I got a good question on another forum that challenged by theological training and wanted to post it here and see what everybody thinks. Here is how the conversation went:
"
Original Question: Two quick questions for anyone willing to answer: 1. Are "the spirit of Christ" (
Romans 8:9) and the Holy Spirit one and the same spirit? 2.How many spirits does God have?
ME: There is one Spirit (
Eph 4:4) and the Lord is that Spirit (
2 Cor. 3:17).
Him: Revelation 3:1
And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
Revelation 4:5
And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
Revelation 5:6
And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
ME: the book of revelation is using the word Spirit to denote messengers or angels.
HIM: how do you know that?
ME: That is what is commonly believed by theologians. Because the Bible cannot contradict itself, God cannot simultaneously be on and be seven. It is also commonly believed that because the word angel was used to denote pastors or leaders of each church that the word Spirit was used to denote angels. It is interesting that the Greek word is pneuma, which if the same word used for the holy ghost.. Some of course teach that this is just John's vision and so not a real depiction of heaven but more of an allegory. Whatever we believe it would still be impossible for God to be one and be seven at the same time.
HIM: Why can't God be whatever He wants? He is infinite and omnipresent. I'm not sure there would be a contradiction anyway, the passage that speaks of one spirit could be referring to one spirit in charge of the church and salvation of man, or it could be that God's spirit is somehow divided into seven persons, or personages. The underlying point I am trying to make is that God is not simply quantified or bound by our finite ability to understand Him, so the whole Trinity oneness debate would seem to be a bit of a waste of time."
So, in my theological training I went back to the old standard, God's word cannot contradict itself. I am searching the scripture and I cannot for the life of me find a scripture that says God's Word cannot contradict itself. I know I have always been taught this, and just accepted in on face value because it seems to be a no brainer!
But is there a scripture or group of scriptures that would solidify this concept?
Thanks,
Jose
Hybrid Mode
