I've been studying out the doctrine of the Trinity, and I had some questions about the traditional use of John 1 as a proof text for Jesus' divinity. What in the original language serves as a basis for support or rejection of the doctrine? While I find that the NIV translation can be read in a way that strongly supports it, I can't help but feel as though I might be putting the horse before the cart (e.g. reading the passage with a specific conclusion already in mind, looking only for support of a view I already hold). Also, are there implications to the doctrine of salvation if the Trinity concept is not true?... Any reading suggestions? -- Ryan Westbrook (James Madison University, Virginia)
First, John 1:1 makes it crystal clear that Jesus is God in the flesh. We see this also in verses 14 and 18, and at many other points throughout this gospel. He is explicitly called "God." That is sufficient! For more on this, please read my paper on the Trinity at this website.
As for salvation, if Jesus is not God, then he could not have expiated our sins. So a lot does hang on the truth of this doctrine. However, this is not to say that if someone is unable to articulate Trinitarian doctrine with theological expertise he or she cannot be saved! One need not understand the doctrine perfectly in order to benefit from it--right? Furthermore, since trinity is not a New Testament term, some Christians feel uncomfortable using it, even though they believe in the divinity of Jesus and the divinity of the Spirit. I myself feel comfortable with the term, but I understand that others may not. The deeper doctrine that must be held onto is the incarnation.
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