Doctrine of Trinity – Understanding The Triune God

The Trinity, or “Triunity of God,” refers to the biblical teaching that one God exists in three eternal, co-equal Persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. They are the same in essence but distinct in personality. This concept has been central to Christian faith but has faced challenges throughout history. Let us explore its depths systematically.

1. Misunderstandings About the Trinity

Understanding the Trinity has historically led to some errors. It is essential to refute these to clarify the truth.

1. Arianism:

   • Taught by Arius, it claims Jesus and the Holy Spirit are not eternal but created by God the Father. Groups like Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons hold similar views today. The Bible teaches the Son and Spirit are eternal (Micah 5:2, Hebrews 9:14).

2. Sabellianism/Modalism:

   • Teaches that one God manifests in three roles, not distinct Persons. This denies the simultaneous existence of Father, Son, and Spirit, contradicting passages like Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:16-17).

3. Socinianism:

   • Claims only the Father is God, denying divinity to Jesus and the Spirit. It reduces the Holy Spirit to an influence, yet Scripture affirms His personhood (Acts 5:3-4).

4. Unitarianism:

   • Denies the plurality within God, claiming a singular oneness similar to Judaism and Islam. But passages like Deuteronomy 6:4 (“echad” implying compound unity) affirm plurality.

5. Tritheism:

   • A misunderstanding that suggests three separate gods. Biblical teachings (e.g., Ephesians 4:4-6) emphasize one God in three Persons.

These heresies demonstrate the need to teach the Trinity accurately as a biblical doctrine: one God in three Persons.

2. Plurality of the Godhead

A. Old Testament Evidence

1. Elohim (Plural Noun for God):

   • The word “Elohim” (used in Genesis 1:1) is plural but often paired with singular verbs, hinting at plurality within unity.

2. Plural Verbs and Pronouns:

   • God says, “Let us make man in our image” (Genesis 1:26). Such plural pronouns indicate a discussion within the Godhead, not with angels since man is made in God’s image alone.

3. The Angel of the Lord:

   • Frequently appears as God in the Old Testament. For example, Exodus 3:2-6: the Angel speaks from the burning bush and is identified as Jehovah.

4. The Son of God:

   • Passages like Psalm 2:7 (“You are my Son”) and Proverbs 30:4 (“What is His Son’s name?”) reveal the concept of the divine Son.

5. The Holy Spirit:

   • Seen in Creation (Genesis 1:2), inspiration of Scripture (2 Peter 1:21), and omnipresence (Psalm 139:7-10).

B. New Testament Evidence

1. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are each called God (e.g., John 6:27; John 1:1; Acts 5:3-4).

2. They act in unity but retain distinct roles (e.g., Jesus’ baptism in Matthew 3:16-17).

3. The Unity of the Godhead

The Bible consistently affirms one God (Deuteronomy 6:4).

A. Old Testament Evidence

1. Singular and Plural Forms Together:

   • Genesis 1:1: Elohim (plural) acts with a singular verb (“created”).

   • Genesis 33:20: “El-Elohe” (singular and plural names for God).

2. Compound Oneness (Echad):

   • Genesis 2:24: Husband and wife are “one flesh.” Similarly, the Trinity is three Persons united in essence.

3. Use of Singular Pronouns:

   • God often refers to Himself in the singular, emphasizing unity even when plural pronouns are used.

B. New Testament Evidence

1. 1 Timothy 2:5: “There is one God.”

2. James 2:19: “You believe that God is one; good!”

4. The Trinity Defined: Three in One

A. Old Testament Examples

1. Isaiah 48:16: “The Lord God has sent Me and His Spirit.”

2. Isaiah 42:1: “Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My chosen one in whom I delight; I will put My Spirit on Him.”

B. New Testament Examples

1. Matthew 3:16-17: The Father, Son, and Spirit are all present at Jesus’ baptism.

2. Matthew 28:19: Jesus commands baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

C. Divine Attributes Shared by the Trinity

1. Eternality:

   • Father: Psalm 90:2

   • Son: Micah 5:2; John 1:1

   • Spirit: Hebrews 9:14

2. Omnipotence:

   • Father: 1 Peter 1:5

   • Son: Hebrews 1:3

   • Spirit: Romans 15:19

3. Omniscience:

   • Father: Jeremiah 17:10

   • Son: John 21:17

   • Spirit: 1 Corinthians 2:10

4. Omnipresence:

   • Father: Jeremiah 23:24

   • Son: Matthew 28:20

   • Spirit: Psalm 139:7-10

D. Divine Works Involving All Three Persons

1. Creation:

   • Father: Psalm 102:25

   • Son: John 1:3

   • Spirit: Genesis 1:2

2. Salvation:

   • Father sends the Son (John 3:16).

   • The Son dies for sins (1 Peter 2:24).

   • The Spirit regenerates believers (Titus 3:5).

3. Inspiration of Scripture:

   • Father: 2 Timothy 3:16

   • Son: 1 Peter 1:11

   • Spirit: 2 Peter 1:21

5. Summary and Application

The Trinity teaches three essential truths about God:

1. Plurality of the Godhead: There are three Persons within the Godhead.

2. Unity of the Godhead: The three Persons are one God, not three gods.

3. Trinity of the Godhead: The Godhead is limited to three—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.