If you would not mind I have a thought on the question “…of to whom, or what, God owes His existence”

I believe that this question is truly beyond human comprehension. To who(m) or what does God owe His existence is not a place that we should be dwelling for we are His creation are we not.

I like Romans 11:32-36;
“For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
Which is of course followed by Romans 12:1-2;
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God”

Peace and Grace
David

While qeioÉthj~ “thelotes”. It comes from qeiÅoj “theos”. Yes it is two different words, however the word Godhead comes from the word God. Godhead means Divinity, while qeiÅoj means A deity, o Ç denotes the supreme Divinity; in the Hebrew it would show exceeding deity.

The verse from Romans does must decidedly shows that the Godhead belongs to the supreme deity, and this deity is the Father of Christ.

Where does the Bible teach that the Holy Spirit gives us life? Please provide scripture text.
Is the Holy Spirit God?

Peace and Grace
David

She already did.

Quote:

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And the same is true of the Holy Spirit:

Ps 104:30 You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; and You renew the face of the earth.
Job 33:4 The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

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Tom, thanks for the brief summary.
I am still hoping you will post a brief summary in your own words contrasting your view.

I think the Son was begotten, not created. I think we can go too far in trying to understand Christ's Sonship in terms of human sons. That is, God used a relationship which we know and understand to communicate one which we don't. He used our language to best communicate the idea in a way we can understand His relationship with Christ, but we should not be too literal interpreting this language. For example, as we know things, to have a Son one must have sex. Christ was not generated by sexual reproduction. As we know things, before a son is begotten, the son does not exist. I don't think this applies to Christ as well. (i.e., there was never a time when He did not exist).

I can't think of anything Ellen White wrote on the subject that I am uncomfortable with. Also it seems to me that Waggoner's views on the subject are in harmony with hers.

I think Christ was the One on Mt. Sinai who gave the law. He is Jehovah (or Yahweh, or which version one wishes to use).

Christ was always God's choice to represent Him. At some point in ages past Christ proceeded forth from the Father for this purpose. He was "begotten." Before this point in time, He existed in some other form, but we are not told of His relationship to the Father before this happened, so we would just be speculating to suggest what it was.

The Holy Spirit is as much a person as God the Father and Jesus Christ.

I'm not comforatable using the word "trinity," as I think there are elements of the Catholic position which are not correct, and "trinity" conveys an agreement with their position. I note that Ellen White never used the term, and I don't recall Waggoner's using it either.

Well, that's not as brief as the outline of your position, John, but it's a summary!

I was't sure, thanks for clearing it up for me.

Peace and Grace
David

Thanks Tom for your summary,

Could you tell me as to why you think it is important?