Dr. David K. Bernard, a renowned expert in theological interpretations, dives deep into John 14:23 and the intriguing use of plural pronouns. He unpacks the implications of ‘we’ and ‘our’ in relation to God's nature, questioning unity in oneness Pentecostalism. The discussion highlights the relationship within the Trinity and how the Holy Spirit embodies both Father and Son. Listeners gain insight into the shared essence of the divine and the transformative experience of receiving the Holy Spirit in their lives.
Jesus' use of plural pronouns in John 14:23 emphasizes a singular divine presence, affirming oneness over plurality in God.
The promise of the Holy Spirit represents Jesus returning in spirit form, allowing believers to experience His divine presence intimately.
Deep dives
Understanding the 'We' in John 14:23
The passage John 14:23, where Jesus speaks of making His home with believers, raises questions about the meaning of the terms 'we' and 'our.' This discussion challenges the notion that there could be separate spirits involved, particularly in relation to oneness theology. Through a careful examination of the context, it's revealed that the ‘we’ refers to a singular divine presence, emphasizing unity rather than plurality. Dr. Bernard suggests that this passage affirms Jesus as the embodiment of God’s presence, where the Holy Spirit represents the continuation of that presence within believers.
The Comforter and the Spirit of Truth
In discussing the Holy Spirit, Jesus assures His disciples that He will not leave them comfortless, but that He will send the Holy Spirit to dwell within them. This section emphasizes continuity between Jesus and the Holy Spirit, reinforcing that the same spirit recognized in Jesus will now inhabit believers. The promise of the Holy Spirit signifies that followers of Christ will experience His divine presence in a new, intimate way, transcending the limitations of physical presence. The idea presented is that this ‘Comforter’ is essentially Jesus returning in spirit form to guide and empower the disciples.
One Spirit, Multiple Aspects
Discussion around the reception of the Holy Spirit highlights that believers do not obtain multiple spirits but rather experience one Spirit manifesting both the power of the Father and the characteristics of the Son. This perspective emphasizes the holistic nature of the Holy Spirit, which includes both the divine authority of God and the humility exemplified in Jesus’ life. Through this understanding, believers are encouraged to embrace the fullness of what receiving the Holy Spirit means, which is to interact with all facets of God's nature. Ultimately, Dr. Bernard clarifies that experiencing the Holy Spirit leads to a deeper relationship with both the Father and the Son, while maintaining the oneness of their essence.
In John 14:23, Jesus said, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him" (NKJV). If there is only one God, why does Jesus use the plural pronouns "we" and "our" in this verse? Dr. David K. Bernard responds with an examination of John 14.
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