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Titus 2,13

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13 (...) while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great GOD and Savior, Jesus Christ (…).

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Some try to use the so-called “Granville-Sharp rule” to prove that this verse calls Jesus God. Granville Sharp was an English theologian, philanthropist and advocate of the doctrine of the Trinity. He began studying the grammar of the New Testament to show that Jesus Christ is GOD. In his 1798 work “Remarks on the Uses of the Definitive Article in the Greek Text of the New Testament, Containing Many New Proofs of the Divinity of Christ,” Sharp presented six rules for the use of the definite article in Greek, one of which became known as the so-called “Granville-Sharp rule”. While usually only the first rule is referred to, rules two to six are ignored. It cannot be proven that this alleged grammar rule already existed at the time of the Apostle Paul. Before a grammar rule is accepted and used, it should be tested and verified. Just because someone creates a “rule” doesn’t automatically make it correct.

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In his study of the New Testament, Sharp explained:

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If in Greek two different people are connected by the word and (Old Greek: καί) and the first person is preceded by the definite article o (Old Greek: the/this), then it is not necessary to repeat the definite article before the second group of people. In this case, the latter noun always refers to the same person described by the first noun. In other words: Then it is a more detailed description of the person mentioned first.

 

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ho (= the) + noun + kai (= and) + noun = one person

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​For this rule to apply, Sharp had to exclude certain categories of nouns from the rule:

 

1. impersonal nouns

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2. Plural nouns

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3. Proper names

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Conversely, this means that for Sharp's rule to apply, the nouns must be personal, singular and common. Since Titus 2,11-13 and 1st Peter 1,1 f. at first glance follow the pattern set out by Sharp, he concluded that the titles GOD and Savior must refer to one and the same person; in this case, Jesus Christ. Sharp took this as evidence of his theological convictions regarding the deity of Christ. However, there are several objections to this:

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In classical Greek, repetition of the article was not strictly necessary to ensure that the elements were considered separately. Even in the Bible, the second article can be omitted without the two nouns referring to the same person if the author knows that his readers will recognize a difference between the subjects. Since the apostle Peter consistently distinguishes between GOD and Jesus in both letters, this condition is met. Because omitting the article would not create any confusion between Jesus and GOD in the readers' minds. Therefore it can be easily omitted. Another exception occurs when two or more nouns are completely incompatible in nature. This is also the case with GOD (= creator) and Jesus (= human).

It is also worth noting that Sharp advocated for a change to eight verses in the New Testament that, in his view, would identify Jesus as our GOD. These include, among others, 2nd Thessalonians 1,12 or 2nd Timothy 4,1. However, many German and English language editions of the Bible have not followed Sharp's suggestions - with the exception of 1st Peter 1,1 f. and Titus 2,11-13. Instead, they stuck with their translation, which clearly distinguishes GOD and Jesus Christ. This shows that Sharp's “rule” is not a grammatical law. In Revelation 1,17 f. we find an opposite example. Here the article "he" (old Greek: ho) is used twice for the same person instead of two different people. This further illustrates the flexibility of the Greek language.

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​Further exceptions from the Bible can be found in the following examples:

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Proverbs 24,21: Fear the Lord and the king, my son, and do not join with rebellious officials

 

John 11,19: And many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother

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​Sharp probably used Ephesians 5,5 as a starting point for constructing his rule. It says: "in the kingdom of Christ and GOD". From the article inserted before "Christ" and omitted before "GOD", Sharp concluded that both names must refer to the same person. Therefore he rendered the verse “in the kingdom of Christ our GOD”. In GOD's future kingdom there will be justice and peace. Christ said that the meek will inherit the earth (Matthew 5,5). The future kingdom that will be established on earth has many names in the Bible. It is called "the Kingdom of Heaven" (Matthew 4,17) and "the Kingdom of GOD" (Mark 1,15). In the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6,10), Jesus called it "Your Kingdom" (i.e. Kingdom of the Father), as well as in Matthew 13,43. Furthermore, Jesus also called it "his own kingdom" (Luke 22,30). Colossians 1,13 speaks of the kingdom of His beloved Son. GOD'S kingdom is the kingdom of the Father. From the beginning, man was called to inherit and possess GOD'S kingdom. The land of Canaan, which GOD promised His people Israel to possess forever, was intended to be a picture of the future, world-wide kingdom of GOD. Since Jesus was sinless, he is the rightful heir. GOD has bequeathed the kingdom to him and to all who have become joint heirs of his kingdom through faith in Jesus. Sharp's biased translation of Ephesians 5,5, 1st Peter 1,1 f., and Titus 2,11-13 is unfounded and inadequate as evidence of Jesus' divinity.

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The fact is that in those passages where there seems to be some ambiguity in the Greek construction as to whether Jesus is equated with GOD or not, grammar alone is not the deciding factor. It is important to note here that the New Testament refers the title "GOD" (Old Greek: theos) clearly and exclusively to the Father in over 500 places. Furthermore, (the) GOD is consistently distinguished from Jesus Christ. For Jesus, however, the title "the Lord" / "our Lord" (Old Greek: kyrios) is used. When (the) GOD is used, it is assumed that the New Testament authors had the Father in mind, unless the context contradicts this. However, this is nowhere in the New Testament. Therefore, any passage with an ambiguous grammatical construction that could attribute the title of GOD to either the Father or Jesus Christ must be ruled in favor of the Father. Everything else does not represent serious exegesis (= interpretation of a biblical text), but rather an eisegesis (= interpretation of the text, in which something is interpreted into the text that is not in it or was not intended).

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Granville Sharp's rule is a mechanical construction that gives meaning to a sentence without paying attention to other important elements such as context and other linguistic-grammatical features. Therefore, it can – if at all – be considered only partially valid. In any case, it cannot be considered as proof of the divinity of Jesus. The correct translation is therefore:

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13 (...)  while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of the great GOD and our Savior, Jesus Christ (…).

 

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Hebrews 1,1-12

Psalm 2,7 / 2nd Samuel 7,14 / Deuteronomy 32,43 / Psalm 45,6 f. / Psalm 102,25-27

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1 In the past GOD spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom also He made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. 5 For to which of the angels did GOD ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father” Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son” 6 And again, when He brings his firstborn into the world, it says, “Let all GOD’s angels worship him.” 7 In speaking of the angels it says, “He makes His angels spirits, and His servants flames of fire.” 8 But about the Son it says, “Your throne, O GOD, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore GOD, your GOD, has set you above your companions
   by anointing you with the oil of joy. 10 And, “In the beginning, Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. 11 They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment. 12 You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But You remain the same, and Your years will never end.”

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1 In the past GOD spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways,

From the beginning in Hebrews there is a distinction between GOD and His Son. Only in the last days did GOD speak through the Son; not before. None of the apostles write anything about the work of the Son before his birth. At that time, GOD spoke to people through His prophets, angels or directly through dreams and visions. Just as the prophets that GOD sent spoke on His behalf without being GOD themselves, so the Son also speaks and works on the Father's behalf without being GOD himself. Jesus explained in John 14,10-12 that the Father is in him and does works through him. This means that GOD used the Messiah to carry out His plan to save humanity. This does not make Jesus GOD.

 

2 ...but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and for whose sake He made the ages / the universe.

To be a son is to be an heir. The Greek word kosmos can mean both world and age. The Greek word dia can be translated as through or for someone's sake. After the current age comes the eternal messianic age. GOD created the earth to give it to humanity. Because Jesus was without sin, he proved to be the true son and therefore the rightful heir to GOD's kingdom. Through faith in him we become joint heirs of his kingdom (Romans 8,17 / Galatians 4,7). GOD also made different ages in which He gradually revealed His plan of salvation. Finally, there was the revelation of the promised Savior announced in Scripture.

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3 The Son is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

The fact that the Son is the reflection (Old Greek: apaugasma) of the Father and the imprint / expression (Old Greek: charaktēr) of His being means that Jesus radiates GOD's glory because of his sinlessness. Man – whom GOD created in His image – was originally supposed to have this glory (Romans 3,23 / 2nd Corinthians 4,6). GOD is light and GOD is holy. That is why we humans should also be holy or sinless (1st Peter 1,16 / 1st John 1,5-7). Humanity has missed this goal since the Fall. Jesus is the first and only person who fulfilled this claim from the beginning of his life. That's why GOD made him the Savior of humanity. Through spiritual rebirth, believers become partakers of the divine nature (2nd Peter 1,4). In Christ they are a new creation (2nd Corinthians 5,17) or new people (Ephesians 4,24). Jesus is the example to whom everyone should be modeled (Romans 8,29). By becoming like Jesus, we regain the glory that was lost through sin. However, the complete glory of GOD's children will only become visible in the resurrection of the righteous (Romans 8,19-23 / 1st John 3,2).

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Verse 3 therefore has nothing to do with an alleged deity of the Son. The human son sits at the right hand of GOD, i.e. in the place of honor next to the Father. GOD made Jesus Lord and King over all (Acts 2,36). All power has been given to him by GOD (Matthew 28,20). Jesus did not have this power before. Jesus' word (= command / instruction) is powerful. The Son can decide and influence things in heaven and on earth. Jesus does not do this on his own initiative, but always in accordance with the will of his Father.

 

4 ...So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

Several passages in the New Testament speak of the exaltation of Jesus. This exaltation of the Son was preceded by a sinless life and a shameful death on the cross. This was followed by the resurrection of Jesus and his ascension to GOD. Only since the Son has sat down at the right hand of the Father is he superior to the angels of GOD. This is indicated by the words "become" (Old Greek: ginomai) and "inherited" (Old Greek: kleronomeo) in verse 4. GOD is the creator of all angels. Therefore, He has always been superior to them. If Christ were GOD, He could not have been exalted, since there is no one higher than GOD. Nor does it say anywhere that Christ became what he was before after his resurrection.

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The word "begotten" (Old Greek: hupsoō) refers to a position or status that makes a person more important or respected than before. If Jesus only became better than the angels after his resurrection, he cannot be the eternal GOD. The claim of representatives of Christ's two-nature doctrine that the statement refers only to the human nature of the Son is also untenable. Because if Jesus had two natures and had discarded or hidden his divine nature when he became human, he would also be “GOD in the human body” after his resurrection. In this case too, it would be nonsensical to speak of an exaltation of the son. Instead, there should be talk of a “reinstatement” or “reincarnation” of the son.

The word "name" (Old Greek: onoma) can mean the real name or the reputation or title of a person. In this case it refers to the title given to Jesus by GOD as Lord/King/Judge. By making His servant Jesus Lord (Acts 2,36), GOD placed him above all men and angels and gave him authority over all creatures (Ephesians 1:20 f. / Philippians 2:9 / Hebrews 2,5-9) . Jesus received this status from the Father only after His glorification. This glory was foretold in the Holy Scriptures about the Messiah (Psalm 110,1).

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5 For to which of the angels did GOD ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father” (Psalm 2,7) Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son.” (2nd Samuel 7,14)

 

The Greek word for "begotten" (Old Greek: gennaō) can be understood both physically (Matthew 1,1-6 / Hebrews 11,23) and spiritually (John 3,3-5 / 1st John 5,18). In both cases it implies a beginning in time or the beginning of a person's existence. The idea of ​​a so-called “eternal conception” of the Son is not only a contradiction in terms, but distorts the normal meaning of the word "begotten". It is therefore misleading and biblically untenable. The fact that Jesus was begotten by GOD does not mean that Jesus is GOD in a metaphysical sense. It is clear from the context of Psalm 2 that "begotten" here has the meaning of raising up, calling, establishing, as verse 6 in particular makes clear. In Acts 13,33 Paul refers to this verse and explains that GOD raised up His servant Jesus. At a certain point in time, Jesus became GOD's son and GOD his father, namely through Jesus' birth. Some theologians relate the statement to Jesus' baptism and his anointing with the Holy Spirit. The statement I will be a father to him and he will be a son to me expresses what was viewed at the time as a future event that would only come true many years after the prophecy. In 1st Chronicles 17,13 and 1st Chronicles 28,6 similar wording is used in reference to King Solomon, whom GOD chose to be his son and therefore heir to David's throne. As a son, Jesus is also designated by GOD as an heir. Unlike Solomon, Jesus will reign forever on the throne of his father David (Luke 1,32 f.). Although the angels are also very close to GOD, it is Jesus or man who should inherit GOD'S kingdom and not the angels (Hebrews 2,5). Furthermore, this verse shows that Jesus is not an angel but is exalted above them.

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6 And again, when He brings his firstborn into the world, it says, “Let all GOD’s angels fall down before him.” (5. Mose 32,43)

Here the writer quotes verbatim from Deuteronomy 32,43. This wording is found exclusively in the Greek version of the Old Testament and the Dead Sea Scrolls. There the angels of GOD are asked to prostrate themselves before Yahweh. In Hebrews the author refers the quote to the Son of GOD. This does not make Jesus Yahweh. The falling or bowing of the knees before Jesus is for GOD's glory; not because Jesus is GOD, but because he is the representative of the Father and because GOD wants it that way (Philippians 2,9-11). In Moses' day the angels gave all the glory to Yahweh alone. Now they should also honor His human son Jesus, whom GOD has exalted above the angels. Whoever honors Jesus honors GOD the Father. The word "firstborn" (Old Greek: prōtotokos) refers to the priority that Jesus has over all other people and not to a pre-existence. Jesus received the privilege from GOD to be the first person to rise from the dead. In this sense he is the firstborn from the dead (Colossians 1,18 / Revelation 1,5) among many brothers who will later follow Jesus (Romans 8,29).

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In several places in Scripture, GOD says that He does not give His glory as Creator to anyone else (Isaiah 42,8 / Isaiah 48,11). On the other hand, it is basically GOD'S sovereign decision to whom He gives which honor. Jesus Christ is a human being like Adam and us. As such, he was initially lower than the angels. But now the Son is exalted and crowned with glory and honor because of his sinless life and complete obedience to the point of death on the cross (Hebrews 2,9). The exaltation of Christ shows how important the obedience of His creatures and is to GOD and that GOD rewards unconditional loyalty. There have been many GOD-fearing people in history who have been richly blessed by GOD (e.g. Noah / Abraham / Job / David / Daniel). But Jesus is the first person who was blameless in every way. That is why he was given greater honor than any other saint. Jesus Christ became the ruler of GOD's creation. In this respect, according to GOD's will, he deserves every honor that we can give him. This also applies to all angels. GOD'S angels serve Jesus and obey His commands. They do not worship Jesus as GOD (1st Peter 3,22).

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The ancient Greek word proskuneō, often rendered as worship, can also be translated as to pay homage or to bow down to someone. It is used in many places in the sense of honoring people. Ruth fell down before Boaz (Ruth 2,10). David fell down before King Saul (1st Samuel 24,9). The prophet Nathan fell down before King David (1st Kings 1,23). David's wife Bathsheba fell down before her husband David (1st Kings 1,16). Thus, reverence for Jesus is not idolatry. If the author of Hebrews had wanted to say that Jesus is GOD, it would have been enough to write it so simply. Therefore, it would not have been necessary to fully explain that Jesus is above other people and angels (Hebrews 1,6 / 1st Peter 3,22).

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7 In speaking of the angels it says, “He makes His angels spirits,
   and His servants flames of fire.”

8 “GOD will be your throne for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.

9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore GOD, your GOD, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” (Psalm 45,6 f.)

Verse 2 gives an indication that the psalm speaks of a human king who is described as the most beautiful among the children of men. He may be referring to King Solomon. The above translation would declare Solomon to be GOD. Furthermore, since GOD has no GOD, because GOD is the Most High, such a translation would make no sense; especially since this would mean that two gods exist. However, the Bible clearly states that there is only one GOD (John 17,3 / 1st Corinthians 8,6 and others). The statement "more than your companions" is further evidence that the king in question is a human being and not GOD.

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The Greek word theos can be rendered in both the vocative (o GOD) and the nominative (GOD). The context of the verse clearly speaks for the second variant. In this regard, it should be noted that the original text did not contain punctuation marks that can influence the understanding of the statement. Another reason in favor of the nominative is the similarity in structure between the first and second parts of the verse. In Hebrews 1,8b there are two nouns in the nominative case with an "is" inserted between them: "The scepter (nominative) of righteousness is the scepter (nominative) of your kingdom". Hebrews 1,8a has the same structure. Therefore the translation in the nominative is obvious: "Your throne (nominative) is GOD (nominative) from eternity to eternity".

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That GOD is the King's throne is to be understood metaphorically and not literally, just as the expression Scepter of Justice is meant metaphorically and not literally. In other words, the king anointed by GOD rules with justice rather than with a physical scepter. The word "throne" (Old Greek: thronos) does not always mean a literal seat or chair, but is often understood in the sense of a source of authority (1st Kings 1,37). The throne represents power and violence. The source of Messiah's authority is GOD. Hebrews 1,8 states that Jesus is the righteous human King who was honored by the Most High GOD in a special way above all other people. This interpretation is consistent with the context of the first chapter and subsequent chapters.

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10 And: “In the beginning, Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands.

11 They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment.

12 You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But You remain the same, and Your years will never end. (Psalm 102,25-27)

The correct understanding of this verse must be gained from the second chapter of Hebrews. Here, too, it should be noted that the letter was originally written as a continuous text and therefore did not contain chapter or verse information, as is the case in today's Bibles. There is therefore a smooth transition between the two chapters. Hebrews 2,5 is about the new earth that GOD wants to give to His Son Jesus and all the saints as an eternal inheritance. This is the main theme of the first two chapters of the letter (verses 2 + 8). The author uses a quotation from the Old Testament, which speaks of the fall and transformation of the present earth, and connects it with the Son who is to be the heir of this future world that GOD will make. The word "Lord" (Old Greek: kyrios) here refers to GOD, the Father. He is the Creator of the present and the new earth; not the son. It makes no sense that Jesus is both creator and heir. GOD created the world through His Word (Hebrews 11,3 / 2nd Peter 3,5); not through Jesus. An analogous translation of Hebrew 1 could be:

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1 GOD, who spoke in many and various ways to the fathers in time past by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by the Son, the heir who is to inherit the world GOD created for his sake. 3 He reflects the glory of GOD in his flawless character. His commands as ruler and king have tremendous authority. He has accomplished purification from sins and sat down in GOD's place of honor. 4 Thus he received far greater honor and authority than the angels. 5 For to which of the angels did GOD ever say, "You are my Son; today (on this day) I have made you my heir"? And again, "I will be his GOD (Father), and he will be my heir (son)"? 6 And after He raised the firstborn from the dead, it is said, "And all the angels of GOD shall fall down before him (to the glory of GOD)." 7 Of the angels it is said, "He makes His angels winds and His ministers flames of fire." 8 But of the Son it is said, "GOD is your throne forever and ever, and your kingdom is a kingdom of justice." 9 You loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore GOD, your GOD, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your brothers." 10 And: "You, Lord (GOD), in the beginning created the earth (as an inheritance for Jesus), and the heavens are the work of Your hands. 11 They will pass away, but You remain. And they will all grow old like a garment. 12 And like a mantle You will fold them up, like a robe they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will not end."

 

 

 

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Hebrews 2,14-17

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14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; (…) 17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brothers, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to GOD, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

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This verse does not speak of an incarnation, but explains that GOD made Jesus as a man (not an angel). Although Jesus is fully human, he did not have a sinful nature. In this respect, Jesus was not absolutely equal to his brothers, but only similar (Old Greek: paraplēsiōs). Jesus' sinlessness is the only difference between them and the only condition for atoning for the sins of humanity and becoming a faithful High Priest of GOD. However, the fact that Jesus had to be GOD in order to save us is not stated anywhere in the Bible.

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Hebrews 7,3

Genesis 14,18-20

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3  Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of GOD, he remains a priest forever.

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Since the Jews knew the Old Testament, especially the Law of Moses, and knew about Jesus' lineage, they did not believe that Jesus could be a high priest. For the law of Moses required that priests be descendants of Aaron and the tribe of Levi (Ezra 2,62). Jesus, on the other hand, came from the tribe of Judah (verse 14). This section of Hebrews explains that just like Melchizedek, who was a priest without priestly origin recognized by the great patriarch Abraham, Christ can also be a priest, although like Melchizedek he has no priestly origin.

Verse 3 says that Melchizedek has no father or mother, no family tree, and no beginning or end of life. This means that there is no record of Melchizedek's biography in Scripture, as was required of all Levites who served as priests during the Old Covenant period. It does not say that Melchizedek existed for eternity or that he is Christ. Melchizedek was a normal man. But as high priest he was at the same time a type of Christ, the true high priest of GOD. Jesus had both a mother (Mary) and a father (Joseph and GOD, respectively), who were not Levites. Jesus also has a recorded family tree presented in Matthew (Matthew 1,1-17) and Luke (Luke 3,23-38). What connects Jesus and Melchizedek is the lack of reference to Leviticalism. It is said that Melchizedek was "like the Son of GOD". If he was like the Son, then he cannot be the Son himself. In addition, Melchizedek is called priest of the Most High GOD (verse 1). Since Melchizedek is a model of Christ, the same is true of Jesus. At this point, Jesus, the high priest, and GOD, the Most High, are clearly distinguished from one another. A clear translation of verse 3 is therefore:

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3 He (Melchizedek) has no record of father, mother, nor the beginning or end of his life. He is (since he was a priest, even though he is not a Levite) the model of the Son of GOD, who remains a priest forever.

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Hebrews 13,8

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8  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

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This verse is an admonition not to be deceived by strange new teachings, as verse 9 makes clear. In verse 7, believers are called to remember and imitate their leaders. The context makes the intent of the verse clear: believers have been led astray by new teachings. The writer of Hebrews reminds them that neither Jesus Christ nor his message changes. The truth about him remains the same, yesterday, today and in the future. There is no talk here of an eternal pre-existence of Jesus. Rather, it is about the teaching of Christ. An examination of the word yesterday (Old Greek: chthes) in Scripture shows that it refers to something that happened just a short time before. Here it refers to Jesus' mission on earth, i.e. the time between Jesus' birth and his ascension to the Father.

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