Page 48 - Bible Writers Theology Original

32 , ♦Bible VM^ers' Thedogy Chapter Four
emphasize the threeness of the trinity to the point that they believe in three self-conscious beings; essentially, a tritheistic viewpoint. In addition to Trinitarians, Binitarian doctrine does not classify the Holy Ghost as a sepa rate person, but asserts belief in two persons in the Godhead.
Many monotheists have pointed out that both trinitarianism and binitar- ianism weaken the strict monotheism taught by the Bible. They insist that the Godhead cannot be divided into two or three persons and that God is absolutely one. Strict monotheism has two classes. One class asserts that thereisonlyoneGodbutdoessobydenyingoneway or the other the full
deity of Jesus Christ. This view was represented in early church history by the dynamic monarchians such as Paul of Samosata, and by the Arians led by Arius. These groups relegated Jesus to the position of a created god, a subordinate god, a junior god, or a demi-god. The second class of true monotheist believes in oneGod,but further believes the fullness of God was
manifested in Jesus Christ. They believe that Father, Son (Word) and Holy Spirit are manifestations, modes, offices, or relationships that the one God displays to man. This belief was named modelism and modelistic monar- chianism. Sabellius, Praxeas, and Noetus were the leaders of this doctrine.
Many classic expressions emphasize the doctrine of one God:
• Genesis 1:1 declares, "In the beginning God (ELOHIM) created the heaven and the earth."
• Exodus 20:3 declares in a singular form again, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me."
• Deuteronomy6:4declares,"Hear(Shema),OIsrael:the LordourGod is one LORD."
• Isaiah44:6 declares, "I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God."
• Isaiah 44:24 declares, "...I am the Lord that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself."
All these verses of scripture attest to His oneness in an uncompromising manner. Deuteronomy 6:4 has been the most important scripture for the Jewishfaith,"Hear(Shema),OIsrael,theLordourGodisoneLord." They
callitthe"SHEMA"afterthefirstwordofthephraseinHebrew. Theexcla mation "Shema" is the call to listen very carefully and to meditate on the doctrine ofthe oneness ofGod. It would always be quoted as a p2u-t of their worship. Traditionally,adevoutjewwouldmakethe"Shema"confession
just beforehis death.