Introduction:
Let me start it with a humor,
Why did the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit start a band?
Because they had perfect harmony!
Why did the Trinity go to the baseball game?
Because they heard there would be a lot of "Son" shine!
Let us Pray:
Is God the Father the only “one God”—or is the Son, Jesus, God too? If so, do Christians worship more than one God? Is that not polytheism, as some suggest? Is God the Father superior to Jesus? Did Jesus come after the Father? Was there a time when the Father but not Jesus existed?
And what about the Holy Spirit? Is He God too? If so, do Christians worship three gods, as some claim we do? And just what or who is the Holy Spirit? How are we to understand the Holy Spirit in relationship to the Father and the Son? Is the Holy Spirit divine, or merely an impersonal force emanating from God?
The Mysteries of the Maker:
Fully understanding and explaining God's nature is beyond our capabilities as finite beings with sin-infected minds trying to grasp the infinite and perfect. However, God has given us the Bible as a revelation of truth. Through the Bible, we can explore the nature of the God who created all that is, using it as a magnificent telescope of truth.
What is the Trinity:
The term "Trinity" comes from the Latin "Trinitas," meaning "the number three." It acknowledges what the Bible reveals about God, that God is three "Persons" who share the same essence of deity.
While the term "Trinity" itself is not found in the Bible, the concept is present from the beginning. In the book of Genesis, God says, "Let us make man in our image...male and female he created them." This usage of plural and singular pronouns indicates a mixture of plurality and unity.
Layman's Terms:
Here are four reasons to believe in the Trinity based on biblical grounds:
Trinitarian statements in the New Testament:
The New Testament contains statements that mention the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, affirming their existence and importance.
Monotheism and Jesus' divinity:
The New Testament teaches both monotheism (belief in one God) and the divinity of Jesus. Jesus is described as the Word who was with God and was God, and his works and claims reveal his divine nature.
Distinction between Jesus and the Father:
Jesus himself emphasized the distinction between him and God the Father. He spoke of the Father sending him and praying to the Father, demonstrating their separate identities.
Divinity and personal attributes of the Holy Spirit:
The Holy Spirit is referred to as God in the Bible, and the Spirit performs divine functions. The Spirit is not an impersonal force but has personal attributes and characteristics.
Theological Exposition:
While the developed doctrine of the Trinity is not explicitly stated in the New Testament, several Trinitarian formulas can be found in passages such as Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14, and 1 Corinthians 12:4-6. The Hebrew word "Echad" is used in Deuteronomy 6:4 to signify oneness and unity, while the word "Yachid" is never used for God in the Old.
Here are some Bible verse and explanation that talks about trinity:
Matthew 28:19 - "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
Explanation: Jesus instructs his disciples to baptize new believers in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, indicating the three distinct persons of the Trinity.
2 Corinthians 13:14 - "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."
Explanation: This verse mentions the three persons of the Trinity, highlighting their individual roles and attributes.
Genesis 1:26 - "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.'"
Explanation: The plural pronouns used here, "us" and "our," suggest a conversation within the Godhead, indicating the presence of multiple persons.
John 1:1-3 - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
Explanation: The Word refers to Jesus, who was both with God and was God Himself, emphasizing His divine nature and distinctiveness within the Godhead.
John 14:16 - "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever."
Explanation: Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, who is referred to as another Helper, indicating a distinct person from Himself and the Father.
John 14:26 - "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."
Explanation: This verse speaks of the Holy Spirit as a distinct person, sent by the Father and having the ability to teach and remind believers.
Acts 2:38 - "And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"
Explanation: Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ signifies the acknowledgment of the three persons of the Trinity and the reception of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:9 - "You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him."
Explanation: This verse suggests the interrelationship between the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ, indicating their unity within the Trinity.
Ephesians 2:18 - "For through him [Jesus] we both have access in one Spirit to the Father."
Explanation: This verse highlights the role of each person of the Trinity in providing access to the Father, emphasizing their interconnectedness.
1 Peter 1:2 - "According to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood..."
Explanation: The Father, the Spirit, and Jesus Christ are mentioned in relation to different aspects of salvation, signifying their distinct roles in the redemptive plan.
Matthew 3:16-17 - "And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.'"
Explanation: This passage depicts all three persons of the Trinity present and active simultaneously: Jesus being baptized, the Holy Spirit descending, and the Father speaking.
1 Corinthians 12:4-6 - "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone."
Explanation: This verse mentions the Spirit, the Lord (referring to Jesus), and God (referring to the Father), emphasizing their unity while acknowledging their distinct roles.
Hebrews 9:14 - "How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God."
Explanation: This verse speaks of Jesus offering Himself to God through the eternal Spirit, highlighting the cooperative action of all three persons in the redemptive work.
Colossians 2:9 - "For in him [Jesus] the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily."
Explanation: This verse emphasizes that Jesus possesses the fullness of deity, further affirming His divine nature within the Trinity.
Isaiah 48:16 - "Draw near to me, hear this: from the beginning I have not spoken in secret, from the time it came to be I have been there. And now the Lord God has sent me, and his Spirit."
Explanation: This verse suggests the presence of the Lord God, the sender, and the Spirit, indicating multiple persons within the Godhead.
1 John 5:7 - "For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree."
Explanation: While this verse is not present in all ancient manuscripts, it has been included in some translations and is often cited as supporting the concept of the Trinity, with the three witnesses representing the Spirit, water (baptism), and blood (Christ's sacrificial death).
Revelation 1:4-5 - "Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ..."
Explanation: This passage mentions the Father ("him who is and who was and who is to come"), the seven spirits (interpreted as the Holy Spirit), and Jesus Christ, illustrating their presence and authority.
2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 - "But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth."
Explanation: This verse highlights the involvement of all three persons of the Trinity in the process of salvation—God the Father choosing, the Spirit sanctifying, and belief in the truth (Jesus).
Jude 1:20-21 - "But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life."
Explanation: This passage mentions believers praying in the Holy Spirit, keeping themselves in the love of God (the Father), and anticipating the mercy of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the involvement of all three persons.
Psalm 45:6-7 - "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness; you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of glad
Believing in the Trinity or the triune God is a fundamental aspect of Christian faith. While I can provide some reasons for belief, it ultimately comes down to personal conviction and the understanding of God's nature as revealed in the Bible. Here are a few points to consider:
Relationship with God: Believing in the Trinity allows for a deeper and more intimate relationship with God. The Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit are all active in the work of salvation and in our daily lives. Recognizing the distinct roles of each person of the Trinity helps us understand and experience God's love, grace, and guidance in a more comprehensive way.
Biblical foundation: The belief in the Trinity finds its basis in the Bible, which is the foundational text for Christianity. Numerous passages in the New Testament refer to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, indicating their distinctiveness and unity. Embracing the Trinity aligns with the scriptural teachings and provides a coherent understanding of God's revelation.
Divine nature of Jesus: Believing in the Trinity affirms the divinity of Jesus Christ. Jesus, as the Son of God, is not merely a prophet or a great teacher but is God Himself who took on human form. This belief is central to Christian theology and salvation, as Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection reconcile humanity with God.
Regarding other religions, it is important to note that not all religious traditions share the same understanding of God. Different faiths have diverse perspectives on the nature of divinity. Some may emphasize monotheism without recognizing the Trinity, while others may have different concepts of God altogether.
When appealing to believe in the Trinity, it is crucial to approach it with respect and understanding. Here's a gentle appeal:
Consider exploring the concept of the Trinity with an open mind and a sincere desire for truth. Reflect on the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, seeking to understand the profound nature of God as revealed in Scripture. Engage in discussions with knowledgeable individuals, read theological resources, and pray for guidance and clarity.
Recognize that the Trinity brings a richness and depth to your understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Embracing the Trinity opens doors to a more profound experience of God's love, the fullness of salvation in Christ, and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit in your life.
Ultimately, the decision to believe in the Trinity is a matter of personal faith and conviction. May your pursuit of truth lead you to a deeper relationship with the triune God and a more profound understanding of His infinite love and grace.
