Within the closing lines of the Old Testament, Malachi presents two striking promises: the coming of “the Sun of righteousness” and the arrival of an Elijah-figure who would prepare the people for the Lord’s appearing. These themes echo through the opening chapters of the New Testament, where John the Baptist’s ministry is framed as theContinue reading “Malachi 4:1-6 – Jesus, the Sun of Righteousness”
Tag Archives: faith
Polycarp of Smyrna – Jesus receives Latreuo Worship
Polycarp (69AD-155AD) Polycarp, a disciple of the Apostle John, could write that every living creature renders latreuo, that is divine worship due to God alone (Mat 4:10), to Jesus! “Therefore prepare for action and serve (douleusate) God in fear” and truth, leaving behind the empty and meaningless talk and the error of the crowd, and “believingContinue reading “Polycarp of Smyrna – Jesus receives Latreuo Worship”
Jesus is the Holy Spirit? – 2 Corinthians 3:17
2 Corinthians 3:17 – Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. The Oneness Pentacostal Modalists assert that this passage unambiguously proves that Jesus is the Holy Spirit. However, this passage is far from unambiguous. As a matter of fact. this passage is actually a Trinitarian passage. There is no contextualContinue reading “Jesus is the Holy Spirit? – 2 Corinthians 3:17”
Does Jesus’ Temptation prove He is not God? – James 1:13?
The Bible says that God cannot be tempted: James 1:13 – “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: Yet Jesus was tempted for 40 days: Matthew 4:1 – “Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit intoContinue reading “Does Jesus’ Temptation prove He is not God? – James 1:13?”
Jesus has a God? – John 20:17
John 20:17 (KJV):“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.” This passage often raises a challenge: If Jesus is truly God, how canContinue reading “Jesus has a God? – John 20:17”
Revelation 12 – Mary, Queen of Heaven
Revelation 12:1-17 1 Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars. 2 Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth.3 And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, aContinue reading “Revelation 12 – Mary, Queen of Heaven”
John Greater than Mary? – Matthew 11:11
A common challenge arises from Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:11: “Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” At first glance, this sounds like John is the greatest humanContinue reading “John Greater than Mary? – Matthew 11:11”
John 4 – Jesus as Samaria’s Husband
John 4:16-1816 Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.”17 The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.”Jesus said to her, “You have well said, ‘I have no husband,’ 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly.” In John 4:16–18, Jesus speaksContinue reading “John 4 – Jesus as Samaria’s Husband”
Jesus’ name in the Old Testament – Zechariah 3:8-9
When the Jewish exiles returned to Jerusalem after the long night in Babylon, their first great task was to rebuild the temple. Two men stood at the center of this restoration. One was Zerubbabel, the Davidic descendant. The other was Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest from the tribe of Levi. Their cooperation setContinue reading “Jesus’ name in the Old Testament – Zechariah 3:8-9”
Jesus as Joshua – How Joshua prefigures Christ
Joshua’s original name was Hoshia (Numbers 13:8) — “Of the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Nun.” — but it was later changed to Joshua (Numbers 13:16) — “These are the names of the men whom Moses sent to spy out the land. Moses called Hoshea the son of Nun Joshua.” — meaning, YHWHContinue reading “Jesus as Joshua – How Joshua prefigures Christ”
Clement of Alexandria – Jesus is God
I will be quoting from these books of Clement: Exhortation the Heathens The Stromata The Instructor Fragments On the Salvation of the Rich Man
Subordinationism of the Early Church?
The early church did not always use the precise Trinitarian language we use today. Different generations articulated certain aspects of the Trinity differently from others. It is evident that Trinitarian language developed as time went on. However, it is not about the words they used but the meanings and intentions they put behind those words.Continue reading “Subordinationism of the Early Church?”
Isaiah 9:6 – Jesus, the Mighty God
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Pele Yoetz, El Gibbor, Avi AD, Sar Shalom). Of the increase of his government and of peace there willContinue reading “Isaiah 9:6 – Jesus, the Mighty God”
The Demoniac and the Power of Christ: A Study of Luke 8:26–40 (cf. Mark 5:1–20)
The story of the demoniac in Luke 8:26–40, also recounted in Mark 5:1–20, offers profound insight into humanity’s bondage under sin and Christ’s liberating authority. Every detail of this encounter between Jesus and the demon-possessed man reveals the contrast between life under demonic oppression and life restored by God’s grace. 1. From Isolation to CommunityContinue reading “The Demoniac and the Power of Christ: A Study of Luke 8:26–40 (cf. Mark 5:1–20)”
Psalm 22:6 – Jesus as a Crimson Worm
The Crimson Worm: A Hidden Picture of Christ in Psalm 22 Do you want proof that the Bible is miraculous? Consider this: the entire Gospel of Jesus Christ—His sacrifice, His blood, His resurrection—can be seen a thousand years before His birth, hidden within one single Hebrew word. Let’s explore. Psalm 22:6 says, “But I amContinue reading “Psalm 22:6 – Jesus as a Crimson Worm”
Genesis 22:12 – Angel is Ignorant?
Hilary of Potiers, On The Trinity, Book 9, paragraph 63 says: 63. Whenever God says that He does not know, He professes ignorance indeed, but is not under the defect of ignorance. It is not because of the infirmity of ignorance that He does not know, but because it is not yet the time to speak, or the divine Plan to act. Thus HeContinue reading “Genesis 22:12 – Angel is Ignorant?”
Zechariah 1:11-17 – Angel is Ignorant?
Is the Angel Ignorant in Zechariah 1:11–17? A Closer Look at Divine Intercession Objective: Does Zechariah 1:11–17 portray the Angel of the LORD as ignorant of God’s purposes? At first glance, Zechariah 1:12 can raise questions about the knowledge of the Angel of the LORD: “Then the Angel of the LORD said, ‘O LORD ofContinue reading “Zechariah 1:11-17 – Angel is Ignorant?”
Genesis 19:24 – 2 YHWH’s?
YHWH’s Manifestation in Human Form: A Study of Genesis 18–19 The narrative in Genesis 18–19 presents a striking episode in which YHWH appears on earth in tangible, human form. These chapters depict Him performing ordinary human actions—eating food, having His feet washed with water, and conversing directly with Abraham. This is not a distant, abstractContinue reading “Genesis 19:24 – 2 YHWH’s?”
Malachi 3:1 – The 1 God is 2 persons
Malachi 3:1 and the Divine Identity of the Messiah: A Theological Examination Malachi 3:1 is a central prophetic text often cited in discussions surrounding the nature and identity of the Messiah. This verse not only predicts the coming of John the Baptist and the Messiah but also presents powerful clues regarding the divine status ofContinue reading “Malachi 3:1 – The 1 God is 2 persons”
Micah 5:2 – The Uncreated Ruler Born in Bethlehem
The Eternal Nature of the Ruler from Bethlehem: A Prophetic Insight The prophecy concerning the Ruler who will come from Bethlehem, as recorded in the Holy Bible, reveals a remarkable truth about His nature—one that transcends ordinary humanity. The language used by the prophet to describe this Ruler clearly points to His eternal existence andContinue reading “Micah 5:2 – The Uncreated Ruler Born in Bethlehem”
Zechariah 13:7 – YHWH’s consubstantial Shepherd
Yahweh Has No Equal—Except One Man The Hebrew Scriptures emphatically declare that Yahweh has no equal. No creature—whether in the heavens or on the earth—can be compared to Him or possesses certain characteristics or qualities: 18 To whom then will you liken God?Or what likeness will you compare to Him?… 25 “To whom then will you liken Me,Or to whom shallContinue reading “Zechariah 13:7 – YHWH’s consubstantial Shepherd”
Revelation – Trinity is Yahweh of the Old Testament
1. The Lamb with Seven Eyes and Seven Horns John describes a powerful scene in heaven: “And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes,Continue reading “Revelation – Trinity is Yahweh of the Old Testament”
Jesus as Melchizedek
The ‘Melchizedek’ That Baffled the Jews: Understanding His Significance Melchizedek is a mysterious figure in the Bible, mentioned only twice in the Old Testament, yet he plays a pivotal role in both Jewish and Christian thought. His story raises fascinating theological questions, especially concerning the nature of priesthood, kingship, and divine intervention. Melchizedek is mentionedContinue reading “Jesus as Melchizedek”
Jesus as Isaac
The account of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22 is not only a story of faith and obedience—it is a prophetic portrait of the sacrifice God would one day provide through Jesus Christ. From the language of love to the imagery of substitution and resurrection, Isaac’s near-sacrifice becomes a powerful type of Christ, the belovedContinue reading “Jesus as Isaac”
Colossians 1:15 – Jesus, the Firstborn
Introduction One of the most debated phrases in Colossians 1:15 is the description of Jesus as “the firstborn of all creation.” Some argue that this phrase means Jesus is a created being, the first of all creation. However, a closer examination of the biblical context reveals that firstborn often refers to rank, supremacy, and authority,Continue reading “Colossians 1:15 – Jesus, the Firstborn”
Trinity in Targum Neofiti
Targum Neofiti (or Targum Neophyti) is the largest of the Western Targumim on the Torah, or Palestinian Targumim. More than a mere Aramaic translation of the Hebrew text, Neofiti offers lengthy expansions on the biblical text at several places. Neofiti’s date of origin is uncertain. The manuscript’s colophon dates the copy to 1504 in Rome. Continue reading “Trinity in Targum Neofiti”
Luke 1:28 – Full of Grace – κεχαριτωμένη
EWTN, a Catholic website, says regarding Χαῖρε κεχαριτωμένη: chaire kecharitomene (Greek word translated as: “Hail, full of grace.” ) “chaire” – Means “hail” or “rejoice” “charis” – The root word of ke-chari-to-mene, means “grace” “charitoo” – Greek verb ending in omicron omega (“oo”) means to put the person or thing into the state indicated by the root.Continue reading “Luke 1:28 – Full of Grace – κεχαριτωμένη “
Patristic Objections – Mary’s Sinlessness
Through Early Church History, the sinlessness of Mary was unanimous among Church Fathers. The only ones who clearly attributed sins to Mary were Origen of Alexandria, 3rd century [not a Church Father but condemned as a heretic by his own bishop, Demetrius of Alexandria, who excommunicated him and was also condemned in the Second CouncilContinue reading “Patristic Objections – Mary’s Sinlessness”
Mary’s Purity and Sinlessness in the Church Fathers
AD 100-700: Beginning to the end of the Patristic era (See also Church Fathers – Mary as the New Eve page) The Protoevangelium of James Here Mary is called the fruit of justification, with the utilization of the Greek word Dikaiousune. Hippolytus of Rome Gregory the Wonderworker New radiance now of eternal light gleams forth forContinue reading “Mary’s Purity and Sinlessness in the Church Fathers”
1 Corinthians 8:6 – One YHWH Jesus
Table of Contents The Shema: A Christianized Confession of One God and One Lord The Shema, one of the most foundational declarations in Jewish faith, is found in Deuteronomy 6:4 and has had a profound impact on the early Christian creed. In order to understand its Christianized application, it is vital to begin by examiningContinue reading “1 Corinthians 8:6 – One YHWH Jesus”