Read John 12:44-46

The relationship between Jesus the Son and God the Father is one of the cornerstone theological tenets of the Christian faith. In His teachings, this relationship is a prominent theme Jesus returns to again and again. Jesus is not some human Messiah, but rather a Messiah born of heaven, one who was not only connected deeply to God the Father but also one who was one with the Father. In the same way that steam, water, and ice are all different forms of H2O, God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit are all different forms of the triune God. Speaking to the crowds, Jesus presses the importance of this relationship in true belief.

Then Jesus cried out, whoever believes in Me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me. John 12:44-45 NIV

This is a reminder that Jesus and His disciples are not instituting a new religion but rather a fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies concerning the long-awaited Messiah. Christianity is born from Judaism. This is why our faith is contained in both the Old and New Testaments as one complete revelation from God. Jesus is the fulfilment of all the promises throughout eternity, the light of hope shining in the darkness.

I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should stay in darkness. John 12:46 NIV

The theology of number of the cults here in the United States are based on a misinterpretation of this relationship between Jesus and God the Father. Previously, in John 10:30, Jesus stated “I and my Father are one.” Jesus isn’t a good man who earned His deity through His pious life, and the Holy Spirit isn’t a “radar beam” used by God when needed. The Scriptures are clear-Jesus the Son God the Father and the Holy Spirit are co-equal.

What does all of this mean for those of us living on this side of the cross? A correct understanding of theology is absolutely essential for orthodox faith. So much of the distortions of Christianity we see today are born from a cursory understanding of Scripture that lacks the depth of comprehension of who God is and what He desires to do in the world. Much of this is basically isogesis, or a twisting of the words of scripture to fit a specific agenda. Let us today commit to believing in God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit, three-in-one. Let us also commit to diving deeper into our faith through Bible study and prayer each week.

Questions to consider:
How well do you know the Scriptures? Have you read the whole Bible cover to cover? Do you read the Scriptures on a regular basis? What needs to change in your life to make it possible to spend more time in the Scriptures?