Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the Trinity, though not explicitly named in Scripture, is foundational to Christian theology, encapsulating the understanding of God as three distinct persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—in one essence. This triune nature of God is reflected in various scriptural passages, particularly in the context of benedictions and blessings.One of the most significant New Testament references to the Trinitarian formula in a benediction is found in the Apostle Paul's second letter to the Corinthians. In 2 Corinthians 13:14 , Paul concludes his epistle with a blessing that distinctly acknowledges the three persons of the Trinity: "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." This verse is a profound encapsulation of the roles and relationships within the Godhead, as well as their collective work in the life of believers. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ highlights the redemptive work of the Son, who, through His incarnation, death, and resurrection, provides salvation and unmerited favor to humanity. The love of God refers to the Father’s initiating love, which is the source of the plan of salvation and the sending of the Son. The fellowship of the Holy Spirit emphasizes the ongoing presence and work of the Spirit in the life of the church, fostering unity and spiritual growth among believers. The Old Testament also contains implicit references to the triune nature of God, which can be seen in the Aaronic blessing found in Numbers 6:24-26 : "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace." While not explicitly Trinitarian, the threefold repetition of "the LORD" has been interpreted by some theologians as a subtle foreshadowing of the Trinity, with each line reflecting the distinct yet unified work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The use of the Trinitarian formula in baptism, as commanded by Jesus in Matthew 28:19 , further underscores the importance of the Trinity in Christian doctrine and practice: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." This directive not only affirms the co-equality and co-eternality of the three persons but also establishes the Trinitarian foundation for Christian identity and mission. Throughout church history, the Trinitarian benediction has been a vital part of liturgical traditions, serving as a reminder of the comprehensive work of the triune God in the life of the church and individual believers. It encapsulates the essence of Christian blessing, invoking the presence and power of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the lives of the faithful. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Corinthians 13:14The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Letter Xlvi (Circa AD 1125) to Guigues, the Prior, and to the ... The Teacher Spirit The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit Ancestors of the Blessed virgin Ceremonies of Baptism and Chrism. Footnotes General Index to Socrates' Ecclesiastical History. To John the Oeconomus. The Second Homily. On the Annunciation to the Holy virgin Mary. Liturgical Use. Resources What is the origin of the doctrine of the Trinity? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are some popular illustrations of the Holy Trinity? | GotQuestions.org How can there be subordination / hierarchy in the Trinity? | GotQuestions.org Trinity: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Trinity: Baptism Administered in Name of The Trinity: Benediction Given in Name of The Trinity: Divine Titles Applied to the Three Persons In The Trinity: Doctrine of Proved from Scripture The Trinity: Each Person In, Described as Author of all Spiritual Operations The Trinity: Each Person In, Described as Creator The Trinity: Each Person In, Described as Eternal The Trinity: Each Person In, Described as Holy The Trinity: Each Person In, Described as Inspiring the Prophets The Trinity: Each Person In, Described as Omnipotent The Trinity: Each Person In, Described as Omnipresent The Trinity: Each Person In, Described as Omniscient The Trinity: Each Person In, Described as Raising Christ from the Dead The Trinity: Each Person In, Described as Sanctifier The Trinity: Each Person In, Described as Source of Eternal Life The Trinity: Each Person In, Described as Supplying Ministers to the Church The Trinity: Each Person In, Described as Teacher The Trinity: Each Person In, Described as True The Trinity: Salvation the Work of Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |