It is day 9, and I'm proud of you for accomplishing what you have so far! The Trinity is a component of our faith that is very complex and profound, making it difficult to fully grasp and understand. Although there is an element of mystery to it, I think what is below will provide some clarity for us, along with the video I have attached at the end of this section. Remember, there are elements of our faith that we must take by faith, and there are mysteries of God that we will never fully comprehend. And that is okay; it keeps us dependent on the Lord. Deuteronomy 29:29

There have been several analogies or metaphors used throughout history to help people understand the nature of the Trinity. It's important to note that while there are many analogies to help explain the Trinity, many lack sufficient connections to understand it in its entirety. Instead of attempting to provide an analogy, I pray that these visual illustrations might help you better grasp the concept of the Trinity.

Figures: 8 & 9

Read: Luke 3:21-22
This verse is great at showing us the Trinity. The father is represented in "voice", Jesus is physically there, and lastly, the Holy Spirit is represented as the "dove".

Read: Matthew 28:19
This verse is Jesus himself identifying all three parts of the Trinity.

Read: Genesis 1:26
Finally, we see the statement from God that he is making humans in "our image," which points to the Trinity. This means before the foundations of the world, Father, Son, & Holy Spirit existed.

God the Father:
1. Heavenly Father, who loves and cares for His children, wants all to come to repentance. (John 3:16, Psalm 103:13, 2 Peter 3:9)
2. Oversees and sustains the universe. (1 Corinthians 8:6, Nehemiah 9:6, Colossians 1:16–17)
3. He sets forth standards of righteousness and is a just God who holds people accountable to His standards. (Isaiah 33:22, Romans 2:5, Psalm 119:137–138, Deuteronomy 32:4, Acts 17:31, Romans 14:12)
 
God the Son:
1. Savior of humanity who died on the cross for the sins of the world. (John 3:16-17, Romans 5:8, 1 John 2:2)
2. Mediator between God and humanity. He is the only way to be reconciled to a relationship with God the Father. (John 14:6, Romans 5:10–11, Colossians 1:19–22)
3. Teacher and example of how to live a righteous and loving life. (1 John 2:6, Matthew 11:29, John 13:14–15)
4. Jesus is appointed as judge by the Father, in which he carries out judgment. (John 5:27, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Hebrews 1:3)
 
God the Holy Spirit:
1. Empowerer and guide of believers, providing spiritual gifts and guidance. (John 14:26, Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 12:4–7)
2. Revealer of truth and interpreter of Scripture, and draws us to repentance.. (John 16:13, 1 Corinthians 2:10–12, 2 Peter 1:21, John 16:8)
3. Comforter and encourager who brings peace and joy to believers. (John 14:16–17, Romans 15:13, Galatians 5:22–23)

The Christian faith sees the Trinity as One God. This is best understood as three in persons, but one being, meaning we hold to a monotheistic belief. We see, the Bible teaches that there is only one God.
 
Let's break this down:

• Being is defined as "What" you are. For example, I am a human "being".
• Person is defined as "Who" you are. For example, I am Roger, that is my "person;" I am unique in my person, there are no others like me on this earth. 
• As humans, we are 1 being with 1 person.
• God is 1 being with 3 persons (Father, Son, & Spirit).

Deuteronomy 6:4 "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one."

Isaiah 44:6 "Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: 'I am the first and I am the last; besides me, there is no god."

1 Corinthians 8:6 "Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist."

A great Theological term to learn is MONOTHEISM.

Monotheism: Is the belief that there is only one God.