Okay Bro the term persons usually fowls us up (us – meaning “oneness Pentecostals”) the term persons is better defined and really contemporized by modern Trinitarians like the Assemblies of God for instance, as “aspects” – many AG ministers refer to the distinctions: Father, Son and Holy Ghost as “aspects” in lieu of the traditional “persons”… Although they are okay with “persons” – because they understand the meaning of the tern
The term “persons” was used instead of manifestations to distinct the GODHEAD(Father, Son and Holy Ghost) from other manifestations such as the “Burning Bush” – because they felt these where
more like aspects and the make up of GOD, and therefore these distinctions, or aspects of GOD, deserved
more credence than the burning bush or other such “manifestations” In this manner “persons” was finally decided upon although not used in original Trinitarian language! Its actually not a bad word though, if you understand the purpose of the word, and the intention of it… Instead of my words let me quote a professor from Dallas Theological Seminary – J Hampton Keathley
Let me supply a reference: From a professor at Dallas Theological Seminary
Trinity (Triunity) of God
by
J. Hampton Keathley III
Person: In speaking of the Triunity, the term “person” is not used in same way it is in ordinary usage in which it means an identity completely distinct from other persons. Actually the word persons tends to detract from the unity of the Trinity. According to the teaching of Scripture, the three Persons are inseparable, interdependent, and eternally united in one Divine Being.
It is evident that the word “person” is not ideal for the purpose. Orthodox writers have struggled over this term. Some have opted for the term subsistence (the mode or quality of existence), hence, “God has three substances.” Most have continued to use persons because we have not been able to find a better term. “The word substance speaks of God’s essential nature or being and subsistence describes His mode or quality of existence.”
In this better explained definition of “persons”– I really don’t see the doctrinal conflict Here is why – we have to notice the distinctions of GOD for instance
1Co 15:24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.
1Co 15:25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.
1Co 15:26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
1Co 15:27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.
1Co 15:28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
See here that the Son will subject Himself to the Father – these are distinctive roles – manifestations “persons” in GOD - if we fail to recognize them – just to preserve our view – we do ourselves a dis-service – think of another portion where divinity divided performed distinct functions
(
Luk 3:21) Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,
(
Luk 3:22) And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
Here we see GOD acting in three persons – by that I mean they are totally separate, and distinct in their presentation – revealing HIMSELF to humanity
(
Luk 23:34) Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.
Here we again see JESUS – who is GOD – pray to His Father – “forgive them” Listen to me from the moment of HIS birth to this day JESUS was always GOD! Even on the cross it was JESUS! The distinction of persons existed - even though we don’t completely understand it. This is not classic trinitarianism – but instead it simply notes the distinctions of the roles found in the one true GOD – roles, manifestations “persons”
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