This time we do not have any assigned Bible passage for particular reading. But we will take some moments to cite several Bible references that relate to our topic. I hope you take time to read these references.
Most Christians believe in the doctrine of the Trinity. This doctrine states that there is only one God comprising three persons. Those who believe in one God, or monotheists, find this doctrine quite confusing. How can God be one and at the same time three? Jews, Muslims and Christian Unitarians do not accept the doctrine of the Trinity. They just believe in one God. That’s it.
Since this is a key doctrine to most Christians, it is worthwhile understanding it. In a sense this is a mystery and no one will ever be able to explain it fully, which is the case with all doctrines. But we can attempt to understand it as far as we can by analyzing the Bible records, and with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Christian Unitarians would say there is no word Trinity in the Bible. They are right. The word Trinity was coined only around the fourth century by the early Christian Fathers to express the idea that while God is one, He comprises three persons. Long before this the Bible was already written and hence did not have the word Trinity. It should be kept in mind that these Christian Fathers did not fabricate this doctrine out of the blue.They found considerable references in the Bible, especially in the New Testament, which mention the triune God. A few are listed hereunder.
Genesis 1:1- 2; Colossians 1:16 - These Old and New Testament passages say that God (understood as theFather), the Holy Spirit and Jesus the Son worked together in creation.
Matthew 3:16-17 - In the occasion of Jesus’ baptism the Spirit of God descended on Him like a dove. Whileunseen, the Father spoke from heaven saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Herewas the Son being baptized, the Spirit coming down like a dove, and the Father who spoke.
Matthew 28:19 - In the formula for baptism as given by Jesus “the name of the Father and of the Son and ofthe Holy Spirit” was included.
John 14:16 - Here Jesus the Son shall ask the Father to send the Counselor, Spirit of truth, to the disciples to bewith them forever.
Acts 7:55 - Stephen, the first Christian martyr, while dying, in a vision, saw the Son of Man (meaning Jesus)standing at the right hand of God (the New Testament writers often referred to the Father as just God). Stephenwas full of the Holy Spirit.
1 Peter 1:2 - Peter, Jesus’ disciple, in his letter to different churches referred to them as chosen by God theFather, sanctified by the Holy Spirit, in order to obey Jesus Christ, the Son.
Out of these and many more passages in the Bible evolved the belief that God is one in three Persons. Further discussions on the Trinity will be given in succeeding reflections.
Prayer: Lord, help us to know and understand you more, not only from our search of the Scriptures, but from our daily walk with you personally. Help us to grow in our faith, love, obedience and service to you. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
One God in Three Persons
By: Pastor Jose V. Velasco
Most Christians believe in the doctrine of the Trinity. This doctrine states that there is only one God comprising three persons. Those who believe in one God, or monotheists, find this doctrine quite confusing. How can God be one and at the same time three? Jews, Muslims and Christian Unitarians do not accept the doctrine of the Trinity. They just believe in one God. That’s it.
Since this is a key doctrine to most Christians, it is worthwhile understanding it. In a sense this is a mystery and no one will ever be able to explain it fully, which is the case with all doctrines. But we can attempt to understand it as far as we can by analyzing the Bible records, and with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Christian Unitarians would say there is no word Trinity in the Bible. They are right. The word Trinity was coined only around the fourth century by the early Christian Fathers to express the idea that while God is one, He comprises three persons. Long before this the Bible was already written and hence did not have the word Trinity. It should be kept in mind that these Christian Fathers did not fabricate this doctrine out of the blue.They found considerable references in the Bible, especially in the New Testament, which mention the triune God. A few are listed hereunder.
Genesis 1:1- 2; Colossians 1:16 - These Old and New Testament passages say that God (understood as theFather), the Holy Spirit and Jesus the Son worked together in creation.
Matthew 3:16-17 - In the occasion of Jesus’ baptism the Spirit of God descended on Him like a dove. Whileunseen, the Father spoke from heaven saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Herewas the Son being baptized, the Spirit coming down like a dove, and the Father who spoke.
Matthew 28:19 - In the formula for baptism as given by Jesus “the name of the Father and of the Son and ofthe Holy Spirit” was included.
John 14:16 - Here Jesus the Son shall ask the Father to send the Counselor, Spirit of truth, to the disciples to bewith them forever.
Acts 7:55 - Stephen, the first Christian martyr, while dying, in a vision, saw the Son of Man (meaning Jesus)standing at the right hand of God (the New Testament writers often referred to the Father as just God). Stephenwas full of the Holy Spirit.
1 Peter 1:2 - Peter, Jesus’ disciple, in his letter to different churches referred to them as chosen by God theFather, sanctified by the Holy Spirit, in order to obey Jesus Christ, the Son.
Out of these and many more passages in the Bible evolved the belief that God is one in three Persons. Further discussions on the Trinity will be given in succeeding reflections.
Prayer: Lord, help us to know and understand you more, not only from our search of the Scriptures, but from our daily walk with you personally. Help us to grow in our faith, love, obedience and service to you. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
One God in Three Persons
By: Pastor Jose V. Velasco