Pop Quiz!
Q: True or False. The word Trinity is found in the Bible.
A. False.
The term “Trinity” (“tri-unity” or “three-in-oneness”) does not appear in the Bible itself, but early Christian theologians developed it to describe the biblical teaching that God is one in essence but exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The earliest known use of the Latin word Trinitas (Trinity) comes from Tertullian, a Christian theologian from Carthage around A.D. 200. The term summarizes the Bible’s teaching of God being three distinct persons yet one God.
Why is the doctrine of the Trinity important?
The doctrine of the Trinity is one of the great mysteries of the Christian faith—something we’ll never fully understand. Yet, the belief in a Triune God sets us apart from other faiths (like Judaism and Islam) and cults like Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormonism. Since this belief sets Christianity apart from all others, we need to look at what the Bible teaches about this attribute of this God of ours.
“The doctrine of the Trinity is the foundation of Christian faith, the root of every truth of our faith, and the heart of all Christian experience.” – J.I. Packer
As it pertains to the Trinity, Scripture consistently affirms three key ideas:
- (1) God is three persons
- (2) each person is fully God
- (3) there is only one God.
A closer look at each idea.
God is three persons.
When we say that God is three persons, we mean that the Father is not the Son, the Son is not the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit is not the Father. They are all distinct persons. Does Scripture testify to this distinctness of each person of the Trinity? Let’s explore.
The Son is not the Father.
In the beginning the Word already existed.
The Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
2 He existed in the beginning with God. (John 1:1-2, NLT)
For example, John says that the Word was with God and was God. John’s opening line for his gospel declares that Jesus is separate from the Father (was with God) yet equal to the Father (was God). Later, John shows us that “the Word” refers to Jesus (John 1:6-18).
Next, we look at John 17. The apostle records Jesus’ prayer for Himself, the disciples, and all future believers before being betrayed and eventually crucified. If the Father and the Son are the same person, who was Jesus praying to and addressing as Father in John 17:24?
Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began! (John 17:24, NLT)
Jesus prays to another person, the Father, if God being Triune meant that He was one God with three different roles, then Jesus is praying to Himself and referring to Himself as a different person – talking to oneself like that would cause one to be committed today. Far from Jesus being crazy, His praying to the Father is further proof that the Father and Son are two different people.
Other verses show Jesus acting as our High Priest and Advocate before the Father (1 John 2:1; Hebrews 7:25), which would not be possible if He and the Father were the same person.
My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. (1 John 2:1, NLT)
But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. 25 Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf. (Hebrews 7:24-25, NLT)
The Holy Spirit is not the Father or the Son.
The Bible also makes it clear that the Holy Spirit is not the Father or the Son. In John 14:26, Jesus says the Father will send the Holy Spirit in His name. Romans 8:27 shows the Spirit interceding—praying—for believers to the Father, proving that the Spirit is a distinct person. Jesus also told His followers that He had to leave so that the Holy Spirit could come (John 16:7), again showing they are not the same person.
The Holy Spirit is not the Father or the Son.
But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. (John 14:26, NLT)
The Holy Spirit is not the Father.
And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. (Romans 8:26-27, NLT)
The Holy Spirit is not the Son.
But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you. (John 16:7, NLT)
Conclusion
These few verses have shown us that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three distinct people. In the next post in this series, we will examine the Bible to see where it teaches that each person is entirely God.
Do you want to ensure you never miss a resource to help you grow in your faith more than on Sunday mornings? Subscribe today!
Leave a Reply