Theology – Trinity Doctrine – Doctrine and Understanding of the Trinity
Table of Contents
Overview
The doctrine of the Trinity is one of the primary doctrines in Christianity, revealing the nature of who God is as He has revealed Himself throughout scripture. God has revealed to us that He is one God who exists and has revealed Himself to us in three distinct co-equal persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
History of the Trinity
The definitions and meaning of the theology of the trinity are recorded throughout scripture; however, the formal establishment of various fragmented Christian doctrines from various Christian churches during Constantine’s reign is attributed to two Church Councils. The Council of Nicaea, in 325 a.d., ruled that the Father and the Son had the same essence or were homoousian. Then, the Council of Constantinople, in 381 a.d., ruled that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit were homoousian, all existing as co-equal persons in the hypostatic union.
Many of the church fathers circa 100 a.d. wrote utilizing the same conceptual language that describes the doctrine of the Trinity. The first recorded use of the word ‘Trinity’ comes from Theophilus of Antioch from the 2nd century. He defined the Trinity as God, His Word (logos), and His Wisdom (Sophia). This was recorded in the contact of the first three days of creation and the early Christian custom of identifying the Holy Spirit as the Wisdom of God. This view was later defended by Tertullian, however he noted that followers of his day had issues with this doctrine.
“Do we not have one God, and one Christ, and one gracious Spirit that has been poured out upon us, and one calling in Christ?” – 1 Clement 46:6 (96 a.d.)
[exhorting obedience to] “Christ, and to the Father, and to the Spirit” – Ignatius of Antioch (110 a.d.)
Justin Martyr wrote about how the Son was distinguishable from the Father but were the same being (ousia).
“… in the name of God, the Father and Lord of the universe, and of our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit.” – Justin Martyr (100-165 a.d.)
Understanding the Trinity
The Bible teaches that God is one God. God has revealed Himself to us in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person is co-equal to the other and consists of the same essence or substance or being. The entire doctrine of the trinity is taken from all the scriptures that describe who God is and how He has revealed Himself to us.
It is important to take all scriptures concerning a Biblical subject to understand what is being displayed in scripture. The picture of the Trinity is not an exact representation of the Trinity, as God exists outside of all created concepts since He exists outside of, and beyond creation. However, the picture helps with the interpretation of how the scriptures connect the various ideas of how to understand the Trinity.
God is Triune
The word triune means three in one. This is one of the words used in concept when speaking about the Trinity.
God is One
God is one, He is one God (Deut 6.4). God has revealed Himself in three separate persons, and all three persons comprise a perfectly unified God. Each person shares one homoousion, meaning the same nature, the same substance and the same essence, and they are the same God.
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over … over all the earth – Genesis 1.26
The Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil – Genesis 3.22
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. – Deuteronomy 6.4
Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god.” – Isaiah 44.6
Fear not, nor be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it? And you are my witnesses! Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not any.” – Isaiah 44.8
I am the LORD, and there is no other, besides me there is no God; I equip you, though you do not know me, that people may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides me; I am the Lord, and there is no other. – Isaiah 45.5-6
Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me – Isaiah 46.9
And now the Lord God has sent me, and his Spirit. Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go – Isaiah 48.16-17
Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. – Mark 12.29
the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased – Luke 3.21-22
I and the Father are one. – John 10.30
Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that “an idol has no real existence,” and that “there is no God but one.” – 1 Corin 8.4
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 – 1 Corin 12.4-6
One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. – Eph 4.6
Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one. – Gal 3.20
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. – 1 Tim 2.5
You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! – James 2.19
The Father is God
- Eternal – Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. – Psalms 90.2
- Omniscient – we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything – 1 John 3.20
- Omnipotent – Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. – Jer 32.17
- Omnipresent – But will God really dwell on the Earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. – 1 Kings 8.27
Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist – 1 Corin 8.6
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: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. – 1 Peter 1.2
There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. – Ephesians 4.4-6
The Son is God
- Eternal – out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. – Micah 5.2, 1 John 5.20
- Omniscient – Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions – John 16.30
- Omnipotent – … And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control,… – Phil 3.20-21
- Omnipresent – He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe – Eph 4.10
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace – Isaiah 9.6
Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). – Matthew 1.23
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. – John 1.1
the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth – John 1.14
Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am. – John 8.58
Thomas answered him (speaking to Jesus), “My Lord and my God!” – John 20.28
… it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee – 2 Corin 1.21-22
… Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, … . And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death – Phil 2.5-8
(Jesus) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together – Col 1.15-17
For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, – Colossians 2.9
He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high – Hebrews 1.3
But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom – Hebrews 1.8
Whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, – Titus 3.6
we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life – 1 John 5.20
I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. – Revelation 1.8
The Holy Spirit is God
- Eternal – how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God – Heb 9.14
- Omniscient – … the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. – 1 Corin 2.10
- Omnipotent – The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you;… For nothing will be impossible with God. – Luke 1.35-37
- Omnipresent – … Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence – Psalms 139.7
God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth. – John 4.24
they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them – Acts 13.2
Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit … You have not lied to man but to God. – Acts 5.3-4
These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God – 1 Corin 2.10-11
All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills – 1 Corin 12.11
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom – 2 Corin 3.17
God is Three Persons
God is three persons, or rather, has revealed Himself as three separate co-equal persons. What does it mean that the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit are different persons? This means that each of the three persons have their own intellect, emotion and volition (will). A being with rationale, emotion, and will can be considered a person, thus human beings and divine beings are persons. Therefore, God’s existence is comprised of three distinct unique intellects, emotions and wills.
Based on this definition and understanding of persons, this is how God has revealed Himself to humanity, in three distinct different persons.
The Father is not the Son (Son is not the Father)
The following verse shows that the Father and the Son are two different distinct persons. We find various instances where the Son prays to the Father, obeys the Father, and speaks with the Father. Jesus is on Earth and a voice from from the Father, Jesus ascends and sits next to the Father. It was not the Father that died for our sins, but the Son, who looked up and asks why the Father had forsaken Him.
The Son proceeds from the Father – John 15.26
The Son prays to the Father – Luke 23.34
The Son is seated next to the Father – Acts 2.33, Hebrews 1.3
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. [This is the Son speaking (in the OT) about the Father and the Holy Spirit] – Isaiah 48.16
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.” – Matthew 3.16
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. – Matthew 28.19
God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. – John 3.16
Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, – John 14.9-11
‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I – John 14.28
… this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent – John 17.3
Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God – John 20.17
God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him – Acts 10.38
That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. – 1 John 1.3
The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place – Revelation 1.1
The Father is not the Holy Spirit (Holy Spirt is not the Father)
The following verse reveals that the Father is not the Holy Spirit, and that they are two separate yet co-equal beings. The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father, or, the Father sends the Holy Spirit. The Father gives the Holy Spirit. The Spirit in believers cries out the the Father.
And now the Lord God has sent me, and his Spirit – Isaiah 48.16
(Jesus speaking) I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth – John 14.16-17
(Jesus speaking) when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me – John 15.26
… the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him – Eph 1.17
And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” – Galatians 4.6
The Son is not the Holy Spirit (Holy Spirit is not the Son)
Scripture reveals that the Son is not the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was sent to believers once the Son sat at the right hand of the Father. The Holy Spirit is sent to dwell within believers. Jesus said the Helper comes once He leaves.
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. – John 14.26
if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you – John 16.7
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. – Hebrews 9.14
False Doctrinal Views of the Trinity/ God
The following are the primary and historical heretical views that deny the Trinity. They claim to be Christian doctrines but deny some aspects of scriptures that point to a triune God. They typically change, omit, or add to scriptures to create their viewpoints away from the doctrine of the Trinity. Remember the doctrine of the Trinity comes from taking into account all scriptures about how God has revealed Himself.
Unitarianism
Unitarianism is a none trinitarian heresy, teaching that God is simply one. Unitarians typically do not believe the Jesus was God, rejecting His deity, He was inspired by God Himself and is the Savior of all mankind. This teaching and misconception has been circulating throughout the Church since the first century a.d.
Arianism is a type of Unitarianism, as it is the belief that Jesus is the Son of God however was created by God the Father and therefore is not eternal however began to exist outside of time. This heresy was taught by Arius in 256-336 a.d. He was a Christian Presbyter who preached and studies in Alexandria Egypt.
Tritheism
Tritheism is a none trinitarian heresy posing as a polytheistic Christian view of God. This belief asserts that rather than God existing as one single being of three distinct persons; the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are three distinct and separate beings, and consequently, three separate, distinct Gods, or three separate deities.
Some of the earliest proponents of the heresy was John Philoponos who died in 570 a.d., their views were condemned at a synod in Alexandria and again at the Third Council of Constantinople in 680 a.d. This heresy has continuously returned in various Christian churches of the centuries.
Subordinationism
Subordinationism is the heretical theological stance that the members of the Trinity are not co-equal with one another. They point to verses that show the Son to be obedient to the Father and the Holy Spirit being sent, however, disregard all verses that show their divinity and co-equality with God.
This view poses a hierarchical structure between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, often leading to ideologies of the Son being created or not being equal in some aspect to the Father, leading back to variations of Unitarianism.
Adoptionism also called dynamic Monarchism was another early non-trinitarian view, around the 2-3rd century a.d., holding to the idea that Jesus was a regular man until his baptism, at which time God adopted Him as His Son.
Partialism
This heavy emphasis of the separation of each member of the Trintiy can also lead into partialism, which states that God is made up of three separate persons, but each person is not fully God. This view states that each member of the Trinity is not fully God, but that God requires each person of the Trinity to be complete. Another way to state this is that Partialists believe that God is not fully God unless all three members of the Trinity are present, or that essentially each person is 1/3 God. The Trinitarian view states that God is not ‘made up’ of three separate components, but each person of the Godhead, or divinity, is themselves fully God!
Sabellianism – Modalism
Sabellianism is the belief that God exists only as one person, and does not distinguish the difference between the existence of the Persons of God.
Sabellianism appears historically for the first time with a movement in the second century with the Monarchians, called by the Greek Fathers the Sabellians. Sabellius taught a form of this heresy in Rome however none of his writings have survived to date, all that is known about it are from the writings from his opponents. Sabellius received this teaching from Noetus and Praxeas, excommunicated from the church.
Modalism was another term for this heresy, named by Adolph Von Harnack in the 2nd century, as the trinity was being referred to as consisting of three different modes, or aspects of one divine existence.
Patripassianism is another form of Sabellianism as this heresy follows that the identification of the Father and the Son are to such a degree that the Father died on the cross for our sins.
Responses to Criticism of the Trinity
The Son doesn’t Know the Day or Hour – Mark 13.32
In Mark 13.32 Jesus said the Son doesn’t know the day or hour for his return, but the Father only. This is easily understood in the fact that the Son limited his knowledge while He was on the Earth so that He would be able to present to us the image we were to imitate (1 Peter 2.21-25). For we know that once the Son returned to the Father, it was at that time that he returned to glory and filled all things (Eph 4.10). This can be clearly seen in the fact that the Son obviously limited his omnipresence in the fact that He localized Himself in space in the body of a man while on the Earth (John 1.14). God is fully capable of limiting His own power, or rather, restricting his abilities to do as He pleases.
The Father is Greater than I – John 14.28
Jesus’ ministry was to be obedient to the Father, this is the role that He is employed to, however, this does not speak of his essence or being. We find this emphasized in 1 Corinthians 11.3 which speaks of the roles within marriage, that God is the head of Christ, Christ is the head of man, and man is the head of woman. We also know that Christ was in His humanity at that time in a lesser position than the Father, taking on the form of a servant (Phil 2.7).
The Word Trinity Isn’t in the Bible
This is one of the easiest concerns to explain. The trinity, or the word trinity meaning tri or “three” and unity which means “as one” is a theological concept. It’s a word used to describe how God has revealed himself to us throughout the entirety of scripture.
A similar reference to this would be to retort or ask the person who brings up this argument: “do you believe that God is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent?” Anyone who understands that God is all-knowing, all-powerful and all-present will agree to these terms. However, none of these words are in the Bible either. Ask them to explain why they believe these things about God if these words are not in the Bible.
We understand the Bible teaches these things because it is the concept defined by these terms that are in the Bible!
The Trinity is Illogical or Can Not be Understood
Some claim that they cannot accept the Trinity because it seems illogical. However, in order for something to be illogical, there must be some standard or law of logic that is broken. The trinity and its concepts do not break any laws of logic but rather are consistent with the laws of logic. It is actually by following the rules of the laws of logic that we reach the conclusions of how to properly understand the Trinity as seen in scripture.
It also must be considered, just because something can not be fully understood, that doesn’t make it untrue. Do you perfectly understand how your car works, how your lungs work, or how gravity works? What is energy? We may know that E (energy) = Q (charge) / t (time), and that the definition of energy is the ‘ability to do work,’ however, to date Physicists don’t understand energy at a fundamental level, what energy actually is. We may have many definitions and equations and formulas for scientifically understanding how energy relates to other concepts, but we do not know what energy fundamentally is.
This fact does not detract that we can manipulate energy in our physical universe (via mechanical energy, etc.), along with learning more about it every day! We get to ponder the wonders of this concept and many others, that are so vastly complex and beautiful at the same time.
Similarly, when you get to know your spouse, and spend time with them, you get to learn more about them, falling deeper in love every day. You were not meant to get to know them in one sitting. In similar manner, you are to spend the rest of your existence getting to know your Heavenly Father on a more intimate level every day!
Intellectual Stumbling Blocks
God tests our faith in many different aspects, and if you say you can not worship Him because you can not understand Him, you are allowing yourself to be defeated by a test of your faith. Consider what you are really saying, that you are only willing to worship something that you understand? You will only worship a god that your finite mind is able to comprehend? That sounds like you are only willing to worship a god that you are able to construct in your own imagination or a god that is able to be comprehended by the limitations of a finite mind, rather than listening to the true, eternal, infinite God (1 Kings 8.27) who wants to tell you who He is!
Understanding the Infinite with a Finite Mind
Many people don’t want to worship a God they cannot understand, but ultimately a person’s ideas about God doesn’t change who God is, and God will never be COMPLETELY understood by any of His creations because He is infinite, and all created beings are finite. We will get to have all eternity learning about God! It is an ignorant statement to say you don’t want to believe a truth, simply because you cannot understand it. Scientists don’t completely understand gravity, yet it remains in full effect every day. What we should do is seek God with everything He has given us to understand Him more fully. The Bible is God’s word and in it we can find out more and more about who He is!
Pictures and Allegories of the Trinity
Over the centuries people have tried to understand the trinity via various methods of concepts and allegories. Certain allegories have been used to understand a concept of three things as one, and some are better illustrations then others. Some are critical of all allegories stating that Christians should not attempt to use anything to make an allegory to the trintiy.
Poor or Problematic Allegories
Triangle
There are many examples or concepts of objects that are three-in-one in nature, such as a triangle; it has 3 sides yet is one shape. A triangle is an example of how something in our universe can have 3 attributes unified as one thing. It has 3 equal sides which together make up the whole triangle. We have to remember this is only an example in our limited, material universe that our finite mind can compare to something infinitely larger.
The triangle is identified as a problematic allegory that more closely relates to partialism, since each side (which would represent one person of the trinity) is not a triangle in itself, where each person of the trinity is God themself. In contrast, each person of the Trinitarian doctrine is fully God!
H2O – Water
H2O or Water has been used often to describe the Trinity, it has 3 different states however it is the same substance (H2O). It has 3 separate states, Solid or ice, liquid water, and steam or a gaseous state. However, since it is not often found in all three states at once, this depiction is criticised as a better allegory for modalism. Modalism since its one substance that takes on one form (or state) at a time and is not all three states at once.
Two Bodies of Water Concept
Logically, if one being was infinite, then another came along and was also infinite, they would be the same thing because infinite means it fills everything; like 2 ‘different’ oceans on the Earth (Atlantic and Pacific), they are still the same body of water because they fill the Earth.
Examining this fact logically, we can understand that it is actually impossible for there to be 2 or more infinite Gods! In order for any being to advance to an infinite level, it would become infinite, fulfilling eternity and would ‘be’ God, because God is already infinite. Looking at it mathematically it’s like saying infinity x infinity, which would = infinity, of whom God already is! You could try to say it would ‘merge’ with God, but that would be impossible because you can NOT add to infinity, it is already infinite!
This allegory unfortunately better supports partiaism, since the pacific is 100% water, and the Atlantic is 100% water, however neither one accounts for 100% water on the earth. Neither one is infinite.
Sun or Light
Light has also been used as an allegory for the Trinity since it is has three components, or attributes or natures that make up what it is.
- 1.) Light is Luminiferous or is made up of visible light having luminosity;
- 2.) Light is Calorific or has heat energy,
- 3.) Light is Actinic or has an electromagnetic radiation effect
This allegory has also been criticised for being more akin to partialism, since each of these are components that make up light itself, and without one of the these components, light would not be complete in its nature.
Better Allegories
Mathematics
Mathematically, one to the third power is one; 1^3 = 1. 1 x 1 x 1 = 1. Each number is fully 1, and together the equation makes 1.
Three Overlapping Circles
Another allegory for the Trinity is the idea of drawing three overlapping circles. First draw a blue circle, then directly over the top of it draw a green circle, then directly over that draw a red circle. Each circle is the circle; the circle is one circle; however, the circle is displayed to us in three distinct colors: blue, green and red. Each circle is completely the circle, and the circle is the three circles; however, the blue circle is not the green circle, or the red circle, and the green circle is not the red circle! Each color is distinct.
This example falls short as each color is not a person.
Why Does God Reveal Himself as a Trinity
One of the questions concerning this entire subject is why does God reveal Himself this way, as Triune? This is another deep question that we get to learn about God for all of etnerity as we grow in a deepening relationship wth Him. However, just as it says in His word, that He reveals His nature to us through things we experience in the universe.
19. For what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse. – Romans 1.19-20
We should understand that even though each of the persons of the Godhead has been revealed in playing specific roles, God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) is revealing something about the nature of who He is and always has been since before the creation of all things. He dwells in eternity, eternally glorious in perfect fellowship with Himself. God desired to make creation to share the beauty of His glory (Rev 4.11) with His creation.
We see the fingerprints of God’s work in making things that reflect this concept of three in one, as we have already seen above. Humanity, made in His image display a type of three in one, will, mind (intellect) and emotions. Each of these are distinctly different, yet operate in you as one person, as one being.
In the end, we have to remain diligent in simply remaining true to what God’s word teach us about Himself!
Appendix
Johnathan Edwards Description of the Trinity
In attempt to answer the question, why God reveals Himself as the Trinity; Johnathan Edwards description is worth noting in this study. His description is not to be taken as truth by any means, however it is another interesting thought that is scripturally based:
The Father is the Deity subsisting in the prime, unoriginated, and most absolute manner, or the Deity in its direct existence. The Son is the Deity generated by God’s understanding, or having an idea of himself, and subsisting in that idea. The Holy Ghost is the Deity subsisting in act, or the divine essence flowing out and breathed forth, in God’s infinite love to and delight in himself. And I believe the whole divine essence does truly and distinctly subsist both in the divine idea and divine love, and that therefore each of them are properly distinct persons.
– Writings, 131
Johnathan Edwards thoughts are as follows: God the Father is unoriginated, and His thoughts or word (remember logos (John 1.1) in Greek mean logic or word) about Himself is so perfectly reflective of who He is that it is a person, the Son. The Son is the perfect expressed image of God (Col 1.15). The love and the glory that this between the Father and the Son, for God is love (1 John 4.8), is also their (the) divine essence in perfection also being God Himself (He is the Holy Spirit)! Each person is unoriginated and perfect as God is, each person being God Himself.
References
Desiring God – What is the Trinity
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