Tape 5 Hour 2

Question 1

What should we think when we see a plural (especially a duality) used in reference to Jesus?

Answer 1

We must think of the humanity and deity of Jesus Christ. There is a real duality, but it is a distinction between Spirit and flesh, not a distinction of persons in God.

Question 2

When we read a difficult passage relative to Jesus, what question should we ask?

Answer 2

We should ask if it describes Him in His role as God or in His role as man, or both.

Does He speak as God or as man in this instance? Remember that Jesus has a dual nature like no one else has ever had.

Question 3

How should we view a plural in relation to God?

Answer 3

We should view it as a plurality of roles or relationships to mankind, not a plurality of persons

Question 4

What should we remember about the New Testament writers?

Answer 4

We should remember that the New Testament writers had no conception of the doctrine of the Trinity, which was still far in the future at the time they wrote Scripture. They came from a strict monotheistic Jewish background; passages that may seem Trinitarian to us at first glance were very readily understandable to the early church in their perception of the mighty God in Christ

Question 5

In studying Christ’s baptism, what is the significance of the appearance of the dove?

Answer 5

God chose a dove as the visible sign of His Spirit. So the dove was a special sign for John to let him know that Jesus was Jehovah and the Messiah. The dove was also a type of anointing to signify the beginning of Christ’s ministry

Question 6

In studying Christ’s baptism, what is the significance of the voice from heaven?

Answer 6

The voice came from heaven for the benefit of the people, and confirmed the deity of Jesus to the people

Question 7

How can we explain the prayers of Christ in a way consistent with Oneness?

Answer 7

The human nature of Jesus prayed to the eternal Spirit of God