Question 7: Who Was God in Heaven When Jesus Was on Earth?
The Question
Question 7. If God is one and three at a time, then who was the God in heaven when Jesus was on earth? Wouldn’t this contradict his many references to a God in Heaven that sent him?
The Short Answer
The theological view that gives this question legitimacy is modalism. And yes, modalism does contradict the teachings of Jesus.
The Claims of Modalism vs Scripture
According to the doctrine of Modalism, God is a single person who has revealed Himself in three different modes or forms: the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit. He was the Father in the Old Testament; He was Jesus in the New Testament; and He is the Holy Spirit now.
However, according to Scripture, our Father and God IS NOT Jesus. The Father is always presented as localised in heaven, which is His throne. But His presence (Spirit) is everywhere at the same time.
“In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.” Matthew 6:9
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” Matthew 7:21
Jesus Himself makes that distinction. Also, Jesus and the Father can be found simultaneously in all of Scripture, the Old and New Testaments, so there can’t be role-playing happening. In the Gospels,
“Jesus answered them and said, ‘My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me.'” John 7:16
“For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” John 6:38
While Jesus was on earth, God was in heaven. Jesus was sent from heaven, and the sender was the Father. When He left the earth, He went back to God in heaven.
“Jesus answered them and said, ‘My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me.'” John 7:16
“For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” John 6:38
“Jesus said to her, ‘Do not hold Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, “I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.”‘” John 20:17
Conclusion
The Father was the God in heaven during Jesus’ earthly ministry. And that’s because the doctrine of modalism is not true. The Father is the one and only true God, and Jesus Christ, His Son, is a separate entity from the Father. If you ever have to choose between believing Scripture or believing religious doctrines of men, please believe God’s word Romans 3:4.
Next, I’ll be answering the question: Who was God in Heaven when Jesus was crucified?
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