The Trinity explained :-
1) There is only one God.
2) The Father is God.
3) The Son is God.
4) The Holy Spirit is a Person who is God.
5) The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are distinct from each other.
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We believe:
1) within the one Being or essence of God, there eternally exists three distinct yet equal Persons, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
2) in the full Deity and full humanity of Jesus Christ. These two distinct natures, perfect deity and perfect humanity, are inseparably united in the one Person.
3) in the full Deity and full personality of the Holy Spirit and in His work in regeneration and sanctification.
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If we expected today’s readings to give us a clear and elaborate presentation of the doctrine of the Blessed Trinity, we have found out that they simply do not. The doctrine of three persons in one God, equal in divinity yet distinct in personality, is not explicitly spelt out in the Bible. In fact the very word “Trinity” is not found in the Bible.
Rather early Christians arrived at the doctrine of the Trinity when they applied their God-given reason to the revelation which they had received in faith. Jesus spoke about the Father who sent him (the Son) and about the Holy Spirit whom he was going to send. He said that the Father had given him (the Son) all that he has and that he in turn has given to the Holy Spirit all that he has received from the Father. In this we see the unity of purpose among the three persons of the Trinity.
In the story of salvation we usually attribute creation to the Father, redemption to the Son and sanctification to the Holy Spirit. Nevertheless, though they are distinct as persons, neither the Father nor the Son nor the Holy Spirit ever exists in separation or acts in isolation from the other two persons of the Godhead.
The inner relationship of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in such a way that each of them is fully and equally God, yet there are not three Gods but one is incomprehensible to the human mind. It is a mystery.
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The story is told of St Augustine of Hippo, a great philosopher and theologian who wanted so much to understand the doctrine of the Trinity and to be able to explain it logically. One day as he was walking along the sea shore and reflecting on this, he suddenly saw a little child all alone on the shore. The child made a whole in the sand, ran to the sea with a little cup, filled her cup, came and poured it into the hole she had made in the sand. Back and forth she went to the sea, filled her cup and came and poured it into the hole. Augustine went up to her and said, “Little child, what are doing?” and she replied, “I am trying to empty the sea into this hole.” “How do you think,” Augustine asked her, “that you can empty this immense sea into this tiny hole and with this tiny cup?” To which she replied, ” And you, how do you suppose that with this your small head you can comprehend the immensity of God?” With that the child disappeared.
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Like Augustine we may not be able to understand the how of the Trinity but I think it is very important to understand the why. Why did God reveal to us this mystery regarding the very nature of the Supreme Being?
The importance of this doctrine lies in this: we are made in the image of God, therefore, the more we understand God the more we can understand ourselves. Experts in religion tell us that people always try to be like the God they worship. People who worship a warrior God tend to be warriors, people who worship a God of pleasure tend to be pleasure-seeking, people who worship a God of wrath tend to be angry people, etc. Like a God, like the worshipers.
So the more important question for us to ask today is: What does the doctrine of the Blessed Trinity tell us about the kind of God we worship and what does this say about the kind of people we should be? And here I have two points to share with you.
1. God does not exist in isolated individualism but in a community of relationships. In other words, God is not a loner or a recluse. This means that a Christian in search of Godliness (Matthew 5:48) must shun every tendency to isolationism and individualism. The ideal Christian spirituality is not that of flight from the world like that of certain Buddhist monastic traditions where the quest for holiness means withdrawal to the Himalayas away from contact with other people and society.
2. True love requires three partners. You remember the old saying “Two is company, three is a crowd.” The Trinity shows us that three is community, three is love at its best; three is not a crowd. Taking an example from the human condition we see that when a man A is in love he looks for a woman B so that together they can produce a baby C. Father, mother and child – love when it becomes complete becomes a trinity. Over and above that, each one of us becomes fully human only when we are in relationship with God and in relationship with others. In that way our life becomes Trinitarian like that of God. The doctrine of the Blessed Trinity challenges us to adopt an I-and-God-and-neighbour principle.
May the grace of the Holy Trinity help us to banish all traces of selfishness in our lives and to live in love of God and of neighbour.
Tags: Bible, christians, god, holy, jesus christ, love, thoughts, trinity
Hi there, I was searching for a good explanation of the trinity and I stumbled to this site. I have read this article unfortunately with all due respect there is a logical error in the concept of the trinity you have explained.
Before i mention it I wanted to say it is important to note I am not saying this because I want to prove u wrong or win a debate or even hurt you. I believe in ONE God and from your article you believe the same, but your concept of God is different and i felt like sharing my opinion with you and hope it helps.
According to Aristotles 1st law of logic we come to know:
If A=B AND B=C THEN A=C provided the first two premises are all true. This logical concept is used for human beings to rationalise with one another.
So for example if I was to say ALL Men speak the truth and John is a Man, then this means John speaks the truth.
MAN = Speaks the truth, JOHN = MAN, Then JOHN = Speaks the truth.
Therefore from the diagram you have presented of the trinity you have stated:
Jesus = GOD, Father = GOD, Holy Spirit = GOD. According to the 1st law of universal Logic This should mean Jesus = Father = Holy spirit. But you have shown Jesus != Father != Holy spirit. I fail to understand the this.
Thanks
I’m not trying to dis on anyone or anything but with the bible saying that the lord (Jesus) is the Spirit it just bothers me a little that, that picture is up there.
Oh yeah and then you got, 1 Corinthians 8:6, “… yet for us there is only one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.” In this above verse the bible is saying that there is only one God the Father and one Lord, Jesus(the son)
“To you it was shown, that you might know that the Lord Himself is God; there is none other besides Him … that the Lord Himself is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other.” (Deuteronomy 4:35-39) And then in this verse above, the bible says The Lord is God.
So if The father is the one God, and Jesus is God too wouldn’t that make the father jesus and jesus the father?
But I don’t really know forsure, No one will completely understand it as humans on Earth. I agree that we can not even began to comprehend the Trinity completely.
Would love to hear back from who ever gets these. thanks,
-Anthony Brogan
@M45H11
I’m not a religious person so I won’t claim to know anything about this really, but I think this may help you understand the diagram.
Take your hand for example. It has five fingers; thumb, index, middle, ring, & pinky. All five fingers separately have their own name and purpose. Yet they are part of a larger being; the hand. The hand is all of them, yet they are not all each other. The pinky is not the thumb and the middle is not the ring, but they are all together the hand.
Not sure if that is a correct depiction of the whole scheme of things, but I just thought of that when reading the diagram and your comments.
Hopefully I helped in some way.
Best Regards,
Zach
Very nice example. Another one is the water analogy! Water can be a liquid, a solid, and a gas, but still remains water! But each form of it is different and has its own different purposes.
Even though there are three uniquely different states of water, (liquid, solid, and gas) they are still water. In the same way, these states of water can remind us of the triune nature of God.
The solid form of water (ice) reminds us of God the FATHER. Ice is hard. It is solid. In the same way, God the FATHER is our solid foundation. (“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.” Psalm 89:14)
The liquid form of water reminds us of God the SON. Water is useful for cleansing. In the same way, God the SON, died on the cross to cleanse us of our sin. (“How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!” Hebrews 9:14)
The gas form of water reminds us of God the HOLY SPIRIT. Gas cannot be seen, but you can see the effects of it. As we did when we saw the water droplets on the plastic, or felt the warmth of the steam from the hot water. In the same way, the HOLY SPIRIT cannot be seen, but the effects of his presence can be seen and felt in our lives as the HOLY SPIRIT works to make his will known to us and to change us to be more like him.
Trinity is like this when a woman and a man who are single get married they become one in flesh.So the same way it is with God the Father,Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Joh 4:24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
Luk 23:46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.
Hi Zach and Georgy…Glory all to God of heaven with your illustrations about the Holy Trinity… The water illustration is just wisdom and I am in awe.
Praise to our Lord Jesus and to ur Holy Father in heaven
My Regards with you with the Love of Jesus
hi zach,
Brother Georgy, i am totally blown away by your explaination of water in it’s many forms. I think and believe the HOLY SPIRIT has spoken through you..
PRAISE, GLORY AND HONOUR BE TO GOD!
Larry
Trying to understand trinity but could not. If The three persons are seperate but one god then what happened when Jesus (PBUH)were in earth and where the father was then if they are one. How can they exist separately. Then I have to say that Jesus (PBUH)and father are parts of God.
Faruque i think trinity is like this when you and you wife met you were two seperate beings.However when you got married the bible say in Genesis 1-2 you two became one in flesh.You are two different persons with each of their own minset but now that you are married you are one in flesh.
Patrick bro you are in a way wrong…
see I will tell you … the doctrine is like this
Who is God(Jahwe/Allah)?
He is the one who fills the entire universe… with the power to create and destroy.
He appeared as a human being by taking body from a human being. By this way he is a perfect human being and a perfect deity too.
“Then who was in heaven?” this question seems to be not at all meaningful since his power and glory always filled the universe(heaven too)but at the same time he made himself visible to us as a human being.
Why was it?
It was to free human beings from the clutches of the saitan.Remember the sin at Eden corrupted the human souls and made us inferior and sinners. God appeared as a human being and made himself the great sacrifice and who himself was the priest too.
Jesus himself said that he was much more than the first created human being Adam (before sin).He said “I AND MY FATHER ARE ONE”
In another situation He says “BEFORE ABRAHAM WAS I”
THUS you realise Jesus and Father each has separate personality but remains one.
Now regarding Holy Spirit…
AT THE TIME WHEN JOHN THE BAPTIST BAPTIZED JESUS….
The spirit of God appeared in the form of a dove and a sound from heaven was heard “THIS IS MY OWN DEAR SON WITH WHOM I AM PLEASED”
Later after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension as he has promised the comforter(paraclete)came and made disciples strong believers of God courageous. The Holy Spirit appeared then in the form of strong wind and fire.
All these incidents portray the three personality but the oneness of God(Jahwe/Allah).
With careful reading of the bible you can find more revelations.
Remember, the doctrine is based on the revelations by Christ himself in the Holy Bible.
Be inspired and motivated…
Be the seekers of the truth…
May the loving God bless you all…
THIS IS NOT LOGICAL , SORRY BUT THE TRINITY CAN ONLY BE EXPLAINED BY THE PAGAN’S THAT MADE IT UP
God must and should be worshiped alone because he is the Only Creator! did jesus say he was god?did he say he created the creation and mankind.God has no beginning and no end. jesus was a mighty prophet who was sent to the children of israel[bible].God cannot die or be crucified, and neither was jesus crucified or killed, God raised him unto Him, to return once more to set things straight.
The word became flesh in St.Mary’s womb.
>>>St.Mark 1:10,11
Jesus came from
Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.
{1:10} And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw
the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit like a dove descending
upon him: {1:11} And there came a voice from heaven,
[saying,] Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well
pleased.
Jesus said
“I am the light of the world” (John 8:12)
“I am the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6)
“I am the only way to the Father” (John 14:6)
“I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25)
“I am the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11)
“I am the door” (John 10:9)
“I am the living bread” (John 6:51)
“I am the true vine” (John 15:1)
“I am the Alpha and Omega” Rev.1:7,8)
God was pleased with Abraham when he became ready to sacrifice his promised son to Sarah,Isaac to God.
They actually depicted the Heavenly Father and the Son(the word of God in flesh, Jesus) who would come and become the ultimate sacrifice.
Among Isaac’s descendants the Saviour was born …
Jesus – Descendant of Isaac
But God said to Abraham, “Do not let it be displeasing in your sight because of the lad or because of your bondwoman. Whatever Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice; for in Isaac your seed shall be called. Genesis 21:12 (NKJ)
Joseph was engaged to St.mary and appointed as the caretaker for St.Mary by God when Jesus was in her womb. Joseph played a great role in bringing up the child Jesus. Jesus was known to people as son of Joseph, who was a descendant of Isaac’s son Jacob.
Jesus was human as well as the word of God.
He called himself “Son of man” at times which referred to Jesus’ role as Savior-King, fulfilling the messianic prophecy of Isaiah.
(Read Isaiah 53)
Isaiah 53 is the most comprehensive prophetic passage of the coming Messiah, and clearly depicts him as the suffering Savior.
Isaiah had also referred to the Messiah as “Mighty God,” “Everlasting
Father,” Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
Daniel prophesies that the “son of man” will be given authority over mankind and receive worship:
“I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him.”
(Daniel 7:13,14)
So who is this “son of man,” and why is he being worshiped, when God alone is to be worshiped. Jesus told
his disciples that when he returns to earth, “Then everyone will see the Son of man arrive on the clouds with
power and great glory” (Luke 21:27). Jesus is saying here that he is the fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecy.
Jesus accepted worship from St.Thomas. He claimed to be the “Son of God” and, the ‘Son of God’ is a divine title.”
As Jesus was preparing his disciples for his upcoming death on the cross and departure, Thomas wanted to
know where he was going and the way there. Jesus answered Thomas:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you
had known who I am, then you would have known who my Father is. From now on you know him and have seen him.” (John 14:5-9)
They were confused. Philip then speaks up, asking Jesus to “show us the Father.” Jesus’ answers Philip with these shocking words:
“Philip, don’t you even yet know who I am, even after all the time I have been with you? Anyone
who has seen me has seen the Father!”
In effect Jesus was saying, “Philip if you want to see the Father, look at me!”
Prior to leaving earth, Jesus explained the scope of his authority:
“Jesus said, ‘I have been given complete authority in heaven and on earth’”
(Matthew 28:18, NLT).
Consider the word of God….
“Do not worship any other gods besides me” (Exodus 20:3 NLT).
After Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples told Thomas they had seen the Lord alive (John 20:24-29).
Thomas scoffed, telling them he would only believe if he could put his fingers on the nail wounds of Jesus’ hands and into
his pierced side. Eight days later the disciples were all together in a locked room when Jesus suddenly appeared
in front of them. Jesus looked at Thomas and told him to “Put your finger here and see my hands. Put your hand
into the wound in my side.”
Thomas needed no more proof. He instantly believed, exclaiming to Jesus:
“My Lord and my God!”
Instead of reprimanding Thomas for worshipping him as God, Jesus commended him, saying:
“You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who haven’t seen me and believe anyway.”
While John the apostle was in exile on the Island of Patmos, Jesus revealed to him the events that will occur in the last days.
In the vision, John describes the following incredible scene:
“Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven. And everyone will see him—even those who pierced
him….’I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,’ says the Lord God. ‘I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come, the Almighty One.’”
So who is this Person who is called “the Alpha and Omega,” “the Lord God,” “the Almighty One”? We are told that he was “pierced.” That makes it clear that the Alpha and Omega is Jesus. He is the one who was pierced on the cross.
Those with spirits of err disclaim the salvation the Almighty offered through his son’s sacrifice on the Cross but, blessed are who believes without doubt.
Hebrew {10:29} Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden underfoot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
Philippians 2:5-11
5Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
2 Peter{2:1} But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
Revelation by Jesus to his dearest disciple John…
Revelation{20:10} And the
devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and
brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet [are,] and
shall be tormented day and night forever and ever.
Just believe Jesus and come to the truth…
The truth shall set you free…
Glory to God… Amen.
The belief in triune God was there from the very beginning of Christianity. When false teachings against God’s nature came up , the Church Fathers written down the doctrine in 4th Century to prevent false Christianity.
Such false Christianity existed in various parts of Arabia too. They must be called False Christians and some depicted God ,Mary and Jesus as trinity and which was certainly a danger.
Those in Egypt and near by places believed in a trinity -
trinity like Isis, Osiris and Horus.
Osiris was god of goodness, Isis was his wife; they married and they had a child whom they called Horus and we know that the ancient Egyptians believed in such a trinity. There were other people like ancient Egyptians who believed in similar things; they worshiped the goddess of heaven but when they came to know about Christianity they applied the one false trinity to the true one they said, “Well this is very simple we already believe that heaven is a goddess. Ok then, Mary must be a goddess and then God must have married Mary and gave birth to Jesus ;this is the Mariamites heresy but Christianity fought against such heresy and banned it.
Many misunderstood true Christians as worshipers of three Gods but infact they were not. This happened only because of the false trinity developed from the pagans.
Christians are not pagans but are true believers of triune God.
Many including Prophet Mohammed (Ishmaelite) misunderstood Christians because of the false doctrines prevailing at that time in some parts of Arabia and near by places.
God blessed both the descendants of Isaac and Ishmael.
Both believe in the same God and trinity was not made up by pagans.
Christ revealed it and he remains our Lord and Savior.In last days Christ will receive the ultimate power and glory and judge everyone .Those who accepted him as Lord and Savior will be taken to him(Sincere Christians).All others will be judged and given Paradise based on their good deeds and faithfulness to God(Go through Revelation by Christ to John).
Just understand Christ is the word and spirit of the Father and certainly the word and spirit of God are not created but were with in him from the very beginning.The word appeared in flesh(Christ).The spirit was also on him to strengthen him.
See the Revelation 5:9-14
9 And they sang a new song, saying:
“You are worthy to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
and with your blood you purchased for God
persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.
10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
and they will reign on the earth.”
11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders.
12 In a loud voice they were saying:
“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!”
13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!”
14 The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
WHO IS THE “LAMB OF GOD” HERE? HE IS CHRIST JESUS WHO CAME AND SACRIFICED HIMSELF ON THE CROSS FOR THE SINS OF MANY.
HE IS WORTHY OF PRAISE AND WORSHIP.
GLORY TO TRIUNE GOD…
There are three groups of Christians, namely Trinitarians, Oneness (Jesus Only, and Monotheistic Christians who believe in One God Yahweh. They believe that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God and not the Third person of the Trinity. They believe that Jesus is the Son of God and not the second Person of the Trinity. God is a Spirit and not a Person, only Jesus was a Person. God was manifest in three offices (not person)as God the Creator, in His Son Jesus Christ and in the Holy Spirit. During his ministry on earth Jesus Christ was God in the flesh. The Spirit in Jesus was God, the flesh and blood person of Jesus was not God, he was a sinless Lamb of God created to take away the sins of the world. Monotheistic Christians worship Jesus as Lord and Saviour and coming Messiah and King. They worship him as the Son of God but not as God or as the Second Person of the Trinity. The word Trinity does not appear in the Bible it is a pagan and Hindu concept borrowed by Christianity. It is okay for Christians to believe that Jesus is God and that the Holy Spirit is God but it is not okay to use the concept of the Trinity. Believe what you want to believe but please drop the word Trinity. Trinity comes from the Hindu concept of Thirimuthi, one God with three faces, a concept borrowed by Plato.
You are right Brother ,but we are one in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The difference of opinions should not not make any problem for believers in Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
We all believe in one true God. Yahweh, The God of Abraham ,Isaac and Jacob.Doctrines or way of looking at things may be different. But we are all one in our Lord.
We must be cautious against false prophets and false messiahs as told by Jesus.
Jesus Christ fulfilled everything and offered salvation to everyone who believes in him and accepts him as Lord and Saviour.
REMAIN JOYFUL BECAUSE OF OUR LORD…. AND LOVE EVERYONE AND PRAY FOR THOSE WHO PERSECUTE YOU as commanded by our Lord.
Do not follow Eye for an Eye ,Tooth for a Tooth policy.
Obey his Holy Commands…
We must make ourselves perfect in prayer and meditation for the God’s Holy Spirit to dwell in us. Let us expect our Lord Jesus’ return for the rapture of his people by transforming our mortal bodies in to heavenly bodies and for the glorious life with him eternally.
Lord Jesus Come Soon…
Amen…!