The Holy Trinity
The Holy Trinity speaks of the one, and true God, yet three persons in the Godhead. Its hard to understand God existing forever into the past, and into the future. So there is no doubt we will have a problem trying to understand the Holy Trinity and the mysteries of the the Godhead.
| 1. Co-Equal | 4. In the New Testament |
| 2. Illustrated | 5. Truths About the Trinity |
| 3. In the Old Testament |
In (Gen 1:26, and 3: 22) we read of the triune God.
Gen 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:
Gen 3:22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil:
We see that there has always been fellowship from eternity past, see John 17. We see also that there was a conversation about creation before ever creating.
Notice that in 1:26 it says and God says, and 3:22,and the Lord God said both singular, but then moves to the plural, our image. Somebody said the Trinity is not 1+1+1=3 its 1x1x1=1. How true that is. We can not comprehend it. Nor do the Apostles try to explain it, but they did very clearly preach it, teach it, and proclaim it. The importance of these passages show clearly, and prove they are co-equal. Each are God , for as these verses say ,and God said. And the Bible attributes all three with equal attributes. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. Within the Godhead there are clearly three distinct persons. Each having a main office or function, yet sharing in the others. Such as the Father creates, the Son redeems, and the Holy Ghost sanctifies. Yet all three work together. Back to theTop
The truths of the triune Godhead goes far beyond human reasoning. There has been some illustrations given, yet we must be careful not to take these to far.
Nature gives some analogies. 1. Water is one, yet is known as three forms - water, ice, and steam. 2. The sun is another, yet is manifest as light, heat, and fire. 3. When St. Patrick who evangelized the Irish explained the doctrine he used a three leaf shamrock. 4. Some have used an egg - there is white, the yoke, and the shell. 5. Three candles in a room will give light, or be only one light. 6. We must remember also that we are created in the image of God as a triune being - spirit, soul, and body. Back to the Top
The O.T does not come out directly and teach the Trinity, and the reason is that Israel needed to be impressed with the truth that God is one. Then and today there is a worshiping of many gods. Through out the O.T Israel had a problem worshiping the false gods around them. The central truth of worshiping the one true God at that time was emphasized (Duet 6:4,5). Though every time a Hebrew spoke the name Elohim he was really saying Gods, because the word is in the plural.
See also God is One
The early Christians plainly understood the truth of the deity of Christ, yet also that God is one. They understood the claims of Christ, and the teachings of the O.T. Paul in Rom 9:5 plainly states and attributes to Christ as being very God, and blessed forever. They also attributed the Holy Ghost as God . Not an influence, but a person who can feel grieve, comfort, and guide them into all truth. He would give them newness of life. His creating power in Genesis one, and through out the Bible O.T, and N.T, attributes Him the attributes of very God Himself. So the early Church was confronted with the facts that God is one, yet the Father is God, and the Son is God, and the Holy Ghost is God. Their conclusion was that their is a very real, yet mysterious distinction of personality within the Godhead. Back to the Top
1.There is not three Gods which is called Tritheism. God is Triune meaning three in one.
2.There is not three different aspects or manifestations of God which is called Sabellianism, from Bishop Sabellius. This error is very prevalent today. Can you image Jesus praying to himself in John 17. Though we can't fully comprehend the Godhead they are three distinct persons.
3.Though there is equality .There is order rank, and authority. This teaches us a great lesson about true humility. (1 Cor 11:3) the Father is the head of Jesus ,Jesus is the head of man, and man the head of woman. This scripture teaches different authorities ,and offices. And though we see Christ under submission to the Father we know there is equality. The Trinity, and the Bible teaches both equality, and various ranks of authority. Without diminishing anyone as a lesser person (Gal 3:28).
4..(Joh 14:28) Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come [again] unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
For my Father is greater than I - Jesus here is not comparing His nature with His Fathers but His condition. His thought is rejoicing that His sufferings, and humiliation would be over. He would resume His glory which He had with the Father before the foundation of the world! From the time He came into this world by the virgin birth it was for the purpose of suffering, humiliation, and finally the death of the Cross. His sufferings, and humiliations speak of Him being fully man, and fully God-the virgin birth, the incarnation. In John 17:5 He speaks of returning to the former glory which He once enjoyed. His condition as the captain of our salvation, humiliation, weakness, and suffering was coming to an end. The Father was greater only in the since of wiling submission for a time on the behalf of Christ. Jesus chose to become one of us, and though He thought it not robbery to be equal with God He became a servant, and obedient even to the death of the Cross for you and I. Though forever changed in a resurrected glorified body fully God, and fully man. Today He sits at the right hand of the Father once again in equal power and authority (Luke 22:69). Back to the Top