Quick Summary
- The Trinity is one God existing eternally in three persons
- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct but unified
- Each person is fully God, not 1/3 of God
- The Trinity is a mystery but biblically clear
- Understanding the Trinity is essential to knowing God
The Biblical Definition
The Trinity is the Christian doctrine that one God exists in three persons:
- God the Father
- God the Son (Jesus Christ)
- God the Holy Spirit
Each person is fully God, yet there is only one God.
Key Truths About the Trinity
1. There is One God
"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one" (Deuteronomy 6:4)
Christianity is monotheistic—we worship one God, not three.
2. Three Distinct Persons
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not the same person playing different roles. They are distinct persons who relate to one another.
3. Each Person is Fully God
Father is God (John 6:27), Son is God (John 1:1), Spirit is God (Acts 5:3-4). Not 1/3 each—100% each.
4. Co-Equal and Co-Eternal
All three persons are equal in power, glory, and eternality. None is greater or lesser.
Biblical Evidence for the Trinity
At Jesus' Baptism
"As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: 'You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.'"
Mark 1:10-11All three persons present: Father speaks, Spirit descends, Son is baptized.
The Great Commission
"Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"
Matthew 28:19Note: "Name" (singular) but three persons—one God in three persons.
Apostolic Blessing
"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all"
2 Corinthians 13:14Understanding the Mystery
The Trinity is a mystery—we can't fully comprehend it. But here are helpful (imperfect) analogies:
❌ Bad Analogy: Water
Ice, liquid, steam—these are modes, not persons. This is the heresy of modalism.
✅ Better: Three-in-One
Space has length, width, height—three dimensions, one space. Not perfect, but closer.
Truth: No analogy perfectly captures the Trinity. We accept it by faith based on Scripture.
Roles of Each Person
| Father | Son | Holy Spirit |
|---|---|---|
| Plans salvation | Accomplishes salvation | Applies salvation |
| Sends the Son | Dies and rises | Regenerates believers |
| Adopts us | Redeems us | Seals us |
Remember:
- The Trinity is a mystery we accept by faith
- One God, not three gods (monotheism)
- Three persons, not one person in three modes
- Each person is fully God, eternally
- Denying the Trinity denies biblical Christianity