translated into ASL-compatible English by permission of Ken Birks, April 5, 2010.  Original paragraphs are in black; simple English is in blue italics, like this.  Translation by Penny (Helen) Setterfield with a lot of help from Barry to make sure meanings for Bible verses correct in simple English.! Our comments are in green and in brackets [ ]. We thought this article very good way to help explain little about Trinity.

Understanding The Godhead
Understanding the Trinity
Ken Birks, Teacher

Introduction

The study of the Godhead is an important doctrine for the Christian to understand.  It is one of the major doctrines that orthodox Christianity teaches.  It is a doctrine that separates Christianity from cults and so called Christian cults.  It is considered a great mystery in Scripture, of which in this lesson our goal is to unravel this great mystery.

Important Christians understand about God.  “Trinity” is major doctrine in basic Christian teaching.  True Christian beliefs, Christian cults, different.  How?  Because teaching about Trinity.  “Trinity” is great mystery, hard to understand.  This article is to help you understand about Trinity.

The question that arises concerning the Godhead, is how can God, who is one God, be three persons?  God in the Bible is shown to be three distinct personalities: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

Big question:  how can one God = three persons?  Bible shows God is Father, Word, and Holy Spirit.  Three, but one.

1 John 5:7  For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.

1 John 5:7:  In heaven, three witnesses:  The Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit.  These three = one.

The Word Godhead Is Used To Describe God's Divine Nature.

“Godhead” -- word we use showing God’s Divine Nature

In the scriptures the word "Godhead" is used to describe the person of God.

Acts 17:29  Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature (Godhead) is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man's devising.

Acts 17:29  We are God’s children.  Meaning?  We should not think God same as silver or stone – something man’s hands make. 

Colossians 2:9  For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily...

Colossians 2:9   God Himself fully in Christ Jesus, in His body.

Romans 1:19-20  ...for God has shown it to them.  For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.

Romans 1:19-20  [start verse 18] – God shows His anger from heaven.  God’s anger against men who do evil and push away, ignore truth.  They know about God.  Why?  Because God clearly shows His character to men.  Since world creation God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – men can clearly see.  How?  God shows part His character in creation. Men have excuse none.

The Godhead Is A Mystery.

God’s Nature – Mystery (strange thing, cannot fully know)

There are many mysteries in God's word of which the subject of the name of God and the Godhead are one of those great mysteries.

Bible has many mysteries.  God’s name mystery.  Trinity mystery.

Colossians 2:2  ...that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ.

1 Timothy 3:16  And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:  God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory.

1 Timothy 3:16  Argument none.  Mystery about God very great.  God showed Hiimself in a body.  Holy Spirit proved Jesus true God.  Angels saw Jesus true God.  Jesus taught everyone, Jews and Gentiles.  People believed Him.  Then Jesus returned to heaven. 

Tertullian, one of the early church fathers introduced the word "Trinity" as the most suitable word to define the teaching concerning the Godhead.  It's important to understand that the Bible does not use the word "trinity", but it is a good word to describe the nature of God.  In this study we will refer to the word the Bible uses, the word "Godhead".

Tertullian was leader in early church (early leaders called ‘church fathers.’)  He chose word “Trinity” to explain about God.  Bible itself not use word “Trinity.”  But “Trinity” is good word to explain God’s nature.  We use word “Godhead” for this study, because Bible uses word “Godhead.”
[note from Penny:  King James uses word “Godhead.”  Other translations say “divine nature” or almost same.  Because ASL has good sign for “Trinity” I will use “Trinity” instead of “Godhead” in simple English here.]

A Statement Of Faith Concerning The Godhead.

Faith statement about Trinity

The Eternal Godhead is revealed as one God existing in three persons; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  All three are co-eternal, co-equal and co-existent in attributes, power, nature and glory.

Eternal Trinity is one God also three persons:  Father, Son, Holy Spirit.  All three eternal.  All three equal.  All three have same character, same power, same nature, same glory.

Bible clearly teaches God is one.  Bible also teaches God is three.  We must understand both true.  If we choose one way, not both, then we believe false.

God is One

The God of the Bible, the God whom we worship, is revealed as One God.  This is confirmed in both the Old and New Testaments.

Old Testament and New Testament, both, tell us God is One God.  We worship one God.

Old Testament

Deuteronomy 4:35,39  ...The Lord Himself is God; there is none other besides Himself...there is no other.

Deuteronomy 4:35, 39  [I am doing 32-39; Moses is talking to Israelites]  Think about this – ask anyone!  Ask in heaven.  Ask on earth.  Since creation, anything happen same as now?  This is different!  Nothing same happen before.  Other people hear God’s voice speaking out from fire and they still alive?  No.  Only you.   Other god form nation for himself?  Other god take people out from one nation?  God took you out from Egypt with miracles, wonderful happenings.  God used war and He used His own strength, with great, awe works.  You yourselves saw everything. 

Why God let you see?  So you will know LORD [YHWH] is God.  Other god none.  You yourselves heard his voice from heaven when he disciplined you.  On earth, he showed you great fire, and you heard his words come out from fire.  Why?  Because he loved your ancestors, and God chose their descendents – you – for himself.  He Himself with great strength brought you out from Egypt.  Egypt strong nation – stronger than you.  No matter.  God brought you out and He will give you your own land.You must know and understand in your hearts YWYH is God in heaven above, God here on earth below.  Other god none.   

Exodus 20:3    You shall have no other gods before Me.

Exodus 20:3   You shall have no other gods instead of me.

Deuteronomy 6:4  Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God, the Lord is One!

Deuteronomy 6:4  Pay attention, Israel;  YHWH our God, YHWH is One!

[note from Barry and Penny:  This verse is called “Shema.”  Very important verse.  The Hebrew word translated “God” is “elohim.”  “Im” ending means “three or more.”  “El” means “god, judge, authority.”  It means one god or judge or authority.  “Eloh” means two gods, two judges, or two authorities.  “Elohim” means three or more.  The word “LORD” in this verse is the ancient “tetregrammaton” YHWH, which Jews say is God’s name but cannot voice it.  Later some people change YHWH to “Jehovah.”  In English it becomes the “I AM I AM” name God gives Himself to Moses.  So Deuteronomy 6:4 means, “I AM I AM, our Elohim (3 or more gods, authorities, judges), I AM I AM is One!”] 

Other scripture references are as follows: 1 Samuel 2:2, 2 Samuel 7;22, Psalm 86:10; 83:18, Isaiah 44:6,8; 43:10; 45:18.

1 Samuel 2:2  No one holy same as LORD [YHWH]; LORD is rock, other rock none.  Our God is our Rock.

2 Samuel 7:22  You are great, LORD [YHWH].  You have full control.  Anyone same as you?  None!  You are only God.  We ourselves know this. 

Psalm 86:10  You are great; your works wonderful.  Only you God.

Psalm 83:18  Let them know you, the LORD [YHWH], only you most high over all earth.

[Note from Penny:  first, when He says I am THE first and THE last, word ‘the’ very important.  It means only one.  English lesson:  ‘the ball’ means one special ball.  You point out special ball and say ‘the ball.’  But ‘a ball’ means any ball.  You choose.  “Sit in the chair” means special chair and you finish show which chair.  But “Sit in a chair,” means ‘any chair,’ and you choose.  “The” means one special, and only one.  When Jesus said, in John 14, “I am THE way, THE truth and THE light,” He means only one truth, one way, one light and they all mean HIM. 

Second, “rock” is picture God often uses for Himself.  The word not mean little pebble, but mean giant big rock same as boulder or mountain.  When God says HE is THE Rock, meaning:  only one and He is strong, will not move.  We can depend on Him.]

Isaiah 43:10  “You are my witnesses,” says the LORD.  “You are my servant.  I chose you.  Why?  So you will know and believe me; so you will understand I am God.  Before me, god none.  After me, god none.”

Isaiah 45:18   The LORD created the heavens.  He is God.  He made the earth; He established it.  He created earth for living things; He did not create earth to be empty.  He says, “I am the LORD, other Lord none.”

Each one of these verses show clearly that there is one God, and that He is the one and only true God to be worshipped.

All verses above show clearly one God.  We must worship one, true God – only Him.

New Testament

Mark 12:29  The first of all the commandments is, "Hear, O Israel, The Lord our God, the Lord is one.

[Note from Penny:  first Jesus quoted Deuteronomy Shema.  Jesus reminded them who is God.  Then Jesus commands love God and love neighbor.  Important understand love is NOT a feeling, not emotion.  Love is decision to care for someone, no matter hurt to yourself.  Love means care deeply.  No matter you like the person!  God tells us to take care of people in our lives.  Remember John 3:16 – God love world so much He gave His only Son.  When Jesus on cross, Father have good emotions?  No way!  But God chose care for us, no matter pain to Him.  That is love.  We must love God same – we must trust Him and tell others about our faith, no matter if they laugh at us or tease us.  No matter if we get killed because of faith.  Also we must help people in our lives.  People in our lives are our neighbors.  Not just people on our street, but people we work with, people we know in stores – they all our neighbors and we help when we can.  God will show us how to help.  We must ask Him and follow His direction.  He gives direction through Holy Spirit inside us if we are born again in Christ.]

Mark 12:32  ...for there is one God, and there is no other but He.

Mark 12:32  The law teacher answered Jesus, “You say right.  God is one.  Other god none.”

1 Corinth. 8:4  ...and that there is no other God but one.

1 Corinthians 8:4  About eating food sacrificed to idols:  we know ‘idol’ is nothing in world.  Only one God.  Other god none.

Galatians 3:20  Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one.

Galatians 3:20  [19-20]  What reason the law?  The law because of sin, until the Seed (Jesus) arrived.  God finish promise Seed will come.  Until He came, law established.  A mediator established law through angels.  But a mediator does not represent one side.  But God is one. 

In Psalm 68:17 in the Alexandrian Septuagint, we read, “The chariots of God are ten thousand fold, thousands of rejoicing ones.  The LORD is among them in Sinai, in the Holy Place.”  “Ten thousand fold” means ten thousand and ten thousand and ten thousand, more and more.  So we can see Bible explains thousands angels with God when He gave law to Moses. 

Also, a ‘mediator’ is someone who stands ‘in the middle’ and works with both sides in argument to find peace.  So Paul reminds that a mediator works for both sides.  Then he says “but God is one.”  Meaning:  God is one side.  We are other side.  Jesus is our Mediator.  Jesus is also God!]

Ephesians 4:5-6  One Lord, one faith, one God and Father of all...

Ephesians 4:5-6  [1-6 here]  I am in prison because of Lord.  I urge you accept responsibility Lord gave you when you became His.  Be fully humble and gentle.  Be patient, accepting each other with love.  Try hard keep peace together through the Spirit.  When you believed, God called you to one hope; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all.  He is over all and through all and in all.

1 Timothy 2:5  For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 2:5  Only one God; and one mediator between God and men:  the man Jesus Christ.

Hebrew Words meaning "One"

By doing a word study on the Hebrew and Greek words used for "one" in the Bible we can see this truth concerning the oneness of God and the tri-unity of God more clearly.

If we study Hebrew and Greek words meaning “one” in Bible, we can understand more about God’s nature and about Trinity.

The two Hebrew words for one are Yachead, and Echad.

Two Hebrew words mean “one” – “yechead” and “echad.”

Yachead (or Yachid) speaks of absolute unity - a mathematical or numerical number one.  It is used about twelve times in the Old Testament, but not to describe the Unity of God.  Some examples are as follows:

“Yachead” (or “yachid”) means complete one, same as number 1.  Old Testament never uses ‘yachead’ to explain God.  Examples how Old Testament uses ‘yachead:’

Genesis 22:2,12  Abraham offered up his only (Yachead) son, Isaac.

Genesis 22:2,12  Then God said, “Take your son, your only (yachead) son, Isaac, who you love,… 

Zechariah 12:10  ...they will mourn for him as one mourns for his only (yachead) son.

Zechariah 12:10  …They will look at me, the one they pierced (put holes in), and they will mourn for him, same as person mourns for only (yachead) child, and grieve bitterly for him, same as person grieves for a first-born son.

Jeremiah 6:26  ...make mourning as for an only (yachead) son...

Jeremiah 6:26  mourn same as mourn for an only (yachead) son…

This word is significant of the fact that there is only one way to God, one Son of God, man's only hope of salvation, and this is through the Lord Jesus Christ - John 14:1,6

“Yachead” shows important idea.  The Lord Jesus Christ is ONLY way to God.  He is only hope for salvation; He is God’s ONLY Son. 

John 14:1,6  [Jesus is talking]  “Don’t worry.  Trust God; same way, trust me…I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father, only through me.”

Echad - speaks of a compound or collective unity often a unity which comprises more than one person.  ie., one crowd, one people, one nation.  Examples of this type of unity are as follows:

“Echad” means many become one:  one crowd, one nation, etc.  Examples in Bible:

Genesis 2:24  ...and they shall become one (echad) flesh.

Genesis 2:24  …a man will leave his father and mother and join to his wife; and they will become one (echad) flesh.

[Note from Penny:  “one flesh” means sex, yes, but also other meanings:  husband and wife together a team.  They work together same as team.  Picture – ox team pulling cart.  They pull same way, not different ways.  They both obey master, start, pull, turn, stop together.  Together they are same as one very big ox pulling cart, but they are two together, pulling same as if they are one.]

Ezra 3:1  ...the people gathered together as one (echad) man to Jerusalem.

Ezra 3:1  … the people gathered together same as one (echad) in Jerusalem.

I Chronicles 12:38  ...and all the rest of Israel were of one (echad) mind to make David king.

1 Chronicles 12:38  …and everyone else in Israel had same idea (one – echad – mind)  to make David king.

The Hebrew word "Echad" is used hundreds of times in the Old Testament and is often significant of a compound unity; the unity of more than one.  It is the word which is used concerning our one God.

Deuteronomy 6:4  "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one("Echad" )!

Deuteronomy 6:4  Pay attention, Israel;  YHWH our God, YHWH is One (echad)!

Greek words for "One" 

There are also two Greek words for "one", which are Heis, and Monos.

Two Greek words mean “one” – “heis” and “monos.”

"Monos" means alone, solitary the numerical number one as seen in the example below.

“monos” means alone, the number 1 [same as Hebrew ‘yachead.’]

Hebrews 11:17  By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son.

Hebrews 11:17  When God tested Abraham, Abraham responded with faith, and he offered up [prepared to sacrifice] Isaac.  God gave promise to Abraham [his Seed would be Messiah], and Abraham offered  up his only (monos) son. 

"Heis" means union and concord, a compound unity.  Examples of this are as follows.

“Heis” means together [same as Hebrew “echad.”]

1 Corinthians 12:12  For as the body is one and has many members, but all members of that one body, being many, are onebody, so also is Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:12  A body has many parts, but it is one (heis) body.  Same with Christ. [Next verse :  One Spirit baptized us all into one body.]

John 17:21  ...that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent me.

John 17:21  …so they all will become one (heis), same way You, Father, in me and I in you; then they can become one (heis) in us, so the world will believe you sent me. 

Whenever the Scripture speaks of the fact that God is One, it never means the mathematical or number One God but always a Compound Unity; the unity of more than One Person.  It speaks of plurality of Divine Persons in the One God.  This Unity is a compound Unity, which unity is revealed as Tri-Unity, the union of Three in One.

When Bible says “God is One,” Bible never uses word meaning number 1, or single thing.  Bible always uses word meaning ‘together same as one.’  Three persons, one God, the Trinity, Three in One.

God's revelation of Himself in the Scripture is One God in Three Person, Eternal, Self-existent; Father, Son & Holy Spirit, distinguishable but indivisible.  The Father is the first Person, The Son is the Second and the Holy Spirit is the Third person.

In Bible, God shows He is One God, Three Persons.  He is eternal, beginning none.  He is Father, Son, Holy Spirit.  Three, but cannot separate.  Father = First Person; Son = Second Person; Holy Spirit = Third Person.

[Note from Barry and Penny:  when Jesus on cross, He shouted, “My God, My God, why you leave me?”  On cross, Trinity separated one time in eternity.  Why?  To save us.]

God Is Three - The Tri-Unity Of God.

As clearly as the Scriptures teach that God is one, they also teach that God is Three.  There is one God manifested in three persons, distinguishable, but indivisible.  These three are spoken to us as being "The Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit, co-equal, co-eternal, and co-existing in power, majesty, glory and essence.  One God in three persons.

Bible clearly teaches God = 1.  Bible also clearly teaches God = 3.  One God, three Persons.  Different, but cannot separate:  Father, Son, Holy Spirit.  Equal together.  Eternal together.  Same power, same majesty, same glory, same true God.  Trinity.

Bible always shows God is Trinity.  Sometimes Bible shows in examples, sometimes in creation itself, sometimes in clear words.  Always Trinity, from Genesis to Revelation.

Genesis 1:26  Then God said, "let us make man in our image."

Genesis 1:26  Then God said, “Let us make man mirror us.”
[Note from Barry and Penny – hard to choose English for “image.”  It means we have something same as God, but not mean we are copy God or truly mirror God.  We have something same as God – we have spirit.]

Genesis 11:7  "Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another's speech."

Genesis 11:7  “Come, let us go down and confuse their language.  Then they will not understand each other.”

Isaiah 6:8  Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: "Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me."

Isaiah 6:8  Also, I heard Lord’s voice, saying, “Who shall I send?  Who will go for us?  Then I said, “Here, me!  Send me.”
[note from Barry:  “us” in this verse also includes seraphim – special type angel]

When God appeared to Abraham at one point, He appeared in the form of three men.

When God appeared to Abraham (Genesis 18), God appeared as three men.

[Note from Barry and Penny:  Jesus told Jews in John 6:46 “No one has seen the Father except THE one who is from God” – meaning Jesus Himself.  No man ever saw the Father.  Also, no one sees Holy Spirit.  So the three men Abraham saw were NOT Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  They were Jesus before New Testament and also two angels.]

The Bible Teaches Jesus Is God.

For the Bible to be consistent in showing that God is Triune then the it must also teach and show us that Jesus is referred to as God.

If Bible teaches God is Trinity, then Bible must also teach Jesus is God.

The New Testament Shows Jesus is God

John 1:1  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:1   Beginning, Word.  And Word with God, Word same as God.

[Note from Barry:  original Greek says “Beginning, Word.  And Word with God and God same as Word.” ]

JESUS CHRIST, Word of God--Jesus is explicitly called the Word (Greek logos) in this verse and in v 14. The idea of Jesus as Word is one of the most significant insights about Christ in the New Testament.  As the Word became flesh, Jesus was God in human form communicating God's will in all He said and did. He embodied ultimate truth. To communicate or proclaim about God is to point to Jesus. Only in Him can life and the universe be seen as rational and meaningful. Human speech cannot adequately communicate God. The Word become flesh can, did, and does show us the Father.

JESUS CHRIST, God’s Word.  In verse 14 (“The Word became flesh and lived among us.”) Bible clearly says Jesus is God’s Word.  Very important – help us understand about Christ in New Testament.  When Jesus became flesh, He still God.  He communicated God’s will to us in His words and His actions.  Jesus showed us full truth.  If we talk about God, we must point to Jesus.  Jesus helps us understand God’s creation has meaning and we can understand about it.  Human speech (or sign) cannot really explain about God.  But God’s Word became flesh, and in flesh, Jesus showed us the Father. 

Jesus is the Word of revelation alive in human flesh. His revelation did not begin at birth in Bethlehem. He has been actively revealing God since creation in which He was active. He shows the nature of the life God creates.

Jesus shows us God in human flesh.  But Jesus not begin show us God in Bethlehem, when He was born.  Since beginning creation Jesus showed us God.  He shows us about God in nature.

[Note from Penny:  Bible explains more about this.  Hebrews 1:2 says God made the universe through Jesus.  Colossians 1:16 says Jesus created all things.  If you look at a building, you can see if builder was wise and worked carefully, or if builder was foolish and work sloppy.  If you look at a dress, you can see if good design, sewed with skill, or poor design and sewed sloppy.  Same with creation.  We can see God very wise and skilled when we look at creation.]

John 1:14  And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14  And the Word became flesh and lived among us.  And we saw His glory.  His glory same as glory for Father’s only son.  Jesus full grace, truth.

Jesus Christ--God's presence became a human being and revealed the fullness of God's identity in flesh. The glory of God (Ex 33:22) became visible as grace and truth which all people need. He is a greater revelation than Moses' Law which revealed God's guidelines for life. He shows those guidelines can really be lived out in human flesh on earth. He is God in flesh letting us see what otherwise was impossible to see.

Jesus Christ – God Himself became human being.  Jesus showed God in flesh.  All people need God’s grace and truth – Jesus showed God’s glory, His grace, His truth.  Moses’ law showed us God’s rules for our lives.  Jesus showed us how to live obey Law.  If Jesus not show us, then we cannot see how live right way.

[Note from Barry and Penny:  Exodus 33:22 tells how God made Moses hide in big crack in rock so Moses only saw God’s glory little bit.  But also, about Law:  people knew law before Moses.  They knew Sabbath before God gave Ten Commandments, because they knew not collect manna on Sabbath Day.  They knew not murder, because God told Noah if a man murders another man, then murderer must also die.  They knew worship only God.  Why Ten Commandments?  Because people always add to law!  Jesus very mad at Pharisees and law teachers in Matthew 23 because they add to law.  Isaiah warned about adding to law in Isaiah 28:10 – strong warning.  But people continue add laws and more and more.  Also happened before Moses.  So God wrote Ten Commandments in STONE so no one can add to them.  No matter, people continued to add….

Purpose of law?  Paul says law shows us meaning ‘sin’ – Romans 7:7-12.  Can anyone exactly copy Jesus and sin none?  No, we cannot.  In 1 John 1:8, John writes, “If we claim we have sin none, we lie and truth not in us.”  So while we are alive in our bodies now, we will sin.  We do not want to sin, but we sometimes sin.  Then we confess to God and He forgives.]

Jesus said He Himself God

John 10:31-33  Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. {32}Jesus answered them, "Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me?" {33}The Jews answered Him, saying, "For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God."

John 10:31-33  Then Jews picked up stones, wanted stone Him [throw stones at Him, injure Him until He died].  Jesus answered, “I show you many good things from my Father.  Which one reason you stone Me?”  Jews answered, “Not because of your good works, but because blasphemy:  You are a man, but you say you are God.”

The reason the Jews wanted to stone Jesus was because they understood exactly what Jesus was saying.  They knew Jesus was telling them that He was God.

Why Jews want stone Jesus?  Because they clearly understood Jesus’ meaning:  They knew Jesus said He is God.

John 8:57-58  Then the Jews said to Him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?" {58}Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM."

John 8:57-58  Jews said to Jesus, “You not yet fifty years old.  You see Abraham?”  Jesus said to them, “Sure, I tell you, before Abraham lived, I am.”

Again, the Jews were ready to stone Jesus because He told them in verse 58, "before Abraham was, I AM."  He invoked upon Himself the name of Jehovah, calling Himself God.  When God spoke to Moses this is the Name He referred to Himself by.

Exodus 3:14-15  And God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." And He said, "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.'" {15}Moreover God said to Moses, "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: 'The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations.'

Exodus 3:14-16  God said to Moses “I AM WHO I AM.” [literally, in Hebrew, I AM BECAUSE I AM – and includes idea past, present, future in verb].  And God said to Moses, “Tell Israelites, “I AM sent me to you.”  Then God said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites, “The LORD [YHWH] God of your ancestors:  Abraham’s God, Isaac’s God, Jacob’s God – He sent me to you.  This my name forever, and all generations will remember.”

When Jesus identified Himself as I AM in John 8:58, He was without a doubt calling Himself Jehovah God.

In John 8:58, Jesus said He God.  He said He is I AM. 

The Father also called Jesus God

Hebrews 1:6-8  But when He again brings the firstborn [prototokos] into the world, He says: "Let all the angels of God worship Him." {7}And of the angels He says: "Who makes His angels spirits And His ministers a flame of fire." {8}But to the Son He says: "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your Kingdom.

Hebrews 1:6-8  When God caused His heir [the son who inherits everything] into the word, God said, “Let all God’s angels worship Him.”   God explains about the angels:  “His angels are  spirits, His ministers same as flames.”  But when God talks to Son, God says, “Your throne, O God, is eternal.  Your scepter is righteousness in Your Kingdom.”

[Greek – ‘prototokos’ – He was there before creation.  “prototokos” is combination word.  “Protos” means something that is superior or first, or most important. “Teko” means ‘to make or produce.’ – the vowel changes when you combine the two words.  The normal Greek word for ‘firstborn’ or ‘oldest child' is not ‘prototokos.’  Prototokos means “before creation, a person who was there before creation.”]

a scepter is what a king or queen holds: shows power. Here is picture of crown and scepter: 

Angels must worship Jesus.  Why?  Because Jesus is God.

It also says in the above Scripture that the angels of God shall worship Him, whereas God makes it very clear in Scripture that only God is to be worshipped.

Quote from Hebrews 1, above, says angels must worship Jesus.  Bible says clearly people must only worship God.

Exodus 34:14  '(for you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God),

Exodus 34:14  Worship other god none.  Why?  Because the LORD (YHWH) has jealous character, is jealous God.

The only reason Jesus could possibly be worshipped would be for Him to actually be God.  God makes it very clear that He is the only God and that He is the savior and there are no other gods besides Himself.

Jesus must be God.  Only worship God.  God clearly says He is God, other god none, and clearly says He is Savior.

Isaiah 45:21-23  Tell and bring forth your case; Yes, let them take counsel together. Who has declared this from ancient time? Who has told it from that time? Have not I, the LORD? And there is no other God besides Me, A just God and a Savior; There is none besides Me. {22}"Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. {23}I have sworn by Myself; The word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, And shall not return, That to Me every knee shall bow, Every tongue shall take an oath.

Jesus and the Father are one but two separate personalities as with the Holy Spirit also.  God very specifically said He is a jealous God and that He is the only God and the only One to be worshipped, and yet we see in the Scriptures very clearly that it is Jesus who is to be worshipped as God.  There can only be one conclusion.  Jesus is God the Son, a part of the Triune God or Godhead.

Jesus and Father = one.  But two separate personalities.  Holy Spirit same.  God says He is jealous, people must worship only Him.  But Bible tells us worship Jesus.  So Jesus must be God.  Jesus is part Trinity.

Apostle Paul said Jesus is God

Philippians 2:5-7  Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, {6}who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, {7}but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.

Philippians 2:5-7  Your mind should be same as Christ Jesus’ mind.  He was God, but He did not try to claim He was equal to God.  Instead, He was very humble, and He became a servant.  He looked like men. 

God raised Jesus most high.  He gave Jesus name above all names.

[Note from Barry:  “King” is highest name in country.  If whole word has President over all countries, then “World President” has higher name than “King.”  But Jesus has name higher than any other name.  His name in Hebrew is “Y’shua” meaning “salvation.”  Angel also said His name Emmanuel, meaning “God with us.”]

Philippians 2:9-11  Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, {10}that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, {11}and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:9-11  God highly raised up Jesus and gave Jesus name above every name.  Future, every person will bow to Jesus, and every person will admit He is Lord.  This brings glory to God.

We saw earlier in the study in Isaiah 45:21-23 that it was to God the Father that every knee would bow down and worship. "The word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness, And shall not return, That to Me every knee shall bow, Every tongue shall take an oath." 

Above, we quoted Isaiah 45: 21-23:  Explain what you think you know.  Let them discuss together.  Since beginning, who explained things?  Since creation, who tells things?  It is me, the LORD (YHWH).  Other god?  No.  Only me.  I am fair God and Savior.  Other god none.  Only me.  Depend on Me for salvation.  All earth, depend on Me!  I am God.   Other god none!  I guarantee by my character, I spread my righteous word and my word shall not change:  Every knee will bow to me.  Every tongue will confess I am God.

The word "God" is the Hebrew word (Elohheem), which is the plural expression of God or the Godhead.  This is why every knee shall bow down and worship Jesus, because the fullness of the Godhead dwells in Him and He bears the name of the Godhead.

In Hebrew, “elohim” is word meaning “god.”  [also means ‘judge’ or ‘authority.’]  “Elohim” is plural, meaning “three or more.”  [“El” means ‘one god, one judge, or one authority; ‘eloh’ means ‘two’ and ‘elohim’ means three or more.]  Jesus is part of ‘elohim,’ so every person will bow and worship Jesus.  Jesus is God. God is Trinity.

Colossians 2:8-9  Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. {9}For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;

Philippians 2:5-11 goes on to explain how Jesus emptied Himself and made Himself of no reputation.  He emptied Himself of the right to independently exercise His attributes of deity.  He never acted as God.  The Father acted through Him and by the Holy Spirit.  It took all three personalities of the Godhead to produce God's purpose and will in the earth in heavens.

Philippians 2:5-11 explains how Jesus became very humble.  He became servant man.  He did not act same as God.  The Father worked through Jesus, using Holy Spirit.  All Trinity – all three personalities – establish God’s will on earth and in heavens.

Philippians 2:5-11  Your attitude should be same as Christ Jesus’ attitude.  He was true God, but He did not insist act like God.  He made himself worth nothing (in men’s opinion), and became servant.  He looked same as normal man.  He humbled Himself, became man, and He became obedient to death – even death on the cross!  Therefore God raised Him up to highest place, and God gave Him name above every name.  Why?  So when anyone hears His name, each person will bow.  In heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, every one will bow, and confess Jesus Christ is Lord.  This will be the Father’s glory.

It was only after His resurrection and ascension into Heaven that Jesus would once again be glorified with the Father.  We find this in His prayer in John 17.

After Jesus’ resurrection, and after He rose up into Heaven, Jesus again shared Father’s glory.  Jesus talked about this in His prayer in John 17.

John 17:5  "And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.

John 17:5  And now, O Father, give me glory with You, same glory I had with you before creation.

Now that He has gone through the death, burial and resurrection and ascended unto the Father, He is now glorified and reigns with the Father.  All power and authority has now been given to Jesus in Heaven and earth.  Jesus took up again in the resurrection and ascension what He had voluntarily laid down in the incarnation.

Today Jesus finish death, finish bury, finish resurrection, finish return to Father.  Now Jesus has glory with Father and Jesus and Father together control.  The Father finish give Jesus all authority in Heaven and earth.  When Jesus born, became human, He gave up glory, gave up authority.  Now He has glory and authority again.

Matthew 28:18  And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

Matthew 28:18  And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “[Father] gave me all authority in heaven and on earth.”

When Peter preached message at Pentecost, Peter understood Jesus is God.

Acts 2:36  "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."

Acts 2:36   “So all people in Israel must know for sure God made Jesus – same Jesus you crucified – God made Him both Lord and Christ.”

[Note from Penny:  “Lord” in Greek means “authority,”  and “Christ” means “anointed one.”  The Anointed One was a name for the Messiah.]

 Old Testament Prophecies Show Jesus true God

Once again, if Jesus is truly God and the second person of the Godhead, we should also find Old Testament prophecies that portray Him in this light.

If Jesus true God, if Jesus second Person in Trinity, then we should find Old Testament prophecies tell us He is God.

His goings forth have been from everlasting.

His actions eternal -- past, present, future.

Micah 5:2 But you, Bethlehem (the Bethlehem belonging to Judah), maybe you little.  Thousands villages, towns in Judah, and you very little.  No matter.  From you will come Israel’s Ruler.  He is eternal – his actions eternal – past, present, future.

[Note from Barry – Two different towns, same name:  Bethlehem.  Bethlehem Ephrathah – see Genesis 35:19 – is town before called Ephrath]

People shall call Him Mighty God.

Isaiah 9:6  For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6  For us a Child born.  For us God gives Son.  His responsibility will be the government [of the whole world].  His name Wonderful, His name Counselor, His name Mighty God.  His name Eternal Father.  His name Peace Prince. 

This prophecy actually reveals the fullness of the Godhead dwelling upon Jesus.  He is referred to as the Everlasting Father, which reveals the Father in Him, the Counsellor, which reveals the Holy spirit in Him and of course the Prince of Peace by which Jesus the Son has been called.  Jesus bears both the name and characteristics of the Father and the Holy Spirit, because the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily in Him.

This prophecy in Isaiah shows Messiah will be true God.  “Eternal Father” means Father in Him.  “Counselor” means Holy Spirit in Him.  We know His name also “Prince of Peace” – Peace Prince.  Jesus Himself had names from all three in Trinity, and character from all three in Trinity.  He was true God in body. 

“Alpha” and “Omega” show Jesus true God

Revelation 1:8  "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."

Revelation 1:8  “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord.  “I was, and I am coming.  I am the Almighty.” 

[Note from Barry:  the Greek says “I was and I am coming.”  It does not say “who is and who was and who is to come.”]

Jesus and God say “I am the First and the Last.”  Both say same about themselves.

Revelation 1:17-18  And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, "Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. {18}"I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

Revelation 1:17-18  And when I saw him, I fell down near His feet, same as if I died.  But He put His right hand on me.  He said to me, “Do not fear.  I am the First and the Last.  I live.  I was dead, but look!  I live forever.  Amen.  I control all judgment and I control death.”

[note from Barry and Penny:  to have the key to something means to control it.  If you have the key to a door, you control when door opens.  Hades is where people go when God condemns them, so Hades is picture of God’s judgment.]

Revelation 22:12-13  "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. {13}"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last."

Revelation 22:12-13  “Look, I come quickly.  I have rewards with me.  I will give rewards to everyone depend on his work.  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.”

Isaiah 44:6  "Thus says the LORD (Jehovah), the King of Israel, And his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: 'I am the First and I am the Last; Besides Me there is no God.

Isaiah 44:6  This is what the LORD [YHWH], Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord over all, says, “I am the First and I am the Last.  Other god none.  I am God.”

Here we see the Father and the Son (His Redeemer, the LORD of Hosts) are identified together as the First and the Last and as God.  There is only one conclusion, and that is that Jesus and Jehovah are One and both are a part of the Godhead.

The Son is the Redeemer, and He is Lord over all angels and everything – Lord of Hosts.  In quotes above, we see Father and Son both “First and Last” – both God.  Meaning?  Jesus and God same – One – both part in Trinity.

[Note from Barry:  Look at Isaiah 48:12-13, 16

Listen to me, O Jacob – Israel who I summoned.
I am He – I am the First and I am the Last.
My own hand laid the earth’s foundation;
My right hand spread out the heavens;
…Come near me and listen to me:
Always when I talk, I not talk secretly.
When something happens, I am there.
And now the Ruler over everything sends me with His Spirit

The person talking is Creator  -- he laid the earth’s foundations and spread out the heavens.  Then he says the Ruler (Sovereign Lord) sends him with His Spirit.  So it must be Jesus talking!  The Jews understood God says He Himself is First and Last.  They understood God Himself will be their Redeemer.  Jesus says HE is First and Last, so that means Jesus is God.]

Bible says Holy Spirit is God

Until now we pay attention to Jesus.  Jesus is God.  Now we will establish Holy Spirit is God – Holy Spirit is Third Person in Trinity

 Holy Spirit involved in world creation

The Bible shows in Genesis the first chapter that it was God who created the heavens and the earth, but it speaks of the plurality of God in Genesis 1:26 where it says, "let Us make man in Our image."  The thought that I want to establish here is that the Holy Spirit was involved in the creation of the world and therefore if it was God who created the world, then the Holy Spirit must also be a part of the Godhead.

Genesis 1 says God created heavens and earth.  In Genesis 1:26, it says, “Let US make man in OUR image [little bit same as us].”  Important to understand – if Holy Spirit involved in world creation, then Holy Spirit is in Trinity – He is also God.

Genesis 1:2  The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

Genesis 1:2  Stuff God made had form none, organization none.  Darkness everywhere.  And God’s Spirit was pushing, forcing the twisting, turning waters”

Job 33:4  The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

Job 33:4  God’s Spirit made me.  The Almighty’s breath gives me life.

The Spirit of God in the Hebrew is referred to as the breath of the Almighty, and wind by resemblance breath, divine inspiration.

In Hebrew language, “God’s Spirit” also same words as “God’s breath.”  Same word as “wind.”  “Inspire” means “breathe in” – so connection between God’s breath and Holy Spirit.  “Inspire” also has connection to Holy Spirit helping someone.

Psalms 104:25  This great and wide sea, In which are innumerable teeming things, Living things both small and great.

Psalms 104:30  You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; And You renew the face of the earth.

Psalm 104:25-30  The sea, so large, so wide, millions creatures in it.  Large creatures, small creatures.  The ships go on the sea.  The leviathan is in the sea.  You made leviathan to enjoy the sea.  All the animals depend on you for their food, at the right time.  When you give them food, they gather it.  You give them good things.  When you hide your face [meaning:  when there is great trouble], then the animals are full terror.  When you take away their breath, they die, and their bodies rot.  When you send your Spirit, your Spirit makes the animals and the earth is new again. 

The example of Ananias.

Acts 5:3-5  But Peter said, “Ananias, why Satan fill your heart, cause you lie to Holy Spirit?  Why you keep some money for yourself when you sell your land?  Before you sold your land, it was all yours.  After you sold your land, you controlled the money.  So why did you decide in your heart to lie?  You not lie to men; you lied to God!”  When Ananias heard Peter say this, Ananias fell down and breathe no more [he died].  Every one who heard about this became very afraid. 

Ananias lied to the Holy Spirit, but in verse five, it says, "he lied to God."   This is because the Holy Spirit is a part of the Godhead an is also God.  He is just as much God as the Father and the Son.

First Peter says Ananias lied to Holy Spirit, then Peter says he lied to God.  Holy Spirit is God, same as Father is God and Son is God.

The Godhead in Action.

[Note from Penny:  we used the author's verses and added more verses to show Father, Son, Holy Spirit all God]

The Father:

Hebrews 1:2-3 -- ...but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being...

Simple English: ...but recently God speaks to us through his Son. God gives His Son everything. God made the universe through His Son. The Son shows God's bright, shining glory. The Son shows exact picture God.

The Son:

Colossians 1:16 -- For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.

Simple English: He created everything in heaven and on earth. Things you can see, things you cannot see: He created everything. Every authority, every power, He created. He created everything for Himself.

Ephesians 3:9 -- and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ;

Simple English: ...cause all see meaning about fellowship mystery. Since beginning mystery hidden in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ.

[note about fellowship mystery: The Jews thought the Messiah only for them. Paul said great mystery -- salvation through Messiah for everyone who believed: Jew and people not Jews.]

The Holy Spirit:

Genesis 1:2 -- The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

Simple English: The eretz (stuff) had shape none, organization none. Everything dark. And God’s Spirit was pushing, forcing the twisting, turning waters.

Job 33:4 -- The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

Simple English:  God’s Spirit made me.  The Almighty’s breath gives me life.

The Resurrection

The Father

Acts 3:15 -- You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. [simple English not needed]

The Son

John 10: 17-18 -- Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.

Simple English: My Father loves me because I am willing to die. No one takes my life away from me. Instead, I myself give up my life. I have power to give up my life and I have power to get my life back, live again.

The Holy Spirit

Romans 8:11-- But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

Simple English: His Spirit raised Jesus from dead. If His Spirit lives in you, then He will also give you life in your bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.

Direct Communication With God

The Father

Matthew 6:9 This, then, is how you should pray: "Our Father in heaven..." [simple English not needed]

The Son

John 14:6 -- Jesus answered, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except [only]through me."

The Holy Spirit

Ephesians 2:18 -- For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

Simple English: Because of Jesus, we all can communicate with the Father through the Spirit.

In Jesus Baptism, all Three involved

Matthew 3:16-17 -- When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

Simple English: When Jesus finish baptized, Jesus came out from water. Happen, heavens opened and Jesus saw God's Spirit come down on Him same as dove flies, and Spirit came on Jesus. Sudden, voice from heaven said, "This is my dearly-loved son. He pleases me very much."

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all there when Jesus baptized.

From Barry and Penny:

Hard to understand Trinity. How can one be three? How can three be one? If you are a Christian, think of yourself -- your flesh wants to have fun, do wrong things, sin. But your heart wants obey Christ, not sin, make God happy. You have two different personalities! But you are one person. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all one God, but have different personalities. Sometimes you yourself must fight inside yourself, tell your body "no, I will not do that!" But Trinity always agree each other, always act together, truly ONE. Thank about your hand. You have five fingers and they all are different. You often use them for different things -- but one hand. All fingers obey your brain and same blood in all fingers. ONE hand.

So hard to understand, yes, but God gave us pictures to help us. Bible is very clear about Trinity. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are One True God.