The doctrine of the Trinity is one of the most important doctrines of the Christian faith. But also, it is one of the hardest to comprehend. There is one God and there are three distinct persons of God. All are fully God in doing the overall will, but they are not 3 Gods merged as one. For me as a young believer I found this hard to follow or understand. So, I will try to give some insights to help us.
Let us start with the word “trinity” means “tri-unity” or “three-in-oneness.” The word “Trinity,” is the theological word Christians use to refer to the Godhead. But the word trinity is not found in Scripture. The real word is the term “Godhead” (theiotes) is used three times in Scripture, Acts 17:29; Romans 1:20; Colossians 2:9.
Romans 1:20 — 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
The word Godhead means divine nature, the state of being, deity, divine and it refers to all three people of Godhead. So how does this Godhead work? So, we see the trinity as three distinct personalities. Each has contrasting functions and even types of approaches. Each with distinct roles to accomplish a set purpose. We see them not conflicted with each other but in harmony with each other. They move as one interconnected force but are also sperate forces. But for me the easiest way to see the Godhead is all are heading to the same outcome, a relationship with creation. We see this in one of the great commissions.
Matthew 28:19-20, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Here he states to baptism them or submerge them into the Godhead. Specifically, each one. Submerge them into the power of the Holy Spirit, the redemption of the son and the sovereignty of the father.
1 John 5:7 “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.”
This is the clearest verse showing the three as one as it is stated plainly. Here we see all three bear record in heaven or testify. They all have the same task but the individual interactions with us are different.
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD” (Deuteronomy 6:4, Mark 12:29).
The verse says, “Hear, O Israel: Jehovah our Elohim is a united Jehovah.” The Hebrew word for one is Echad which stresses unity while recognizing diversity with that oneness. Now how does this look in function?
Looking at creation, the father decided a plan, the son (the word) carried out the decree while the Holy Spirit empowered both plan and decree to manifest. We also can see evidence of this in many places in the scripture of how they work both separately but together. God the Father planned redemption (John 3:16; Gal. 4:4; Eph. 1:9-10) God the Son accomplished redemption for us (John 6:38; Hebrews 10:5-7) God the Holy Spirit was applied redemption, sent by the Father and the Son (John 14:26; 16:7; 15:26)
When we begin to understand each role, we see no competition but collaboration. Father is typically understood as the originator and creator. He sustains spiritual laws, is sovereign and is the essence of glory. The Son (Jesus Christ) is the redeemer who came to earth to sacrifice for humanity, is the example of the father’s nature, shows how spiritual laws and doctrines are applied through love, mercy and forgiveness. The Holy Spirit is the sanctifier who dwells within believers, guiding and empowering them. The one who is the comforter, teacher and guide. All three are fully complimentary to each other. And all three are working towards the same outcomes. All three have the power to perform what is needed. All three are acting as one!
Now lest look at some examples.
The Father testifies of the Son.
Matthew 3:17 — 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
The son testifies to the Father.
John 5:19 — 19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
The Son testifies to the Spirit.
John 14:26 — 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
The spirit testifies to the Son.
John 15:26 — 26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
Another example is:
- The father sent his son —- he was the decision maker of the plan.
- Jesus was conceived with the aid of the Holy spirit — the working of the plan.
- The son became the redeemer upon the earth — the Sons fulfilment of the plan.
But we also can see the Godhead at work in specific sections of scripture.
Ephesians 4:12 — 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
When I see three things in a verse or a section, I ask can I see the Godhead? Most of the time I can simply apply the functions and what each carry. In the above verse the question is who perfects the saints? JESUS. Who does the work? HOLY SPIRIT. Who is concerned with the body? FATHER. The Godhead is involved in the government of God concerning his creation!
Here is another example:
Hebrews 1:3 — 3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
The brightness of his glory – the father. Express image of his person – Jesus. Upholding by word of his power – Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:4–6 — 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
Now this verse is more obvious as it spells it out. Diversity of gifts – Holy Spirit. Administrations – Jesus. Operations – father. The Godhead understanding is not just a New Testament theology, but we can also see the Godhead in the Old Testament as well. We already talked about Genesis and creation but let us look at another verse.
Haggai 2:7 — 7 And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: And I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts.
Again, asking simple questions. Who does the shaking? HOLY SPIRIT. Who is the desire of nations? JESUS. Who brings the glory? FATHER.
It is amazing to see the pattern and as they say, once you see it, you cannot unsee it. This insight early on in my walk with God helped me see that God is not 3 Gods but is one made up of three very distinct personalities with very distinct functions. I hope this helps you in a better perspective of just how dynamic God is and his multi-dimensional abilities.