The Mystery of the Trinity
Talk about it @ www.pursueGOD.org/trinity.
Today we start a 5-week series on the biblical concept of “The Trinity” – one of the most debated and divisive doctrines in all of Christianity. In the Roman empire, heretical views of the Trinity almost prevailed over the biblical view. After this series, you’ll understand why the doctrine affirmed by all Christians today ultimately prevailed.
Show More
The concept of the Trinity is a mystery of God, but we grapple with it because it’s worthwhile to understand God as much as we can. In this first lesson we’ll offer a few basic ideas to keep in mind as we explore the mystery of God’s nature. In later lessons we’ll go into detail on the finer points of this important doctrine. Let’s start with a classical definition of the Trinity, one that we’ll come back to throughout this series:
There is one God who exists eternally in three persons.
The biblical doctrine of the Trinity may be hard to understand, but it isn’t hard to define. From the Old Testament onward, the Bible clearly teaches that there is only one God. Yet the early Christians heard Jesus claim to be God, and saw him rise to life from the dead. They experienced the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. So they had to figure out how to maintain the oneness of God, while holding equally to the deity of the Son and the Spirit.
The trinitarian definition of God includes two key ideas. First, God is a unity. This refers to his basic, undivided essence. Second, God is also a diversity. This refers to the three divine persons who interact with each other (and with humanity) within the triune God. We’ll talk more about these ideas in the next two lessons.
Now, some people believe this doctrine is a man-made construct because you can’t find the word “Trinity” in scripture. But that’s a short-sighted argument. Here’s the real truth:
Even though the word “Trinity” isn’t in the Bible, the idea of God being three in one is found throughout its pages.
The word “Trinity” is just
