Yes - "I and the Father are one." (John 10:30)
No - "The Father is greater than I." (John 14:28)
I just hate it when I find contradictions like this in the bible! Grrrr.
2007-11-23 03:11:57 · 19 answers · asked by TSIRHC 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Life is all about contradictions. The bible wants you to believe what you want to believe. For example some say God doesn't exist, who's to say we exist? Is it possible that God created this world to exist and not exist at the same time? When we die what proves we were ever here?
2007-11-23 03:46:02 · answer #1 · answered by Adversity 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Jesus is NOT God.....the Bible is very clear and explicit on that point.
For example, in both Colossians 1:15 and Revelation 3:14, Jesus is specifically stated as having been created. Jesus is a created being, the very first of God's creations. Now common sense and logic will tell you that if you are created by someone, you obviously can't BE that one that created you.
We have also the gospel account of Jesus' baptism. At this event, the actual voice of God was heard, and he said "this is my son, the beloved whom I have approved...." - Now if Jesus were God, why would he need to approve himself? That just doesn't make sense. Then, look in Matthew 28. Jesus told his followers that "all authority has been given me in heaven and on earth" - Now, if Jesus were God, wouldn't he already have this authority? Why would he need someone else (someone who had the authority, and thus superior to him) to give him that authority?
There are no contradictions when you look closely at the scriptures and the surrounding context. If you look at John 10:30, and then a few chapters over, Jesus also mentions that his followers would be one with him and his father. Now does that mean that they were all ONE person, as trinitarians try and say about Jesus and God? No, because then it wouldn't be a trinity, it would be at least a 13-ity. Clearly, the context reveals that in being "one", it refers to unity and purpose. Jesus is 'one' with God in the sense of sharing the same purpose and being unified in that purpose, it does NOT mean that they are the same person.
2007-11-23 11:30:42 · answer #2 · answered by X 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Jesus is not equal to God. He is NOT God. Mattew 26:39: Going a lttle farther he(Jesus) fell on his face and prayed , 'My father, it it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as i will, but as thou wilt' If the father and the son were not distinct individulas, such a prayer would have been meaningless. Jesus would have been praying to himself. Collosians 1:15,16 says ' He(Jesus) is the image of the invisible god, the first-born of all creation; for in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth.' It doesn't mean he created all things and is God. Through him, they were made. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all. (1st Timothy 2:5-6) If God, Jesus and Holy spirt were equal, then this scripture would be false: 'Of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels inthe heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.'( Mark 13:32) (John 14:28) says: If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I go to the father; for the Father is greater then I. Those are just a couple scriptures..to show you they are not equal.
2007-11-23 11:26:27 · answer #3 · answered by OverTheRainbow 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
NO WAY! God the Son Jesus Christ doesn't know when he is supposed to come back to Earth! That is a guarded knowledge in the hands of God the Father alone!
The idea of equality among the 3 persons of the Christian Deity is a fantastic novelty never heard among the Heathen!
2007-11-23 11:18:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Look at the dynamics of America's democratic society.
All three branches are equally powerful, yet none can do anything without the cooperation of the other. It's a very vague but understandable concept of the relationship God the Father, God the Son, and God of Holy Spirit have with one another.
Also, you ARE speaking of Jesus and He is the perfect example of humility and grace. You will NEVER hear Him say is He as great as His father.
2007-11-23 11:19:36 · answer #5 · answered by Linda J 7 · 2⤊ 3⤋
They are only contradictions to the ones who do not have the Holy Spirit of God, whom through faith,and living according to His will,reveals and leads us to understanding of the teachings of Jesus, as He was an example for us, coming to us as God in the flesh, meaning no one is greater than the Father. Very easy to understand if you are truly seeking wisdom.
2007-11-23 11:24:15 · answer #6 · answered by †ℱαìtℎ7♥ 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋
The word translated "greater" (meizon) does not mean greater in the sense of a higher type of being, but rather greater in the sense of position or authority.
When Christ returns to the father after His death and resurrection we must understand that Christ returns to the glory that he had before He came to Earth.
John 17:5
5And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.
Christ is God in the flesh.
2007-11-23 11:20:53 · answer #7 · answered by L.C. 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋
It's not contradicting.
Your imposition is.
Jesus was created, and was instrumental in creating all other things.
They have the same purpose , and are in agreement, but Jesus has a God and worships him.
Joh 20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
2007-11-23 13:00:24 · answer #8 · answered by rangedog 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Jesus is equal to God but God is greater when it comes to authourity
2007-11-23 12:41:17 · answer #9 · answered by 1990 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Jesus and his father are one in that they have the same goals and puropse.
When 2 people are married they become "one flesh" according to scripture. that doesent mean that they are melted together in some greusome way. that would make marrage horrifying.
Jesus is God's son. The firstborn of all creation.
2007-11-23 11:19:02 · answer #10 · answered by Adamantium 4 · 3⤊ 3⤋