Counsel #6 — Distinct Divine Persons

Picture: Counsel #6 — Distinct Divine PersonsCCW 16.1

What about the distinctness of each divine person?^{[25]See “Views of God Diagram” at https://ericlouw.com/summaries/} During His time on earth, Jesus referred to the Father as a distinct, separate divine Person,^{[26]Matthew 26:39} yet Jesus also accepted worship as God^{[27]John 9:38; Hebrews 1:6}.In fact, it is suggested that it was always Jesus that was active and revealed since Old Testament times as Yahweh.^{[28]John 1:18; 37, 46; cf. John 8:58} In the New Testament, the Father is recorded as speaking twice.^{[29]Matthew 3:17; 17:5} Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit as “another” distinct from Himself^{[30]John 14:16; 15:26}, and the Holy Spirit exhibits characteristics of personality like speaking^{[31]Acts 8:29} and a personal will^{[32]1 Corinthians 12:11}.CCW 16.2

“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—” John 14:16 NKJVCCW 16.3

“Jesus said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.’” John 8:58 NKJVCCW 16.4

“The Holy Spirit is the Comforter, in Christ's name. He personifies Christ, yet is a distinct personality. We may have the Holy Spirit if we ask for it and make it [a] habit to turn to and trust in God rather than in any finite human agent who may make mistakes.” Ellen White in Manuscript Releases, vol. 20, p. 324.2CCW 16.5

Reflect: How does the distinctness of the Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit in the Bible contribute to your understanding of their individual characteristics, roles, and divine nature?CCW 16.6