Counsels on Christian Worldview

Counsel #6 — Distinct Divine Persons

Picture: Counsel #6 — Distinct Divine Persons CCW 16.1

What about the distinctness of each divine person?^[25] During His time on earth, Jesus referred to the Father as a distinct, separate divine Person,^[26] yet Jesus also accepted worship as God^[27].In fact, it is suggested that it was always Jesus that was active and revealed since Old Testament times as Yahweh.^[28] In the New Testament, the Father is recorded as speaking twice.^[29] Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit as “another” distinct from Himself^[30], and the Holy Spirit exhibits characteristics of personality like speaking^[31] and a personal will^[32]. CCW 16.2

“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—” John 14:16 NKJV CCW 16.3

“Jesus said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.’” John 8:58 NKJV CCW 16.4

“The Holy Spirit is the Comforter, in Christ's name. He personifies Christ, yet is a distinct personality. We may have the Holy Spirit if we ask for it and make it [a] habit to turn to and trust in God rather than in any finite human agent who may make mistakes.” Ellen White in Manuscript Releases, vol. 20, p. 324.2 CCW 16.5

Reflect: How does the distinctness of the Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit in the Bible contribute to your understanding of their individual characteristics, roles, and divine nature? CCW 16.6