8 Flashcards
(14 cards)
What are some of the most persuasive biblical evidences for the unity of the Godhead?
John 1:1 (the Word was God), Matthew 28:19 (Father, Son, Holy Spirit), and Colossians 2:9 (fullness of deity in Christ) support the unity and divinity of the Godhead.
What dangerous directions have ‘unitarian’ interpretations of God historically led to?
They often lead to legalism, diminished assurance of salvation, and a compromised understanding of Christ’s power as Savior.
What is the gist of the Arian position on the nature of Christ?
Arians believe Christ is a created being, subordinate to the Father, possessing a derived or limited deity rather than full divinity.
How has Adventism historically engaged with the Arian controversy?
Adventism, influenced by Ellen White, affirms the full deity of Christ, opposing Arianism as it undermines the efficacy of Christ’s atonement and intercession.
Which Bible verses are most persuasive when discussing the deity of Christ with Jehovah’s Witnesses?
John 1:1; Colossians 1:15-19 (Christ as the image of the invisible God); Hebrews 1:3 (Christ sustains all things by His powerful word).
What is the most compelling biblical evidence for the personhood of the Holy Spirit?
John 14:26 (Spirit as Comforter and Teacher), Acts 5:3-4 (lying to the Spirit equals lying to God), and Ephesians 4:30 (grieving the Holy Spirit) show the Spirit’s personality.
What difference might it make in a Christian’s experience if the Holy Spirit is understood as God’s impersonal communication network?
It might lead to attempts at manipulation, legalism, and a transactional faith rather than a personal, transformative relationship with God.
Why is it critical that Jesus is fully divine rather than a ‘semi-god’ or ‘demi-god’?
Only a fully divine Jesus has the infinite power to effectually intercede, atone for sin, and impart eternal life.
What does the term ‘simony’ mean and how is it relevant to spiritual manipulation?
Simony is the attempt to buy spiritual power or office, exemplified by Simon the sorcerer trying to buy the Holy Spirit’s power (Acts 8:18-19).
Who was Athanasius and what was his role in the Nicene debates?
Athanasius was a key opponent of Arianism who argued that Christ is fully divine and equal with the Father, essential for true salvation.
Who is Ellen White and what was her theological contribution to Adventism?
Ellen White was a foundational Adventist prophetess whose writings strongly affirmed the full deity of Christ and the personhood of the Holy Spirit.
What is ‘objective justification’ and why would an Arian Jesus compromise it?
Objective justification is Christ’s work to justify sinners before God independently of individual belief; an Arian Jesus lacks the full divine power to accomplish this.
What theological importance does the ‘life unborrowed and underived’ have in Christian doctrine?
It emphasizes that only Christ, possessing original divine life, can impart eternal life to believers, unlike a semi-divine being.
What role does divine love play in affirming Christ’s full deity?
Divine love, infinite and originating from God, can only be fully communicated by a fully divine Christ, evoking true surrender rather than legalistic works.
