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wayfinderak | 2 months ago (raw) | root | parent | reply | flag 
 I did not intend to imply you leaving it out intentionally. However I do agree that verse 14 is clarified by the previous verses, which makes it even more apparent that John is declaring clearly that Jesus is divine and is Himself God. Whether you want to say it is Trinitarian or not we could discuss a different time. However I would say this is clearly referring to the Jewish 2 powers in Heaven doctrine which describes God as 2 persons.
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Brunswick | 2 months ago (raw) | root | parent | reply | flag 
 Lets not get into wacky Jewish Talmudic doctrines. Its not a question of whether our Father, God the creator, has two or three heads. Its all ridiculous on its face. What is important is whether we have access to God, through Jesus Christ through faith that Christ is our Lord.
I primarily provide my analysis as evidence that my profession of faith isn't arbitrary or unfounded. I come from a heritage of trinitarianism and would never have dared believe anything different. It wasn't until I prayed to know the truth that it was revealed to me, and for this I am grateful, and I've found through this and other elucidations of scripture that a fuller, stronger and less confounding believing is possible.
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wayfinderak | 2 months ago (raw) | root | parent | reply | flag 
 It wasn't actually a Talmudic doctrine. It was held by the Israelites all the way back into the first temple period. But I agree, we can set it aside.

And I agree. The primary message of the Bible does not depend on Trinitarian doctrines. However I do believe it to be important for deeper understanding of our creator. But we will have all of eternity to get to know Him better and I guarantee we will all be wrong about something and will learn better when we see Him face to face.
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Brunswick | 2 months ago (raw) | root | parent | reply | flag 
 I think all we need to know is that he is our Father and he loves us more than we can fathom
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wayfinderak | 2 months ago (raw) | root | parent | reply | flag +1 
 I think we also need to know that we are sinners incapable of living up to His standard and yet He provided a way for us to live with Him for eternity regardless of our failings.
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Brunswick | 2 months ago (raw) | root | parent | reply | flag 
 Before we are saved, yes. After we are saved through Christ, we can strive to perfection.
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wayfinderak | 2 months ago (raw) | root | parent | reply | flag +1 
 Yes, we strive for perfection. However we will never reach it this side of our resurrection.
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LibertyGal | 2 months ago (raw) | root | parent | reply | flag 
 Exactly
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LibertyGal | 2 months ago (raw) | root | parent | reply | flag +1 
 Yes, Confession is key.

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

We are not righteous in ourselves or our deeds:
"as it is written, “There is none righteous , not even one ;" (Romans 3:10)

All of our righteousness comes from Jesus:
"He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21)