Blog - One God Worship

How to Read the Bible / Principle of Agency

The Principle of Agency in the New Testament

The Principle of Agency in the New Testament As we learned in The Principle of Agency in the Old Testament, an agent is one who has been "authorized to act for or in the place of another."[1] In Hebraic terms, the agent or the "one sent" is called the shaliah.[2] Its New Testament equivalent is the term apostle or apostolos in the Greek, and it means: a messenger, one sent on a mission.[3] Regarding agency, James McGrath, professor and New Testament scholar writes: Agency was…

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July 9, 2019

How to Read the Bible / Principle of Agency

The Principle of Agency in the Old Testament

The Principle of Agency in the Old TestamentThe principle of agency, also known as the law of agency, is an important precept that helps us better understand, not only Scripture as a whole, but more specifically, who Jesus is, his ministry, and his relationship to God. Those who traverse the halls of academia have long known about this principle. Unfortunately, those charged with instructing the Christian in the pew either do not know about it, or they have neglected to share it with those in…

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July 5, 2019

Who is Jesus

Not My Will, But Yours Be Done

In agony, Jesus fervently pleaded with God to the point that his sweat became like drops of blood.[1] Nevertheless, he offered a prayer of submission: Luke 22:41-42 (NASB) And He withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, saying, "Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done." (emphasis added) Jesus did not want to die. His will was to live. But God's will prevailed. Not my will, but Yours…

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June 29, 2019

Who is Jesus / Who is God

Who Raised Jesus From the Dead?

Jesus was raised from the dead. All Christians can agree with this statement. But a disagreement quickly ensues when you ask, "Who raised Jesus from the dead?" Some confidently declare that Jesus raised himself from the dead and offer it as proof that he is God. Others contend that God the Father raised Jesus from the dead, while others insist it was the Trinity. But what does Scripture say? Let's examine the evidence to determine who raised Jesus from the dead and learn why it…

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June 22, 2019

Proof Texts for the Deity of Christ / Isaiah's Christology

Immanuel, God With Us: An Examination of Isaiah 7:14

One of the most famous prophecies concerning the Messiah is found in the book of Isaiah: Isaiah 7:14 (NASB) "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel. Immanuel in Hebrew means "God with us." Many Christians rightly understand that Isaiah's prophecy found its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. However, many have been taught that the name Immanuel (also spelled Emanuel or Emmanuel) is proof that Jesus was…

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June 15, 2019

Proof Texts for the Deity of Christ / Isaiah's Christology

His Name Shall be Called, Mighty God, Eternal Father: Isaiah 9:6

In another post, we reviewed Isaiah's prophecy regarding Immanuel, God with us. In this post we'll examine another beloved prophecy from Isaiah regarding the coming Messiah: Isaiah 9:6-7 (NASB) For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7 There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne…

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June 15, 2019

Proof Texts for the Deity of Christ

John 20:28 – My Lord and My God

Doubting Thomas became Believing Thomas when he saw the risen Christ standing before him: John 20:27-28 (NASB) Then He [Jesus] *said to Thomas, "Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing." 28 Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!" When taken in isolation, this passage appears to declare Jesus is God. Every serious Bible student will agree, however, that it's never a…

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June 11, 2019

Who is Jesus

What Does “Christ” and “Messiah” Mean?

What Does "Christ" and "Messiah" Mean? Ask any Christian and they will tell you who Jesus Christ is. Ask them what "Christ" means and you're likely to get a wrong answer. Some assume Christ is Jesus' last name. However, Scripture tells us his surname, if you will, is "son of Joseph."[1] Others believe "Christ" is a designation for deity, but as we shall soon see, that is incorrect as well. What then does "Christ" mean? The word "christ" is a transliteration of the Greek christos,[2]…

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June 8, 2019

Proof Texts for the Deity of Christ / Peter's Christology / Preexistence

John 8:58 Before Abraham Was Born, I Am

At the climax of a rather heated exchange between Jesus and certain antagonistic Jews, Jesus uttered what has become for some, a proof text of his preexistence in heaven as God.John 8:58-59 (NASB) Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am." 59 Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple. (emphasis added)When the above passage is read, especially without the preceding context, it appears the Jews…

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June 4, 2019

Who is Jesus

Jesus Has a God

Jesus has a God. It's not something you're likely to hear your pastor or Sunday School teacher say, but Scripture says it plenty of times. Over twenty times, in fact[1]. Church tradition has so obscured our view of Scripture that when we read the truth, we can't "see" it. Matthew 27:46 (NASB) About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?" that is, "MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?" (emphasis added) Jesus has a God…

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June 1, 2019