Throughout the scriptures there can be found many apparent contradictions, not the least of which are those that deal with the nature of God, who God is, what God is and so forth. The great majority of Christianity believes that God is a singular individual with incomprehensible form. We are told that God is the Father (
2 Peter 1:17). We are told that Jesus Christ is God (
Isaiah 9:6), that Jesus Christ is the son of God (
Mark 1:1). We are told that the Father, Son and holy Ghost are the same (
John 14:9), that they are different (
Luke 3:22), that they are one (
1 John 5:8) ...and so on.... and on.... and on.
I have written an entire chapter on my considered views of the nature of God and I will briefly quote from it here. Keep in mind that the chapter which I will quote is not yet published but will arrive in volume three of Faith and Evidence of which only volume one is currently available for free download at my website -
www.faithandevidence.com
You may ask how God can be the creator of heaven and earth and all that exists and still not be singular with regard to the title of God? First let me ensure that you understand that the absolute truth about such matters while in this mortal state is not necessary for our eternal salvation. Therefore it is not a matter for much thought except to render it clear that possibilities do exist and we should be content with the knowledge that God knows the answer to all questions and will impart his knowledge to us as He deems it necessary. Any explanation given from the mind of mortal man without revelation from on high is conjecture, including this work.
However, I am also convinced that our Heavenly Father did not intend for mankind to conjure up some fantastically confusing, massively contradictory and illogical definition of the nature of God. The Bible does not support such concepts nor can any explanation be conceived that would render such ideas plausible. God is NOT the author of confusion.(
1 Corinthians 14:33)
The following two paragraphs will illustrate that mankind does have the ability to put together a variety of scenarios that have the ring of truth and possibility. Remember, these two paragraphs are not derived from the Gospel and have very little temporal evidence to back them up.
First consider that mans knowledge of the nature of existence and the relationship of space, time and energy is extremely limited and that it has been hypothesized that in the universe, different plains of existence (dimensions) are present. If so, it could rightfully be believed that because 2 pieces of matter cannot occupy the same space at the same time, anything that does not exist in a particular dimension does not exist at all for that plain or dimension. When a controlling force enters in upon a given dimension and organizes it, that intelligence or force can rightfully claim that they have created the whole of it.
A second thought puts forth the notion that matter unorganized is without form or definition and is not subject to physical law and is without ability to act or react with anything. Such potential needs to be organized and defined into something that has the ability to exist as part of its surroundings. Nothing exists for matter unorganized and therefore it can be said that any force or intelligence that organizes such potential into something that can interact with its surroundings and is subject to physical law, has in effect created for such newly organized matter everything else that surrounds it.
There are many such hypothesis that can be born of mortal intellect but none tend to give a reasonable foundation for the apparent confusion about the nature of God without hiding behind mystery and shadows.
The following puts forth a more reasonable explanation of the nature of God and how the apparent conflicts in the Bible can be resolved.
Consider a family wherein:
- there is perfect harmony of thought and action without controversy
- one and all members are exalted and glorified
- when one speaks and/or acts, it is with absolute truth and therefore in perfect harmony with the will and mind of all others in the family
- There is no conflict in words, actions, or desires of any other family member or with the established laws of creation.
- to know and understand one is to know and understand all
- individually glorified beings would be equally glorified and "all powerful"
- every member would exorcise absolute dominion over that which is their own (just as we are subject to our Heavenly Father and no other)
- each has obtained perfect knowledge and wisdom
- there is no vanity
- no member would (even if they could) seek to excel above another within their exalted sphere
- what one does has effectively been done by all because they are one in all things, from all eternity to all eternity
Each family unit of this exalted kinship would possess omnipotents and equal glory with every other family unit. When one speaks, the entire family has spoken. To glorify one is to glorify the entire family and to credit the family is to credit each member thereof!
In Fine: Every member is equally glorified because conflict and/or the desire to claim greater glory or enforce dominion over any other member does not exist and there is perfect unity of thought and action without the need for guidance from any save it be truth and righteousness!
In such a family, the addition of a newly exalted being does not in any way diminish any other member of that family. The growth of the family by adding other glorified beings would add glory to the family unit and would be the foundation for the purpose of existence. In fact, it would be by this means and no other that this family could experience eternal increase while already possessing omnipotent power.
I will end my personal chapter quote here. You will have to wait is you want to read the whole chapter.
Vandr