DAY 9: THE TRINITY

Download To Listen:

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

Trinity Analogies:

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

Where do we find the Trinity in scripture?

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.

What are some of the distinct roles within the Trinity?

(This is not an exhaustive list)

God the Father:
1. He oversees and sustains the universe.
2. Heavenly Father who loves and cares for His children.
3. He is a just judge who holds all people accountable for their actions.
 
God the Son:
1. Savior of humanity who died on the cross for the sins of the world.
2. Mediator between God and humanity, enabling reconciliation and relationship.
3. Teacher and example of how to live a righteous and loving life.
 
God the Holy Spirit:
1. Empowerer and guide of believers, providing spiritual gifts and guidance.
2. Revealer of truth and interpreter of Scripture.
3. Comforter and encourager who brings peace and joy to believers.

Is the Trinity three different Gods, or just one?

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 "Whom" 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).

What does Scripture say about God being one?

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.

Bonus Help:

This is a great video by Nabeel Qureshi that is a great resource on going deeper within this topic. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0JpwOSKRC0

VERSE OF THE DAY

Luke 3:21-22

 "When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

Today's Questions

Additional Resources

Book - God the Trinity: Biblical Portraits
- Malcom Yarnell : Click Here