Author: WBergmann

What Does Scripture Say About the Trinity? – A Biblical Investigation
Introduction

Few debates in the Christian world have stirred as much division as the doctrine of the Trinity. While many believers accept the idea of God being three persons in one essence, we must ask: does the Bible truly teach this? Or has the doctrine emerged from later theological and philosophical developments?

In this article, we will explore what the Scriptures themselves say—and don’t say—about the Trinity.

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Historical Roots of the Trinity Doctrine

The concept of a Trinitarian God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as one being—was officially developed in the 4th century A.D., primarily through the Council of Nicaea (325 A.D.) and the Council of Constantinople (381 A.D.). These formulations were deeply influenced by Greek philosophical terms such as ousia (essence) and hypostaseis (persons).

It’s important to note: the early Christian communities, including the Apostles themselves, never used such terminology. Their understanding of God was grounded in the Hebrew Scriptures and the direct teachings of Christ—not in Hellenistic philosophy.

Is the Trinity Taught in the Bible?

One of the most frequently cited Bible passages in defense of the Trinity is 1 John 5:7-8:

“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.”
(1 John 5:7-8, KJV 1611)

However, this passage—known as the Comma Johanneum—does not appear in the earliest Greek manuscripts. Scholars widely agree that it was added during the 16th century, likely due to pressure on Erasmus during the publication of his third edition of the Greek New Testament in 1522.

Modern translations either omit this passage entirely or relegate it to footnotes with a clear remark that it is not part of the original text.

What Scholars Say

Numerous scholars and theologians—both modern and historic—acknowledge that the Trinity doctrine lacks a firm biblical foundation:
- Shirley C. Guthrie Jr., in Christian Doctrine:
“The Bible does not teach the doctrine of the Trinity. The language of this doctrine is the language of the early church, which borrowed these terms from classical Greek philosophy.”
- Graham Greene, Roman Catholic theologian:
“Our opponents sometimes claim that no belief should be held dogmatically which is not explicitly stated in Scripture… but the Protestant Churches have themselves accepted such dogmas as the Trinity, for which there is no such precise authority in the Gospels.”
- Charles C. Ryrie, in Basic Theology:
“The New Testament does not contain an explicit doctrine of the Trinity. There is no single verse that clearly teaches one God in three persons.”

Even The HarperCollins Encyclopedia of Catholicism (1995) affirms:

“Contemporary scholars generally agree that the doctrine of the Trinity is not present in either the Old or New Testament.”

Jesus’ Own Words

If Jesus were truly co-equal and co-eternal with the Father, we would expect Him to make such claims. Instead, we read:

“I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.”
(John 5:30, KJV 1611)

This verse poses a serious question: If Jesus can do nothing of Himself, how can He be all-powerful? And if He is not all-powerful, can He be God in the same sense as the Father?

Final Thoughts

The doctrine of the Trinity, as cherished and deeply rooted as it may be in Christian tradition, finds no clear or direct support in Scripture itself. Rather, it arose from post-biblical debates and philosophical interpretations of divine nature. As Bible-believing followers of Jesus, we must return to the Scriptures alone—Sola Scriptura—and not rely on creeds and councils that emerged centuries after the last apostle died.
2025-06-04
Are Jews and Christians Truly Different? – A Biblical Exploration
Introduction

In today’s world, Christians and Jews are often seen as two separate religions. But what does the Bible really say? And how was their relationship at the beginning of the faith? Those who sincerely study the Scriptures and historical context soon realize: the lines between Jew and Christian are not as clear-cut as religious or social traditions might suggest.

This article seeks to uncover what the Bible teaches about the identity of God’s people – beyond denominations, doctrines, or religious labels.

There Is No Such Thing as “The Jew”

Many people are unaware that Judaism itself includes a wide range of branches – from Orthodox to Reform to Messianic Jews who recognize Jesus (Yeshua) as the Messiah. However, these religious divisions are largely man-made and do not reflect the unity described in the Word of God.

The Bible doesn’t distinguish between religious affiliations. Scripture consistently presents only two categories:

👉 God’s people – the faithful followers,
👉 Idolaters – those who do not serve the true and living God.

Whether we call ourselves Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, or Messianic is ultimately irrelevant if we are not sincerely following the Son of God in truth and obedience.

Two Houses – One People

After the death of King Solomon, the ancient kingdom of Israel was divided into two parts:
- The Northern Kingdom, known as the House of Israel, made up of ten tribes, and
- The Southern Kingdom, known as the House of Judah, with two tribes.
While Judah remained somewhat intact and became known as the Jewish people, the House of Israel intermingled with the nations and became “lost.” Yet God’s plan was never for them to remain lost.

Jesus himself referred to them when he said:

“And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.”
(John 10:16 – KJV 1611)

He was speaking of the scattered tribes of the Northern Kingdom. The restoration of the whole people of Israel – drawn from all nations – is a major theme throughout Scripture.

“And he shall send his Angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his Elect from the foure windes, from one end of Heaven to the other.”
(Matthew 24:31 – KJV 1611)

“After this I beheld, and lo, a great multitude which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lambe, clothed with white robes, and palmes in their hands.”
(Revelation 7:9 – KJV 1611)

The First Christians Were Entirely Jewish

Jesus was born into the tribe of Judah. His disciples – not just the well-known Twelve – were also Jewish. Both Jesus and the apostles taught in synagogues to Jewish audiences. Their way of life was thoroughly biblical and Hebraic – not “church-like” in the way we often imagine today.

The earliest followers of the Messiah were simply a distinct movement within Judaism – small, controversial perhaps, but grounded in biblical truth.

In fact, they were referred to as a sect – a term that in ancient usage was not derogatory. It simply meant:

“A smaller group within a larger religious community that emphasizes distinct teachings or practices.” (Duden definition)

Is There Really a Difference Today?

Historically and biblically speaking: No.

The first believers in Christ were Jews. From God’s perspective, there is only one people of God – those who believe, obey, and follow Him, regardless of their ancestry or religious background.

The true identity of God’s people is not determined by religion, culture, or heritage – but by covenant loyalty to the living God and His Son.
2025-06-01