General DEFINING MONOTHEISM

Hebrews 3:4 4 For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God.

Strong's Lexicon
theos: God, god
Original Word: θεός
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine; Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: theos
Pronunciation: theh-os'
Phonetic Spelling: (theh'-os)
Definition: God, god
Meaning: (a) God, (b) a god, generally.

Word Origin: Derived from a root word meaning "to place" or "to set," indicating a being of authority and power.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - H430: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) - Often used to refer to God in the Hebrew Bible.

- H410: אֵל (El) - A shorter form used for God, emphasizing might and power.

- H3068: יְהוָה (YHWH) - The personal name of God, often rendered as "LORD" in English translations.

Usage: In the New Testament, "theos" primarily refers to the one true God, John 17:3 the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, as revealed in the Christian faith. It is used to denote the divine nature and attributes of God, including His omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. "Theos" can also refer to false gods or deities in a polytheistic context, but in the Christian Scriptures, it predominantly signifies the God of Israel, the Father of Jesus Christ.

Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, "theos" was a common term used to describe various gods and deities within the pantheon of Greek and Roman mythology. However, in the context of the New Testament, "theos" is redefined to express the monotheistic belief in one sovereign God. This understanding was revolutionary in a polytheistic society and was central to the early Christian proclamation of the gospel.

HELPS Word-studies
2316 theós (of unknown origin) – properly, God, the Creator and owner of all things (Jn 1:3; Gen 1 - 3).

[Long before the NT was written, 2316 (theós) referred to the supreme being who owns and sustains all things.]


To think of Jesus as GOD ALMIGHTY THE CREATOR presents us with very serious problems in how we would have to view other scriptures. Below are some examples of this.

1 Corinthians 8:6 “yet for us there is but two GODS, the FATHER and Jesus Christ who created all things.

John 17:3 “And this is everlasting life, that they may know us the only true GODS.

Ephesians 4:6 “two gods and Fathers of all”

Deuteronomy 6:4 “Hear oh Israel, the lords our gods, the lords are two”

1 Timothy 2:5 “For there are two gods, and one mediator between god and men, the god Jesus Christ”

James 2:19 “You believe that god is two, good for you. Even the demons believe that and tremble”

There are many more scriptures that you could do this with and it shows how the Jesus is GOD lie is polytheism.

POLYTHEISM:
Dictionary
Definitions from Oxford Languages

pol·y·the·ism
/ˈpälēTHēˌiz(ə)m,ˌpälēˈTHēiz(ə)m/
noun
noun: polytheism

1. the belief in or worship of more than one god.
   
   
   So then we must understand that who or what we associate with is either good or evil. Ploytheism is a belief Christians are to not involve ourselves with. It is impossible to have more than one person or entity that is almighty. If you were almighty there would be no other like you, Isaiah 46:9 Isaiah 43:10 and if there were you would no longer be almighty if another was too. The same logic applies to having all knowledge or being present everywhere at all times. It is a contradiction in terms as the term "Almighty" is unique. Therefore belief in a trinity or binary GOD is completely against logic and reason.

There is one GOD, the FATHER, 1 Corinthians 8:6 (first part) James 2:19 John 17:3 Isaiah 43:10 and many other verses of scripture plainly declare there is only one being who is GOD.

 

[LeeB]

2 Peter 2:2 Matthew 24:11 Jude 1:4 1 Timothy 4:1 2 Timothy 4:3,4
The warnings were plentiful but none of churchianity sees this as themselves. Spirituality speaking the saints today live in Babylon. The call,of YAHWEH is to come out of Babylon but the vast majority like it there.

 

[Outcast]

2 Peter 2:2 Matthew 24:11 Jude 1:4 1 Timothy 4:1 2 Timothy 4:3,4
The warnings were plentiful but none of churchianity sees this as themselves. Spirituality speaking the saints today live in Babylon. The call,of YAHWEH is to come out of Babylon but the vast majority like it there.

As I've seen, the social benefits of church membership is much more important than truth.

When a pastor of a church tells me that he disagrees with doctrines but won't tell the congregation, I need no more evidence that he is not serving God.

Churches are not about God - they are about "feel good."

 

[LeeB]

I have found that most church attendees do not even know the doctrines of their church. This was even true for some in the WCG. It seems like those in the fringe churches are more inclined to be knowledgeable of their religion. Many simply inherit their beliefs from their parents. What is considered traditional Christianity is becoming less popular because people are seeing its hypocrisy and are searching for answers elsewhere like this forum.

 

[Outcast]

Have you seen anyone have a change of mind or beliefs based on conversations that took place here? I have not seen but one person in the last few years who did. The "local church" has great influence over people. Thinking independently is a rare behavior.

I used to argue against the idea of "election" in scripture - because I didn't understand how rare it is.

I thought all who claimed to be "saved" must have been elected somehow, and that anyone can choose to believe. But then, I had no idea what it was like when Yahweh gave a truth that I could not dispute. All my studies and proof-texts had no sway at all to change a truth that God gave me.

That was the final straw for me. The camel's back broke at that point.

Then again, the pathway that led to honestly seeking understanding despite what church leaders and universities taught me was long and sometimes painful. I did not get to create a reality in my mind and make myself comfortable by altering what I wanted to be true. Now, I accept what God gives me and wait on the understanding that He has not yet given.

I am satisfied with that. It still causes me some pain to be rejected by loved ones, but I know I can do nothing about that.

And the hypocrisy of the local churches is so blatant to me that I am in awe that it seems invisible to so many people.

 

[LeeB]

Once we set our hand to the plow we cannot look back, remember Lots wife. They talk about the different “world views “ held by professing Christianity but my view is not of this world and will definitely clash with all these world views out there. A “world view” is what GOD called me out of, to be separate, to touch not the unclean thing and I answered that call and then HE chose me. Matthew 13:12 People that have never experienced a true calling but assume that they have will deny and discredit those who really did.

 

[LeeB]

Have you seen anyone have a change of mind or beliefs based on conversations that took place here? I have not seen but one person in the last few years who did. The "local church" has great influence over people. Thinking independently is a rare behavior.

I used to argue against the idea of "election" in scripture - because I didn't understand how rare it is.

I thought all who claimed to be "saved" must have been elected somehow, and that anyone can choose to believe. But then, I had no idea what it was like when Yahweh gave a truth that I could not dispute. All my studies and proof-texts had no sway at all to change a truth that God gave me.

That was the final straw for me. The camel's back broke at that point.

Then again, the pathway that led to honestly seeking understanding despite what church leaders and universities taught me was long and sometimes painful. I did not get to create a reality in my mind and make myself comfortable by altering what I wanted to be true. Now, I accept what God gives me and wait on the understanding that He has not yet given.

I am satisfied with that. It still causes me some pain to be rejected by loved ones, but I know I can do nothing about that.

And the hypocrisy of the local churches is so blatant to me that I am in awe that it seems invisible to so many people.

There seems to be very little participation from the membership of this forum. Those that do are sporadic which makes it difficult to have intelligent conversations. I think that if you join an online forum you have a responsibility to participate, to be active, to contribute to what is the stated mission of this forum; explore Christianity. Matthew 6:33.

 

[Outcast]

There seems to be very little participation from the membership of this forum. Those that do are sporadic which makes it difficult to have intelligent conversations. I think that if you join an online forum you have a responsibility to participate, to be active, to contribute to what is the stated mission of this forum; explore Christianity. Matthew 6:33.

I agree, but it is apparent that people who come through here in their drive-by-shootings are not looking for mutual interest conversations. They desire something other than that, so they leave.

We are behind keyboards, and that being the case; we can act like someone totally different from who we really are. Being honest with ourselves and each other is difficult to some. Social pressure requires us to conform in order to be accepted. Stating things that people don't agree with is counter to our desires. Of course, refusing to share our honest thoughts shields us from unwanted feelings and judgement. And THAT is why - IMHO - there is no participation.

Unless we are REAL with each other and brave enough to allow ourselves to be honest, it will never get better. Point number two may be - learning to state our beliefs without insulting others for their views is paramount. Leading small groups in scriptural studies has taught me that I do not hold the keys to all truth and I should not position myself as if I were. I lead studies, but not as an authority. I had to learn how to facilitate conversations and not to dominate them.

I truly miss those days when I was permitted to do so. Confessing my disdain for the false doctrine of the trinity put an end to those times I really enjoyed. The shock of finding out that the truth of scripture has no place in the local church really dimmed by view of organized religion.

 

[LeeB]

The truth will either offend a person or set them free. Jesus offended many with the truth as did the prophets and apostles. People trapped in deception enjoy it.

 

[Outcast]

The truth will either offend a person or set them free. Jesus offended many with the truth as did the prophets and apostles. People trapped in deception enjoy it.

I think it is more accurate to see that any statement that goes against what a person chooses to believe already is offensive to those who don't want their boat rocked.

There is a huge difference between "know" and "believe." Most people only "believe." When God teaches, we discover what "know" means.

To those who have been taught only by man do not understand the difference. The are convinced that "they know" while they have chosen only to believe.

 

[LeeB]

It is like Job, Job 42:5 People entrenched in a deception are unaware of it and can only operate in the deception unless GOD brings them out of the deception. The deceived do not seek GOD because they have a preacher who claims he knows GOD . The preacher is the spiritual hired hand leading the sheep to the slaughter. It is extremely rare for a person to seek GOD “on their own” but a few do . Jeremiah 29:13 You and I have had the experience of being deceived but we eventually challenged what we formerly held as truth and that is stepping out in faith, Hebrews 11:6 , GOD rewarded our diligent search by teaching us HIS truth through HIS son. We did not choose GOD , HE chose us. GOD placed us on the right road. Matthew 7:14

 

[Outcast]

I realize that making statements like this will draw reactions for most that we are arrogant and egotistical because we claim to have a relationship with God that is closer than theirs. We can do nothing to help anyone understand unless they WANT to understand. That will seldom happen because their will be so many who will reinforce their belief that they already have it right, and that we should be ignored. I like it to someone who is addicted to something that is bad for them, but they enjoy it and can see no reason to stop. Until they discover the harm being caused, they will continue. (I don't know at what point it is that God will call them to Himself and teach them directly. We are not in control of that, but I suspect that when and if someone ever does want to understand, then He might call them at that time. It worked for me.)

 

[LeeB]

We are living in a spiritual Babylon. Confusion. The scriptures are very plain that the number of TRUE CHRISTIANS is extremely small. I posted an article by a worldly preacher who was honest about this which is also extremely rare. He referred to these TRUE CHRISTIANS as the invisible church. His assessment was basically correct but he lacked an explanation for the condition of the visible church that he fails to realize is BABYLON. Any church that has human leadership is false and deceived no matter if they do have some truth because they also have lies. These churches do not grow spirituality. When is the last time a church has announced new revelation from GOD and admitted that they were wrong about their doctrine ? In the true church the spirit of Elijah teaches the saints and the saints are learning the truth and coming out of lies , this is an ongoing process throughout our lives. The churches in the world do not experience this, they are like the Sardis church in Revelation, they have a name and are alive but are dead. Revelation 3:1