Who Are The Elohim?

Welcome to Day 8 of our 60-Day Challenge! But before we tackle today’s question, let’s take a moment to reflect on the question from Day 7: Why do people believe God the Father and Jesus Christ are one being when Christ refers to Himself and His Father as two distinct individuals?

Throughout the New Testament, Jesus often speaks of His Father in a way that highlights their distinct identities, yet this concept of distinction is often misunderstood. Over time, different doctrines and traditions have introduced the idea of a “oneness” that suggests God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are all the same being. However, a deeper look into scripture shows a unity of purpose rather than a single identity.

In John 8:17-18, Jesus says, “I am one who bears witness of myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness of me.” By referencing the Jewish law that the testimony of two witnesses is true, Jesus emphasizes that He and the Father are separate entities—two witnesses, not one. This understanding is crucial, as it allows us to see the dynamic relationship between Jesus and His Father as collaborative, deeply loving, and distinct.

Another clear example of this distinction is found in the baptism of Jesus, recorded in Mark 1:10 and Luke 3:21. As Jesus comes up from the water, the heavens open, the Holy Spirit descends upon Him in the form of a dove, and the Father’s voice is heard declaring, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Here, we witness all three members of the Godhead—Jesus in the water, the Holy Spirit descending, and the Father’s voice from heaven—acting in harmony but as separate beings.

Acts 7:55 further illustrates this relationship when Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, has a vision of “the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” If God the Father and Jesus were the same being, the image of Jesus standing at God’s right hand would be unnecessary and confusing.

The distinction between Jesus and the Father continues in passages like Luke 12:10, where Jesus emphasizes a greater consequence for blaspheming the Holy Ghost compared to speaking against Him. This passage reinforces that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit each play unique roles in our salvation and understanding of truth.

The concept of “oneness” in the scriptures is often about unity, not singularity. Jesus and the Father are one in will, purpose, and love for humanity, but they are distinct beings working together to fulfill the plan of salvation. This unity of purpose is beautifully complex and represents the profound love they share for each other and for us.

This understanding not only clarifies scriptural truths but also strengthens our relationship with each member of them as individuals. We see Christ’s love and obedience to the Father, the Father’s love and guidance, and the Holy Spirit’s comforting presence and guidance in our lives.

This question encourages us to dig deeper, understanding that God’s unity isn’t about a singular identity but about a harmonious relationship, working in perfect alignment for the salvation and betterment of humanity.

What to Reflect On For Today's Challenge:

Now, On to Day 8: The first Hebrew word for God renders the word “God” in plural. Does that mean there is more than one God?

In the original Hebrew, the word Elohim is a plural term for God. What could this imply? Is there more than one God, or does this plural form hint at something else entirely? To dive deeper into this question, take a look at 1 Corinthians 8:5, where Paul addresses the concept of multiple “gods” while upholding the unity of the one true God.

I’d love to hear your reflections and insights. Let’s keep exploring these profound questions together. Drop your thoughts below, and let’s dig deeper on this journey of faith.

Transcription:

      Hi, my name is Joe Cirillo with Gospel First, and thanks for your decision to follow me on this exciting journey to find Christ's restored church in our day. But before I give you question number eight, did you get the answers to question number seven? Why do people believe God the Father and Jesus Christ are one being when Christ refers to himself and his Father as two men?

In John chapter 8:17 - 18, it states, It is also written in your law that the testimony of two men is true. I am one who bears witness of myself, and the Father who sent me bears witness of me. Also, a few other scriptures that the question is best answered by referring to is Mark 1:10, Luke 3:21, where it describes the baptism of Jesus.

As Jesus comes out of the water, the heavens open, and the Spirit descends like a dove, and a voice from heaven declares Him as the Beloved Son. The scene presents three distinct entities, Jesus, The spirit and the voice of the Father from heaven, it wouldn't make sense to suggest that Jesus was a ventriloquist, attempted to deceive people.

In Acts chapter 7:55, Stephen sees Christ sitting on the right hand of the Father. The idea that Jesus is sitting on his own right hand is confusing. The oneness of God is characterized by unity in love. sharing one's purpose as one God. Luke 12:10 emphasizes a greater consequence for blaspheming against the Holy Ghost compared to speaking against Jesus.

If Jesus and the Holy Ghost were the same, this distinction wouldn't hold. The Holy Ghost reveals truth through the Spirit, while Jesus reveals truth through His actions. The Father is not only the Father of Jesus Christ, but also of all humanity. These scriptures are not inherently complex, but various doctrines have led to confusion.

It's crucial to interpret them in context to avoid misunderstanding and misinterpretations. So here's question number eight. The first Hebrew word for God renders the word God in plural. Is there more than one God? You can find the answers in 1st Corinthians chapter 8:5, and I'd love to hear your thoughts.