Bible Questions and Answers

Can you explain why Jesus is called Emmanuel in Isaiah? Is this passage a proof text for the Trinity?

The Trinity is a false doctrine adopted in the fourth century AD as the Church slid into apostasy. It is not supported in Scripture and its compilers admit that it is ‘incomprehensible’ - meaning it makes no sense.

In the Bible, Jesus is the Son of God conceived by the power of God acting upon Mary, a descendant of Abraham and David. A son cannot be co-equal to, and co-eternal with, his father. A son is begotten by his father - that is what establishes their relationship.

The Holy Spirit by which Jesus was conceived is the power of God, not a person. Gabriel’s explanation is plain enough:

Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.

The Holy Spirit = the power of the Highest – i.e. the power of God.

Matthew 1:20 But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus existed only in the purpose of God before he was born. His birth was prophesied in the word of God. It is in this sense that he is the word of God ‘made flesh’.

Psalms 2:7 I will declare the decree: The LORD has said to Me, You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.

Hebrews 1:5 For to which of the angels did He ever say: You are My Son, Today I have begotten You? And again: I will be to Him a Father, And He shall be to Me a Son?

Only God himself has immortality inherent in his being.

1 Timothy 6:13 I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things… 16… who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see,

Jesus was born mortal and really died. God cannot become mortal and die – the idea is nonsense.

God is greater than Jesus.

John 14:28 …my Father is greater than I.

Jesus’ will was different than God’s.

Luke 22:42 …nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done."

God knows things that Jesus doesn’t.

Mark 13:32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

God is Jesus’ God.

Matthew 27:46 …My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?

John 20:17 …I ascend unto… my God, and your God.

Following his millennial reign over the earth Jesus will be subject to his Father for eternity.

1 Corinthians 15:28 Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.

Emmanuel

Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.

Matthew 1:23 Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us.

Jesus was “God with us” because he manifested his Father’s character.

John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

John 1:18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

Hebrews 1:3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high

No man can see God and live – what was seen in Jesus was God’s characteristics – Holiness, Love, Compassion, Mercy, Grace, Truth, Righteousness and Faithfulness.

May I suggest that you read: One God or a Trinity? (Please click on the title)

I hope you find this helpful.

God bless,
Glenn