A Heartwarming Fellowship: Bridging Faiths with Love and Understanding
Hello everyone. I want to share an amazing journey I took and what impact it had on my life. It was a beautiful fellowship I had with three wonderful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They came to my home a week ago and we talked so I invited them back for another conversation. I just knew this was going to be a conversation guided by the spirit of love that Jesus so beautifully exemplified in His teachings. "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another" (John 13:34). This verse became our unspoken motto as we delved into open, honest discussions about our beliefs, celebrating our shared devotion to Christ while respectfully acknowledging our differences.
We weren't here to debate or convert; instead, we aimed to listen, learn, and love. As a Christian, I believe in the Bible as the complete and inspired Word of God. My friends from the Latter-day Saints tradition hold the Bible dear as well but also cherish additional scriptures like the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price, which they see as further revelations from God. This foundational difference set a tone of curiosity rather than contention, allowing us to explore core topics like God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit with hearts wide open. When they left last week, they left me with a copy of their Book of Mormon and a chapter to read about receiving Jesus and being baptized. I could have been like most people and just thrown it away and not done anything. But I want to be more like Jesus, so I read it with an open mind and did some research on the differences between what they believe and what I believe. Come to find out there really aren’t that many differences and the bottom line is they believe in God, Jesus Christ’s divinity, His atonement, Resurrection, Second Coming and The Bible as scripture.
We started with our understandings of God the Father. In my Christian faith, God is the eternal, unchanging Creator of all things, existing as one essence in three persons—the Trinity. He's omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent, without a physical body, as "God is spirit" (John 4:24). They wanted to learn more about the Trinity so I tried to explain it the best I could. My understanding of the Trinity is there is on eternal God in three co-equal, co-eternal persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) of the same substance/essence. They asked if they could be in different places at different times. Well that one again being new to this my understanding was well I know God is in Heaven and Jesus makes his presence known to us on earth and the Holy Spirit resides in our hearts. I really didn’t explain it very well. So after our meeting I dug a little deeper.
Core Principle: Omnipresence of the Trinity
God transcends spatial limitations; He is not confined to physical locations like created beings. The whole of God is present in every place simultaneously (Psalm 139:7–10; Jeremiah 23:23–24). Since the three persons share one undivided divine essence, each is omnipresent (present in all places at all times or everywhere simultaneously). As classical theology expresses it, the persons are distinguished by their eternal relations (the Father begets the Son; the Spirit proceeds from the Father [and the Son, in Western traditions]), but not by location or division of essence.
Biblical Evidence: Distinct Manifestations Without Separation
Scripture shows the persons manifesting distinctly in different "places" at the same time, without implying spatial separation or absence elsewhere:
At Jesus' baptism (Matthew 3:16–17), the Son is in the Jordan River, the Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father's voice speaks from heaven. All three are active simultaneously in different ways, revealing the Trinity without suggesting any person is limited to one spot.
Jesus prays to the Father (John 17), and the Father sends the Spirit (John 14:26; 15:26), showing personal distinction while affirming unity and omnipresence.
Theological Explanation
The Incarnation adds nuance: the Son assumed a human nature and lived in a specific human body on earth (John 1:14), experiencing spatial limits in His humanity. However, in His divine nature, the Son remained omnipresent and united to the Father and Spirit. Classical Christology (e.g., from the Council of Chalcedon) affirms the Son's two natures—divine and human—are united without confusion or division.
Post-resurrection and ascension, the glorified Christ remains omnipresent (Matthew 28:20: "I am with you always"). No person of the Trinity is ever "absent" from anywhere.
Consensus Across Traditions
This view is consistent in Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant theology, rooted in the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed. Minor differences (e.g., the Filioque clause on the Spirit's procession) do not affect omnipresence or spatial questions.
In summary, yes—the persons of the Trinity can (and do) manifest or act in distinct ways that appear "in different places at different times" (as in the baptism or Incarnation)—but this reflects personal distinction and economic roles, not spatial separation. Because of divine omnipresence, all three are fully present everywhere, always. The Trinity remains one God, indivisible.
I hope this further explains and clears up what I was trying to explain to my Church of Jesus Christ of latter day Saints friends. I know it is hard to understand sometimes when you believe in something and have been told something different your entire lives.
They understand that The Father, Son and Holy Ghost are 3 distinct beings united in purpose but separate individuals. God the Father has a physical body; implies henotheism or potential polytheism (many gods exist, humans can become like gods,) But they only worship The one true God. God the Father was once a man who progressed to godhood. Jesus Christ Firstborn spirit child of Heavenly Father and Mary, became God through progression.
We discussed the trinity for a while. Then they asked if Jesus and God could shake hands. Well I thought to myself, what a silly question, but okay I can see where they want to take this conversation. They want me to see if I can explain the trinity in a way that the 3 can be in the same place and be 3 different entities. So again I stuttered and spewed out well……..hmmmm I really didn’t know what to say. So I did some research. Thank you Grok…
Why Not?
God the Father is pure spirit: Scripture explicitly states that "God is spirit" (John 4:24), meaning the Father is immaterial, invisible, and without a physical body (John 1:18; 1 Timothy 1:17; Colossians 1:15). He transcends physical form and cannot be "touched with hands" in a literal sense.
Jesus' unique incarnation: The Son became human in Jesus Christ (John 1:14), taking on a real physical body—crucified, resurrected, and ascended with glorified flesh and bones (Luke 24:39). Post-resurrection, Jesus retains this body, but the Father does not assume one.
The Trinity's unity: The three persons share one divine essence, which is non-physical and omnipresent. Physical actions like shaking hands imply separate, limited bodies—something incompatible with the Father's nature.
Biblical Language and Anthropomorphisms
The Bible often uses anthropomorphic language (describing God in human terms) to help us relate to Him:
God's "hand" or "arm" (e.g., Exodus 15:6; Isaiah 59:1) symbolizes power or action.
Jesus sitting "at the right hand of God" (Hebrews 1:3; Acts 7:55) is metaphorical for authority and honor, not a literal throne with physical positions.
No Scripture depicts the Father and Son physically interacting (e.g., no handshake). Visions like Stephen's (Acts 7) show distinction but use symbolic language.
Artistic Depictions
Christian art sometimes portrays the Father with a human-like form (often as an elderly man) alongside Jesus, especially in scenes of the Trinity or creation. A famous example is Michelangelo's The Creation of Adam (Sistine Chapel), where God's outstretched hand nearly touches Adam's finger—symbolizing the imparting of life.
In summary, while the persons of the Trinity are relationally distinct and eternally in perfect communion, a physical handshake isn't possible because the Father has no body. Such ideas stem from helpful human analogies or art, not from God's essential nature as spirit.
So the answer to that my friends is no they can not as I thought. So I wasn’t to far off track in my explanation that they are one and that it would not be possible to shake their own hand. Sorry I stumbled on that.
Our conversation included an exchange on the concept of the Trinity. As I have only recently begun my journey in Christianity, I found it challenging to articulate some theological aspects due to limited biblical knowledge. In future discussions, I plan to prepare more thoroughly and bring reference materials for support.
Overall, I appreciated the opportunity for meaningful dialogue. My friends expressed their beliefs and experiences with clarity and conviction, demonstrating a strong understanding of their faith. Their persistence in maintaining their religious commitment despite personal challenges was noteworthy.
Finally, we touched on the Holy Spirit, that gentle guide in our spiritual journeys. In traditional Christianity, the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity—fully God, co-equal with the Father and Son. He dwells within believers, convicting us of sin, empowering us for service, and sealing us for redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14). I described Him as the Comforter who whispers truth and brings Scripture to life in my daily walk. They explained their belief in the Holy Ghost as a distinct member of the Godhead, a spirit being without a physical body, who testifies of truth and provides guidance. They distinguish between the Holy Ghost's influence (available to all) and the gift of the Holy Ghost, received after baptism and confirmation in their church, which offers constant companionship. This differs from my view of the Spirit as inherently divine and omnipresent, not progressing or separate in essence. But oh, the joy in sharing testimonies! We recounted personal experiences of feeling prompted by the Spirit and marveled at how God's presence unites us despite these nuances.
As our time together wrapped up, and promises made to meet again. This fellowship didn't erase our differences; instead, it highlighted them in a light of love, reminding us that Jesus calls us to unity in Him, not uniformity in doctrine. I've walked away with a deeper appreciation for my own beliefs and a genuine respect for theirs. To my dear friends —thank you for your openness and warmth. And to you, readers, I encourage: Seek out conversations like this. In a world often divided, let's embody Christ's love by listening with hearts full of grace. After all, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35). Our next conversation will be on how God intended for Fall of Man to happen in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. Can’t wait to hear how they are going to explain this one?
Blessings to all, Vicki
Salvation through Grace
In Christian theology, “salvation through grace” is a fundamental concept that emphasized God’s unmerited favor towards humanity, allowing individuals to attain salvation without the need for perfect adherence to the law. Here’s a breadgown of what this means.
Definition of Grace:
Grace is understood as the unearned and underserved love and mercy of God towards humanity. It is not something we can earn through good workd but is freely given by God.
Biblical Foundations:
Key verses highlight salvation through grace
Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Romans 3:23-24: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Faith and Trust
While grace is a gift, individuals must respon to it through faith. This means trusting in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, acknowledging that He bore the penalty for sin on their behalf.
Role of Jesus Christ
Central to the concept of grace is the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. His atonement is what makes grace available and effective, allowing believers to be reconciled with God.
Transformation:
Salvation through grace also leads to transformation in the believer’s life. This grace empowers individuals to live according to God’s will, producing good works as a natural outcome of their faith.
Common Misunderstandings
Antinomianism:
Some might misconsture grace as a license to sin, thinking that because their salvation is assured, moral behavior is unnecessary. However, true grace leads to a desire for righteousness and obedience.
Faith Alone v. Works
While good works are important, they are a response to grace rather than a prerequisite. True faith naturally produces fruit that reflects one's condition of grace.
Conclusion
Salvation through grace is a profound tenet of Christian faith, highlighting God’s love and mercy. It reassures believers that they are accepted and redeemed not through their efforts but through a relationship with Jesus Christ, encouraging a life transformed by that grace. This understanding fosters humility, gratitude, and a desire to live in alignment with God’s will.
