Revelation of God in Christ: A Biblical Study about the Nature of God

By Gary W Winslow Jr

Let's take a deep dive into the scriptures and learn what the Bible teaches about God and His nature. This is a Biblical based study on who God is. We present who Jesus Christ is and His role in our salvation.  

Presenting a strictly biblical approach, let's take a walk together into the scriptures! As

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gary Winslow Jr
• Release date: Aug 29, 2023
• ISBN: 9781088260012

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© Copyright 2023 Gary Winslow, Jr - All Rights Reserved

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Scripture quotations marked with [CJB] are taken from the Complete Jewish Bible by David H. Stern. Copyright © 1998. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Messianic Jewish Publishers, 6120 Day Long Lane, Clarksville, MD 21029. www.messianicjewish.net.

Scripture quotations marked with [ESV] are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Scriptures marked [KJV] are taken from the KING JAMES VERSION (KJV): KING JAMES VERSION, public domain.

Scripture Quotations marked with [NAS] or [NASB] are taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used with permission.

Scriptures marked [NKJV] are taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION (NKJV): Scripture taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION®. Copyright© 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked [NIV] are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.comThe NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

The scripture quotations contained marked with [NRSV] herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright @ 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked with [ConcLT] are taken from the Concordant Literal Bible. Copyright © All rights reserved. Used by permission of Concordant Publishing Concern P.O. Box 449, Almont, MI 48003, U.S.A. 810-798-3563 https://www.concordant.org/

The scripture quotations contained marked with [RSV] are from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

The scripture quotations contained marked with [ROTH] were taken from Rotherham’s Emphasized Bible © Copyright 1994 by Joseph Bryant Rotherham. Published by Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids, MI. Used by permission of the publisher. All rights reserved.

Some content is taken from God in Three Persons by E. Calvin Beisner. Copyright © 1984. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.

Some content is taken from The Doctrine of the Trinity by Cyril Richardson. Copyright © 1958 Abingdon Press Used by Permissions. All rights reserved.

Some content was taken from Sermons of Martin Luther, edited by John Nicholas Lenker and translated by John Nicholas Lenker and others. Copyright. Used with permission of Baker Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

Dedication

My gratitude and thanks overflows my heart and I would like to dedicate this work to my wonderful godly wife, Cami.  Her love, wisdom, and strength inspire me daily.  Also, to my sons, Micah, Joseph, and Zachary.  I am so thankful the Lord has blessed me with these three terrific boys.  Hopefully, they will read this book someday and gain understanding of who their God is.  Without Jim and Beverly Hunley this work would never have started.  May this testimony and study encourage all readers to know and be drawn closer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Let the Father's Glory be increased in all of us day to day through the grace of His Son.  Amen.

Revelation of God in Christ

A Biblical Study about the Nature of God

This is a complete declaration of God’s Nature with a thorough refutation of the Doctrine of the Trinity.

FIRST EDITION

Revision 1.5

By Gary Winslow, Jr.

Copyright © 2023 By Gary Winslow, Jr

All Rights Reserved

The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ And let everyone who hears say, ‘Come.’ 

[NRSV] Revelation 22.17

Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few that find it.

[NRSV] Matthew 7.13-14

Table of Contents

FORWARD

INTRODUCTION

Summary

Understanding this Study

Precept Upon Precept

Scriptural References

Method of Writing

Importance

What is important?

How do we become spiritually mature?

What does it mean to believe and have faith?

What is virtue?

What is meant by knowledge?

What is meant by self-control?

What is meant by steadfastness?

What is meant by Godliness?

Scriptural References for Spiritual Maturity

Why now?

Warning

What do I do?

What should I leave behind?

What if I believe in the Trinity?

What Else Should I Expect from this Teaching that I May Not Be Ready For?

HERMENEUTICS

Summary

Principle-1 The Bible is the Final Authority Over Spiritual Things

Principle-2 Allow Scripture to Interpret Scripture

Principle-3 Establish Context of Scripture

Principle-4 Distinguish Between Figurative and Literal Language

Principle-5 Admit No Doctrine that Contradicts the General Tenor of Scripture

Principle-6 Interpret Scripture in the Light of Customs of the Day

Principle-7 Define Biblical Doctrine Using Biblical Terms

Hermeneutics, Conclusion

GOD

DOCTRINAL TERMS AND PHRASES

Summary

Terms

Beget (Begotten)

Echad (Old Testament Hebrew Term for One)

Elohim

Eternal

First-born

Form of God

Godhead

Heis (New Testament Greek Term for One)

Holy

Holy Spirit

Image

Logos

Word (Logos)

YHWH (or YHWV)

ATTRIBUTES

1. GOD IS ONE

2. GOD IS SPIRIT

3. GOD IS IMMUTABLE

4. GOD IS IMMORTAL

5. GOD IS OMNIPOTENT

6. GOD IS OMNISCIENT

7. GOD IS OMNIPRESENT

8. GOD IS INFINITE

9. GOD IS INVISIBLE

10. GOD IS ETERNAL

11. GOD IS UNSEARCHABLE

12. GOD IS THE CREATOR

13. GOD IS THE FATHER

14. GOD IS LOVE

15. GOD IS LIGHT

16. GOD IS HOLY

WHO IS GOD?

God

Person

The Heavenly Places

The Angels

God Represented

Represented By Angels

Represented by Man

Represented by Jesus

Representing Himself

WHO IS MAN?

The First Adam

The Nations

SIN

Story

Disobedience

Consequences

Human Tradition

Love and a Plan

THE PLAN

Unfolding Plan

Foreknowledge

JESUS CHRIST

Jesus Christ

The Man

Predicted

The Image and Second Adam

Manna From Heaven

The Sacrifice For Sin

The Resurrected Son

The Son of God

Relationship with the Father

Our High Priest, Mediator, and King

Worship of the Father

The Glory of The Son

NATURE OF GOD IN CHRIST

Summary

DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY

INTRODUCTION

DOCTRINE

Doctrine Defined

Tenant 1 God is One in Three Distinct Persons that are Co-Equal and Co-Eternal

Tenant 2 Jesus Christ Existed Before His Birth

Tenant 3 The Holy Spirit is One of Three Distinct Personalities, all called God.

Fruits of the Doctrine

BACKGROUND

History

Confusion

Problems

1. Suspension of Reason to Believe it.

2. You have to ignore historical facts

3. You Ignore the Meanings of Words or Add Them

4. You Have to Ignore Scriptural Facts

REFUTING THE TRINITY

Undeniable Proof that the Trinity is False Doctrine

Proof that the Trinity Diagram Breaks Scripture

Trinitarian Scriptural Arguments

TRINITY PROPHESY

The Parable of the Leaven

Consequences of the Leaven

The Trinity Creates Confusion

The Trinity Keeps People From Christ

Artistic Renditions of the Trinity

FINAL STATEMENTS/TESTIMONY

Summary

Connecting the Dots

Bible References about God:

Bible References about God using representatives (agents):

Bible References about the Son

Biblical Support for Trinitarian Claims about God:

Biblical Support for Trinitarian Claims about the Holy Spirit:

Biblical Support for Trinitarian Claims about Jesus Christ:

Testimony - My Personal Story

Final Word - blessing and afterthoughts

Blessing

Dedications and Thanks

Future Editions and Publications

COMING TO CHRIST

Do you believe?

Do you reject this teaching?

REFERENCE LIST

Holy Bible References

You Tube References

Other Printed References

Online Resources

FORWARD

It is like the so-called settled science of evolution today. 

What some, even the majority, call settled is just another way of saying please just accept our conclusions for the sake of unity. Or, they say; Any reasonable person would accept our conclusions despite the evidence to the contrary.

The Trinitarian proclaims the same illogical plea. That is, please accept our doctrines despite the lack of evidence from history, the word of God, logic, or the testimony of the Jews who would surlily know the nature of the God they had served for millennia. Just as the evolutionist proclaims that evolution is a settled science, anyone who disagrees will be marginalized and excluded from further scientific debate. So, non-trinitarian have also been mistreated, marginalized, and excluded, being told that they must believe in the doctrine of the trinity to be saved!

The Trinity Doctrine was forced upon the church by the sword, fear, ignorance, and hundreds of dark years of Papal rule, not by inspiration from God, the Old Testament (OT) priests of God (Jews), or from Christ. Many dictators have used these same tactics to strong-arm their populace into the politicly correct consensus, whatever the dictator determined it was. Believe or be burned at the stake! Believe and follow or go to the camps, never to return. Today, it’s believed as we do or be condemned as a recognized cult!

Scripture has a higher calling to true unity with God.

[NASB] Heb 13:11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the Holy Place by the high priest as an offering for sin are burned outside the camp.

[NASB] Heb 13:12 Therefore, Jesus also suffered outside the gate, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood.

[NASB] Heb 13:13 So then, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach.

Gary is standing with those that have gone outside the camp to stand with Christ and suffer His reproach! Suffering the denunciation of the establishment church and being condemned by them to eternal damnation, Gary stands outside the camp with Christ.

Why? What is his crime? For rejecting the Catholic/Pagan doctrine of the Trinity, he stands with only a few still speaking the truth and refusing to compromise with the woman and her leaven. Wow! Some things never change, and the ones who seek to know their God will still reject the errors of the establishment church and their traditions to follow Christ! Even if it means standing with Christ outside the camp!

Where is the Trinity in scripture? Just as the Jews, who were called the priests of God were to teach the world of the one true God, never knew of a trinity. So today, we have Christians praying to Jesus by instinct, neglecting God #1 and #3 for Christ alone! They, too have no knowledge of a trinity but Jesus only, the Father manifesting through the son, just as the scriptures say.

[NASB] John 14:10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own, but the Father, as He remains in Me, does His works. 

This instinctual place remains until the theologian attempts to spread his leaven over their bibles, confusing them.

Warned by Jesus, this coming deception would be brought through the teaching of the women (Church) and that it would be deception (hidden) and sinful doctrine (leaven) made up of three, identifying the only doctrine fitting the description, the Trinity. Matt. 13:33.

Some of the teachers of the women protest and say that leaven is a good sign showing growth, but scripture, which is the best interpreter of itself, tells us leaven is always a type of sin (corruption).

When the context is God’s word, then its sinful doctrine. Matt.16:5-12

[NASB] Matt 16:12 Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. NASB

Like the evolutionist that ignores inconvenient facts that easily disprove his fantasies, so the trinitarian also ignores clear Hermeneutical principles to justify their cherished truths.

Gary lays out clear facts that demonstrate the logic of scripture and non-contradictory truths that God has established in His word. He does not need to hide behind a mystery but instead reveals the mystery that Paul spoke of and revealed in the nature of God in Christ. That is the mystery of Godliness in the restored Adam redeeming all who trust in His sacrifice for their sins. That is the heart of God, to reveal Himself to His children, not hide behind a mystery. If one approaches this study with an open heart and mind, then that person will be rewarded with a greater understanding of God’s word and so of God’s nature. This, in turn, allows the searcher to come closer in relationship with God in Christ.

Pastor James Hunley

Duwamish Community Church - Tukwila, Washington State

INTRODUCTION

"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. "

[KJV] Acts 17.11

Summary

Grace to you in Peace from God Our Father and Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For we are in the last days of the end of days. May God's Holy Spirit open your heart and mind to the teachings of this course and bring your soul into a deeper walk with Christ.

Welcome to this study on the nature of God. In this writing, we will walk through the scriptures and see how clearly defined the nature of God is.  Step by step, precept upon precept, we will lay a foundational knowledge of God, His Nature, His Plan, and His Plan fulfilled.  We will cover things like who is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  We will cover the doctrine of the trinity, as defined by the church and what the Bible says about it all. 

In preparation, we will review the principles of hermeneutics, which is how to study the Bible. It is critical that you understand the scientific principles of properly interpreting scripture. These principles are invaluable and must be strictly applied and adhered to when reading and understanding scripture. Without them, it will inhibit your ability to have a clear understanding of God's Word. Follow these principles lest you stray into deception.

After we discuss these principles, we will review and examine the meanings of certain terms. Words and their meanings have a critical impact on understanding the biblical text. It is incredible how misunderstanding a single term, or an author's intention, how much it can change the entire landscape of a passage. This whole time, you may have had a different understanding of these terms. For us to communicate this teaching clearly with continuity, we must come to an understanding of a common vocabulary.

Most of all, I strongly encourage you to begin this course, and each section, by asking for the Lord's Blessing in prayer. The Holy Spirit is the real teacher, and we cannot learn what we are not open to. This course is about the revelation of Jesus Christ to your heart with unconditional Love (Agape). As you pray, open your heart and mind to the contents of this book so that you may be edified. May it serve our Father in Heaven's holy purpose in these Last Days. Amen.

Understanding this Study

Every author has their own way of communicating their ideas in writing. Being that this writing is no different in that regard, we need to review some signposts written in this book to help you understand the texture of what you are reading.

Precept Upon Precept

One thing you may notice as you read this book is that it was designed to build your understanding of the nature of God in Christ through a hierarchy of scriptural building blocks. This is so that your understanding of what is presented may be complete. Context is king. Without it, our understanding will wander, and we will believe whatever is at our whim. Studying God’s Word requires proper study and spiritual discipline. This writing first builds our mindset before we dive into the theological points made.

We carefully outline what scripture generally says about God, and His attributes and build on that to eventually reveal who Christ is and why things are as scripture presents. It is essential this be done to bring clarity and context to the next precept. From this, you can see what God has put into order and planned from the beginning of creation clearly.

Scriptural References

All scriptural chapter and verse references are annotated with a period, ., not a colon, : There was no reason for this other than it was just easier for me to type. For example, John chapter 1, verses 1 through 14, is John 1.1-14.

All scriptures where they are quoted from have a reference to their translation source. They are enclosed in square brackets with the acronym of their version. See some examples of them below:

[ROTH] = Rotherham’s Emphasized Bible

[RSV] = Revised Standard Version

[NAS] = New American Standard Version

Method of Writing

It was very dear to my heart that we are honest with scripture. This writing style is about making the points clear and substantiating them significantly with how scripture unfolds naturally without any other bias but God’s. Please do not make the mistake of assuming I am claiming to be God’s perspective. This would be enormously arrogant and confidently sinful. The points I am making are to organize and present my thoughts about what the scriptures are saying and then let the scripture define and substantiate itself. I am not here to push any other ideas not substantiated by scripture alone.

This writing is not in support of the Oneness Pentecostal Movement, Jehovah’s Witnesses, or an attempt to support Gnosticism. By the time you reach the end of this study, you will understand this if you are already familiar with any of those movements.

Throughout this writing, you will see scriptures repeated and sometimes augmented with different translations and notes when I am pointing out what I believe is important that should be observed and noted.

Importance

What is important?

In this life, what is important to you? Is it your job, home, keeping a schedule, family, and children? Or spreading the gospel, going to church, and avoiding hell?  Sure, those things are important, but to what end are these things leading? For it is all is dust in the wind. We are here in the moment and gone the next. So, I ask again; What is important?

God has revealed to us that he is alive, real, and knowable. Scripture tells us that God has a plan for all humankind and that we are to be intimately united with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. We need to ask ourselves, How can we be fully united with God if we don't know who He is? What can be more important than knowing the One that created us and the universe?

The Bible is all about God's unfolding revelation of who He is and his plan for us! The scripture says we will come to a perfect understanding of this, and we are part of a very large plan!

If we are to know God intimately and become mature in Christ, we need to come into the full knowledge of who He is and what He wants for us. You will see this is what scripture calls for us. We cannot grow up and into spiritual maturity without this understanding. Let us open our minds and hearts to the scriptures and set aside everything we know about God for a moment.

How do we become spiritually mature?

We become spiritually mature by looking to the Holy Spirit and scripture to teach us. In 2 Peter 1, we read that the Father's divine power has granted us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us to His own Glory and Excellence. By this, we will escape corruption and partake in God's divine nature. As described in the 2 Peter 1 passage, we follow these steps...

Believe and have Faith

Learn and hold on to virtues

Support the virtues with knowledge

Obtain self-control with that knowledge

With self-control, learn steadfastness

With steadfastness, we obtain godliness

Let us look at what these steps mean.

What does it mean to believe and have faith?

This means to trust in the truth of Christ and Scripture and be prepared to act on that truth.

What is virtue?

Virtue is a high standard of morality and behavior. It is holding to a belief in a better way of living and conducting oneself. It is held with the promise of a reward to have a clearer conscience and benefits.

What is meant by knowledge?

This means to earnestly learn about scripture and the things of God. Raising awareness can open the door to the Holy Spirit to guide us further in wisdom from that knowledge.

What is meant by self-control?

Self-control is our ability, with knowledge, to make good choices and avoid decisions that degrade the quality of life for ourselves and others. From this knowledge, we learn to please God and avoid sin.

What is meant by steadfastness?

Steadfastness is the perfection of self-control. The term means immovable. We are no longer learning to avoid bad situations; we continue to Love God without sin, even in the direst of circumstances.

What is meant by Godliness?

It means that by being steadfast, we are fully indwelled by Christ. We can be entrusted with God's divine nature living in our spirits united with Christ.

Scriptural References for Spiritual Maturity

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Additional References: Ephesians 1.17-18 - Ephesians 4.13 - Colossians 1,2 - Philippians 1.9 - 2 Peter 1.1-ALL - 2 Timothy 2.15 - Hebrews 5.13, 1 John 2.3

Why now?

We are in the last days. At the time of this writing, we have seen evil unprecedented in this world. Since Christ’s victorious ascension, the church has been constantly under attack by the enemy, false prophets, and teachers within and from outside the church. We have seen numerous infiltrations, false teachings, and corruption within the church. This was warned about in scripture and was beginning to happen even during the time of Paul’s ministry, as noted in his letters. There has been an unfolding revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. In these last days, the time has come for the Bride to be called and come into the correct knowledge and understanding of who God is. It is a time when false teachings about God need to be prosecuted with the accurate knowledge revealed in scripture. If you are hungry to know God more, you are reading the right book.

[NRSV] Revelation 22.17 The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’ And let everyone who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let everyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift.

It has been taught that the Bride of Christ is the Church. This is correct teaching, but it is not what most Christians believe it is, and it is beyond the scope of this book to discuss this in detail. According to scripture, there are saints that are not considered among the Bride. Scripture says these saints will be martyred by the Beast system. Therefore, I urge you to be open to the Spirit of God and seek His face with an accurate understanding of who He is.

Warning

Before you continue, I must advise you that the content in this writing is giving you the truth of God and who He is. Be of sober mind. With all accurate knowledge comes responsibility and judgment for those who choose to cling to human traditions and beliefs that do not abide by God's Word. If you feel you are not ready to know