HOUSMAIL HM#032 - WHEN THE SONS OF GOD SHOUTED FOR JOY - 15 August 1999 __________________________________________________________________________

"God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness." (Gen 1:26)

This verse is often quoted as a "proof" of the doctrine of the Trinity. The claim is that the use of a plural Hebrew noun "elohim" for "God", and the pronoun "us"", indicates that there was more than one person involved in the creation of mankind. Then, in a giant leap of "circular logic" ^[1] the conclusion is made that this must be a reference to a "triune Godhead".

Of course that "logic" is not only "circular". It also fails to take notice of other Scripture which reveals the TRUE IDENTITY of those others to whom God was speaking at the creation.

God said to Job: "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? ..... when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?" (Job 38:4-7)

The "sons of God" referred to here, are of course, the ANGELS.

It should not surprise us at all, to learn that the "US" in whose image we are made, includes the angels who shouted for joy at the creation!

When angels appear to men, THEY LOOK JUST LIKE MEN! We have been made in their physical image, but "for a little while lower". (Heb 2:7) i.e. We do not yet share their immortality. That is reserved for the "age to come" which lies beyond the Resurrection. (Luke 20:36)

The reference in Hebrews is of course a quotation from Psalm 8:5. Comparing the two references, we learn that the NT word which has been translated as "angels", is actually "elohim" in the Psalm. A little more study with a Concordance will find several other places where "elohim" refers either to angels, or even mortal men! (See BIBLE DIGEST No 88)

The word "elohim" is plural, NOT because God is a three person "tri-unity", but because it reminds us that YAHWEH (who alone is truly God) HAS A FAMILY OF SONS! As sons of God the angels are part of that family. And if we belong to Jesus, so are we also sons of God. We bear the physical image of those other sons who were present at the creation. But as mortals we are temporarily "a little lower". When Jesus appears we shall be elevated to the full status, and likeness, and dominion over the earth, for which we were created in the image of the "elohim". (Gen 1:26, Luke 20 35-36, Rom 8:21-25, 1 John 3:1-3)

Praise God! Jesus, the "Son of Man" has been confirmed as THE Son Of God, when His Father raised Him from the dead. (Rom 1:4) And He has been elevated to a status far above that of those other sons of God, who were present at the creation (Heb 1:4). To Him we bow the knee and confess Him as Lord ..... to the glory of His Father (Phil 2:10-12) who alone is truly God. (John 17:3)

Allon
__________________________________________________________________________

Note:
[1] Circular logic - the process by which a proposal is used to "prove" itself! e.g. If the doctrine
      of the trinity is accepted, then the plural words used in Genesis 1:26 must refer to a "triune
      godhead"! And that therefore proves the doctrine!
      Circular? ...... yes! ..... But REAL logic "proving" the Trinity? ..... NEVER! __________________________________________________________________________