Tuesday, May 19, 2020

The Trinity

The understanding of the Trinity is foundational to our Christian faith but can be confusing. Scripture clearly states that God is one (Mark 12:29; Galatians 3:20; James 2:19). However, there are three manifestations of God revealed in the scriptures: God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit (the Godhead).They are all one essence as God, but each member of the godhead has their own distinct will and role. 


Adding to the confusion, the term Trinity is not in Bible. Scripture itself does not represent the unity of the three members of the godhead by a single term, but describes the concept by association, actions and description.

The purpose of this blog is to describe the three members of the godhead to provide a basis of our belief in the trinity and explain the reason it is critical to Christians.
                                              
The existence of the Trinity can be clearly ascertained in scripture for each member of the godhead on several levels. Let us consider the Bible references below.

  • Ascribed as God

    • God the Father – God Himself, as the head of the godhead, is mentioned thousands of times in scripture by the Greek word θεός (theos), the general word for God in Greek, and by primary names for God in the Old Testament, especially אֱלֹהִים (‘ĕlôhı̂ym) and יְהֹוָה (yehôvâh).



  • By titles signifying deity

    • God the Father – Stated in His name, God (theos)

    • Jesus Christ – Son of God and identifying God as His Father (signifying equality with God, John 5:18)


  • By character

    • God the Father






    • Jesus Christ






    • Holy Spirit




  • By actions only God could do

    • God the Father




    • Jesus Christ



      • Healed physical infirmities, forgave sins – Mark 2:5-10




    • Holy Spirit





  • In the life of Christ on earth, each member of the godhead:




  • Their association together as distinct parts of the godhead: the Bible references activities with each member of the godhead participating together such as:

    • Salvation



      • Act of preaching the gospel and making disciples – Matthew 28:19





    • Christian life








    • Eternity


In summary, God is one, yet there are three distinct manifestations of the one God described in scripture, have names of deity, possess characteristics as well as perform actions that only can be of God and are associated together to accomplish the Father’s purposes. These three members together are known as the ”godhead” which is known as the doctrine of the trinity; accepted by the ecclesiastical fathers from the earliest time the church could legally organize (313 AD).

Thank you for joining me this time. Please join us for my next blog when we discuss the role of the various members of the godhead at different sections in the Bible.

William C. Stewart, MD

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Disclaimer - This blog is provided for your use and enjoyment on an ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ basis. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.   


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