ and His
Father? Proverbs 8:30; Matt.3:17; Matt 17:5.

Answer: Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight,
rejoicing always before him;" Proverbs 8:30.
"And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well
pleased." Matthew 3:17.
"While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a
voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased;
hear ye him." Matt. 17:5.

Note: In Proverbs 8 the Son of God tells us through the prophet that "I was daily his
delight, rejoicing always before him"; speaking of His Father. And in Matthew the Father
in heaven confirms that Jesus is His "beloved Son."

Extra: "The heart of the human father yearns over his son. He looks into the face of his
little child, and trembles at the thought of life's peril. He longs to shield his dear one from
Satan's power, to hold him back from temptation and conflict. To meet a bitterer conflict
and a more fearful risk, God gave His only-begotten Son, that the path of life might be
sure for our little ones. 'Herein is love.' Wonder, O heavens! and be astonished, O earth! -
The Desire of Ages, p49.

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"But God suffered with His Son. ... There was silence in heaven. No harp was
touched. Could mortals have viewed the amazement of the angelic host as in silent grief
they watched the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory from His beloved
Son, they would better understand how offensive in His sight is sin." - The Desire of Ages,
p693.

Did the Jewish leaders in the time of Christ believe that God had a Son? Matt. 26:63.
John 5:18.

Answer: "And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living
God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God." Matt. 26:63.
"Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken
the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God." John
5:18.

Note: Here we see Caiaphas the high priest at the trial of Christ calling on Christ to
answer the charge against him. The Jews were accusing Christ of blasphemy, because He
said that He was the Son of the living God.

Extra: "At last, Caiaphas, raising his right hand toward heaven, addressed Jesus in the
form of a solemn oath: 'I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell me whether thou be
the Christ, the Son of God.'
To this appeal Christ could not remain silent. There was a time to be silent, and a
time to speak. He had not spoken until directly questioned. He knew that to answer now
would make His death certain. But the appeal was made by the highest acknowledged
authority of the nation, and in the name of the Most High. Christ would not fail to show
proper respect for the law. More than this, His own relation to the Father was called in
question. He must plainly declare His character and mission. . . . Every ear was bent to
listen, and every eye was fixed on His face as He answered, 'Thou has said.' A heavenly
light seemed to illuminate His pale countenance as He added, 'Nevertheless I say unto
you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming
in the clouds of heaven.'
For a moment the divinity of Christ flashed through His guise of humanity. The
high priest quailed before the penetrating eyes of the Saviour. That look seemed to read
his hidden thoughts, and burn into his heart. Never in afterlife did he forget that searching
glance of the persecuted Son of God." - Desire of Ages p706,707.

Did Christ clearly state that He came forth from God, or did He only use the term
"Son of man" when talking of Himself and His work on earth? John 8:41,42. John
16:27-31. John 17:8.

Answer: "Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of
fornication; we have one Father, even God. Jesus said unto them, If God were your
Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of
myself, but he sent me." John 8:41, 42.
"For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed
that I came out from God. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world:
again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. His disciples said unto him, Lo, now
speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now are we sure that thou knowest all
things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest

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forth from God. Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe?" John 16:27-31.
"For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have
received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed
that thou didst send me." John 17:8.

Note: The Lord Jesus left no room for ambiguity. His own words are no contradiction to
the whole of scripture. The words "proceeded forth," "come out," "came forth," "camest
forth" and "came out" all have the same Greek translation. The reference number in
Strong's Concordance is #1831 which means "to issue from" or "to come out of." What a
mysterious yet glorious truth! So different from the “created being” concept of the so-
called “Arian” belief. Jesus said, "I came forth from the Father, and am come into the
world" (John 16:28). Undoubtedly, the beloved disciple John took Christ's words seriously
because he states the same truth in these words, "In this was manifested the love of God
toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live
through him." (1John 4:9).

Extra: "Before the foundations of the earth were laid, the Father and Son had united in a
covenant to redeem man if he should be overcome by Satan. They had clasped Their
hands in a solemn pledge that Christ should become the surety for the human race. This
pledge Christ had fulfilled. When upon the cross He cried out, 'It is finished,' He addressed
the Father. The compact had been fully carried out. Now he declares: Father, it is finished.
I have done Thy will, O my God. I have completed the work of redemption. If thy justice
is satisfied, 'I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am.' John
19:30; 17:24." - The Desire of Ages, p834.

When the plan of salvation for mankind was worked out in heaven, who was involved
in this council of God? Zechariah 6:13.

Answer: "Even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and
shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel
of peace shall be between them both." Zechariah 6:13.

Note: The Hebrew word for "both" is shenayim. This word is plural for two. God had an
Associate that could enter into council with Him. Were there three beings involved in this
heavenly council? Or was this meeting between God the Father and His Son?

Extra: "Christ was the only being that could enter into all the counsels and purposes of
God." - Patriarchs and Prophets, p.34.

“After the earth was created, and the beasts upon it, the Father and Son carried out their
purpose, which was designed before the fall of Satan, to make man in their own image.
They had wrought together in the creation of the earth and every living thing upon it. And
now God says to his Son, "Let us make man in our image." As Adam came forth from the
hand of his Creator, he was of noble height, and of beautiful symmetry.” - Signs of the
Times, 1879-01-09.

Many names are used for Christ in the Old and New Testaments. In 1 Corinthians
1:24,30 and Luke 11:49 He is called "the wisdom of God." In Proverbs 8:12 we find
the Son of God portrayed with the name "wisdom." What else does Proverbs chapter
8 tell us about the Son of God? Prov. 8:22-30.

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Answer: "But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of
God, and the wisdom of God. ... But of him are ye in Christ Jesus who of God is made
unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:" 1 Cor. 1:24,30.
"Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some
of them they shall slay and persecute:" Luke 11:49.

"I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions." Prov. 8:12.
"The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up
from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I
was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the
mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: While as yet he had not made
the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. When he prepared
the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: When he
established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: When he
gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he
appointed the foundations of the earth: Then I was by him, as one brought up with him:
and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;" Proverbs 8:22-30.

Note: The Hebrew translation for the words brought forth in verses 24 and 25 of
Proverbs eight, is #2342 in Strong's Concordance. The Hebrew word #2342 is translated
in other texts using different English words although all having the same meaning. For
example:
calve in Job 39:1 "canst thou mark when the hinds do calve?"
shapen, in Psalms 51:5 "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother
conceive me."
bare in Isaiah 51:2 "Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you."
travail in Isaiah 54:1 "break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail
with child;"

All these translations for "brought forth" mean one and the same thing: to be born
or begotten. Some might be tempted to say, "this passage is not talking about the Son of
God, but rather the personification of wisdom." Yet, Paul clearly understood who the
"wisdom" of the Father was when he wrote 1st Corinthians 1:24,30.

Extra: "And the Son of God declares concerning Himself: 'The Lord possessed Me in the
beginning of His way, before His works of old... Proverbs 8:22-30." - PP, p34.
"The Lord Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, existed from eternity, a distinct
person, yet one with the Father. He was the surpassing glory of heaven. He was the
commander of the heavenly intelligences, and the adoring homage of the angels was
received by Him as His right. This was no robbery of God. 'The Lord possessed me in the
beginning of his way,' He declares, 'before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting,
from the beginning or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought
forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were
settled, before the hills was I brought forth: while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the
fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. When he prepared the heavens, I was
there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth' (Pro. 8:22-27).

There are light and glory in the truth that Christ was one with the Father before the
foundation of the world was laid. This is the light shining in a dark place, making it

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resplendent with divine, original glory. This truth, infinitely mysterious in itself, explains
other mysterious and otherwise unexplainable truths, while it is enshrined in light,
unapproachable and incomprehensible." - 1SM p247,248. (1906)

Does the Bible reveal to us any further expressions about the Father's love for His
Son? Col.1:12-19.

Answer: "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the
inheritance of the saints of light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and
hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through
his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the
firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that
are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities,
or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by
him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning,
the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it
pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell;" Col. 1:12-19.

Note: In Colossians we are taught here that Jesus "is the image of the invisible God, the
firstborn of every creature." We see Christ as the creator of all things, and it pleased the
Father that in Him should all the fullness of the Godhead dwell.
If the Son of the Father had not been a literal Son, but rather a co-equal being who
was part of a "Triplet," Trinity; or an inferior created "Son" (or Angel), then the Father
could not and would not have demonstrated His willingness to deny himself, suffer
himself, in order to redeem fallen humanity. This type and quality of love was forever
demonstrated through the gift of His only begotten Son.

This was the only way the Father could 1) Satisfy the demands of His broken law
providing pardon for its transgressors, and 2) Redeem back the supreme love, loyalty and
allegiance from His creatures forever. With this understanding, the dreadful yet glorious
reality begins to dawn upon our consciousness - God the Father risked eternal separation
from His only begotten Son - He was willing to risk ALL, His throne, universe, all
creation, EVERYTHING - in order to save us!
Oh that we may see the love of God for His Son, and for all of us here on this old planet.

(These points beg the question: Why are people unwilling to accept the plain simple Word
of God, and make the Scriptures say something that they do not? If Scripture says "Father"
and "Son", why not accept that, instead of putting together a scene of role-playing beings
taking names so that their simple creation may understand them better? A Father - Son
relationship is simple enough to understand, yet the Trinitarian position overrules the
Biblical explanation and tries to give it a deep spiritual meaning, creating a "mystery".)

If we do not believe that God has given us His only Son, what are we doing? 1 John
5:10-13.

Answer: "He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that
believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave
of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in
his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

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These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye
may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of
God." 1 John 5:10-13.

Note: If we are not willing to accept that God has given us His Son, we are in effect
calling God a liar.

The apostle John speaks of a liar called the "antichrist". What is the major
characteristic of this "antichrist" that will help God's people discern his true
character and the character of those who teach his doctrine? 1st John 2:22. 2 Peter
2:1,2.

Answer: "Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that
denieth the Father and the Son." 1st John 2:22. "But there were false prophets also among
the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in
damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves
swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the
way of truth shall be evil spoken of." 2 Peter 2:1,2.

Note: One of the ways in which we as followers of Christ can discern the "Antichrist" is
by the warning that John has given us, for if someone comes to us teaching that Jesus is
not the Christ, the anointed Son of God, but rather is some other entity, then we know that
their teaching is not from God. Peter warns us that teachers will come in amongst us
teaching this false doctrine, that Christ is not really the Son of the living God.

Extra: "Here the apostle has pointed out one of the marked characteristics of spiritualist
teachers. They refuse to acknowledge Christ as the Son of God. Concerning such teachers
the beloved John declares: '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.' 1st John 2:22,23. Spiritualism, by denying Christ, denies both the Father
and the Son, and the Bible pronounces it the manifestation of antichrist." - Patriarchs and
Prophets, p686. (1893). (Emphasis supplied).

Jesus is warning His people down through the ages to watch out for the false teachers,
who would come in amongst them and spread false doctrine. We need to take heed that we
have not been trapped into believing or teaching this false doctrine of "Antichrist". All of
the doctrines of the Roman Catholic church are based upon tradition rather than truth. This
is the case with the Catholic "Trinity Doctrine", which has been gradually gaining
acceptance over time with other churches, including our own Seventh-day Adventist
Church. The doctrine of the Trinity teaches that Jesus is not really the Son of God, but
rather He is a co-eternal, co-equal being with God the "Father", and plays the "role" of a
son. The confusion and mystery that the Trinity doctrine has created down through the
centuries is still with us today, as can be seen in the majority of Christian publications. To
the Jew and to a monotheistic Christian, the simple word of God does not have to go to
lengthy and contradictory explanations as to the nature of God and His Son. Sadly, in our
own writings we have:
"In contrast to the heathen of surrounding nations, Israel believed there was only
one God (Deut.4:35;6:4; Isa.45:5; Zech14:9). . . . This monotheistic emphasis does not
contradict the Christian concept of the triune God or Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit;
rather it affirms that there is no pantheon of various deities. . . . Although the Old

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Testament does not explicitly teach that God is triune, it alludes to a plurality within the
Godhead" . . . "While the Godhead is not one in person, God is one in purpose, mind and
character. This oneness does not obliterate the distinct personalities of the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Spirit. Nor does the separateness of personalities within the Deity destroy the
monotheistic thrust of Scripture, that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one God." -
Seventh-day Adventists Believe . . . " pp 22-23. (emphasis in the original).

Going further, we find that we as a Church are now teaching that the Father of Christ was
really the Holy Spirit, contradicting plain reason and logic. "The incarnation beautifully
demonstrated the working relationship of the three persons of the Godhead. The Father
gave His Son, Christ gave Himself, and the Spirit gave Jesus birth . . ." - Seventh-day
Adventists Believe . . . p24.

Remember: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not
his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be
saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned
already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." John
3:16-18. (emphasis supplied).

The question has to be asked. Can the most famous text in the Word of God, John 3:16, be
taken as it is written, or should we interpret it according to a trinitarian doctrinal
persuasion? Why denigrate God to a role-playing God, who takes names and roles so that
we might understand Him better? Would this not be out of character of what we know of
God? Why not accept the word of God for what it says, and try to understand it as it is
written, without spiritualising every word? There is a simple rule that we can follow. “The
language of the Bible should be explained according to its obvious meaning, unless a
symbol or figure is employed.” – GC, p.599. This rule does not deny the use of symbols,
but it simply says that if the language is plain and simple, accept it as it reads. If there is a
reason to believe that the terms are symbolic, then the Scriptures will supply the key for
that symbol such as it does for the beasts and kingdoms in the book of Daniel.

The question has to be answered; Is God a Liar? I believe the answer is a resounding
“NO!” We can trust God to be as good as His Word, and to always tell us the truth, and
give us enough light to know what we believe. “Those who desire to doubt will have
plenty of room. God does not propose to remove all occasion for unbelief. He gives
evidence, which must be carefully investigated with a humble mind and a teachable spirit,
and all should decide from the weight of evidence.” – 3T, p.255.

Suggested personal follow-up to this study: - Who is the "Michael" spoken of in the
Bible? For further copies of this study paper, and a catalogue of material on other aspects
of this important topic entitled “The Weight of Evidence”, please write to:

Blair Andrew. PO Box 97, Eagle Heights, Qld. 4271. Australia.

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