Many people within Christian circles as well as outside Christian circles are not fully familiar with the Trinity. While many people may know who Jesus is, it can get difficult when people outside the faith pose the question, “Are God and Jesus the same person?”
This is a common question that people outside the church ask; however, it is an unfortunate reality that many people in the church cannot give a straight answer to this question.
If you have struggled with knowing the answer to this question, know that you are not alone. There are many people who spend their entire lives in church, only to never be taught this important topic.
In order to understand the answer to this question, individuals have to understand the Trinity. Whether you are a new believer or have been a believer for many years, it is important to understand the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
Understanding the Trinity
As mentioned, understanding the Trinity is crucial to answering this specific question. The Trinity consists of the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Many people only believe the Father to be God, but this is not true.
While the Father is God, the Son and the Holy Spirit are also fully and equally God. In other words, the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are all God.
One God, yet three distinct Persons. It is important to note here that we as Christians do not believe in polytheism. Rather, we believe in monotheism. This means that we believe in one God, not multiple gods.
Many people believe that Christians believe in polytheism due to three Persons being involved in the Trinity. This is not true as each individual is fully and completely God; however, each member of the Trinity are also their own distinct Persons.
This can be hard to understand, which is why St. Patrick created the connection between the Trinity and the shamrock. The shamrock has three leaves, yet it is still one shamrock.
In the same way, St. Patrick made the connection that God is one God, yet three distinct Persons — the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. If someone has difficulty understanding this concept at first glance, with time, it will be more understandable.
Despite the belief that God is simple, He actually is not. God is complex and He cannot be contained. He is amazing, loving, and caring, yet He is also just and righteous. It is important to remember all of these things when we are trying to understand who God is.
Therefore, God is the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Each three Persons is fully God and fully divine.
Jesus Our Lord
Jesus is our Lord and Savior. He is the only member of the Trinity that left heaven in order to save mankind. While all three members of the Trinity were involved in the plan of salvation, Jesus is the One who died for our sins.
Jesus is our Redeemer and the One whom we must place faith in. If you place faith in Jesus by believing that He died for your sins, was buried, and rose again, then you are eternally saved (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; John 3:16-17).
The Bible tells us that only in the Name of Jesus can we be saved. The Apostle Peter tells us, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
As Peter tells us, only by placing faith in Jesus can we be saved. The Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are all involved in the plan of salvation and bringing salvation into being however, Jesus is the One who died for the sins of the world.
With this in mind, we have to understand that Jesus is God. He is 100% God just as the Father and the Holy Spirit are also 100% God. There is not a hierarchy when it comes to the Trinity.
Jesus is the One who has redeemed us from our sins; however, the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are all equal. Sadly, many Christians try to place the Trinity in a hierarchy, but this is not correct. To try to claim one is superior than the other is not biblical.
In fact, it would be considered heresy. The Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are all equal. When you pray to God, you pray to each of them. Whether you are praying in the Name of the Father, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit, you are still talking to God.
Even if you choose to not name any of the members of the Trinity directly, you are still praying to them by addressing God. God is the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, which is why you can talk to them at any time, any day.
There are no restrictions when it comes to talking with God. The Father does not get upset with you if you talk with Jesus nor does Jesus get upset if you talk with the Holy Spirit.
They are all three distinct Persons, yet they are all one God. In other words, if you consult the Father, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit in prayer, you will still be able to communicate with each of them despite only addressing one. The Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit all want to hear from you.
Jesus Is God
Therefore, to answer the question as to whether God and Jesus are the same person, the answer is yes. Jesus is a member of the Trinity; thus, He is God. The answer is more detailed in the sense that the Father and the Holy Spirit are also God as well.
As explained throughout this article, the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are all God. One God, yet three distinct Persons. Jesus is God in the flesh, who came down from heaven to save us from our sins (John 1:14).
He did this out of His great love for us. In the same way, the Father and the Holy Spirit equally love us. Even though they did not take on the form of a human as Jesus did, they still love us and were part of the plan to redeem us.
Nobody should try to view certain members of the Trinity as lesser because they are all equal. Each member of the Trinity is God, and each deserves our full respect, obedience, and love.
The Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit all have unique roles they play in our lives just as they have unique roles in the plan of salvation. No matter where you find yourself today, know that you are loved and cherished by God.
He sees all of your pain and He desires to walk with you through it. Whether you consult the Father, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit in prayer, know that you are talking with God. Each member of the Trinity is always ready to hear from you and give you guidance, support, and hope.
Jesus is God, as is the Father and the Holy Spirit. If you are having a hard time understanding this concept, take time to study it for yourself and read through the Bible.
Talk with the Lord in prayer and ask Him to help you better understand Him. With time, intention, and study, you will be able to fully understand the Trinity and this in turn, will help you teach others about the Trinity.
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