On Sunday morning as we began our Genesis series, we briefly touched on the theological teaching of the Trinity. Although you see two members of it in the first two verses of Genesis 1; the concept truly comes to the forefront in Genesis 1:26 where it says, “And God said, ‘Let us make man in our image.'” Scripture declares that there is one God in a few ways. First, the singular use of the name, God, occurs 32 times in 31 verses in Genesis 1. That includes verse 26 where the Trinity comes into view. It is also seen in Deuteronomy 6:4 that says, “Hear, O Israel, the Lord your God is one.” There are many other verses that teach that there is only one God. Yet Scripture also clearly teaches the Trinity.
The Trinity is seen in Genesis 1 as we have seen. Most clearly the Trinity is seen in the baptism of Jesus in Matthew 3. In Matthew 3, we have Jesus, God the Son, in the water being baptized. Then we see God the Holy Spirit descending like a dove (Mt. 3:16). Finally, we hear God the Father speaking saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Mt. 3:17). This passage clearly refutes a false teaching known as modalism. Modalism says that God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but that He is only one of those at a time. So if God is the Father, then He cannot be the Son or the Spirit. If He is the Son, then He cannot be the Father or the Spirit. And if He is Spirit, then He cannot be the Father or the Son. However, here in Matthew 3 we see all three members of the Trinity present. Deuteronomy 6:4 (listed above) and Genesis 1 refute the false teaching of that there are three gods. As difficult as it is for our minds to wrap around this concept, Scripture teaches that there is one God who reveals Himself in three Persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Each member of the Trinity has distinct personal attributes, but they are without division of nature, essence, or being” (Baptist Faith and Message 2000). There have been many attempts to come up with illustrations to teach the Trinity; however, there isn’t a good illustration to teach the majesty of the Trinity.
While we may not be able to fully comprehend the Trinity, we can scripturally see how the Trinity functions. It is important to note that while each member of the Trinity is separate and distinct, they all function in harmony to achieve the ultimate goal. The ultimate goal is the glory of God. God’s glory is seen in many ways, but perhaps the most glorious way is in the salvation of sinful man. It is in the context of salvation we will describe the Trinity’s unity and distinct roles. Their unity is that they be glorified through the saving of souls. That is the highest purpose. However, each member of the Trinity has a different role to play. It is God the Father’s plan to save people (Isa. 53:10;Eph. 1:4-7). The Father’s plan was accomplished through the obedience of the Son, Jesus, dying on the cross (John 3:16; Rom. 5:8). It is the work of the Holy Spirit to convict man of sin, draw them to Christ, and ultimately save them (John 16:8-11). When a believe is saved, the Holy Spirit indwells them with a two-fold purpose. First, to bear evidence that they are saved (Rom. 8:16). Second, the Holy Spirit teaches us and guides us in how to live a holy life that is pleasing to God (John 14:26). So we can see from Scripture that all three members of the Trinity are working and accomplishing one purpose. Yet each member has a different, yet vital role in accomplishing that purpose.
The doctrine of the Trinity is a glorious truth yet at the same time a deep mystery. Yet if we are to worship God, we must accept the teaching of the Trinity because it is revealed in His Word. This reminds me of an important point, God’s ways and thoughts are higher that ours. There are mysteries according to the Bible (Deuteronomy 29:29). But God has given us what we need in order to know Him, respond to His invitation of salvation, and to live for Him. Remember, we walk by faith not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7).
By His grace and through His strength may we live for Him
Pastor Justin