Godhead
Who is God and his Son Jesus Christ
The word, “Godhead” was only mentioned three times by the apostle Paul in the Scriptures and in this study we will take a look at those three instances and learn how the apostle used the word in each case.
The first was recorded in:
1) Acts 17:29 - “Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.”
The context that surrounds this verse was the objective of Paul to reveal the true God to the people in Athens which were wholly given up on idolatry (vs. 16-28), and he specifically contrasted their false image of the “UNKNOWN GOD” as inscribed on the altar (v23) by speaking against their ideology that God could be known through the graven works of their imagination of God.
The apostle declared to them, “…Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you” (v23). But who was this God that Paul desired to reveal to them? When he said, “HIM,” did he wish it to be understood as “EloHIM” in the plurality of divine persons that make up the Godhead? Or was “HIM” a single divine person in this context? Paul declared the “HIM” as a single person that will one day judge the world by “…that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead” (v31)
And Peter testified that God raised Jesus from the dead whom He ordained to judge the living and the dead (Acts 10:40-42). So therefore Paul in this context used the word Godhead to reveal God as the One that raised Jesus from the dead, which was specifically the Father (Galatians 1:1) and not a plurality of divine persons.
The second time Paul mentioned Godhead was in his letter to the believers in Rome.
2) Romans 1:20 - “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.”
From the beginning of this chapter in Romans 1 you will quickly notice that the apostle distinctly referred to the Father as “God” and to Jesus as the Son of God, therefore in context, the “HIM” again refers to the Father.
And the third time Paul mentioned Godhead was in his letter to the Colossians.
3) Colossians 2:9 - “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”
In this text, the “HIM” referred to Jesus (v8), and “IN HIM” dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead. According to Paul, the Godhead was the Father and His eternal power, so what was dwelling in Christ?
“To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself…” - 2 Corinthians 5:19
“For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” - Colossians 1:19-20 (him = Christ)
Within these Scriptures, the use of the word Godhead by the apostle Paul always referred to the Father and His eternal power, which pleased Him to see it dwelling in His Son. But is the Father physically dwelling in His Son, or is it by His Spirit that He dwells in his Son?
“…for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him” - John 3:34.
And since it was given to Jesus not by measure, then it must be in its fullness.
In conclusion, the usage of the word Godhead by Paul never alluded to a plurality of persons that make up one God, but always to a single divine Person, namely the Father. And this was his belief and the belief of the other disciples. Paul said, “But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.” - 1 Corinthians 8:6
So at this point you can see what is missing from the only three verses in the Bible with the word Godhead. And that is the defining of persons. Also not found is the mention of a membership or group of three. The Holy Spirit is missing. Why? Let the scriptures speak to you without any preconceived notions. Let the scriptures speak to you and not what you have been told to regurgitate.
One thing is certain, the word Godhead it has nothing to do with a trinity or trinity explanation, or a three being / person doctrine of any kind. Colossians 2:8 - "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.”From the above study of the three main Scriptures using the word Godhead, we can see what the Bible is telling us, and we can see what the Bible is not telling us. Now it is up to you to reconcile your thinking to the Bible, instead of trying to reconcile the Bible to your thinking.
What does Sister white say in reference to this?
“The Father and the Son ALONE are to be exalted.” — Ellen G. White, The Youth's Instructor, July 7, 1898
“God informed Satan that to his Son ALONE he would reveal his secret purposes, and he required all the family in heaven, even Satan, to yield him implicit, unquestioned obedience;” — Ellen G. White, Signs of the Times, January 9, 1879
“The ONLY Being who was one with God lived the law in humanity, descended to the lowly life of a common laborer, and toiled at the carpenter's bench with His earthly parent.” — Ellen G. White, Signs of the Times, October 14, 1897
How many beings does the Bible say there are? “But to us there is but ONE God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and ONE Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.” 1 Corinthians 8:6
John 17:3, John 16:3-4 and John 3:16-17 all show the importance of knowing God and his Son.
Lets look now at Bible verses that speak to us about God and his son Jesus Christ.
The Father and Son in Consecutive Verses
Matthew
Matthew 23:8-10 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. [Son] v9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. [Father] v10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. [Son]
John
John 4:24-26 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. [Father] v25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. [Son] v26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. [Son]
Acts
Acts 3:20-21 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: [Son] v21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
Romans
Romans 16:25-26 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, [Son] v26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: [Father]
1 Corinthians
1 Corinthians 2:1-2 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. [Father] v2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. [Son]
1 Corinthians 3:10-11 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. [Father] v11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. [Son]
1 Corinthians 12:27-28 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. [Son] v28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. [Father]
2 Corinthians
2 Corinthians 1:4-5 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. [Father] v5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. [Son]
2 Corinthians 5:13-14 For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. [Father] v14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: [Son]
2 Corinthians 10:13-14 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. [Father] v14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: [Son]
Galatians
Galatians 1:12-13 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. [Son] v13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: [Father]
Galatians 1:15-16 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, [Father] v16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: [Son]
Ephesians
Ephesians 2:4-7 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, [Father] v5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) [Father & Son] v6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: [Son] v7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. [Father & Son]
Ephesians 3:1-2 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, [Son] v2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: [Father]
Ephesians 3:16-17 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; [Father, His Spirit] v17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, [Son]
Ephesians 4:5-6 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, [Son] v6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. [Father]
Philippians
Philippians 1:1-3 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: [Son] v2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. [Father & Son] v3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, [Father]
Philippians 4:20-21 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. [Father] v21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. [Son]
Colossians
Colossians 1:6-7 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: [Father] v7 As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; [Son]
Colossians 1:12-13 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: [Father] v13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: [Son]
Colossians 1:24-25 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: [Son] v25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; [Father]
Colossians 3:15-16 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. [Father] 1v6 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. [Son]
Colossians 3:22-24 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: [Father] v23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; [Son] v24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. [Son]
1 Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians 1:8-9 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. [Son] v9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; [Father]
1 Thessalonians 2:5-6 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: [Father] v6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. [Son]
1 Thessalonians 3:8-9 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. [Son] v9 For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; [Father]
1 Thessalonians 4:2-3 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. [Son] v3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: [Father]
1 Thessalonians 4:6-7 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. [Son] v7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. [Father]
1 Timothy
1 Timothy 1:11-12 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. [Father] v12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; [Son]
1 Timothy 1:16-17 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. [Son] v17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. [Father]
1 Timothy 4:5-6 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. [Father] v6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. [Son]
1 Timothy 6:14-17 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: [Son] v15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; [Father] v16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. [Father] v17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; [Father]
2 Timothy
2 Timothy 2:7-10 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. [Son] v8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: [Son] v9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. [Father] v10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. [Son]
Philemon
Philemon 1:4-5 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, [Father] v5 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; [Son]
Hebrews
Hebrews 1:1-14 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, [Father] v2 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; [Father & Son] v3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; [Father & Son] vv4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. [Son] v5 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? [Father & Son] v6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. v7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. v8 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. [Father & Son] v9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. [Father & Son] v10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: [Father or Son] v11 They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; v12 And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. v13 [Father & Son] But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? v14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
1 Peter
1 Peter 2:3-4 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. [Son] v4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, [Father]
1 Peter 4:1-2 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; [Son] v2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. [Father]
1 John
1 John 3:20-24 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. [Father] 21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. [Father] 22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. 23 [Father] And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. [Father & Son] 24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us. [Father & Son, by Their Spirit]
1 John 4:9-16 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. [Father & Son] 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. [Father & Son] 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. [Father] 12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. [Father] 13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. [Father, His Spirit] 14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. [Father & Son] 15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. [Father & Son] 16 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. [Father]
Jude
Jude 1:24-25 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, [Son] 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. [Father]
Revelation
Revelation 1:1-9 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: [Father & Son] 2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. [Father & Son] 3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. 4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; [Father, His Spirit] 5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, [Son] 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. [Father & Son] 7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. [Son] 8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. [Father] 9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. [Father & Son]
Revelation 5:6-14 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
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