Gods: How Many?

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

• How many Gods are there?

• How many people are called God in the Bible?

• Are the Father, Son and Spirit three Gods, one God, or both?

• Does God have a God?

• Can there be multiple Gods within one God?

• How can there universally be just “one God” if judges, rulers, the mighty, angels, Satan, the Father, his son Jesus and the Holy Spirit are each called “God(s)” in scripture?

• Can there be one and many Gods at the same time?

• Are the “one God” passages in the Bible given within limited contexts?

VIEWS TO CONSIDER:

• EVANGELICAL VIEW: Since the Bible teaches that there is only “one God”, then God the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit (who are each called “God” in the Bible) must all be the same God.

• LATTER DAY SAINT VIEW: God the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are three separate Gods (one being the God of the other etc.), yet since each person has distinct roles in their dealings with mankind, each person is our God (or our “one/only God”) in different ways and within different contexts. There are also many other Gods (beings of great power and authority of varying degrees that are called Gods in scripture) that exist outside of the Godhead, both in heaven and on the earth (prophets, judges, angels etc.)

CONTENTS:

• Chart: How Many Gods Are There?

  • Context: Mortal men

  • Context: Invented / strange Gods

  • Context: Heavenly messengers (angels) = elohim

  • Context: Holy glorified humans in the next life = like God

  • Context: Those called God in the Godhead

  • Context: God of this world = Satan

  • Context: Word / Revelation

  • Context: Commandments

  • Context: Redeemer / Salvation (NT)

  • Context: Lord / head of the church

  • Context: Sanctification / Witness of Truth

  • Context: Election / Sender of Christ / Giver of Grace

  • Context: God and Father of all

  • Context: Unity in the Godhead

  • Context: Creation / Salvation / Judgment / Voice of God in OT

• • Capitalization: “God” vs. “god”

  • A title of power and authority

  • Counting in context

  • God has a God

  • Who is called “God” in the Bible?

  • Start at the beginning

  • Note on the painting

CHART: HOW MANY GODS ARE THERE?

According to the Bible, how many Gods are there? The answer depends on the context just as it would with any other similar question like, "How many Kings are there?", or "How many Presidents are there?" In certain contexts there is truly only one King or only one President, but in other contexts are there are clearly many. So it is with the authoritative title, "God". The chart below shows how different contexts produce different answers to this question. Supporting passages for each section/answer are provided below the chart. In conclusion, how many Gods are there? One? Three? Many? All three answers are correct depending on the context. See below.

CONTEXT: MORTAL MEN (PROPHETS, RULERS, JUDGES etc.):

• Exo. 7:1 I have made thee a God to Pharaoh“, (Moses/prophet)

• Ps. 45:6-7 God… thy God, hath anointed thee (The original context of this passage is referring to the anointing of King David, yet it also has a duel meaning as a prophecy of the Messiah, Jesus)

• Ps. 82:1 God… he judgeth among the Gods, (Context = “the mighty”)

• Ps. 82:6 Ye are Gods, children of the Most High (Judges/God’s children)

• Exo. 22:28 Thou shalt not revile the Gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people (Rulers)

CONTEXT: INVENTED/”STRANGE” GODS (IDOLS):

• 1 Cor. 8:1-5 Now as touching things offered unto idols… there be gods many, and lords many

• 2 Kings 19:17-19 The Kings of Assyria… have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone

• Exo. 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me

• Exo. 32:4 Molten calf … These be thy gods

• Gen. 35:2 Put away the strange gods that are among you

CONTEXT: HEAVENLY MESSENGERS (ANGELS):

• Psalms 8:5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels

• (Note: The Hebrew word behind “angels” in this passage is actually “elohim” which in every other case in the Bible translates to “God” or “Gods“)

CONTEXT: HOLY, DIVINE, ENTHRONED, PERFECTED, GODLY HUMANS IN THE NEXT LIFE (CHRISTIANS): The title “God” is not specifically applied to humans in most of the passages below, but these are shared because they suggest, in other words, that Christians will be like God in the next life (“we shall be like him”, Christians will “partake of the divine nature” etc.)

• 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him

• 1 Tim. 4:8 Godliness is profitable… having the promise of the life… which is to come

• 2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature

• Gal. 4:1-8 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all, But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children, we in bondage under the elements of the world… God sent forth his Son… to redeem…. that we might receive the adoption of sons… wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God thru Christ.

• Genesis 1:27 God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him

• Heb. 12:10 That we might be partakers of [God’s] holiness

• Ps. 82:6 Ye are Gods, children of the Most High (Note: The use of “God” in this passage likely refers to mortality, not to the next life, but it suggests that they are Gods because they are children of God, suggesting a divine potential to become like their Father)

• Rev. 3:21 To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne

• Rev. 21:7 He that overcomes shall inherit all things… and he shall be my son

• Rev. 22:5 [God’s] servants… shall reign for ever and ever

• Rom. 8:16-17 We are… heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ

CONTEXT: THOSE CALLED GOD IN THE GODHEAD, NUMBER IN HEAVEN: THREE (FATHER, SON, HOLY SPIRIT):

• 1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one (Note: This passage does not use the term “God” and does not specify in what way these three are “three” and “one”, however, since the “are one” language is used multiple repeatedly in the Bible to describe metaphorical unity between separate beings, then the number “three” likely refers to the number of Gods since each is clearly given the title God in the Bible, teaching that there are three Gods over us that work together in perfect unity).

• Acts 5:1-4 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 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?… thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

• Heb. 1:9 God, even thy God, hath anointed thee

• John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (Note: One interpretation of this passage is this: The Father is our God, and Jesus, who was with the Father in the beginning, is also our God, that is, they are two Gods that are both over mankind)

• Psalms 45:7 O God… thy God, hath anointed thee (Note: The idea that one God is the God of the other clearly suggests that they are separate Gods)

• Note: There is not a single passage that refers to ALL of the Godhead members together as a singular one God or one being. For example, there is no passage that says “The Father, Son and Spirit are one God“ etc. Instead, each is called our God (that is, our Divine Authority) individually and within the different contexts of their particular roles among mankind and statuses amongst each other.

CONTEXT: GOD OF THIS WORLD (SATAN):

• 2 Cor. 4:4 The God of this world hath blinded the minds

CONTEXT: THE WORD OF GOD / REVELATION / GOD MADE FLESH (JESUS):

• 1 Tim. 3:16 God was manifest in the flesh

• John 1:1. 14 The Word was with God and the Word was God… and the Word became flesh

• John 10:30-33 You, being a man, make yourself out to be God

• John 20:28 Thomas answered and said unto [Jesus], My Lord and my God

• Matt. 1:23 A virgin… shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us

CONTEXT: COMMANDMENTS (JESUS):

• John 20:27-29 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. Thomas answered and said unto [Jesus], My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

• Mark 12:28-37 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question. And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the Son of David? For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool. David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his son? And the common people heard him gladly.

CONTEXT: REDEMPTION, SALVATION IN NT (JESUS):

• Titus 2:13-14 The great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity

• John 20:27-29 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. Thomas answered and said unto [Jesus], My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

CONTEXT: LORD OVER AND HEAD OF THE CHURCH (JESUS):

• Heb. 1:8 Unto the Son, he saith: Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever

• John 20:27-29 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. Thomas answered and said unto [Jesus], My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

CONTEXT: SANCTIFICATION / WITNESS OF TRUTH (HOLY SPIRIT):

• Acts 5:3-4 Why… lie to the Holy Ghost?… Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God

CONTEXT: ELECTION/SENDER OF THE SAVIOR/GIVER OF GRACE (FATHER):

• John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever would believe on him should not perish but have everlasting life

• 1 Peter 5:10 The God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus

CONTEXT: GOD AND FATHER OF ALL, EVEN OF JESUS (FATHER):

• 1 Cor. 8:5 To us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him

• 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and man

• Eph. 4:4-6 There is… one Spirit… one Lord… one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all

• John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent

• John 20:17 I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God

• Mark 5:7 Jesus is called the Son of the “Most High God”

CONTEXT: UNITY IN THE THREE PERSON GODHEAD (FATHER, SON & SPIRIT):

• 1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one

• John 10:30 I and my Father are one

CONTEXT: CREATION/SALVATION/JUDGEMENT/IDOLS IN OLD TESTAMANT (JEHOVAH/JESUS)

• 1 Chron. 17:20-21 Our Lord, there is none like thee, neither is there any God beside thee… And what one nation in the earth is like thy people Israel, whom God went to redeem to be his own people…?

• 1 Kings 8:22:23 There is no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before with all their heart

• Deut. 32:39 Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted…? See now that, I, even I, am He, and there is no god with me. I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal…

• Deut. 4:28-36 Ye shall serve gods, the work of men’s hands, wood and stone… The Lord he is God there is none else beside Him. Out of heaven he made thee to hear his voice.

• Deut. 6:2-14 Keep all his statutes and his commandments… the LORD our God is one LORD… ye shall not go after other gods.

• Exo 15:11 Who is like unto thee O Lord among the gods… doing wonders?

• Hosea 13:4 Yet I am the Lord thy God from the land of Egypt, and thou shall know no god but me for there is no Savior beside me

• Isaiah 40:18-19 To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him? The workman melteth a graven image…

• Isaiah 41:4 Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the Lord, the first, and the last, I am he

• Isaiah 43:3-10 For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Savior… Thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee… Before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no savior.

• Isaiah 44:2-10 Thus saith the Lord that made thee… beside me there is no God. Is there a God beside me? Yea, there is no God, I know not any… They that make a graven image are all of them vanity… they see not, nor know… a graven image that is profitable for nothing

• Isaiah 45:18 For thus said the Lord that created the heavens: God himself that formed the earth and made it he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited, I am the Lord and there is none else

• Isaiah 45:5,6 That they may know from the rising of the sun and from the west that there is none beside me I am the Lord, and there is none else

• Malachi 25:6 Have we not all one father? Hath not one God created us?

• Psalms 86:8-10 Among the gods there is none like unto thee… thou art God alone

• Zech. 14:9 And the Lord shall be king all over the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord and his name one

CAPITALIZATION: “GOD” vs. “god”: A quick note: Since there is no capitalization of letters in Hebrew or Greek (ex. “God” vs. “god”), throughout this study below we will simply use the consistent form “God” (capital G) in all passages.

A TITLE OF POWER AND AUTHORITY: The word “God” is not the name of a genus, species, species, kind etc., but the Hebrew meaning and the use of the term in scripture show that the word is actually a title of power and authority similar to Lord, Master, King, Ruler etc. It should be remembered that a title can easily be (and usually is) shared amongst separate beings, and it can (and usually does) have different meaning when applied to different people and in different contexts. For support for viewing the word “God” as a title, please see the page, “God: Race or Title?”

COUNTING IN CONTEXT: Since the Bible teaches that there is only “one God“, why even bother with digging further into the question of how many Gods there are? Isn’t the answer obviously “one”? The reason why further study is needed is because of context. The context of a question can change the answer to a “How many…?“ question. For examples, how many Presidents are there? It depends on the context, right? It is the same with the question “How many Gods are there?” Here below are various Biblical examples that show that counting in context is absolutely necessary in order to come to a logical and correct answer:

1. ISAAC ONLY SON?: Paul, in Hebrews 11:17, refers to Isaac as Abraham’s “only begotten son” even though Abraham actually begat at least two sons (Isaac and Ishmael). Does this mean that Ismael and Isaac must be the same one son (same being)? No… we apply context and conclude that they are both separate sons of Abraham, just in unique/different ways.

2. ONE FATHER?: In John 8:39-41, the Jews say that there is “but one Father, God”, yet they also call Abraham their “Father” in the same conversation (and many others are called “Father” in scripture). Does that mean that all persons called “Father” in the Bible must all be the same “one Father, God”? No… we apply context (and look at all of scripture) and conclude that their are clearly multiple Fathers, each one being a Father in different/unique ways and in different contexts.

3. ONE LORD: Eph. 1:4-5 teaches that “There is… one Lord“, (referring to God), yet the Bible also uses this term Lord (“kurios”, which also sometimes translates to “sir” etc.) for Abraham (1 Peter 3:6), slave owners (Matt. 10:24), Pilate (Matt. 27:63) etc. Since Paul taught that there is only “one Lord“, must we conclude that all of these persons that are called “Lord (or ‘kurios’)” are the same one Lord (God)? No. We apply context and see that there are multiple Lords, each one being a Lord in different ways, contexts and to different degrees.

4. ONE GOD?: The Bible teaches that there is only “one God“, but that authoritative title “God” (el/elohim/theos etc.) is given to many persons/beings in the Bible, including not only the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, but also Moses, Judges/ children of the Most High, “the mighty”, rulers, King David, Satan and righteous angels. Does this mean that all of those persons must be the same one being and God? No… we apply context and conclude that they are all Gods (all beings of great power and authority) in different/unique ways and contexts and to varying degrees.

5. FATHER IS THE ONLY TRUE GOD?: “This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (Jon 17:3). Here, Jesus calls the Father “the one true God“, and refes to himself simply as one sent by that one true God. Does this mean that the Father alone is God (not Jesus, not the Holy Spirit etc.)? No. When we apply context and consider all of scripture, then we see the teaching of John 17:3 is that the Father is God in a unique and even superior way, being the God and Father of all, even the God and Father of Jesus (see the page, “Godhead: Father is Superior?” for more on the subject) of the godhood of the Father)

GOD HAS A GOD: In determining the number of Gods, the passages below should be considered, for these teach that Jesus (who is God, the God of Israel, God in the flesh, the “I Am” etc.) has a God (God the Father). This principle that our God has a God clearly suggests the existence of multiple Gods., even of different levels of godhood or status amongst the multiple Gods. The wording in Messianic revelation in Psalms 45:5-6 is particularly specific, stating, “O God, thy throne is for ever and ever… therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee”.

• 2 Cor. 11:31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ

• Eph. 1:17 The God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory

• Eph. 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ

• Eph. 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

• Heb. 1:8 Unto the Son, [God] saith:… Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above they fellows

• John 20:17 I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God

• Matt. 27:46 My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

• Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ

• Ps. 45:6, 7 Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

• Rev. 3:12 (Jesus speaking) Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down

WHO IS CALLED GOD IN THE BIBLE? Here below is a list of all persons who are given the title “God” (el, elohom or theos) in the Bible. Instead of concluding that all of these must be the same one God being, each application of the title “God” must be viewed within it’s own context to conclude that each is a God (a being of great power and authority) in different ways and in different contexts (and to different degrees):

• THE FATHER: Father… that they might know thee, the only true God, John 17:3

• JESUS: My Lord and my God, John 20:28

• HOLY SPIRIT: Thou hou hast lied unto God, Acts 5:3-4

• MOSES/PROPHETS: I have made thee a God to Pharaoh“, Exo. 7:1

• DAVID/KINGS: O God… thy God hath anointed thee, Ps. 45:6-7

• THE MIGHTY: God… he judgeth among the Gods, Ps. 82:1

• JUDGES / GOD’S CHILDREN: Ye are Gods, children of the Most High“, Ps. 82:6

• RULERS: Thou shalt not revile the Gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people, Exo. 22:28

• ANGELS: Thou hast made them a little lower than the angels (elohim/Gods), Ps. 8:5

• SATAN: The God of this world hath blinded the minds, 2 Cor. 4:4

START AT THE BEGINNING: It seems that many Christians, in order to try to understand God’s nature, often start in the middle of the Bible (the passages that teach that there is only “one God“), and they interpret both backwards and forwards there, building on that “one God” as a primary foundation. However, the best place to start any journey is usually from the beginning, and doing so may affect one’s interpretation. Below is a list of some of the first revelations regarding the doings and quantitative nature of our deity. As seen in the passages below, in the very beginning of the Bible we read of multiple heavenly individuals consulting one another (“Let us make man in our own image, after our likeness” (Gen. 1), “Let us go down…“), and we read of these individuals doing different things (ex. “God” or “Yhwh/LORD” created the heavens and earth and also spoke and appeared to mankind, the “Spirit” of God moved upon the waters and dwells in prophets to give them power etc.) These first chapters never teach that there is only one God (one being of divine power and authority). A natural conclusion, therefore, is to understand that the multiple individuals mentioned are separate heavenly beings that are all involved in our creation, each with different roles and different titles. It is also clear to see that one of these individuals (Yahweh God, whom we Latter Day Saints believe to be Jesus) has an especially upfront and central role as the individual that actually creates, speaks, commands and appears to mankind. It is not until about 1500 years after creation that Moses first presents the idea that there is only one God: “Ye shall serve gods, the work of men’s hands, wood and stone… The Lord he is God there is none else beside Him. Out of heaven he made thee to hear his voice“. However, this revelation (like all revelations, or all statements for that matter) is clearly given with a certain context. In this case, the context is idol worship and giving proper credit for the creation. In fact, EVERY SINGLE “one God” (or similar) revelation in the Old Testament is given within a similar context of idol worship, creation credit, commandments/revelation and or salvation. Therefore, if we apply context, then the following would likely be an accurate paraphrase of these passages: “Among all of these wooden and stone ‘Gods’ that you have made with your own hands, I, Yahweh, alone am God. Among these, I am the only Living God. Among all of these, I alone created you, spoken to you, commanded you, and I alone can save you, therefore, among all of these, you are to worship, follow and trust in me alone“. When context is applied, we can see that these revelations are not speaking of the other Godhead members (ex. not the Spirit, not the Father, not of all three), nor are they speaking of the other beings of power and authority that are given the title “God” in scripture (ex. angels, mortal judges, kings, prophets etc.), so to conclude that any such individuals must be combined into the “one God ” is really going beyond what is actually communicated. We must apply context and look at all of scripture to properly understand God’s word. Here below are some of the first revelations about the doings and quantitative nature of God.

• Gen. 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

• Gen. 1:2 And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters

• Gen. 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.

• Gen. 1:27 So God created man in his own image.

• Gen. 2:4 In the day that the LORD (Yahweh) God made the earth and the heavens.

• Gen. 2:8 And the LORD (Yahweh) God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed

• Gen. 2:16 And the LORD (Yahweh) God commanded the man, saying…

• Gen. 11:7 And the LORD (Yahweh) said… Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language… so the LORD (Yahweh) scattered them abroard

• Gen. 12:7 And the LORD (Yahweh) appeared unto Abram, and said…

• Gen. 41:38 Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?

• Exo. 3:14 Say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you… The LORD (Yahweh) God… hath sent me unto you

• FIRST “ONE GOD” PASSAGE IN THE BIBLE (about 1500 after creation): Deut. 4:28-36 Ye shall serve gods, the work of men’s hands, wood and stone… The LORD (Yahweh), he is God, there is none else beside Him. Out of heaven he made thee to hear his voice.

Towards the end of the Bible (New Testament), we clearly read of multiple individuals involved in our creation and salvation (the Father, Jesus and the Spirit of God). These three are presented having separate spirits, souls, persons/personalities, relationships, one is the God of the other etc., and we read that each has primarily roles in relation to mankind, and we learn that Jesus (Yahweh) is central in that Godhead as the creator, judge, savior, Lord etc. (just Yahweh is presented in the OT). Therefore, reading from the beginning, we might view the Bible in this way:

• BEGINNING: Separate heavenly beings (Gods?). One of them (Yahweh, God) is the Creator, Lord, God, Judge and Savior of mankind, though all the heavenly individuals council and work together with distinct roles.

• MIDDLE: In the context of man-made idols of the world, creation and salvation, Yahweh alone is our Creator, Lord, God, Judge and Savior.

• END: There are three separate heavenly beings that are separate Gods (one being the God of the other), one of which (Jesus), by ordination and will of God the Father (who is Jesus’ God) is revealed as having been chosen and ordained as our Creator, Lord, God, Judge and Savior.

• CONCLUSION: Our deity consists of three separate beings (three separate Gods), each with different/primary roles, each one being “God” or the “one God” in different ways and in different contexts.

Note on the Painting: The painting at the top of this page is a depiction of LDS view of the pre-mortal existence, showing God the Father (on His throne), Jesus (gold robe), Satan (second from the right, near God’s throne) and all of mankind as spirits in heaven before they were physically born on earth. This is a very appropriate painting for this page/study since it includes all of the living beings that are called “Gods” in scripture (assuming that the Holy Spirit is there somewhere in there).