I read some recent feedback from listeners and my responses, discussing Oneness Pentecostalism, Israelology and the Calvinist doctrines of Total Depravity and Irresistible Grace.
Music
- Mel and Tim, Mail Call Time, from the album, Good Guys Only Win in the Movies, 1996
Promoted Resources
- Please Convince Me, with Jim Wallace
- The Please Convince Me podcast, available in iTunes, the Zune Marketplace, or RSS feed.
- Also the sister site, Answers for Atheists, geared specifically toward atheists seeking answers to their objections to Christianity.
I am very confused with the Trinity doctrine.
Jesus in the flesh had a different will than the Father. He said, “…not my will, but thine be done…” Jesus didn’t want to partake of the cup! I see why one can say that the Father is not to Son, but not sure why the so obvious terms are not understood in its most basic meanings. John 1:14 calls him the “…only begotten Son”. This is very different from Adam because he was created from the dust. Jesus was born of a woman. This word “begotten” is explaining or describing the Son. Hence, Son must be referring to the flesh.
Why did Jesus say in John 14:10, “Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.” I have often wondered, if the Son is God, why didn’t the Son do the works? The Son over and over says to be looking to the Father. By the way, the Son was conceived of the Holy Spirit. Would not that by default make Him (The Holy Spirit) the Father. These are most definitely relational terms. The Father and Son converse because it is flesh to Spirit.
I would agree there are problematic text. But I would strongly argue it is on both sides of this debate. Is the Father omnipresent? I believe He is. This is because I see the Father as the One God. That is to say, I don’t see the Father as a Person in the Godhead, but that God is the Father by relation, became the Son to redeem us (Dual Nature of Christ), and fills the believer with His Holy Spirit. Seeing three Persons to me is having more than One God. I know you don’t see this point, but just saying, if you think about it, it really doesn’t make since how three can mean one. Mark 13:32 “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.” In the flesh (Son) he did not know. If Son was referring to his Deity, how could he not know? I really hope that you truly affirm One God.
Around 1:07:30
How does “By faith we are saved…” go against the UPC doctrine. You yourself talked about straw-man fallacy earlier and then misrepresented our doctrine. I don’t believe that my works will save me, nor does any other oneness I know, and I know a lot. Only Christ can save. I do believe that my faith without works is dead. (James 2) Jesus said “if you love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) We do affirm that works is a reflection of the believer, but by no means their salvation. I often explain it this way: If my mother told me to look both ways before crossing the street, if I believe in my mother, do I look? She simply is looking out for my safety. If I believe in Jesus, I will follow his doctrine. My faith will result in good works, else the whole gospel is in vain. If you are referring to baptism: Jesus taught it, the Apostles administered it, and it is in the Epistles of Paul.
Romans 6
1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
In conclusion: We affirm One God, just as you do. If we are mistaken, I truly hope my eyes be opened. Who among us can claim we fully understand God? This would be foolish to think. We do baptize, but if it is unnecessary, again, I don’t see this as an issue. Will God really punish those who do to much or go to far? If I thought my works saved me, I would agree I am in error. But I fully believe by Faith we are save through Christ Jesus our Lord, and I would rather be safe than sorry.
I want to end saying, though I disagree with some of your positions, I really enjoy your podcasts.