They are One But Not as God by Sustines Laplana

The verse 30 of chapter 10 of the book of John is one of the popular verses ued by Christians who believe Christ as God to back up their belief. SOme of them use this verse to prove that Christ is the Father and the Father is Christ, as if, they are one in number. Some of them also use this to prove that Christ and the Father, although different and distinct persons, but are one God.

However, if we will examine the Bible, we will learn that this verse couldn't be used to backup their claims, because what was written in that verse was the words of Christ saying, "I and My Father are one" (John 10:30). It was not written on that verse that "Christ and His Father are one God" nor "Christ and His Father are one in numbe"r. These are only their conclussion after reading Christ declaration that He and His Father are one.

They should know that Christ and the Father are not one in number because according to Christ, they are two.

16But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. 17In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid. (John 8:16-17, NIV)

And that Christ and the Father are not one God because according to Christ Himself, the Father is the ONLY TRUE GOD.

1After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. (John 17:1-3, ibid)

The real meaning of the declaration of Christ in John 10:30, that "He and His Father are one" is clearly explained by Brother Jose J. Ventilacion through his article, "Was Jesus Claiming to be One and the same as God?", published in Pasugo - God's Message dated June 2006, a Volume 58 and Number 6 issue, pages 14-16.

He explained that the equivalent Greek term of the word ONE on that verse is en (hen), the third one and in neuter in gender, which signifies oneness in action not in person. It is also the Greek term used in John 17:21 when Christ prayed "that they may be one" and in Ephesians 5:4 in the phrase "one baptism".

That is why some English translation render the verse:

"My Father and I are united." (Simple English Bible)

"My Father and I are united." (International English Bible)

"I and My Father are of one accord." (Lamsa Translation)

Therefore, using this verse (John 10:30) to prove that Christ is God will only show their ignorance of the truth.

About The Author

Sustines E. Laplana (SELaplana: http://www.selaplana.com) is the first Pinoy Blogger and EMarketer in Southern Leyte, Philippines who blogs on Technology, Society and Reviews/Promotions of products and owns the Cellphones For Sale blog ( http://cellphones-for-sale.blogspot.com ). Writing articles is his passion. And writing religious articles is his love, so that everyone will learn the truth taught by the Bible.