I’ve read quite a few of Ron Rhodes’ books and have found them to be excellent, faith-building Bible study aids. This book is no exception. It deals with the theory of evolution, higher criticism of the Scriptures, as well as morality and God’s role as a lawgiver, doing so with reason along with respect for unbelievers.
In fact, one of the last sections advises Christians to respond to critics with graciousness and respect based on 1st Peter 3:15. Sound advice in these days of internet feuds, advice I wish I’d followed more often myself.
I’d recommend Mr. Rhodes’ books to any Christian looking to deepen their understanding of the Bible.
With one or two caveats, which I’ll go into below.
In the chapters that build faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, Rhodes acknowledges that the Trinity doctrine is an obstacle for Jews and Muslims. The Trinity is the doctrine that Almighty God (Yahweh) is a triune Godhead consisting of three co-equal persons, Father, Son, Holy Spirit and yet, these are not three gods but one. In another words: 3 x 1=1.
This teaching is a stumbling block for many rational persons and is even depicted as such in motion pictures such as Million Dollar Baby.
This would be fine if the Trinity was clearly taught in the Bible, in a way that the resurrection or salvation by faith alone are.
On page 212, Rhodes makes the point that 1st century Jews had to abandon many cherished, long-held beliefs when they embraced Christ. This is true. Salvation by faith and not works of law is one of them. Related to that is Gentile admission to the Church and that circumcision was no longer necessary for Yahweh’s approval.
The difference with salvation by faith and the Trinity is that the entire book of Galatians and much of Romans discusses salvation by faith. Acts 15 relates the Apostolic council where circumcision is deemed no longer necessary.
There are no books or chapters where the apostles discuss the Trinity.
None.
Acts 10 relates Peter’s heavenly vision where it was revealed to him that Gentiles would now be admitted to the Church. Where is his vision revealing the truth of the Trinity?
There isn’t one.
When Jesus appeared to Saul on the road to Damascus, this would have been the perfect time to reveal to Saul that, although the concept was unknown to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David etc., Yahweh is a Trinity.
But that didn’t happen.
After Jesus’ resurrection, He appeared to Cleopas on the road to Emmaus. Cleopas nowhere expresses belief in the Trinity and Jesus nowhere reveals it to him.
If Jews resisted the idea of Jesus being the Messiah, surely they would have resisted the idea of Jesus being the 2nd co-equal member of a triune Godhead.
Read Peter’s speech to Jews in Acts 2. Not a single mention of a triune Godhead. There are several speeches given by evangelists in Acts. Acts 2, 10, 13, 17 etc. Nothing about a triune Godhead. When Philip preached Jesus to the Ethiopian in Acts 8, did he bring up the Trinity?
No.
I’ve gone into detail about this because the Trinity is a stumbling block to many people, and rightly so. It’s contrary to both reason and Scripture.
There are a handful of vss Trinitarians use to support the teaching, most of which can be and are translated more than one way. Others describe Jesus in a similar way that the OT describes Yahweh. Yet, Rev. 10 describes an angel clothed with a cloud, a rainbow, having a face like the sun. This description is similar to descriptions of Jesus elsewhere. In his excellent book on Revelation, Rhodes explains how this could not be Jesus, despite the similarities. The fact is, the Bible often describes heavenly beings in similar poetic terms. It also ascribes texts originally applying to Solomon to Jesus.
That doesn’t make Jesus Solomon.
Furthermore, John 5 and 14 say that the Son is to be honored the same as the Father, and that Jesus resembles his Father perfectly. Such similarities are to be expected.
It is my opinion that if a person with no theological background were to read the Bible cover to cover, he would never conclude that Yahweh was a co-equal Triune Godhead. He would agree with John who wrote in 20:31 that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God and that by believing in Him, we may have life. (Paraphrased from the New King James Version)
Jesus is now seated at Yahweh’s right hand, exalted above all others as our high priest in the manner of Melchizedek. Psalm 110:1-4, Acts 2:34, 35. He is nowhere called a “God-man” or “God in the flesh”, but is consistently called “man” and God’s “servant” by His apostles (Acts 2:22, 17:31, 3:13, 26).
Both before and after Jesus' ascension to heaven, God is portrayed as having more power and authority than Jesus. (John 14:28, 1st Cor 11:3). Almighty God and Jesus are spoken of as two separate persons in Revelation. (Rev. 21:22, 22:1)
Most of the “proof texts” Trinitarians use give the impression that they already believed it, then searched the Bible for whatever they could to support it. The Trinity is a highly emotional issue and I respect my Christian brothers and sisters who sincerely believe it.
But they might consider Rhodes’ excellent reasoning with evolutionists on pages 89, 90. He points out that if evolution were true, there would be overwhelming fossil evidence of it. But there’s not. There are only scraps.
If the Trinity were true, there would be chapter upon chapter of the apostles proving and re-proving the doctrine for hard-headed Jewish converts, just as there are for the circumcision and salvation by faith. There’s a whole chapter on the resurrection (1st Cor 15), but nothing on the Trinity.
Did the Transfiguration reveal the Trinity? (Matt 17, Mark 9, Luke 9)
No.
If you are a skeptic, don’t let the Trinity hoax prevent you from investigating God’s Word, The Bible. The teaching was developed generations after the death of Jesus and the apostles. If you’re a Christian who sincerely believes the Trinity, perhaps you’re like Apollos who needed the way of Christ explained more accurately. (Acts 18:26). I’ve been there, believe me.
One other small matter. On page 256, Rhodes cites 2nd Peter 3:9 in support of the Hellfire doctrine. The vs doesn’t say “hell” but "perish". He also cites Luke 16:19-31 in support of Hellfire. The Greek word for “hell” in those vss is “Hades”. Revelation 20:14 says Hades will be thrown into the lake of fire. Hades can’t be the lake of fire if it’s going to be thrown into the lake of fire.
On page 258, he cites five vss in support of the degrees of punishment in Hell, not one of which uses the word “hell”.
Otherwise, Ron Rhodes’ book is outstanding. Pick it up, along with any others of his you can find.
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Christians need to know how to respond intelligently to the questions of our adversaries and win some ...
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Marmite type book!
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