The word Trinity is not in the Bible. But we use lots of words that are not in the Bible to explain the truths the Bible reveals to us. The words “transcendent” and “Incarnation” are not in the Bible either, but both describe biblical truths about God. The Bible is the record of how God has revealed himself to man. Theological statements such as “God is Trinity” are the result of the church’s inspired reflection on that revelation.
In part, the Creed of St Athanasius states: “that we worship One God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity; Neither confounding the Persons: nor dividing the Substance. For there is One Person of the Father, another of the Son; and another of the Holy Ghost. But the Godhead of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost is all One: the Glory equal, the Majesty co-eternal”.
The Trinity must first be known as an experience before it can be understood as a doctrine.
This is precisely what Jesus tells us in the gospel (John 3:1-15). “Verily, verily I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” The word “see” in this verse does no mean merely to look at. It means to know, to understand. Without the gift of the Spirit, by which we are born again, we cannot know God or understand the nature of his kingdom.
The same point is made in Revelation 4. St. John saw an open door in heaven and a voice invited him to “Come up hither.” “Immediately” he was “in the Spirit” in the presence of God. Only through the Spirit was John able to ascend into the presence of God and see heavenly things.
We must first know the Father through the Son in the Spirit before we can understand that God is three persons who are united in one substance of being. We must be worshipers of God before we can be Bible scholars or theologians.
Peace and blessings!
Fr. Thierry "For the vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay”(Habakkuk 2:3).
1 John 5:6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness , because the Spirit is truth. 7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
ReplyDeleteTrinity: relationships between the persons
The actual term “Trinity” is not found in Scripture, but the truths implied in a Trinitarian understanding of God are clearly set out. The OT hints at a plurality of Persons in the Godhead. The NT affirms that the Son and the Holy Ghost are divine.
There is only one God
Dt 6:4; Hear , O Israel: The LORD our God is oneLORD:
Isa 43:10-11 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD,and my servant whom I have chosen : that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed , neither shall there be after me. 11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour .; 44:8;
1Ti 1:17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. ;2:5; Jas 2:19
OT Plurality:
ReplyDeleteGod refers to himself in the plural.
Gen 1:26 And God said , Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air,and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. Also 3:22; 11:7; Isa 6:8
The Angel of the Lord:
Gen 16: And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child,and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction. 12 And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren. 13 And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said , Have I also here looked after him that seeth me? 14 Wherefore the well was called Beerlahairoi ;behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered. 15 And Hagar bare Abram a son:and Abram called his son's name, which Hagar bare , Ishmael. 16 And Abram was fourscore and six years old, when Hagar bare Ishmael to Abram.
The phrase “angel of the Lord” is identified yet distinct from God See also Gen18: 1-33, Ex 3:2-6; Jdg 13:3-12
The “word of the Lord” or “ wisdom of God” is personified and identified with, yet distinct from God: Ps 33:4
ReplyDelete4 For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth. 23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. 24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth ; when there were no fountains abounding with water. 25 Before the mountains were settled , before the hills was I brought forth : 26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. 27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: 28 When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: 29 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: 30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; 31 Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.
The Spirit of God:
The Spirit of God is God’s personal agent –
Gen1: 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. Neh 9: 20 Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and with heldest not thy manna from their mouth,and gavest them water for their thirst. Also Isa 40:13 Job 33:
The Messiah: The Messiah’s divine nature is emphasized
Psalm 110:1 The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born , unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor , The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Jer 23:5-6 Behold, the days come , saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper , and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. 6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Interchangable expressions: word. Spirit (or breath) and Lord are used interchangeably for God:
ReplyDeletePsalm 33:6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.
Isa 48:16 Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there am I: and now the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me.
61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted , to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound ;
NT References
Mt 28:19 The Unity of the Three Persons is reflected in the singular name.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”
Also
2 Co 13-14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
Ephesians 4: 4-6 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Rev 1: 4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; 5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
The Unity of the Three Persons
ReplyDeleteThe Son is fully united with the Father:
John 10:30 I and my Father are one.
Mark 9:37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me. See also Lk 9:48; Lk 10:16; Jn 10:38;12:44-45; 13:20; 14:7. 9-11; 15:23
The Spirit is identified with God:
2 Sam 23:2-3 The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.3 The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.
Psalm 51:11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
1 Cor 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
The three persons are distinct from one another
Jesus Christ addresses the Father directly-
Mt 11:25-26 At that time Jesus answered and said , I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. 26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. Lk 10:21
Matt 26:39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed , saying , O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will , but as thou wilt. Mk 14:36; Lk 22:42;
Matt 26:42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will bedone .
Matt 26: 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice,saying , Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hastthou forsaken me?
The Father speaks to his Son from Heaven:
Matt 3: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying , This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Mk 1:11 Etc
Matt 17: 5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. Mk 9:7 etc
John 12:27-28 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say ? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. 28 Father,glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
The Spirit speaks too the Father onbehalf of believers:
Rom 8: 26-27 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Other examples of differences between the Persons
ReplyDeleteMatt 12:32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come”
Matt 24:36 of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
John 7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believeon him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
John 16: 7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
1 Tim 2: 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
1 John 2: 1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
The Relationship between Father and Son
Jesus is God’s unique Son:
John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.
The greek word for “one and only” traditionally rendered “only begotten”is actually used to signify ‘only one of it’s kind”; “unique” See also John 1:1`8; 3:16;; Acts 13:33, Heb 1:5; Psalm 2:7; 1 John 4:9
The relationship between Father and Son is unique:
Matt 11:27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father:and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father,save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. Lk 10:22
John 6:46 Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hathseen the Father.
john 7:28-29 Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not. 29 But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.
John 8:55 Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.
John 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
John 17:25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have
known that thou hast sent me.
The Father loves the Son:
ReplyDeleteJohn 3: 35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.
See also John 5:20; 10:17; 15:9; 17:24
The Father shares his Divine Life with the Son:
Col 2: 9 For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
Col 1: 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell ;
John 5:20 For the Father loveth the Son, and showeth him all things that himself doeth: and he will show him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. See also 6:57
The Father delegates His authority tothe Son:
John 5:27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
Matt 28:18; Jn 3:35; 5:21-222; 16:15;
Rev 2:26-27 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
Father and Son indwell in each other:
John 14:10 Believest thou not thatI am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. See also Jo 10:38; 14:20; 17: 21-23
The Relationship between the Holy Spirit and the other Two Persons:
ReplyDeleteThe Spirit is the “Spirit of God” and “the Spirit of Christ”
Spirit of God:
Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so bethat the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Psalm 106:33 Because they provoked his spirit, so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips.
1 Cor 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned .
Philippians 3:3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
1 John 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
Spirit of Christ:
Acts 16:7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.
Gal 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying , Abba, Father.
Philippians 1:19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
1 Peter 1:11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow .
The Spirits unique relationship with God
ReplyDeleteMatthew 10:20 For it is not ye that speak , but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.
1 Cor 2:10-11 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
The Spirit’s unique relationship with the Son:
John 1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending , and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound ;
John 14:16-17, 26 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you… 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.
Acts10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
Trinity: Equality of the Persons:
ReplyDeleteThe Son, and the Holy Spirit are equal to God the Father in eternity, nature and status. Within the Trinity the Father is head, first among equals; the Son and the Holy Spirit do the Father’s will, glorifying him and making him known; and the Holy Spirit glorifies and makes known the Son.
The Son is Equal with the Father:
John 5:18, 23 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God. 23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
John 8:16 And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but Iand the Father that sent me. See also 14:9; 17:10; Php 2:6; Col 2:9; Rom 1:7;
The equality of the Father and the Son isimplied in the opening greetings of the Epistles: 1 Col 1:3; Gal. 1:3; Eph 1;2; 1 Thes 1:1; 1Titus 1:2; Philimon 3; 2Pe 1:2; Rev5:13
In Doxologies addressing both Father and Son or Son: Ro 9:5; Heb 13:21; 2 Peter3:18; Rev 7:10
The Holy Spirit is equal with the father and the Son:
2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
Matt 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
1 Peter 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied .
Rev 1:4-5 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come ; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; 5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
The obedience of the Son to the Father
ReplyDeleteThe Son submits to the Father in his Incarnation-
Philippians 2:6-7 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Matt 24: 36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. See also Jn 4:34; 6:38; 14:28, 31: Ro. 5:19; Heb 5:8; 10:5-7; Psalm 40:: 6-8
The Father is Jesus Christ’s “head”.
1 Cor 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
1 Corinthians 3:23 And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.
1 Corinthians 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
1 Corinthians 15:27-28 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
Equality and mutualityas the three persons glorify one another:
The Son glorifies the Father-
Rom 16:27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. [Written to the Romans from Corinth, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.]
John 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
Ephesians 1:5-6 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. see also 3:21; Php 2:11; Col 3:17; 1Pet 4:11; Jude 25
The Father and Son glorify one another:
ReplyDeleteJohn 17:1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: (In John’s Gospel the glory of Jesus is seen above all in the cross. See also Jn 8:54; 13: 31-32; 17:4-5,24; Acts 3:13
The Spirit glorifies the Father and the Son:
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come .
John 14:26 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.
John 15:26 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:
Eph 1: 13-14 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed , ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.