On Sunday morning as we began our Genesis series, we briefly touched on the theological teaching of the Trinity. \u00a0Although 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.'” \u00a0Scripture declares that there is one God in a few ways. \u00a0First, the singular use of the name, God, occurs 32 times in 31 verses in Genesis 1. \u00a0That includes verse 26 where the Trinity comes into view. \u00a0It is also seen in Deuteronomy 6:4 that says, “Hear, O Israel, the Lord your God is one.” \u00a0There are many other verses that teach that there is only one God. \u00a0Yet Scripture also clearly teaches the Trinity.<\/p>\n
The Trinity is seen in Genesis 1 as we have seen. \u00a0Most clearly the Trinity is seen in the baptism of Jesus in Matthew 3. \u00a0In Matthew 3, we have Jesus, God the Son, in the water being baptized. \u00a0Then we see God the Holy Spirit descending like a dove (Mt. 3:16). \u00a0Finally, we hear God the Father speaking saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Mt. 3:17). \u00a0This passage clearly refutes a false teaching known as modalism. \u00a0Modalism says that God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but that He is only one of those at a time. \u00a0So if God is the Father, then He cannot be the Son or the Spirit. \u00a0If He is the Son, then He cannot be the Father or the Spirit. \u00a0And if He is Spirit, then He cannot be the Father or the Son. \u00a0However, here in Matthew 3 we see all three members of the Trinity present. \u00a0Deuteronomy 6:4 (listed above) and Genesis 1 refute the false teaching of that there are three gods. \u00a0As 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). \u00a0Each 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.<\/p>\n
While we may not be able to fully comprehend the Trinity, we can scripturally see how the Trinity functions. \u00a0It 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. \u00a0The ultimate goal is the glory of God. \u00a0God’s glory is seen in many ways, but perhaps the most glorious way is in the salvation of sinful man. \u00a0It is in the context of salvation we will describe the Trinity’s unity and distinct roles. \u00a0Their unity is that they be glorified through the saving of souls. \u00a0That is the highest purpose. \u00a0However, each member of the Trinity has a different role to play. \u00a0It is God the Father’s plan to save people (Isa. 53:10;Eph. 1:4-7). \u00a0The Father’s plan was accomplished through the obedience of the Son, Jesus, dying on the cross (John 3:16; Rom. 5:8). \u00a0It is the work of the Holy Spirit to convict man of sin, draw them to Christ, and ultimately save them (John 16:8-11). \u00a0When a believe is saved, the Holy Spirit indwells them with a two-fold purpose. \u00a0First, to bear evidence that they are saved (Rom. 8:16). \u00a0Second, the Holy Spirit teaches us and guides us in how to live a holy life that is pleasing to God (John 14:26). \u00a0So we can see from Scripture that all three members of the Trinity are working and accomplishing one purpose. \u00a0Yet each member has a different, yet vital role in accomplishing that purpose.<\/p>\n
The doctrine of the Trinity is a glorious truth yet at the same time a deep mystery. \u00a0Yet if we are to worship God, we must accept the teaching of the Trinity because it is revealed in His Word. \u00a0This reminds me of an important point, God’s ways and thoughts are higher that ours. \u00a0There are mysteries according to the Bible (Deuteronomy 29:29). \u00a0But God has given us what we need in order to know Him, respond to His invitation of salvation, and to live for Him. \u00a0Remember, we walk by faith not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7).<\/p>\n
By His grace and through His strength may we live for Him<\/p>\n
Pastor Justin<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
On Sunday morning as we began our Genesis series, we briefly touched on the theological teaching of the Trinity. \u00a0Although you see two members of it in the first two verses of Genesis 1; the concept truly comes to the … Read More