In this compelling conversation, Bishop John Downs, former General Superintendent of UPC Australia, shares his transformative journey from Trinitarianism to a deep revelation of the Oneness of God. With a logical and scriptural approach, he walks listeners through pivotal Old and New Testament scriptures that reveal Jesus as the one true God. Bishop Downs also explores the limitations of modern science in dating the earth, discusses creation from a biblical worldview, and testifies to the power of revelation and patient love in sharing truth. This episode is both theological and deeply personal—an essential listen for anyone seeking clarity on the identity of Jesus.
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Podcast Outline with Timestamps:
00:13 – Introduction
Nancy introduces Bishop John Downs and sets the stage for a deep dive into the oneness of God.
01:09 – Discovering Oneness in Isaiah
John shares how Isaiah 43:10–11 and 45:21–22 first challenged his Trinitarian perspective.
03:25 – Connecting Old and New Testaments
Titus 2:13 and Revelation 1 confirm that Jesus is the one true God.
07:13 – The Shift from Trinitarianism to Oneness
Bishop Downs recounts how his personal and pastoral debates gradually led him toward biblical oneness.
08:57 – Creation, Science, and Faith
He shares a university paper defending a young earth and critiques the reliability of carbon dating.
13:15 – The Wheel of Prophecy
John introduces a tool that helped him understand the unity of scripture.
16:47 – Jesus and the First Commandment
Exploring Deuteronomy 6:4 and Jesus’ affirmation of the one true God.
20:42 – Revelation and the Throne of God
Discussion of Revelation 4 and the meaning of Jesus sitting on the throne.
21:32 – Jesus: The Fullness of the Godhead
Colossians 2:9 and Isaiah 9:6 reveal Jesus as both the mighty God and everlasting Father.
29:04 – The Mystery of Godliness
1 Timothy 3:16 and Colossians 1 highlight the beauty of God manifest in the flesh.
34:27 – The Blindness of Trinitarianism
Explaining how philosophy and spiritual blindness have obscured the truth of the oneness of God.
36:05 – “This Takes the Cake” Moment
John 14:7–11 becomes a defining passage for Bishop Downs’ full revelation of Jesus as the Father.
39:12 – God’s Suffering and Redemptive Plan
The love of God is revealed in Christ’s suffering and sacrifice.
44:00 – Gutter Water Illustration
A powerful parable showing how even small doctrinal errors pollute truth.
47:15 – The Name of Jesus and Salvation
Discussion on the singular authority and power in the name of Jesus.
48:44 – Love and Truth in Doctrine
Bishop Downs encourages patient, loving dialogue while standing firm on biblical truth.
52:27 – Accountability for Truth
Once you hear or see truth, you are responsible to respond to it.
53:06 – Closing Prayer
Bishop Downs prays for listeners to receive revelation, understanding, and love for God’s Word.