Trinity
Summary
The Trinity is the Christian doctrine that there is one God existing eternally as three distinct, coequal Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
☩Definition and Nature
The doctrine of the Trinity includes three particulars: there is only one God, one divine nature; in this divine nature there is the distinction of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as three Persons; and these three have equally and in common the nature and perfection of supreme divinity. The term 'Trinity' itself is not biblical; we are not using biblical language when defining it, but the doctrine expressed is genuinely scriptural, lying in Scripture 'in solution' and crystallizing into clearer view when assembled into organic unity.
☩Old Testament Preparation
The doctrine was not fully revealed before Christ and is clearly taught only in the New Testament. While the Old Testament alone could not establish the doctrine, God's self-revelation there prepared the way for fuller disclosure. Texts suggesting plurality include God speaking of Himself in the plural ('Let us make man'), references to the Son of God in the Psalms, and mentions of the Holy Spirit as divine agent. These passages, while individually inconclusive, together convey the impression of plurality in the Godhead.
☩New Testament Revelation
The Trinity is presupposed rather than formally taught in the New Testament, revealed primarily through the manifestation of the Son and Spirit. The baptismal formula commands discipling 'in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.' Paul's benediction invokes 'the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit.' John records Jesus promising that the Father would send another Comforter, the Spirit of truth.
☩Manifestation at Christ's Baptism
The baptism of Jesus provided the clearest simultaneous revelation of all three Persons. The Holy Spirit descended like a dove and abode upon Christ, while the Father's voice declared from heaven, 'This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.' This event demonstrated the distinct personality of each while maintaining their essential unity.
☩Deity of Each Person
Scripture affirms the Father as God distinctly. The Son's deity is established: 'This is the true God, and eternal life.' The Holy Spirit's personality and deity are proven by passages showing Him as Creator, as One who leads, speaks, and appoints. Yet Scripture maintains there is but one God. The three Persons are named together in Christ's baptismal formula, demonstrating their equality and unity.
Related Verses39 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Trinity," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Trinity," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Trinity," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
- 4.George Morrish, "Trinity," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).