Polytheism—A False Doctrine

Polytheism—A False Doctrine

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, August 7, 2026 (Donate)

In today's culture, many Christians assume that polytheism—a common false belief throughout both the Old and New Testaments—has largely disappeared. After all, how many people today openly worship Baal, Molech, Ashtoreth, Zeus, or other ancient pagan gods?

While the religions of the ancient Canaanites, Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans have largely faded from history, it would be a mistake to conclude that polytheism is gone. In reality, hundreds of millions of people around the world still embrace religions with many gods, and many of these adherents live in the United States. Some may even come knocking on your door.

Different polytheists can't all be right, and according to the God of the Bible, they are all wrong. Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Would you recognize polytheism if it presented itself in a modern form? More importantly, would you know how to answer it biblically?

What Is Polytheism?

Polytheism is the belief that there are multiple gods. These gods may be viewed as equal, as members of a divine family, or as powerful beings with different areas of authority.

Throughout history, countless civilizations embraced polytheism. Ancient Greece worshiped Zeus, Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Poseidon, and many others. Rome, in parallel, worshipped many of these same gods under different names. The Norse worshiped Odin, Thor, Loki, and Freyja. Egypt had Ra, Osiris, Isis, Horus, and numerous others. The Canaanites worshiped Baal, Ashtoreth, Molech, Dagon, and many local deities.

The Bible repeatedly records Israel's temptation to abandon the one true God in favor of these false gods. Far too often, the Israelites fell into idolatry by adopting the religious practices of the surrounding nations, despite God's repeated warnings. Even the great King Solomon the wise fell into false pagan worship due to some of his pagan wives.

“Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? Yet among many nations there was no king like him, who was beloved of his God; and God made him king over all Israel. Nevertheless pagan women caused even him to sin. (Nehemiah 13:26, NKJV)

Modern Forms Of Polytheism

Although ancient mythology is no longer the dominant religion of the Western world, polytheism certainly survives. Shinto, the traditional religion of Japan, recognizes countless spiritual beings known as “kami”.

Hinduism includes an enormous number of deities associated with various aspects of life and nature. Although many Hindus explain these gods as manifestations of the impersonal ultimate reality called “Brahman”. This reflects the philosophy of monism—the belief that all reality is ultimately one and everything is part of the same divine essence.

While this differs philosophically from classical polytheism and paganism (often denoted uniquely as “Indian Paganism”), it still rejects the biblical doctrine of the one personal Creator who is distinct from His creation.  Recall that Hinduism has an impersonal god.

Other religious systems openly teach multiple gods. Mormonism, for example, presents itself as “Christian” but teaches a radically different doctrine of God. Rather than one eternal God existing as three distinct persons, Mormon theology teaches that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three separate gods. They changed 4,000 verses in their Bible “translation” of their version of the KJV of 1833 (also called the Joseph Smith Translation or JST)

Furthermore, faithful people to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) may eventually become gods themselves, just as their Heavenly Father allegedly progressed to godhood.

This is fundamentally different from biblical Christianity. The God of Scripture is the eternal, uncreated Creator of everything that exists. Nothing existed before Him, nothing brought Him into existence, and nothing is equal to Him. By contrast, the gods of Mormonism exist within an already-existing universe and are therefore finite beings, not the infinite Creator revealed in Scripture.

Many Polytheists Accept Jesus—But Not The Biblical Jesus

One deceptive characteristic of many polytheistic religions is their willingness to acknowledge Jesus. At first, this sounds encouraging. However, they aren’t accepting Jesus as the eternal Creator, the second Person of the Trinity, or the only Savior. They essentially reject who Christ is according to the Bible. Instead, they simply add and errant version of Jesus alongside their other gods or reduce Him to merely another low-level divine being.

This isn’t honoring Christ—it is demoting Him. Jesus cannot simply become another member of a divine council or another manifestation of deity. Scripture presents Him as the eternal Word who was with God and was God (John 1:1), the Creator of all things (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17), and the One before whom every knee will bow (Philippians 2:9-11). Adding Jesus to a collection of gods is just another form of idolatry.

Is Atheism a Form of Polytheism?

At first glance, atheism appears to be the exact opposite of polytheism because it denies the existence of any god. Yet Scripture teaches that fallen mankind continually seeks to replace God with something else (Romans 1:18-25). Many atheists reject the Creator while placing ultimate authority in themselves, humanity, or otherwise, autonomous human reason (i.e., ultimate self-authority).

In that sense, each individual becomes his or her own highest authority, effectively functioning as their own "god." While atheism isn’t technically polytheism, it, by reductio ad absurdum, shows the same sinful desire found in all false religions: replacing the Creator with the creature—in this case, themselves. The result is still idolatry.

God Declares There Is Only One God

The Bible leaves no room for multiple gods existing alongside the true God (e.g., Exodus 20:3, Deuteronomy 5:7). The very first verse establishes this truth:

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1, NKJV)

Before anything else existed, God already was. He alone created everything outside Himself. The Old Testament repeatedly emphasizes God's uniqueness. Deuteronomy 6:4 declares:

"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one!" (NKJV)

Likewise, Malachi 2:10 asks:

"Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us?" (NKJV)

The prophets continually mocked idols because they are lifeless creations of human hands, incapable of speaking, hearing, or saving (e.g., Isaiah 44:9-20; Jeremiah 10:1-16).

The New Testament Also Affirms One God

The New Testament never abandons Old Testament monotheism. Instead, it reveals that the one God eternally exists as three persons of the Godhead—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Several passages explicitly affirm there is only one God:

·       Mark 12:32

·       1 Corinthians 8:6

·       Galatians 3:20

·       Ephesians 4:6

·       1 Timothy 2:5

·       James 2:19

Notice that James writes:

"You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!" (James 2:19, NKJV)

Even demons recognize there is only one true God. Christianity is therefore neither polytheistic nor unitarian. The Bible teaches one God who eternally exists as three distinct persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This doctrine of the Trinity reveals both the absolute unity of God and the full deity of each Person.

Why does this matter? Some people dismiss the doctrine of God as merely a theological debate. The Bible doesn’t. The identity of God is foundational to every other doctrine in Scripture. If we misunderstand who God is, we will misunderstand creation, sin, salvation, worship, and eternity. Likewise, if we misunderstand who Jesus is, we misunderstand the gospel itself.

A Christian should humble themselves in repentance before Christ the Creator God. Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Conclusion: A False Christ Cannot Save

One of Satan's oldest strategies has been to substitute the true God with false gods and false religions. Sometimes, he encourages people to worship many false gods. Other times he encourages them to worship one false god.

In any case, the goal is the same: to keep people from the true Creator and true Savior revealed in Scripture. This is why the identity of Jesus Christ is so important. If Jesus is merely one god among many, He can’t be the unique Savior of the world.

If He is a created being or an exalted man, He cannot bear the infinite wrath deserved by sinners against the infinite God. Only the eternal Son of God—the second Person of the triune God—could accomplish redemption through His perfect life, substitutionary death, and bodily resurrection.

A “false Christ” or “bar-Jesus” can’t save because that person isn’t the Christ revealed in Scripture. The Bible calls everyone to reject idols, turn from false gods, and place their faith in the one true God who has revealed Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Salvation is found in Christ alone, as he is Fully God and Fully Man and this allows Him to be our perfect mediator. The Bible says:

"there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5, NKJV).

□

Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist defending 6-day creation and opposing evolution since 1998. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.  

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children.

Mr. Hodge earned a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Then he taught at SIUC for a couple of years as a Visiting Instructor teaching all levels of undergraduate engineering and running a materials lab and a CAD lab. He did research on advanced ceramic materials to develop a new method of production of titanium diboride with a grant from Lockheed Martin. He worked as a Test Engineer for Caterpillar, Inc., prior to entering full-time ministry.

His love of science was coupled with a love of history, philosophy, and theology. For about one year of his life, Bodie was editing and updating a theological, historical, and scientific dictionary/encyclopedia for AI use and training. Mr. Hodge has over 25 years of experience in writing, speaking and researching in these fields.

*Image generated by ChatGPT

 

What Are Seven Reasons God Disagrees With the Idea of Millions of Years?

What Are Seven Reasons God Disagrees With the Idea of Millions of Years?

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, August 5, 2026 (Donate)

The idea of millions of years is often presented as an established fact in today’s culture—even in many churches, Christians colleges and seminaries. But when we compare the idea of millions (and billions) of years with the Bible, we find that Scripture consistently presents a very different history of the world.

The idea of "millions of years" is all around us and kids are being influenced by it; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible describes a recent creation, a global Flood, and a history that doesn’t allow for millions of years before mankind. Here are seven major biblical reasons why the concept of “millions of years” isn’t compatible with Scripture.

1. Six-Day Creation

The Bible begins with one of its clearest historical statements:

"For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them..." (Exodus 20:11, NKJV)

Genesis 1 repeatedly states "evening and morning" followed by a numbered day. Throughout Scripture these days are treated as ordinary days, not symbolic ages. The weekly pattern for mankind was based directly on God's creation week. If the creation days actually represented millions of years, then the foundation for the seven-day week given in the Ten Commandments loses its meaning (Exodus 20:11, see also Exodus 31;17).

Jesus also referred to people existing "from the beginning of the creation" (Mark 10:6), not billions of years after the universe supposedly formed. The biblical timeline places Adam and Eve at the very beginning of human history.

2. The Global Flood Versus Millions Of Years Of Rock Layers

The earth contains vast sedimentary rock layers filled with billions of fossils. Secular geology usually interprets these layers as accumulating slowly over hundreds of millions of years.

The Bible, however, records a worldwide, global, earth-covering Flood during Noah's lifetime (Genesis 6-9). This catastrophic judgment covered the highest mountains (which were pushed up during latter phases of the Flood, and some aftermath) and destroyed all land-dwelling, air-breathing creatures outside the Ark. Such a global catastrophe would naturally produce massive sedimentary deposits, rapid burial, and countless fossils.

The battle is over the same rock evidence. It is matter of interpretation of those rock layers; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Throughout the Bible, Noah's Flood is treated as real history. Jesus viewed the Flood as a real judgment in Noah's day (Matthew 24:37-39), and Peter reminded believers that the world "perished, being flooded with water" (2 Peter 3:6).

Because the Flood was global, many of the rock layers and fossils commonly assigned to “millions of years” are more naturally understood as products of this catastrophic event. Animals and plants were largely fossilized in the Flood

3. The Biblical Genealogies

The genealogies in Genesis 5 and 11 provide ages, family relationships, and historical connections from Adam to Abraham. Additional genealogies continue throughout the Old and New Testaments until Christ (Matthew 1; Luke 3).

These genealogies consistently present a history measured in thousands of years, not millions. While some genealogies elsewhere in Scripture occasionally skip lesser-known generations for literary purposes, the chronological genealogies of Genesis include ages that make it possible to trace the passage of time.

The rest of Scripture accepts these people as real historical individuals. Adam, Noah, Abraham, David, and Christ are all connected in one continuous historical line. There is simply no place within the biblical record to insert millions of years before or during human history.

4. Death Before Sin

Perhaps the greatest theological problem with millions of years is death before Adam’s sin.

Genesis teaches that God finished creation and declared everything “very good” (Genesis 1:31). Adam’s disobedience then brought the Curse upon creation.

The Apostle Paul explains:

“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin…” (Romans 5:12, NKJV)

Likewise:

“For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead.” (1 Corinthians 15:21)

Now these are in the context of human death, but the first recorded death of an animal came as a direct result of Adam’s sin in Genesis 3:21—with coats or garments of skin. There is a relationship between man’s sin and animal death as the doctrine of sacrifice relates from Genesis 3 forward.

Image from Presentation Library

The gospel depends on this sin-death connection starting in Genesis 2:17. If millions of years of animal suffering, disease, predation, and extinction occurred before Adam sinned, then death is no longer the consequence of sin but part of God's original "very good" creation.

Scripture consistently presents death as an enemy (1 Corinthians 15:26), not as God's creative tool. Christ came to conquer death because death entered through sin.

5. Human Population

The Bible records man’s beginning with one created couple, Adam and Eve—our mutual ancestors. Even using conservative estimates from the biblical genealogies and population growth, the current world population fits comfortably within a history of several thousand years.[1]

Even I can trace one of my lineages back to Adam and Eve. By contrast, if humans had existed for hundreds of thousands or millions of years, today's population should be unimaginably larger unless one assumes repeated unexplained population collapses and lack of graves!

The biblical account also explains the diversity of languages and nations through the dispersion at Babel (Genesis 11). Human diversity developed rapidly from one family after the Flood rather than over immense evolutionary timescales and blood types and genetics have been a great confirmation of this.

6. Jesus And The Apostles Treated Genesis As Literal History

Jesus quoted Genesis as straightforward history when discussing marriage, creation, Noah's Flood, and Abel. The apostles likewise referred to Adam, Eve, Cain, Abel, Noah, and the Flood as genuine historical events.

None of the New Testament writers suggest that Genesis should be reinterpreted to fit long ages or the contemporary Epicureans (yes, the Epicureans—a group of prominent Greek philosophers—held to evolutionary ideas and long ages during New Testament times). Paul opposed them at Mars Hill in Acts 17. Instead, Paul and other New Testament authors—by the power of the Holy Spirit, build major doctrines, including marriage, sin, salvation, and future judgment, upon a straightforward Genesis.

7. The New Creation Mirrors The Original Creation

The Bible begins with a perfect creation (Genesis 1:31, Deuteronomy 32:4) and ends with a restored creation in the last two chapters of Revelation as well as Isaiah 65:17, 66:2 and 2 Peter 3:13)

Revelation 21-22 describes a future where the Curse is removed, death is abolished, and God's people dwell with Him forever. This restoration only makes sense if death and suffering entered later through Adam's sin and rebellion against the Lord.

The Bible's narrative is beautifully consistent: perfect creation, the Fall, redemption through Christ, and the final restoration with a new heavens and new earth. Millions of years of death before sin undermine this biblical framework.

Conclusion

The doctrine of millions of years isn’t merely a question of geology or chronology. It affects foundational biblical teachings about creation, sin, death, judgment, redemption, and the character of God. Scripture consistently presents a recent six-day creation, a global Flood, a reliable historical chronology, death entering through sin, and a unified history from Adam to Christ.

Christians should ultimately allow God's Word, not the fallible, errant, and changing human opinions about the past, to serve as the final authority. When the Bible speaks about earth's history, it presents a logical, coherent account from Genesis to Revelation that leaves no room for the false idea of millions of years before mankind or before the Fall.

□

Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist defending 6-day creation and opposing evolution since 1998. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.  

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children.

Mr. Hodge earned a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Then he taught at SIUC for a couple of years as a Visiting Instructor teaching all levels of undergraduate engineering and running a materials lab and a CAD lab. He did research on advanced ceramic materials to develop a new method of production of titanium diboride with a grant from Lockheed Martin. He worked as a Test Engineer for Caterpillar, Inc., prior to entering full-time ministry.

His love of science was coupled with a love of history, philosophy, and theology. For about one year of his life, Bodie was editing and updating a theological, historical, and scientific dictionary/encyclopedia for AI use and training. Mr. Hodge has over 25 years of experience in writing, speaking and researching in these fields.

*Images generated by ChatGPT 

---

[1] Monty White, Billions of People in Thousands of Years? Answers Magazine, September 5, 2006, https://answersingenesis.org/evidence-against-evolution/billions-of-people-in-thousands-of-years/.

Unitarianism—A False Doctrine With Consequences

Unitarianism—A False Doctrine With Consequences 

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, August 3, 2026 (Donate) 

The nature and person of Jesus Christ is essential. If one has a “false Christ” or places their faith in a “Jesus” who wasn’t revealed by Scripture, then that person isn’t saved. It is that simple. 

For instance, if someone says they believe in Jesus but they really mean their buddy Billy Joe Jim Bob De-Jesus down the street that they play baseball with—can that person save them from the eternal wrath of an infinitely powerful and everlasting God? No! 

Unless one has the Jesus Christ of Scripture, they can’t be saved—and there are serious reasons why. The false doctrine of unitarian beliefs deviates from what Scripture teaches and goes far into error. Thus, those following after this false doctrine tread far from the true Christ. 

Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

What Is Unitarianism? 

Unitarianism is the belief that God exists as only one person rather than one God in three distinct, coequal, and coeternal persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 

While Christians have always affirmed that there is only one true God (Deuteronomy 6:4, 1 Timothy 2:5), orthodox Christians have also recognized that the Bible reveals this one God as three persons. The doctrine of the Trinity is not an invention of the early church but a theological summary of the whole counsel of Scripture. 

Unitarians reject this biblical doctrine in various ways. Some teach that Jesus is merely a created being. Others claim He is simply a prophet, an exalted man, or a divine agent who is not fully God (thus, created). Some deny the personality and deity of the Holy Spirit altogether, reducing Him to merely “God's power” or “influence”. 

Although many unitarians sincerely desire to honor God, sincerity doesn’t determine truth. God revealed who He is in His Word, and we must submit to that revelation rather than reshape or reinterpret it according to fallible human reasoning. 

Popular Counterfeits 

Throughout history, many religions and movements have denied the Trinity while still borrowing terminology from Christianity and the Bible. Some of the most recognizable examples include: 

·       Rabbinic Judaism, which rejects Jesus as the divine Messiah.

·       Islam, which honors Jesus as a prophet but explicitly denies that He is the Son of God or the Creator.

·       Jehovah's Witnesses, who teach that Jesus is Michael the archangel and a created being.

·       Christadelphianism, which denies Christ's eternal deity.

·       Biblical Unitarianism (Socinianism), which views Jesus as merely human.

·       Various universalist movements that minimize or reject essential doctrines concerning Christ’s godly nature. 

Charles Buck, in his historical theological dictionary, identified numerous early anti-Trinitarian groups and heresies that denied Christ's deity. Among these were the: 

·       Ebionites

·       Cerinthians

·       Artemonites

·       Theodotians

·       Photinians

·       Paulianists (followers of Paul of Samosata)

·       Arians

·       Macedonians (who denied the deity of the Holy Spirit)

·       Socinians 

Though these groups differed from one another, they shared a common thread: they rejected the biblical revelation concerning the nature of God and the full deity of Jesus Christ. The names change throughout history, but the central error remains remarkably consistent. 

One of these early groups—the Arians—even give their name to unitarianism that is still used today. Unitarians today are still often called by their historical name—Arianism. Arianism (unitarianism) has been rightly condemned by churches, church councils, and confessions since the New Testament was written. 

Scripture Must Be Reinterpreted 

Every form of unitarianism faces the same unavoidable problem: Scripture repeatedly identifies Jesus as God and presents the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as distinct, co-equal persons who nevertheless share the one divine nature and Godhead. As a result, unitarians must consistently explain away passages such as: 

1.     John 1:1-3, 14

2.     John 8:58

3.     John 10:30

4.     John 20:28

5.     Colossians 1:15-20

6.     Colossians 2:9

7.     Hebrews 1

8.     Titus 2:13

9.     Matthew 28:19

10.  2 Corinthians 13:14

11.  Acts 5:3-4

12.  Philippians 2:5-11

13.  Revelation 1:17-18 

Instead of allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture, these passages are often demoted, redefined, isolated from their context, or retranslated to fit a preconceived theological system. Jehovah’s Witnesses, for instance, openly changed their Bible translations (see John 1:1 for instance in their unjustified addition of the Word being “a god”.) 

This is not unique to unitarianism. Every false doctrine ultimately requires portions of God's Word to be ignored, diminished, or reinterpreted. 

Why Do People Deviate? Why Do People Reject The Trinity? 

There are many reasons. Some struggle to understand how one God can exist as three persons. Others place autonomous human reason above divine revelation and God’s reasoning. Still others inherit their beliefs from family or religious tradition and never seriously examine the biblical evidence. 

Many are persuaded by false teachers who appear knowledgeable but selectively present Scripture—this was how Eve was deceived by Satan. Others are uncomfortable with mysteries revealed by God and insist that every doctrine must fit within the limits of man’s errant opinions. 

Ultimately, however, every false doctrine begins the same way: man places his own authority above God's revealed Word. Thus, there is a humanistic element (i.e., a false religious view) that sinful men use to interfere with and reinterpret God’s Word. 

Satan's Ancient Strategy 

Satan has not changed his methods. In Genesis 3, the serpent asked Eve,

"Has God indeed said...?"

He did not begin with an outright denial. Instead, he planted doubt about God's revelation. Once doubt was established, he questioned God's words, questioned God's character, and finally his deception was complete. The same strategy of the Evil One appears throughout history. 

Instead of accepting God's revelation concerning Himself, people are encouraged to question it, redefine it, or explain it away. 

·       When God says that the Son is eternal, some claim He was created. 

·       When Scripture says Jesus is worshiped, some redefine worship. 

·       When Thomas declares, "My Lord and my God!" some attempt to weaken the obvious meaning. 

The issue has never been whether Scripture speaks clearly. The issue is whether people will believe what God has spoken. 

The Biblical Evidence 

One of the greatest difficulties facing every unitarian system is the sheer number of passages that point to the triune nature of God. Consider:

Table 1 Passages that show the deity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 

	God, the Father	God, the Son	God, the Holy Spirit
is the Creator	Genesis 1:1; 2:4; 14:19–22; Deuteronomy 32:6; Psalm 102:25; Isaiah 42:5; 45:18; Mark 13:19; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 3:9; Hebrews 2:10; Revelation 4:11	John 1:1–3; Colossians 1:16–17; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Hebrews 1:2; 1:8–12	Genesis 1:2; Job 33:4; Psalm 104:30
is unchanging and eternal	Psalm 90:2; Psalm 102:25–27; Isaiah 43:10; Malachi 3:6	Micah 5:2; Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:8–12, 13:8; John 8:58	Hebrews 9:14
has a distinct will	Luke 22:42	Luke 22:42	Acts 13:2; 1 Corinthians 12:11
accepts worship	Too many to list	Matthew 14:33; Hebrews 1:6	—
accepts prayer	Too many to list	John 14:14; Romans 10:9–13; 2 Corinthians 12:8–9	—
is the only Savior	Isaiah 43:11, 45:21; Hosea 13:4; 1 Timothy 1:1	John 4:42; Acts 4:12, 13:23; Philippians 3:20; 2 Timothy 1:10; Titus 1:4, 2:13, 3:6; 2 Peter 1:11, 2:20, 3:18; 1 John 4:14	John 3:5; 1 Corinthians 12:3
has the power to resurrect	1 Thessalonians 1:8–10	John 2:19, 10:17	Romans 8:11
is called God	John 1:18, 6:27; Philippians 1:2, 2:11; Ephesians 4:6; 2 Thessalonians 1:2	John 1:1–5, 1:14, 1:18, 20:28; Romans 9:5; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 1:8; Titus 2:13	Acts 5:3–4; 2 Corinthians 3:15–17
is called Mighty God	Isaiah 10:21; Luke 22:69	Isaiah 9:6	—
is omnipresent/everywhere	1 Kings 8:27; Isaiah 46:10	Matthew 28:18–20	Psalm 139:7–10
is omnipotent/has power and authority	2 Chronicles 20:6, 25:8; Job 12:13; Romans 1:20; 1 Corinthians 6:14; Jude 1:25	John 3:31, 3:35, 14:6, 16:15; Philippians 2:9–11	1 Samuel 11:6; Luke 1:35
is all-knowing	Psalm 139:2; Isaiah 46:10; 1 John 3:20; Acts 15:8	John 16:3, 21:17	1 Corinthians 2:10–11
has the fullness of God in Him (not just “a part of God”)	N/A	Colossians 2:9	—
gives life	Genesis 1:21, 1:24, 2:7; Psalm 49:15; John 3:16, 5:21; 1 Timothy 6:13	John 5:21, 14:6, 20:31; Romans 5:21	2 Corinthians 3:6; Romans 8:11
loves	John 3:16; Romans 8:39; Ephesians 6:23; 1 John 4:6, 4:16	Mark 10:21; John 15:9; Ephesians 5:25, 6:23	Romans 15:30
has ownership of believers	Psalm 24:1; John 8:47	Romans 7:4, 8:9	—
is distinct	Matthew 3:16–17, 28:19; John 17:1	Matthew 3:16–17, 4:1, 28:19; John 17:1	1 Samuel 19:20; Matthew 3:16–17, 4:1, 28:19
is judge	Genesis 18:25; Psalm 7:11, 50:6, 94:1–2, 96:13, 98:9; John 8:50; Romans 2:16	John 5:21–27; Acts 17:31; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 2 Timothy 4:1	—
forgives sin	Micah 7:18	Luke 7:47–50	—
claimed divinity	Exodus 20:2	Matthew 26:63–64	—
is uncreated, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End	Isaiah 44:6	Revelation 1:17–18, 22:13	—
lives in the believer	John 14:23; 2 Corinthians 6:16; 1 John 3:24	John 14:20–23; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 1:27	John 14:16–17; Romans 8:11; 1 Peter 1:11
has the godly title “I Am,” pointing to the eternality of God	Exodus 3:14	John 8:58	—
is personal and has fellowship with other persons	1 John 1:3	1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 John 1:3	Acts 13:2; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 4:30; Philippians 2:1
makes believers holy (sanctifies them)	1 Thessalonians 5:23	Colossians 1:22	1 Peter 1:2
knows the future	Isaiah 46:10; Jeremiah 29:11	Matthew 24:1–51, 26:64; John 16:32, 18:4	1 Samuel 10:10, 19:20; Luke 1:67; 2 Peter 1:21
is called “Lord of Lords”	Deuteronomy 10:17; Psalm 136:3	Revelation 17:14, 19:16	—

The Father is called God. The Son is called God. The Holy Spirit is called God. Each possesses divine attributes. Each performs divine works. Each receives divine honor. Yet Scripture repeatedly insists there is only one God. 

Rather than forcing these truths into contradiction, the doctrine of the Trinity harmonizes them. There is one divine essence shared fully and eternally by three distinct persons. 

This is why orthodox Christians have confessed the Trinity for nearly two millennia—not because the word "Trinity" appears in Scripture, but because the teaching accurately summarizes everything Scripture reveals. The plurality of one God is reflected in the Old Testament. Consider: 

·       “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness” (Genesis 1:26)

·       ““Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil.” (Genesis 3:22)

·       “Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language” (Genesis 11:8)

·       “he has become like one of Us”; “And who will go for Us?” (Isaiah 6:8) 

Even the first mention of God in Genesis 1:1 would be awkward for a “singular person-God” as the term used is plural [Elohim as opposed to El] and yet, Elohim is treated in the singular form in the verbiage. So, name of God in Genesis 1:1 is both plural and treated as singular—a small taste of the triune God from the first verse of the Bible. 

Why Is The Nature Of Christ Essential? 

Some argue that Christ's deity is an interesting theological discussion but not essential. The Bible says otherwise. Jesus asked His disciples,

"Who do you say that I am?" (Matthew 16:15b, NKJV) 

The answer to that question determines everything. If Jesus is merely a created being, then He cannot fully reveal God. If He is merely an exalted angel, then He cannot receive the worship reserved for God alone. If He is merely a prophet, then His death cannot accomplish what Scripture says it accomplished. Salvation depends upon the identity of the Savior. Christ is the Eternal Son and Peter correctly answered: 

Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16, NKJV) 

Christ is the mighty God (e.g., Isaiah 9:6). Historically, Christians consistently teaches that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, the second person of the Trinity. With this, He was not created. He did not begin to exist in Bethlehem. Rather, the eternal Word became flesh (John 1:14). 

The Father is fully God. The Son is fully God. The Holy Spirit is fully God. Yet there is only one God. This is not three gods but one divine being co-existing eternally as three distinct persons. 

The incarnation did not make Jesus God. Rather, the eternal Son added a true human nature while remaining fully divine—a task all-too-easy for God. 

Why Christ's Deity Matters For Salvation 

Our sin is committed against the infinitely holy God. Because God is infinite in holiness, justice, and glory, our rebellion carries an infinite offense. 

Likewise, because God is eternal, the punishment deserved for sin is eternal separation from Him. Only an infinite Savior can fully satisfy infinite justice. Only the eternal Son can bear the full weight of God's righteous judgment while remaining victorious over death. 

Jesus is the perfect substitute because He is both fully God and fully man. As truly man, He represents humanity. As truly God, His sacrifice possesses infinite worth. 

He is the final Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7), offered once for all. Upon the cross, Christ bore the penalty that His people deserved. His righteousness is credited (imputed or transferred) to believers, while their guilt was placed upon Him. 

This glorious exchange is possible because of who Christ is. If Jesus were merely a creature (a created being), His sacrifice would possess only finite value. A finite being cannot satisfy the infinite justice of God or secure eternal redemption for countless sinners. This is the error Arianism in demoting Jesus Christ the Son of God to be a created, finite being. 

·       For our sin, we deserve an infinite punishment from the infinite Father. The infinite Son is capable of taking the full brunt of that punishment. 

·       For our sin, we deserve an eternal punishment from the eternal Father. The eternal Son is capable of taking the full extension of that punishment because of His eternality. 

Thus, Christ, who is God, satisfies the infinite and eternal punishment we deserve for our sin on the Cross. This is what makes salvation possible. Christ—the final and ultimate Passover Lamb was sacrificed in our place. His righteousness is imputed to us so that we are spotless on judgment day in the eyes of God. 

The infinite delivery punch of the infinite Father on the infinite Son. Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Unitarianism Falls Fatally Short 

Building on this, this is where every unitarian system ultimately fails. A created savior cannot provide an infinite atonement. A mere human redeemer cannot fully satisfy God’s eternal and infinite divine justice. 

A finite being cannot bear the eternal wrath due for sin in the way Scripture describes Christ accomplishing redemption. Thus, salvation is impossible in the unitarian view because an infinite God’s wrath cannot yet be satisfied! 

Furthermore, the unitarian concept of God introduces additional theological problems. A “god” who denies what Scripture plainly reveals about the Son cannot be the God of Scripture. A “god” who denies His own clearly written Word is an utter failure. 

If love is an eternal attribute of God (1 John 4:8), then love must exist eternally within God Himself. The eternal relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit explains how God has always been love before creation ever existed. 

By contrast, a solitary-person god (i.e., a unitarian view of God) could not express interpersonal love until after creating other beings, making love something dependent upon creation rather than an eternal characteristic of God's nature. 

Most importantly, Scripture repeatedly warns about denying the Son:

"Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also." (1 John 2:23, NKJV) 

Likewise, John warns against those who refuse the true doctrine concerning Christ (2 John 7-11). Rejecting the Son is not merely an error in theology. It is a rejection of the Father's own revelation about Christ. 

Conclusion 

The doctrine of the Trinity isn’t an optional doctrine reserved for theologians. It lies at the very heart of the Christian faith because it concerns the identity of God and the identity of our Savior. 

Can you see why Satan has attacked this doctrine in so many ways over and over again throughout history? Throughout the ages, the devil has sought to distort God's revelation by causing people to question what God has plainly spoken. 

Unitarianism follows that same ancient pattern by denying the full deity of Jesus Christ and reinterpreting passages that reveal the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

The good news of the gospel is that the eternal, uncreated Son of God became flesh, lived a sinless life, died as the perfect substitute for sinners, rose bodily from the grave, and now reigns forever. Because He is fully God and fully man, His sacrifice is sufficient to satisfy God's infinite justice and secure eternal salvation for all who trust in Him. 

A false Christ cannot save. A “created savior” can’t redeem. Only the eternal, infinite Son of God—the Lord Jesus Christ—is sufficient to save sinners. May we therefore submit and worship the Father, through the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit, giving glory to the one true God forever. 

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Get Answers: Biblical Authority Ministries: What Was The “Pitch” For Noah’s Ark?

Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist defending 6-day creation and opposing evolution since 1998. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.   

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children. 

Mr. Hodge earned a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Then he taught at SIUC for a couple of years as a Visiting Instructor teaching all levels of undergraduate engineering and running a materials lab and a CAD lab. He did research on advanced ceramic materials to develop a new method of production of titanium diboride with a grant from Lockheed Martin. He worked as a Test Engineer for Caterpillar, Inc., prior to entering full-time ministry. 

His love of science was coupled with a love of history, philosophy, and theology. For about one year of his life, Bodie was editing and updating a theological, historical, and scientific dictionary/encyclopedia for AI use and training. Mr. Hodge has over 25 years of experience in writing, speaking and researching in these fields.

*Imaged generated by Chat GPT