The Holy Trinity

Can We Fathom the Person of God?

By Michael K. Farrar, O.D.

© God’s Breath Publications

 

What is the Holy Trinity?

 

What does this term Trinity mean in Christianity?

 

The Trinity has been defined in several ways. One definition is: Within the nature of the ONE God are three persons; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Each of these three persons shares the same qualities and all make up the ONE God we serve and worship as Christians. Others define it as: God is revealed to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, each with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence or being.

 

We must understand that while the word “Trinity” is not mentioned specifically in God’s Word, it is a theological concept that is supported by scripture. It is a doctrine which as been supported and upheld by Christians down through history.

 

This doctrine or belief of the Trinity came about as Christians properly interpreted scripture and saw the message that God was conveying about Himself throughout the entire Bible. When we properly interpret scripture, we always must understand that verses are interpreted in relationship to the verses that surround them. The verses in question must be seen in light of the chapters that surround them. The chapters must be evaluated in accordance with the theme of the book that contains them and the book being studied is seen in the context of the entire message and theme of scripture as a whole.

 

Doctrines of the Christian faith developed as Christians carefully, accurately, properly and with the leading of the Holy Spirit weighed out what various passages meant according to the guidelines mentioned above.

 

Unfortunately through history, various individuals and groups have inappropriately interpreted scripture to suit their own beliefs or to justify their sins. Often the Doctrine of the Trinity has been questioned when people have been deceived by their own understanding or worse, Satan himself.

 

Following are truths that are backed by scripture that give us a concept of how Christians came about understanding the nature of God. It is not an exhaustive list, but will provide you with some evidence that supports the doctrine of the Trinity.

 

The source of eternal life comes from each of them: God the Father (Rom. 6:23), Jesus (John 10:28) and the Holy Spirit (Gal. 6:8).

 

We are the temple of each of them: God the Father (I Cor. 6:17), Jesus (Eph. 3:14 17), and the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 3:16).

 

Christ was resurrected by each of them: God the Father (Acts 3:26,17:31), Jesus (John 2:19-21), and the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:11).

 

Divine titles are given to each of them: God the Father (Gen. 17:1), Jesus (John 20:28,Acts 3:15), and the Holy Spirit (John 15:26).

 

Each are omnipotent (all-powerful): God the Father (Jeremiah 32:17), Jesus (Rev. 1:8,Matt. 28:18), and the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35).

 

Each is omnipresent (all-present): God the Father (Jeremiah 23:24), Jesus (Eph. 1:21), the Holy Spirit (Psalms 139:7-10).

 

All are omniscient (all-knowing): God the Father (Acts 15:18), Jesus (John 21:17), the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 2:10-11).

 

Each is true: God the Father (John 7:28), Jesus (John 1:14), and the Holy Spirit (I John 5:6,John 16:13).

 

Each participated in creation: God the Father (Neh. 9:6), Jesus (Col. 1:16), the Holy Spirit (Job 26:13).

 

Each is referred to in scripture as God: God the Father (John 17:3, I Cor. 8:6, Eph. 1:3, I Peter 1:3), Jesus (Isa. 9:6, John 1:1-3, 5:18, 8:58, 10:33, 20:28, Rom. 9:5, Col. 1:15-17, Heb. 1:8-13, the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3-5, 2 Cor. 3:17-18).

 

There are also various scriptural references where the Father, Son and Spirit are mentioned or manifested together.

 

At the baptism of Christ we see the Son of God, Jesus, being baptized. We also see the Spirit of God descending as a dove. Also manifested is a voice from heaven above, God the Father, stating saying “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16-17)

 

Another reference is in Matthew 28:19 where Christ commands us to baptize those we lead to salvation in the name of the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost. This act of baptism is an act of worship towards each person of the Trinity as well as commitment to each of the three persons of the Trinity. God does not share his glory or worship with anyone; therefore this act of baptism is done in the name of God, the Trinity, including the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

 

The apostle Paul refers to the Trinity when he states in I Corinthians 12:4-6 that we have the same Spirit, the same Lord and the same God. There may be differences in the spiritual gifts we have or different kinds of ministry or works we perform, but we have only ONE God.

 

Scripture teaches everywhere, and very plainly, that there is only ONE God. It does this explicitly and emphatically. But scripture also is very clear that within the nature of this God we serve, there are three divine persons. It is from this hard-to-understand twofold teaching that the doctrine of the Trinity comes. This doctrine is not tritheism or three gods. We must take care in our struggles with understanding the person of God we do not mold God in our image so that our small minds can fathom the mystery of His person.

 

I believe the difficulty we have with understanding the person of God expressed in the doctrine of the Trinity does not lie within the doctrine itself. The problem lies within us. We are finite created beings attempting to understand the God of creation. The One who has existed for all eternity and has no beginning or end. It is not surprising that as we attempt to understand who God is that we are overwhelmed.

 

Several scriptures tell us that it is difficult if not impossible to fully understand the person of God.

 

Job 11:7

“Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?”

 

Psalms 145:3

“Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.”

 

I pray, as you struggle with understanding who God is, that you will remember that 1 Corinthians 13:12 “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” When we get to heaven we will hopefully have a better chance of understanding the God who saved us, the God who has prepared a place for us, the God who loves us. I wouldn’t be surprised though, that even in heaven, we might be found walking the streets of gold, scratching our heads, amazed at the person of God, attempting to fully understand who He is.

 

What a mighty God we serve!