The “Trinity” or “Holy Trinity” is the primary title given to the Godhead of Christianity. Specifically, it refers to the way in which God exists as a triune being or how we understand Him to be three persons in one. Many have claimed that the Bible is unclear in regard to the trinity, but this is far from the truth. There are many relevant truths given to us in scripture that are helpful in our belief in the trinity. It is a concept that goes far beyond our human understanding but is nonetheless a marvelous characteristic about our Lord and God.

Who is Part of The Trinity?

The three persons of the trinity are identified as God the father, God the Son Jesus Christ, and God the Holy Spirit. These three are all coequally God in every sense and have existed eternally as such. While they do exist individually, they do not exist as three separate Gods. We believe there is only one God as scripture states (Deuteronomy 6:4). Therefore, our God uniquely exists in three distinct persons but is simultaneously united together as one. This is the profound mystery of it all.

God has also made references to Himself in a plural manner right at the beginning of the Bible. On the sixth day of creation, God says “Let us make mankind in our own image, in our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26). In referring to Himself as “us” He allows the reader to note His existence as multiple persons. As the Biblical story unfolds, we come to realize that God was exactly three persons from the beginning.

How Do We Understand Each Person?

As a Christian, we may have some confusions about connecting with a triune God. The way we overcome this apparent problem is by understanding the roles and functions of each distinct person. It is crucial to understand that each person shares in the fullness of deity and no person has a lesser form of divinity. All attributes that would be ascribed to God would simultaneously be given to the whole Godhead. Therefore, the only way they are different is in the role they play within creation and ultimately the plan of salvation.

It is best to understand the trinity in its relation to the earth and creation. Throughout biblical history we can clearly see the different roles each person of the Godhead plays. Firstly, we see God as the Father above and beyond all things. He exists in divine oversight over all things and is Himself creator and sustainer (Isaiah 64:7). However, the Father chooses to exercise these governing powers through the Son, Jesus Christ who is also the chief reason why all things exist and are held together (1 Corinthians 8:6; Colossians 1:16-17; John 1:3). In another prime example, the Father demonstrates His love and grace through the person and work of the Son Jesus Christ at the cross (Hebrews 1:1-4). Therefore, we can see a pattern of function in the Godhead in which the Father displays His mighty acts through the Son Jesus Christ and causes Him to be the cornerstone of our faith (Ephesians 2:20).

God chose to veil the full identity of Jesus Christ throughout the Old Testament because a trinitarian concept would have hindered Israel’s view of the Lord. In a world full of many idols, God did not want Israel to confuse Yahweh with idolatrous religions. Therefore, when the perfect time came God sent forth His son in human form to demonstrate His love and redemption (Galatians 4:4-5). God decided that He would progressively unveil the trinity throughout the plan of salvation. Although the mystery of Christ was hidden, He can still be seen all throughout the Old Testament in prophecies and divine appearances.

The Holy Spirit also plays a similar role in that both the Father and the Son send the Spirit to become the divine power of God realized in creation. In the Old Testament we see God the Holy Spirit come upon creation, fill men and women for mighty works and ultimately accomplish the will of the Father. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ comes in the power of the Spirit and promises to send this Spirit to every believer for this same divine empowerment (Romans 8:11).

The Son is the visible image of the invisible Father, and the Holy Spirit is the helper that fills and enables us to realize this divine revelation. In our salvation, Christ vindicates us before the Father and sends the Holy Spirit as a seal and confirmation of our deliverance (Ephesians 1:13-14). We desperately need all three persons of the trinity for our salvation and human existence for each person has a distinct role to play. This is why Paul prayed in 2 Corinthians 13:14 that “the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” Lastly a great example of all three persons at work is in the baptism of Jesus Christ in Matthew 3:16-17.

The Trinity is not a concept that can be perfectly understood or articulated. The supreme way of appreciating this glorious reality is reading about each person in the Bible. We see each person in divine operation from the very beginning and we will continue to see it until the end.

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