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Jesus Is God

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Bible presents a hierarchical order in the relationship between God the Father and Jesus Christ, emphasizing distinct roles and authority. Both the Father and the Son are God in the generic or family-kind sense, yet they occupy different responsibilities. The Father holds greater authority than the Son, remaining in the background by His choice for future revelation, while the Son has always interfaced with mankind. No man has literally seen God the Father, but man has seen and heard God the Son, who reveals the Father's existence, authority, and responsibilities. This distinction is clear in the scriptural order where the head of every man is Christ, and the head of Christ is God the Father, establishing a structure of authority and position within the God-kind. Both Beings inhabit eternity, uncreated, with no beginning or end, yet it is through the Son that the Father's plan and purpose are made known to humanity.

The Father-Son Relationship (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus Christ, the anointed Savior and Mediator between mankind and the Absolute Deity, whom we identify as the Father, holds a unique position in the universe. Though He is of the God-kind, Christ Himself declared that He has a God, His Father, who is greater than He, both during His time in the flesh and after His resurrection as a spirit being. The Father, the Absolute Deity, is the supreme Source, while Christ is the means through whom the Father reveals Himself. They are not equal in function or responsibility; the Father is the sole Head, and Christ is subordinate and submissive to Him. Christ's own testimony affirms that His Father is supreme, the One who holds authority over Him. The Father appointed Christ as the Head of the church for its benefit, but His authority is limited by the Father, who gives the orders. Christ submitted to the Father's will, carrying out every assignment given to Him, whether to preach the gospel, be a witness of God's existence, serve as an example, or die for the sins of the world. The glory of Christ lies in His perfect submission to the Father, not in being the Head, but in His loving obedience. The Father and the Son are two distinct Personalities with clear differences in operation and rank. The Father, as the greater, blessed the Son, who is the lesser in function and responsibility. Christ directed worship to the Father, instructing us to pray to Him, though we may also pray to the Son. This relationship mirrors a principle seen in creation, where one is always greater in function, reflecting the Father's supreme authority over Christ. The unity between Them is not in oneness of substance but in Christ's complete submission to the Father's will, setting an example for us to follow in our own submission to the Father.

The Father-Son Relationship (Part Eight)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The relationship between God the Father and Jesus Christ is one of hierarchical order, with the Father as the Supreme and Absolute God. The Father is greater than the Son in authority and function, as Jesus Himself declared that the Father is greater than He. This ranking does not imply a qualitative difference, for both are equally of the God kind, uncreated and eternal Spirit Beings, sharing the same nature. However, in terms of responsibility and role, the Father holds the highest position, with no God beyond Him to whom He must answer or submit. Jesus, though fully God, submits to the Father, acknowledging Him as His God even after His resurrection. This submission is evident in various scriptures, where Jesus is shown to answer to the Father, who is over Him in authority. The Father is the source from which all things flow through the Son, who carries out Their devised plan and purpose. As the Head of the church, Jesus holds an awesome responsibility to prepare us for the Kingdom of God, yet He remains under the Father's greater authority. This hierarchical structure mirrors God's form of government, where ranking denotes responsibility and function rather than superiority in essence. Just as in a human family, where roles are assigned without implying qualitative difference, the Father and the Son fulfill distinct roles within Their perfect unity of mind and purpose. The Father is the ultimate Head, and Jesus, as our Lord, Master, and Savior, operates within the framework of the Father's supreme authority.

The Father-Son Relationship (Part Five)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God the Father is the Head of Jesus Christ, as clearly shown in Scripture. The Father is distinct from the Son, with God being the Supreme Deity over Christ. In I Corinthians 11:3, it is evident that God is the Head of Christ, establishing a hierarchy where the Father holds authority over the Son. This relationship is further confirmed in Ephesians 1:15-23, where Paul describes the Father as the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, appointing Him as the Head of all things to the church, indicating the superior appointing the subordinate. Jesus Christ Himself acknowledges this distinction and submission to the Father. In Matthew 27:46, while on the stake, He cried out, "My God, My God, Why have You forsaken Me?" demonstrating that He has a God above Him. Similarly, in John 20:17, after His resurrection, He told Mary Magdalene that He must go to "My God and your God," affirming that He shares the same God as humanity. Christ's glory lies in His absolute submission to the Father, as seen in His statements like "The Father is greater than I," and "Not My will, but Yours be done," showing He is not co-equal with the Father but subordinate to Him. The Father is the Source, the Sender, and answers to no one, while the Son acknowledges a God above Him. The Father is invisible and inaudible to mankind, whereas Jesus, as the Image of God, was visible and audible, serving as the Mediator between God and man. This distinction is vital, as Jesus deferred everything to the Father, teaching that we, too, should approach the Father through Him, recognizing the Father as the Supreme Ruler to whom we are reconciled through Christ. Jesus' submission, even in moments of personal struggle, as seen in Matthew 11:25-27, where He accepted the Father's will over His own expectations, exemplifies this relationship of authority and obedience.

Endeavoring to Keep the Unity

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The leadership of a father and a husband has a profound influence upon family, society, and culture, especially regarding unity.

Leadership and Covenants (Part Six)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Despite having served mankind well for millennia, marriage is crumbling under a three-pronged attack. Marriage is vital to understanding God's purpose.

His Eye Is on the Sparrow (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

We do not need to excessively fear Satan, his demons, or the world, but we should fear and respect the One who has complete involvement in our lives.

What Does 'Non-Trinitarian' Mean?

Frequently Asked Questions

The Trinity doctrine cannot be found in the Bible. It was patched together hundreds of years after the deaths of the apostles and the sealing of Scripture.