Topical Encyclopedia The doctrine of the Trinity is a central tenet of Christian theology, affirming that God exists as three persons in one essence: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This concept, while not explicitly named in Scripture, is derived from a comprehensive examination of biblical texts that reveal the triune nature of God.Old Testament Foundations The Old Testament provides glimpses of the plurality within the Godhead. In Genesis 1:26, God says, "Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness," suggesting a multiplicity in unity. The use of the plural pronouns "Us" and "Our" indicates a complex unity within the Godhead. Additionally, the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4 declares, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one." The Hebrew word for "one" (echad) can denote a composite unity, allowing for the understanding of a triune God. The Father as God The Father is universally recognized as God throughout Scripture. In the New Testament, Jesus frequently refers to God as His Father, affirming the Father's divine status. In John 17:3, Jesus prays, "Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent." This passage underscores the Father's role as the one true God. The Son as God The divinity of the Son, Jesus Christ, is affirmed in numerous passages. John 1:1 states, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This verse identifies Jesus (the Word) as both distinct from and fully God. In John 10:30, Jesus declares, "I and the Father are one," asserting His unity with the Father. Furthermore, Thomas addresses Jesus as "My Lord and my God!" in John 20:28, a declaration of Christ's deity that Jesus does not refute. The Holy Spirit as God The Holy Spirit's divinity is also evident in Scripture. In Acts 5:3-4, Peter confronts Ananias, saying, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit... You have not lied to men but to God." This passage equates lying to the Holy Spirit with lying to God, affirming the Spirit's divine nature. Additionally, 1 Corinthians 3:16 states, "Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?" Here, the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit is equated with the presence of God Himself. The Triune Relationship The New Testament contains several passages that present the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit together, highlighting their distinct personhood and unity. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19 instructs, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." The singular "name" coupled with the threefold designation underscores the unity and co-equality of the three persons. In 2 Corinthians 13:14, Paul concludes his letter with a benediction: "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." This blessing reflects the distinct roles and harmonious relationship within the Trinity. Conclusion The doctrine of the Trinity, while complex, is firmly rooted in Scripture. Through a careful examination of biblical texts, the triune nature of God is revealed, affirming the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as distinct persons sharing one divine essence. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 3:16,17And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, see, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting on him: Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 28:19 Romans 8:9 1 Corinthians 12:3-6 2 Corinthians 13:14 Ephesians 4:4-6 1 Peter 1:2 Jude 1:20,21 Revelation 1:4,5 Library That the Son is Eternal and Increate. These Attributes, Being the ... It Cannot Possibly be Proved from the Sacred Writings, that the ... The Trinity. The Trinity On the Holy Spirit Respondent: James Mahot Works and Letters of St. Ambrose Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity Treasure Christians have in the ... His Elaborate Account of Degrees and Differences in Works' and ... The Unity of the Divine Essence in Three Persons Taught, in ... This Opinion is Neither Heretical nor Allied to any Heresy Resources What does the Bible teach about the Trinity? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the ontological Trinity / immanent Trinity? | GotQuestions.org What is the economic 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) |
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