How does Jesus relate to the Godhead? Is He a member of a triune God? Or is Jesus the fullness of YHWH of the Old Testament manifest in the flesh? Our approach is to study what the biblical writers wrote, seeking to understand them in their own historical and cultural context.(1) Apostolics approach Scripture with reverence and awe since they consider the Bible as wholly inspired by God and the only authority for faith and praxis. An Apostolic hermeneutic seeks to mine the treasures of Scripture and apply them to their daily lives as authoritative, having the seal of God’s revelation to humankind.(2)
The doctrine of God has as its foundation God’s self-revelation in covenant to the people of Israel. Deuteronomy 6:4 is known as the Shema, the most foundational commandment in all of Scripture, “Hear, O Israel: YHWH our God is one YHWH.”(3) There could be no other god or gods beside YHWH.(4) No other being could even be compared to YHWH,(5) and He would not share His glory with anyone.(6) YHWH is the only mighty God,(7) the lone Creator of everything that exists.(8) No other god could ever be known,(9) nor other Savior ever expected.(10) The people of Israel were called to become witnesses of God’s oneness and of His Name.(11)
Notes:
1. David K. Bernard, “An Apostolic Approach to Hermeneutics,” paper.
2. Cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17. The Scriptures are literally God-breathed (Greek theopneustos).
3. Reaffirmed in the New Testament by no other than Jesus Christ Himself. See Mark 12:28-31.
4. Deuteronomy 32:39; Isaiah 45:5, 21.
5. Isaiah 46:9; 44:8.
6. Isaiah 48:11; 42:8.
7. Isaiah 10:21. Hebrew: El Gibbor.
8. Isaiah 44:24; 37:16.
9. Hosea 13:4.
10. Isaiah 43:10-11; 45:21-22; Hosea 13:4
11. Isaiah 43:6-7, 10-11.
