The Bible, Part 3

Shawn McCraney critically examines the traditional Trinitarian interpretation of God, emphasizing that his insights arise from his biblical studies rather than external influences, such as Oneness Pentecostal beliefs. By analyzing passages like Colossians 2:9 and Matthew 28:19, he questions the conventional practice of baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, suggesting that this might not align with the apostles' practices in the early Christian church.

Shawn argues that Jesus embodies the complete essence of God, encompassing the roles of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, presenting God as a singular entity with various titles rather than distinct persons, challenging traditional Trinitarian views. He emphasizes understanding this unity in God’s manifestations and encourages openness to differing interpretations, promoting acceptance and potential reevaluation over time.

Shawn introduces new biblical interpretation methods aimed at transforming Christians' perspectives to rectify past misunderstandings, emphasizing a comprehensive view of the Bible rather than individual doctrines. He highlights the importance of the Bible, addressing the Old Testament's role in preparing for the arrival of Jesus, who fulfilled prophecies through His life and teachings, establishing a material relationship with humanity and instructing His apostles to spread the Gospel worldwide.

The teaching explores the transition from Old Testament law to New Testament grace, highlighting how early Christians, including the apostles and Paul, navigated the challenges of integrating Jewish traditions with the new Christian faith being spread to Gentiles. The apostles' writings were meant for the material and spiritual realities of their time, emphasizing grace over the law and cautioning against applying all Old Testament practices to the early church, which can help modern believers understand the historical context and avoid uncontextual applications that lead to denominationalism and sectarianism.

Shawn emphasizes that the development of Christianity should shift from adhering to objective religious structures to fostering subjective personal relationships, guided by the inner voice of the Holy Spirit as promised in scriptures like Jeremiah 31:33 and Hebrews 10:16-17. He argues that historical attempts to replicate or reform the church's material structure have led to division, and insists that the true focus should be on unity through faith in Jesus and a communal love for others, rather than rigid adherence to doctrine or denominational distinctions.

Christianity is inherently subjective, with objective application limited to the Apostolic era, culminating in Jesus' return for His physical church in 70 AD, after which spiritual experiences became individually subjective. This teaching emphasizes deconstructing past material understandings to embrace flexible biblical models, preparing believers for a new understanding of Jesus' return, which is now experienced spiritually rather than materially.