The Riches OF GRACE
“hath appeared to all men.” Titus 2:11
Robert W. Reed
November 2010
Godhead
“Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.”
Acts 17:29
+ Trinity +
The term Godhead is found three times in the authorized version (Acts 17:29; Rom 1:20; Colossians 2:9). In these passages there are three different Greek words, (Theion, Theiotes, Theotes) which are based on the Greek word Theois meaning God. The word Godhead or Godhood means the state of being God. It is that which constitutes God or pertaining to Deity. The word Trinity is not in the Bible, but the doctrine is clearly taught. It is interesting that the word Godhead appears three times in the New Testament. Please note that many modern versions (such as the New International Version) remove the word Godhead.
“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.”
Romans 1:20
“For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”
This article will briefly consider the three times the word Godhead appears in the Bible. The article I wrote titled “The Trinity” goes into more detail on that doctrine. As we approach this subject, we stand on Holy Ground. For no one has eternal life apart from the doctrine of the Godhead (Holy Trinity).
Number One
In Acts 17:29, the apostle Paul speaks of the Godhead, “Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.” In the context (verses 16-31), the apostle is declaring the one true and living God in contrast to the pagan gods that were worshipped in Athens, Greece. He spoke before the pagan philosopher of Athens on Mars Hill about the God of the Bible, Creator of Heaven and Earth. The apostle Paul contrasted God to their lifeless images of gold, silver, and stone in which they ignorantly worshipped. They were very religious (verse 22), but knew not the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In their worship of many gods, they even had an altar with the inscription, “To the unknown God” in verse 23. The apostle further explains to them the greatness of God in verses 24-29 and then calls for repentance in verses 30-31. In other words, this truth must be received in order to obtain eternal life. Please notice that in verse 31, the Lord Jesus Christ is a part of the eternal Godhead and will judge the world. Our assurance and salvation is in the Lord and the accomplishments at Calvary.
Number Two
In Romans 1:20, the apostle Paul stresses the nature of God to the church at Rome as divine, which is seen in creation, “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.” Similar to Acts 17:29, this passage reveals God’s existence and power through His creation. For the Lord is supreme over all and His power and wisdom is limitless. Again, the Lord Jesus Christ is connected to the Godhead (vs. 1-4). The gospel of Christ in verse 16 reveals the way of salvation and all who reject it will be judged (verse 18). In Romans, chapter one, the eternal Godhead in general is rejected by the majority (verses 20-25), and this leads to a reprobate mind and rebellion (verses 26-32). The Godhead is revealed to us in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Number Three
In Colossians 2:9, the term is used to declare absolute deity in Christ, “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” Again, the context connects the statement with creation (Colossians 1:13-20), that is, Jesus Christ is the creator of Heaven and Earth, for He is God. Our text is one of the greatest statements on the deity of Christ. In Jesus is found all the attributes of the Godhead. Many have denied this great truth and have been robbed of spiritual blessings and eternal life “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Colossians 2:8). It is through the philosophy and vain deceit of men that many are drawn away from God and His Word. According to verse 9, in Christ dwells or abides the fullness of the Godhead bodily. That is, supreme deity dwells in Christ’s body. He is both the Son of God and God the Son, a distinct person of the Godhead.
Conclusion
There is only one true and living God, and in the Godhead there are three persons, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. These three are equal in power and glory. We worship and serve a triune God, praise His holy name, Amen.
“The term Godhead stresses monotheism and the unity of the three persons of the trinity, and guards against a polytheistic view of God. The Old Testament categorically states, the Lord our God is one Lord (Deuteronomy 6:4). In the New Testament Christ declares, “I and my Father are one” (John 10:30). The doctrine of the Godhead develops the monotheistic concept further.”
-Wycliffe Bible Dictionary
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:31
Victory Baptist Church
Pastor Robert W. Reed
14473 Bellingrath Road
P.O. Box 257
Coden, Alabama 36523
(251) 873-4422