DaveH wrote: > Let me ask what to me seems a simple question, > DavidM.....what (in relation to the T-Doctrine) > is meant by essence? And, why is it brought into > the T-Doctrine discussion? Is there anything in > the Bible that attributes essence to the Godhead? > It seems to me that essence is simply another word > coined by post Biblical theologians in an effort > to obfuscate rather than to illuminate.
I think you are trying to read too much into the word "essence." Essence is a common word of the English language that simply means the quality or nature of something that makes it what it is. Arminius is using the term to signify that Jesus derives his essence of being God from the Father rather than from himself, whereas the Father derives his essence of being God from nobody. According to Arminius, if we do not recognize this, we will logically fall into the error of sabellianism or polytheism, depending on which direction we deviate. If we say that Jesus derives his essence of being God from nobody, we will err on the side of sabellianism because we would really be saying that they are one in the same person (the Son is the Father in this case). On the other hand, if we say that Jesus has an essence in common with the Father, but it was not communicated to him by the Father, then Jesus is collateral with the Father and we have two gods. Most Protestants consider Mormonism to take this position, but some comments by Blaine cause me to question whether or not you really believe this. Jeff even denied polytheism outright and distinguished henotheism from polytheism and preferred its use for the Mormon perception of the godhead. There is no doubt that difficulties arise in reconciling the idea of "one God" with the idea that a distinct person named Jesus also is God. I think the Trinity is the best way of reconciling the Scriptures as a whole that address this issue. The problem in Mormonism is that you open up again the Roman and Greek idea of there being many gods, which I believe would be contrary to Scripture and the cherished teaching of Scripture that there is only one God. If you would be exercise your brain a little more on this, read the Arminius defense carefully, I think you will see that there is merit to reconciling the idea of the Trinity. Peace be with you. David Miller, Beverly Hills, Florida. ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
