The Trinity

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Pastor Dave
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The Trinity is a critical Bible truth to understand. Belief in the Trinity is foundational to being a Christian. However, our finite minds cannot fully grasp the concept of the Trinity. Which is why it is such a critical truth to believe, because faith is involved in accepting this foundational truth. The word "Trinity" is not actually used in the Bible. However, the Bible states the incredible truths of the Trinity in both Old & New Testaments. Let's look at this foundational truth together in the following four discussions 1) Definition of the Trinity 2) Explanation of the Trinity 3) The Trinity in the Old Testament 4) The Trinity in the New Testament.  

Pastor Dave
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Definition of the Trinity

The Trinity of God is a doctrine that is fundamental to the Christian faith. Human reason, however, cannot fathom the Trinity, nor can logic explain it, and, although the word itself is not found in the Scriptures, the doctrine is plainly taught in the Scriptures.
 
The phrase “three-oneness”, or the word Triunity may actually better express the doctrine of the Trinity. Because the word Triunity expresses the distinctness and equality of the three persons as well as the unity within the Trinity. A proper definition of the Trinity would be: “the Trinity is composed of three united Persons without separate existence—so completely united as to form one God. The divine nature subsists in three distinctions—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”

- quoted or adapted from The Moody Handbook of Theology, Moody Press, S.199

Pastor Dave
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Explanation of the Trinity

God is one in regard to essence. Early in church history the proper way to designate the Trinity became “one in essence.” The essential oneness of God Is linked to Deuteronomy 6:4, “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one" (Hebrew echad, = “a compound unity; united one” ). This statement stresses not only the uniqueness of God but also the unity of God (see also James 2:19). It means all three Persons possess the summation of the divine attributes but yet the essence of God is undivided. Oneness in essence also emphasizes that the three Persons of the Trinity do not act independently of one another. This was a constant theme of Jesus in rebuffing the charges of the Jews (see John 5:19, John 8:28, John 12:49, John 14:10).
 
God is three with respect to Persons. The word persons is helpful inasmuch as it emphasizes not only a manifestation but also an individual personality. In suggesting God is three with respect to His Persons it is emphasized that (1) each has the same essence as God and (2) each possess the fullness of God. “In God there are no three individuals alongside of, and separate from, one another, but only personal self-distinctions within the Divine essence." This unity within three Persons is seen in Old Testament passages such as Isaiah 48:16 where the Father has sent the Messiah and the Spirit to speak to the restored nation. In Isaiah 61:1 the Father has anointed the Messiah with the Spirit for His mission. These references emphasize both the equality and the unity of the three Persons.
 
The three Persons have distinct relationships. Within the Trinity exists a relationship that is expressed in terms of subsistence. The Father is not begotten nor does He proceed from any person; the Son is eternally begotten from the Father (John 1:18; 3:16, 18; 1 John 4:9). The Holy Spirit eternally proceeds from the Father and the Son (John 14:26; 16:7). It is important to note, however, that these terms denote a relationship within the Trinity and do not suggest inferiority in any way.
 
The three Persons are equal in authority. The Father is recognized as authoritative and supreme (1 Cor. 8:6); the Son is also recognized as equal to the Father in every respect (John 5:21–23); the Spirit is likewise recognized as equal to the Father and the Son (Matt. 12:31).
- quoted or adapted from The Moody Handbook of Theology, Moody Press, S.199
 
 

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The Trinity in the Old Testament

In the creation account of Genesis 1 both God the Father and the Holy Spirit are seen in the work of creation. It is stated that God created heaven and earth (Gen. 1:1) while the Holy Spirit hovered over the earth to infuse it with vitality (Gen. 1:2). The term God in Genesis 1:1 is Elohim, which is a plural form for God. This plural form of God is also seen in the plural pronouns “us” and “our” in Genesis 1:26. In Psalm 110:1 David recognized a distinction of persons between “LORD” and “my Lord.” In the prophecy concerning Christ in Isaiah 7:14 the Lord makes it clear that the One born of a virgin will also be Immanuel, “God with us.” In both Isaiah 48:16 and 61:1 all three Persons of the Godhead are mentioned and seen as distinct from one another. And, as already stated above  Deuteronomy 6:4, says “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one" (Hebrew echad, = “a compound unity; united one”). - quoted or adapted from The Moody Handbook of Theology, Moody Press, S.199)

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The Trinity in the New Testament

Ultimately, to demonstrate that the Scriptures teach the Trinity, two things must be affirmed: that there is only one God, and that all three Persons are called God. The Father is called God (1 Cor. 8:6); the Son is called God (Heb. 1:8–10); the Holy Spirit is called God (Acts 5:34); And, God is one God (Deut. 6:4). Combining these four statements affirms the Trinity.
 
There are many additional New Testament passages in which the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are seen in such a relationship as to affirm both their unity and equality. In the act of making disciples Jesus commanded that the apostles were to baptize the new disciples “in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:18), where the equality as well as the unity of the three Persons is intended. In Mary’s conception the Trinity is involved: the Holy Spirit came upon Mary, the power of God overshadowed her, and the resultant offspring was called the Son of God (Luke 1:35). All three are also seen as distinct at the baptism of Jesus in Luke 3:21–22. In John 14:16 the unity of the three is again mentioned: the Son asks the Father who sends the Spirit to indwell believers forever. In Romans 8:9–11 all three are mentioned as indwelling the believer. 2 Cor 13:14 is also a strong affirmation of both the equality and unity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. See also 1 Cor 2:4–8 & Rev 1:4–5.
(the above is quoted or adapted from The Moody Handbook of Theology, Moody Press, S.201)
 
The truth of the Trinity cannot be explained to satisfy man's logic, because it is Divine in nature, and we are not. But to to not believe the truth of the Trinity because our logic can't grasp it, is to say we will only believe God to the extent that He is like us, and to the extent that He can explain Himself to us. That, my friends, is a dangerous place to get with God.

prayersforyou
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The Trinity

Hello,
I have a question on the Trinity.  I believe in the Trinity because it is the Word of God. But I do not understand it. When we get to Heaven will we see Jesus and God, or only Jesus because he is God?

BGLions2001
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The Trinity

we got a glimpse when john was "in the spirit" and shown the thrown room.  One of the coolest chapters in the whole Bible, Rev 4:1-11.  Whom will we see? God or Jesus?  My answer would be....yes.
 
Checkout also:
 
Is 6:1-13
1Cor 15:1-58
 
 

__________________

Bruce
2Cor 5:7

Nick
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Trinity

    This is a great question! Do believers dwell with the trinity for all eternity or with the Son, Jesus, for all eternity. I grappled with this question for awhile in my life. And then I found the answer!
 
     In Rev. 21-22 we read about what many call the eternal state of believers and unbelievers. In Rev. 21:1-3 we read that the New Jerusalem (what we call heaven) comes down out of heaven (God's dwelling place) and finds it's place in the new heavens and new earth. (Rev. 21:10) Then we come to Rev. 21:3 where it say that God Himself will be with them. Now this doesn't answer much of our question so far... but read on.  Rev. 21:22-23 clears things up a little more for us. Hear in parallel form John tells us that in the New Jerusalem both the Lord God Almighty (The Father) and the Lamb (Jesus) are both the city's "Temple" and light source. Continuing the same thought in Rev. 22:1-3 the thrones of both God (The Father) and the Lamb (The Son) are located in the New Jerusalem. Specifically, it speaks of us (believers) worshipping there.
 
    So there's some biblical support that speaks of both God the Father and the Son dwelling with us in the New Jerusalem for eternity. Hope that helps! God Bless.