Deuteronomy 6:4 but for which the Greek language supplied no

equivalent term), and there is none other but He' (Parkhurst).

We are thankful that we live in a day when revelation is complete,

and we can see the full truth as presented by the books of both

Covenants.  If we were shut up exclusively to the Greek New

Testament we might frame an argument as to the nature of the

Godhead that would stress the singular use of Theos. On the other

hand, if we had only the Hebrew Old Testament we might stress

unduly the plural use of Elohim. With both testaments before us we

have the complete truth, and this alone brings harmony. Before we

attempt to consider the nature of God, however, let us think for a

moment of one or two statements concerning ourselves as they would

be regarded by a being of another order.

`They two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery' (Eph.

`God created man in His Own Image, in the Image of God created

He him; male and female created He them' (Gen. 1:27).

`And called their name Adam... and Adam lived an hundred and

thirty years, and begat a son ... ` (Gen. 5:2,3).

We can well imagine beings of another order, when faced with

these statements, dividing up into opposing camps, and framing

theologies and creeds, which would simply demonstrate their lack of

true knowledge. We shall make no such attempts in our studies here.

Humanly devised terms may be useful when they relate to matters

within our cognizance, but they are almost sure to be misleading and

the cause of bitterness and controversy, when used of things outside

our ken.

We are told by John that `the Word was God'. If John himself had

any difficulties or problems with regard to this statement, he has not

told us of them. No explanation is offered. We are expected to believe

the revelation given, because the One Who speaks is true, and we are

also expected to examine His words to discover all the meaning in

them of which they are capable. We do not hesitate, therefore, to

inquire: (1) Why the order of the words is the reverse of the usual one

and (2) Why the word Theos is without the article.