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| Q27: What does "Almighty" mean? HYPOTHESIS: What does "Almighty" mean? INTRODUCTION: The nature of the Holy Spirit is a mystery. Men cannot explain it, because the Lord has not revealed it to them. Men having fanciful views may bring together passages of Scripture and put a human construction on them, but the acceptance of these views will not strengthen the church. Regarding such mysteries, which are too deep for human understanding, silence is golden. {AA 52.1} This SOP study only looks at what is revealed..People have trouble understanding an Agency or a Medium...the personality of love expressed by the Holy Spirit is revealed in careful studies. The Spirit is given as a regenerating agency, to make effectual the salvation wrought by the death of our Redeemer.. {AA 52.4} The Holy Spirit is an agency of the Father or the Son's power. This is the mystery. What is an Agency? How does it work. But the Lord will not leave you to yourselves. He follows you by His Holy Spirit. He thrusts the subject upon you.�Manuscript 10a, 1898. {CTr 348.6} The Holy Spirit is an agency of the Father or the Son's power. Whose power flow of light is entering the Medium and leaving the Medium ? Jesus light. He thrusts the subject upon you. See studies of the Medium. The work of the Holy Spirit is immeasurably great. It is from this source that power and efficiency come to the worker for God; and the Holy Spirit is the Comforter, as the personal presence of Christ to the soul. Any person who looks to Christ in simple, childlike faith is made a partaker of the divine nature through the agency of the Holy Spirit. . . . . {CTr 365.4} The Holy Spirit is an agency of the Father or the Son's power. It is the medium through which we see personally Jesus Christ.When we hear the still small voice in the soul through our conscience, it is Jesus voice, not necessarily the voice of the Holy Spirit. Therefore one can predict the SOP on 'Almighty' is an Agency Being, the Shadday also known as the Holy Spirit, who carries the Father's power or the Son's power. An agency or medium does not show its own power, but the heavenly powers flow through this Being. Thus the Almighty is an administrator of the powers of the Father and the Son. We have seen previously that Wisdom is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, but is an agency for the Father's flow or the Son's flow of wise words. See studies of the Wisdom. We have seen previously that truth is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, but is an agency for the Father's flow or the Son's flow of good words. See studies of the Truth. Let's predict that the 'Almighty' is a symbol of the Holy Spirit (Shadday) who is an agency of heavenly powers. Let's test this hypothesis in this SOP study. METHOD: The KJV has the term Almighty for the Hebrew word 'Shadday'. The purpose of the SOP study here is to determine is the term 'Almighty' is a reference to a member of the Godhead consistently, and which member of the Godhead this is. CONCLUSION: The term 'Almighty' is a reference to the Hebrew word 'Shadday' and the 'Holy Spirit'. In some places the term is used to reference a heave nly power flow that comes from the Father or the Son, and is carried by the Agency of the Holy Spirit. DISCUSSION: There are 611 references to "Almighty" in SOP, and only 57 references in the KJV.This study looks are all new occurances of the term. (1) 'sharp arrows' But the Holy Spirit sent the arguments home to hearts with divine power. The words of the apostles were as sharp arrows of the Almighty, convicting men of their terrible guilt in rejecting and crucifying the Lord of glory. {AA 45.1} Job 6:4 For the arrows of the Almighty "shadday" are within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit "ruwach- Holy Spirit": the terrors of God "Elowaah - the Father" do set themselves in array against me. The very first SOP suggests the Holy Spirit is the Shadday, the agency of the sharp arrows of the Father, sent home to hearts with power. (2) Day of Pentecost.. The Spirit of the Almighty is moving upon men's hearts, and those who respond to its influence become witnesses for God and His truth. In many places consecrated men and women may be seen communicating to others the light that has made plain to them the way of salvation through Christ. And as they continue to let their light shine, as did those who were baptized with the Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, they receive more and still more of the Spirit's power. Thus the earth is to be lightened with the glory of God. {AA 53.2} Ac 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh:.. SOP and Scripture agree, it was GOD's power during Pentecost, carried by the Holy Spirit Almighty...(Shadday not mentioned in this verse). (3) Ananias lies... Whiles it remained, was it not thine own?" Peter asked. No undue influence had been brought to bear upon Ananias to compel him to sacrifice his possessions to the general good. He had acted from choice. But in attempting to deceive the disciples, he had lied to the Almighty. {AA 73.2} Ac 5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? SOP correctly aligns 'Almighty' with 'Holy Spirit'..(Shadday is not in this verse) (4) new heavens and new earth.. And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it." Revelation 21:2, 11, 12, 21, 22. {AA 591.3} Re 21:22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord "YHWH - Father" God "Elohiym- Family powers" Almighty " Shadday - Holy Spirit" and the Lamb are the temple of it. SOP makes no comments, but all three members of the Godhead are present in the new heavens and the new earth. (5) shadow of the Almighty.. Even the babe in its mothers arms may dwell under the shadow of the Almighty through the faith of the praying mo ther. John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit from his birth. If we live in communion with God, we too may expect the divine Spirit to mould our little ones, even from their earliest moments. {AH 274.3} Ps 91:1 � He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High "Father reference" shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty "Shadday". (KJV) The secret place of the Father is a simile of the shadow of the Shadday, a power of shade the Holy Spirit carries. (6) All three members of the Godhead.. And as the chariot rolled upward, the wheels cried, "Holy," and the wings, as they moved, cried, "Holy," and the retinue of holy angels around the cloud cried, "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty" And the saints in the cloud cried, "Glory! Alleluia!" And the chariot rolled upward to the holy city. Jesus threw open the gates of the golden city, and led us in. Here we were made welcome, for we had kept "the commandments of God," and had a "right to the tree of life." Revelation 14:12; 22:14. {CET 96.3} Re 4:8 � And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord "YHWH" God "Elohiym" Almighty "Shadday", which was, and is, and is to come. All three members of the Godhead quoted by SOP but not commented upon. (7) Lord Almighty ` And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." {Con 69.2} 2Co 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.(KJV) A difficult verse to explain...SOP make no comments on whose who. Is the Shadday also YHWH? Or does the Holy Spirit carry the Father's power here ? (8) Almighty destroys.. "Alas for the day! for the day of the Lord "Jesus-YHWH" is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty "Shadday" shall it come. . . ." Joel 1:15. {CCh 39.1} Joe 1:15 Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty "Shadday" (Holy Spirit) shall it come. SOP does not comment on this verse quoted from Scripture. But SOP does say the "angel of mercy" destroys... "A terrible conflict is before us. We are nearing the battle of the great day of God Almighty (Shadday). That which has been held in control is to be let loose. The angel of mercy is folding her wings, preparing to step down from the throne and leave the world to the control of Satan. .--RH May 13, 1902. {LDE 250.1} SOP matches the "angel of mercy" with the "shadday" that destroys, a power carried by the Holy Spirit. (9) royal FAMILY Baptism is a most solemn renunciation of the world. Those who are baptized in the threefold name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, at the very entrance of their Christian life declare publicly that they have forsaken the service of Satan and have become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. They have obeyed the command: "Come out from among them, and be ye separate, . . . and touch not the unclean thing." And to them is fulfilled the promise: "I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18. {CCh 295.3} 2Co 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.(KJV) The context of the redeemed going to a royal family, and the Hebrew names of Father and the Shadday (Holy Spirit) are all suggested as members of this royal family in heaven. (10) Jesus is adorned The crowning glory of Christ's attributes is His holiness. The angels bow before Him in adoration, exclaiming, "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty." Revelation 4:8. He is declared to be glorious in His holiness. Study the character of God. By beholding Christ, by seeking Him in faith and prayer, you may become like Him. {CT 402.2} Re 4:8 � And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord "Jesus-YHWH" God "Elohiym (Father)" Almighty "Shadday (Holy Spirit)", SOP seems to suggest Jesus is a power to all three members of the Godhead, and since He is our salvation, this is correct, but all three members of the Godhead are referenced.. (11) all three members of GOD They witness the outburst of wonder, rapture, and adoration from the saved; and as the wave of melody sweeps over the multitudes without the city, all with one voice exclaim, "Great and marvelous are Thy works, Lord "YHWH" God "Elohiym" Almighty "Shadday"; just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints" (Revelation 15:3); and, falling prostrate, they worship the Prince of life. {DD 56.1} Re 15:3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord "YHWH" God "Elohiym" Almighty "Shadday"; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Everyone praises all the members of God, but especially the Son.... (12) confusing . . ? But God is true, and I advise you for your soul's sake to try again and earnestly seek to become a follower of Christ. This work no other can do for you. It is a solemn work between God and your own soul, which must bear the test of the Almighty.{DG 120.4} No Scripture verse The Almighty is not referenced clearly ? God is a reference to any of the three members of heaven. (13) 'almighty' is a power flow of love... When Jesus was awakened to meet the storm, He was in perfect peace. There was no trace of fear in word or look, for no fear was in His heart. But He rested not in the possession of almighty power. It was not as the "Master of earth and sea and sky" that He reposed in quiet. That power He had laid down, and He says, "I can of Mine own self do nothing." John 5:30. He trusted in the Father's might. It was in faith--faith in God's love and care--that Jesus rested, and the power of that word which stilled the storm was the power of God. {DA 336.1} No Scripture verse This passage clearly defines what 'almighty' means. It is the power flow of love, that comes from the Father or the Father towards His Son. But the references to "God" or "Elohiym", tells us that NOT only the Father empowers this flow...The power is administrated by the Holy Spirit or the Shadday... This is what the term 'almighty' means. Otherwise if this is not correct, why doesn't SOP just reference the Father all the time, rather than Father and God? (14) power of love carried by Holy Spirit Even the babe in its mother's arms may dwell as under the shadow of the Almighty through the faith of the praying mother. John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit from his birth. If we will live in communion with God, we too may expect the divine Spirit to mold our little ones, even from their earliest moments. {DA 512.3} No Scripture verse This power flow of love from the Father is carried by the agency of the Shadday, the Holy Spirit. (15) omnipotence of the Holy Spirit Christ rejoiced that He could do more for His followers than they could ask or think. He spoke with assurance, knowing that an almighty decree had been given before the world was made. He knew that truth, armed with the omnipotence of the Holy Spirit, would conquer in the contest with evil; and that the bloodstained banner would wave triumphantly over His followers. He knew that the life of His trusting disciples would be like His, a series of uninterrupted victories, not seen to be such here, but recognized as such in the great hereafter. {DA 679.2} No Scripture verse The almighty decree comes to us via the omnipotence of the Holy Spirit. (16) arrows of Almighty Turning to the priests and elders, Christ fixed upon them His searching glance. The words He spoke they would never forget as long as life should last. They were as the sharp arrows of the Almighty. With dignity He said: You come out against Me with swords and staves as you would against a thief or a robber. Day by day I sat teaching in the temple. You had every opportunity of laying hands upon Me, and you did nothing. The night is better suited to your work. "This is your hour, and the power of darkness." {DA 697.1} Job 6:4 For the arrows of the Almighty "shadday" are within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit "ruwach- Holy Spirit": the terrors of God "Elowaah - the Father" do set themselves in array against me. SOP uses the Holy Spirit 'Shadday' and the Father 'Elowaah', to empower Christ against His enemies. (17) covering of Almighty Satan is now using every device in this sealing time to keep the minds of God's people from the present truth and to cause them to waver. I saw a covering that God was drawing over His people to protect them in the time of trouble; and every soul that was decided on the truth and was pure in heart was to be covered with the covering of the Almighty. {EW 43.2} Ps 104:1 � Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty. 2 Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain: 3 Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind: The covering is the glorious power of the Godhead, but is physically administrated by the Holy Spirit, the original garments of light Adam and Eve had...before it was lost... (18) What SDA scholars say... Jesus lived in dependence upon God and communion with Him. To the secret place of the Most High, under the shadow of the Almighty, men now and then repair; they abide for a season, and the result is manifest in noble deeds; then their faith fails, the communion is interrupted, and the lifework marred. But the life of Jesus was a life of constant trust, sustained by continual communion; and His service for heaven and earth was without failure or faltering. {Ed 80.3} Some SDA scholars say "almighty" or "shadday" is a term for GOD as a whole. Thus they have reduced "Almighty" to "Father only". Notice the passage now:- Jesus lived in dependence upon the Father and communion with the Father. To the secret place of the Father, under the shadow of the Father, men now and then repair; they abide for a season, and the result is manifest in noble deeds; then their faith fails, the communion is interrupted, and the lifework marred. But the life of Jesus was a life of constant trust, sustained by continual communion; and His service for heaven and earth was without failure or faltering. Now some SDA scholars say the Shadday is another power of the Father, some secular scholars have convinced us of poetry parallels, that the Shadday is the same as the Father...but the Shadday is NOT the Father...SOP does not write of the Father only, SOP uses "God" which is "Elohiym"; all the members of the Godhead...so the Father powers also involve the Holy Spirit, who is the Shadday, and the Father and the Shadday are similes of heavenly powers of the Almighty.Otherwise we have only two members of the Godhead, the Father and the Son. But we know this is not true. There are three members of the Godhead. So this means the Shadday and the Father have to reference the Father and the Holy Spirit.So when SOP says Jesus lived in dependence upon GOD, it means Jesus lived under the powers of the Holy Spirit, who was an a gency of the Father's power. This is what the term 'almighty' means. (19) GOD appears to Abraham The Lord appeared unto Abraham, and said, "I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect." The testimony of God concerning His faithful servant was, "Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws." Genesis 17:1; 26:5. . . . {FLB 77.3} Ge 17:1 � And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD ("YHWH" - Jesus) appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty "Shadday" (Holy Spirit) God "el" (Strong Authority "Elohhiym") ; walk before me, and be thou perfect. 2 And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. 3 And Abram fell on his face: and God "Elohiym" talked with him What is strange in this passage is Jesus seems to reference all the members of GOD, yet all three walked and talked before Abraham in some sense. (20) heavenly parental discipline Behold, happy is the man whom God "Elowaah" (Father) correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty "Shadday" (Holy Spirit). Job 5:17. {AG 240.1} Trials and obstacles are the Lord's chosen methods of discipline and His appointed conditions of success. . . . He sees that some have powers and susceptibilities which, rightly directed, might be used in the advancement of His work. In His providence He brings these persons into different positions and varied circumstances that they may discover in their character the defects which have been concealed from their own knowledge. He gives them opportunity to correct these defects and to fit themselves for His service. . . . {AG 240.2} Job 5:17. SOP evaluates the simile discipline of heavenly parents (Father and Holy Spirit) as the same discipline the Lord Jesus does. (21) Huss last prayer His last words, uttered as the flames rose about him, were a prayer. �Lord, Almighty Father,� he cried, �have pity on me, and pardon me my sins, for thou knowest that I have always loved thy truth.� His voice ceased, but his lips continued to move in prayer. {GC88 115.1} No Scripture verse The words of Huss in his prayer before He dies, says "Lord Jesus, Almighty Shadday Holy Spirit, Father"; Huss speaks all members of the Godhead before He dies... (22) ..that almighty power .. The Lord Jesus is our efficiency in all things; His Spirit is to be our inspiration; and as we place ourselves in His hands to be channels of light, our means of doing good will never be exhausted, for the resources of the power of Jesus Christ are to be at our command. We may draw upon His fullness and receive of that grace which has no limit. The Captain of our salvation at every step would teach us that almighty power is at the demand of living faith. He says, "Without me ye can do nothing;" but again declares that "greater works than these shall ye do; because I go unto my Father." {HP 319.4} No Scripture verse Notice it is Jesus power that flows via the Agency of the Almighty...the Holy Spirit.. (23) Jesus is not "Almighty" There is no one who can explain the mystery of the incarnation of Christ. Yet we know that He came to this earth and lived as a man among men. The man Christ Jesus was not the Lord God Almighty, yet Christ and the Father are one. The Deity did not sink under the agonizing torture of Calvary, yet it is nonetheless true that "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." {LHU 235.3} No Scripture verse SOP says Jesus is not the Almighty, though He can claim this power, and the Holy Spirit carries this power for Him. (24) pray for the Almighty Arm Those who achieve the greatest results are those who rely most implicitly upon the Almighty Arm. The man who commanded, "Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon," is the man who for holay prostrate upon the earth in prayer in the camp of Gilgal. The men of prayer are the men of power. {PP 509.1urs } No Scripture verse When we pray, does not the Holy Spirit carry our prayers to the Father, via the Son, who allows Almighty Powers to flow back through this Agency? (25) our universe Through these visible works of the Almighty, the apostle led the minds of the heathen to the contemplation of the great Mind of the universe. {3SP 361.2} Ge 1:2 And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters The wonderful works of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, are before us...how else could SOP say this "ruwach Elohiym" as the visible works of the Almighty? These are sufficient to convince us that the term "Almighty" is a reference most times to "Shadday" directly but always to "Holy Spirit", these two functional descriptors belong to the same heavenly Being, the third co-eternal Member of the Godhead. See other EGW studies of the Holy Spirit. See other EGW studies of the Shadday. The next wepage considers the term 'medium'.. |
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