That isGod is three Persons in onethe Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. 40:18; Rom. However, the biblical doctrine of the Trinity does not rest on one verse of Scripture, but is found throughout the Old and New Testaments. If you're looking for the best Christian jobs and careers, check out Cru's ministry job openings for full- and part-time missionaries and professionals. And that knowledge can feel liberating. Gods One-ness is his One divine essence, 3. How can three and one refer to the same God? Explore answers to life's biggest questions. The doctrine of the Trinity is foundational to the Christian faith. However, you dont want to stop there with a student who can participate in a discussion. The fact that the Holy Spirit is a Person, not an impersonal force (like gravity), is also shown by the fact that He speaks (Hebrews 3:7), reasons (Acts 15:28), thinks and understands (1 Corinthians 2:10-11), wills (1 Corinthians 12:11), feels (Ephesians 4:30), and gives personal fellowship (2 Corinthians 13:14). ETS members all confess the Father, the Son, and the Spirit to be "one in essence, equal in power and glory.". Deut. More posts you may like r/TrueChristian 4:47), In Hebrews (Heb. The Trinity consists of one being revealed in three distinct persons. Theologian R.C. However, let me highlight some of the most significant passages that confirm monotheism: Are you interested in learning more about the Godhead? He is also referred to in third-person singular pronouns (John 14:26), He engages in actions only a person can do: He searches (1 Cor. Before moving on tounderstandingthe idea of one Being existing in three Persons, I will point out that theBiblical idea of the Trinity goes all the way back to the first verse in the first chapter in the first book of the Bible. Modern theologians have created a distinction between the "economic Trinity" and the "immanent Trinity.". Geisler, N. L., and R. E MacKenzie, R. E. Roman Catholics and Evangelicals: agreements and differences. In other words, what are the objective attributes or properties that make up all rocks? The Trinity has a very significant application to prayer. The Trinity is more than just a vital doctrine. The New Testament lists all three Persons of the Trinity simultaneously, 6. 1:2;). The trouble with this one is that its a bit less visual. The Son is the Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity. How do we come to terms with these different ideas of God? I might end with sharing a few analogies from nature. But its not a mystery that can or should! But he avoids contradiction with this statement because he means that in one sense it was the best of times, but in another sense it was the worst of times. After all, children deal best with concrete ideas. What is Gods essence? Actually, March 17 commemorates St. Patrick's death, actually. Tozerputs it well in The Knowledge of the Holy. the one who is not a Christian. 2:17). This verse accurately states the doctrine of the Trinity that God is One God in three Persons. There is a clue that the Son is distinct from the Father, yet there is fellowship between them. But it is not. 1:20-21), In salutations and benedictions (2 Cor. Here is an indication of the divinity of the Word. The relationship between essence and Person, then, is as follows. He exists as a Trinity. And when he speaks, he refers to himself in first personas I (Deut. While some say . . Then I'll share an activity using the Celtic Trinity Knot to explain the Trinity to children along with the love that exists between each of its Persons and us. Fill this out to make sure you don't miss a thing! And likewise with the Holy Spirit. Learn how you can know God personally. 28:20; Col. 3:11), Omnibenevolent (John 13:34; Rom. In other words, you have contradicted yourself if you affirm and deny the same statement. But it is possible to go deeper. And this teaching gives us a glimpse into the incomprehensible greatness of God. Ive got you covered with all the basics, no matter your denomination. Its not unusual for teenagers to give Jesus a bunch of loving characteristics and then put words like justice and vengeance on God the Fathers poster. But it also raises many difficult questions. Why? That means that, as Christians, we believe in only one God. Thats what faith is being content with our own confusion while still knowing that God is bigger than we can comprehend. The substance of God is God, not a bunch of ingredients that taken together yield deity. You can't explain the Trinity to anyone who reasons because: 1) The Bible does not support it. 55 years on I've yet to hear or read an explanation of the Trinity that makes sense. That definition is a mouthful. For example, if I say that the moon is made entirely of cheese but then also say that the moon is not made entirely of cheese, I have contradicted myself. Or stated simply, the triangles what-ness.. 1:318; 1 Pet. One of the reasons Jonathan Edwards's vision of God has proved so helpful in my worship and ministry is that he does, and he doesn't, "explain" the Trinity. God is infinitely greater than we are; therefore, we should not expect to be able to fully understand Him. In John 1:1 it is affirmed that Jesus is God and, at the same time, that He was with God- thereby indicating that Jesus is a distinct Person from God the Father (cf. Learn about Cru's global leadership team. There are many illustrations which have been offered to help us understand the Trinity. The best way to teach the Trinity to ANYONE who is confused is with an object lesson. And these three Persons are the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It may seem that the Catholic Church and all the Protestant denominations dont have much in common, but they do have this creed to share. Deity of Jesus: 10 Essentials You Need to Know! Thats where the confusion comes from. . 3:16; 2 Pet. The Trinity was present in the atonement at the cross. The Holy Spirit isnt like an egg yolk, because the egg yolk is only part of an egg, whereas the Holy Spirit isnt part of God it IS God. But Keith Ferrin is noteveryhuman being.. The Trinity is first of all important because God is important. Now, as Fred Sanders once quipped, this doesn't mean you should begin every witnessing encounter, "God loves you . I think it is because they lack at least two pieces of information: The main confusion is that many people dont get this distinction. Since God is one in a different way than He is three, the Trinity is not a contradiction. The word "scripture " graphe First, we have God. Did your kids give each form of God different personality traits? 8:1417). To confess that the Father, Son, and Spirit are equal in power of course means that one does not rule over the other in any way. Several analogies help us apprehend the Trinity. (Againwere trying to grasp something that isnt fully grasp-able.). How we seek to journey together with everyone towards a relationship with Jesus. He exists as a Trinity. The different roles refer to a functional order or functional subordination.. Read more. Thus, we are not speaking with a forked tongue we are not saying that God is one and then denying that He is one by saying that He is three. Lets start with the geometric figure of the triangle itself. This is just an egg, or an apple, or H2O. Admittedly, the idea of three distinct persons/expressions that are each fully God is part of the mystery. These are all qualities of personhood. However,barais the singular conjugation of the verb. Have some fun taking various quizzes and assessments to learn about yourself and others. The three-ness and one-ness are two different features. It has been said, Try to explain the trinity and lose your mind, try to explain away the trinity and lose your soul. Weve made a comparison between this object and the Trinity. 8:2327), Resuscitates the dead (Matt. Everything in Christian theology and in the believer's life finally comes back to who God is: the divine nature, the persons of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. There is a clue that the Son is distinct from the Father, yet there is fellowship between them. But first, lets cover the basics. Grace is the promise that you stand forgiven before God if you know Jesus. In fact, would Jesus have us baptize in the name of a mere creature? Most of them are less-than-helpful. He is three in Person. In other words, there is one God who exists as three distinct Persons. 6:45; 32:39; 1 Kings 8:60; 2 Kings 5:15; Isa. The Holy Trinity is depicted in the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie in Gondar, Ethiopia. What does it take to begin a relationship with God? This leads us to investigate more closely a very helpful definition of the Trinity which I mentioned earlier: God is one in essence, but three in Person. We can never completely understand the Trinities one essence and three Persons. The Bible speaks of the Father as God (Phil. Jesus himself spoke of the one-ness of the Godhead when he quoted the Shema of Deuteronomy 6:4. 3. Omnipotence (Jer. Christ took Gods punishment, and wrath meant for us because of our sins (Heb. Monotheism. Youngblood, R. F., et al. Question: How do you explain the Trinity? We are dealing with fact. That may sound intimidating but dont worry Ill unpack that definition below. 18:20; Matt. Sigh. Does the Holy Spirit look like Casper? 3. Girls become divided, friendships are ruined, and reputations are tarnished. God the Son. We can discern and apprehend what it is. Kids understand the three different forms clearly, as separate objects. Two biblical teachings confirm the doctrine of the Trinity: How is that possible? 23:2324). 13:14; 1 Pet.1:2), In the story of the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1025), When Jesus promises the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 1:48), Peters sermon at Pentecost (Acts 2:33; Acts 3839), Peter and apostles answer the high priest (Acts 5:3032), During Stephens heavenly vision at his stoning (Acts 7:5556), In Peters sermon to the gentiles in Caesarea (Acts 10:3638; Acts 4448), When Peter reports to the Jerusalem church (Acts 11:1518), When Peter speaks at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:811), During Pauls interaction with Jewish leaders in Rome (Acts 28:2531), Pauls epistles (Rom. Because humankind is limited, God will always exceed our knowledge and understanding (Isa. The Bible is clear that all three Persons are each one hundred percent God. The Father is not one-third of the being of God, He is all of the being of God. They are three real persons, not three roles God plays. These three persons are of the same substance, equal in power and glory. December 19, 2018. Why? For example, it says of Christ that "in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form" (Colossians 2:9). Why not consider these truths and place your faith in Jesus (1 John 5:1)? But that doesn't mean the concept isn't clearly taught. Somehow Gods being is so much greater than ours that within his one undivided being there can be an unfolding into interpersonal relationships, so that there can be three distinct persons.[5]. You arent alone! While there are some illustrations which are helpful, we should recognize that no illustration is perfect. He is an extension of the sun and brings the sun directly to the world. But what exactly are essence or nature and personhood? On the other hand, we must say that the Persons are real, that they are not just different ways of looking at the one being of GodThe only way it seems possible to do this is to say that the distinction between the persons is not a difference of "being" but a difference of "relationships." Therefore each of the Persons into whose name we are to be baptized must be deity. Awareness of the distinct role that each Person of the Trinity has in our salvation can especially serve to give us greater comfort and appreciation for God in our prayers, as well as helping us to be specific in directing our prayers. All three Persons of the Trinity are God. Sometimes the Personhood of the Father and Son is appreciated, but the Personhood of the Holy Spirit is neglected. God addressed in the second person singular (you): 2 Sam. That is ok when it comes to rocks and triangles. For if we deny this, we have denied Gods unity and affirmed that there is more than one being of God (i.e., that there is more than one God). Ibid, p. 255. After all, as I have said many times (to myself as much as others! Trinity, in Christian doctrine, the unity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as three persons in one Godhead. 15:16), inspires, intercedes (Rom. They are all eternal. The The truth is always new, fresh, and exciting to the believer in Christ. After all, the Trinity is difficult to understand. After Christ rose from the grave, he appeared to the disciples and gave them a job to do: preach the Word to everyone. I am fully human. When you cut an apple in half, you can see that each of these three parts are different (at this point, you can cut the apple open for your kids! In this case, "immanent" means "the action remaining within an agent.". The concept of the Trinity is that we have God in three forms - a union of three. It is the Matthew 28:19 baptismal formula: Jesus said, Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in thenameof the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (emphasis mine). 1:2), and empowers us for service (Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. Many of us say it every single Sunday morning. The prologue of the Gospel of John has the strongest argument for the Trinity. Rather, everything that one Person is involved in, the other two are also involved in, one way or another. John says in the first verse of the book: "The Word was with God, and the Word was God." Here is an indication of the divinity of the Word. The Father and the Son are God almighty, omnipotent God. Famous pastor and authorA.W. Each person of the Trinity is equally and fully God, distinct from the others, and yet they remain just one God. 2:34; Heb. 139:711; Jer. But the Holy Spirit is not an it, but a He (see John 14:26; 16:7-15; Acts 8:16). As I said earlier, it means the same thing as being. If we can understand more precisely what is meant by essence and person, how these two terms differ, and how they relate, we will then have a more complete understanding of the Trinity. The Trinity is important to Christians because it reminds us that God is all-powerful, walked this Earth as a perfect human who can relate to our pain, and also lives on today in our hearts. Ask teenagers hard questions about the Trinity that will make them think, and dont bother trying to come equipped with the perfect answer to everything. LESSON 1: THE TRINITY AIM: To teach the children in simple terms the truth of the Godhead. Trinity comes from two word parts: tri, meaning three, and unity, meaning as one. The concept of the Trinity is that we have God in three forms a union of three. 1. When the global church comes together then powerful things can happen. Sometimes the Spirit is treated more like a force than a Person. God the Holy Spirit is the warmth you feel from the sun. At the risk of sounding too physical, essence can be understood as the stuff that you consist of.. 12:711), The Father is not the Son (Matt. 2:11), and performs miracles (Matt. The Apostle Paul also affirms the doctrine of the Trinity. Equipping families with practical approaches to parenting and marriage. And God seeks people to worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). 3:25; Dan. As Christians, we derive our concept of person from the relations in the Trinity. As long as a shape has those three angles that add up to 180 degrees, it doesnt matter what the angles degrees are. Then, ask them to write words on the poster that make up the character of God. 3:19; Eph. Therefore, it is often difficult to have a concrete definition of Person as we use it in regards to the Trinity. As Hebrews 9:14 declares. After understanding the difference between essence and personhood, most objections evaporate! At Jesus baptism, when Christ came up out of the water, the Spirit descended in the appearance of a dove. All three members of the Trinity have these characteristics. Jesus is the one whose life we try to copy. And the Trinity is an essential doctrine to our understanding of God. 32:39), Has personal traits, such as the ability to communicate (John 14:31), He has intellect (John 2:25), emotions (John 11:35), and a will (John 6:38), Has intellect (John 14:26; 1 Cor. 10:57), The Holy Spirit indwells every Christian. The doctrine of the Trinity states that God exists as one God in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit. Further, we should allow the fact that God is triune to deepen our worship. It's a great reminder of the three parts of the Holy Trinity! First of all I want to tell you that the Trinity is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Their prime usefulness it to show the mystery is not contradictory. Our kids are currently 2, 4, and 7, and its equally loved by all of them, so the Yoto age range is really wide! Must you become a better person so that God will accept you? Its okay for them to have a very limited understanding of God. Here we will summarize some of the fruits of their labor. For example: The Nicene Creed is recited during every service of Holy Communion . In this blog post, we are going to discuss the Holy Trinity in simple terms. No, the word Trinity does not appear in the Bible. John says in the first verse of the book: "The Word was with God, and the Word was God.". This command lists all three persons of the Trinity. Go ahead and start with one of the object lessons above. Stated differently, God is one in essence and three in person. Jesus (the Son) is God. But a common question arises: How do the members of the Trinity differ from one another?. ONLY the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are God.

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