The Nature of the Trinity

    We have learned that there are three divine and distinct persons, Father, Son, and Spirit. Scripture in general, and Jesus in particular, are explicit that God is one (Deut 6:4; 1 Kin 8:60; Is 42:8; Mk 12:29-32; Jn 17:3; 1 Cor 8:4-6; Gal 3:20; 1 Tim 2:5; Jam 2:19). How is this possible? It is analogous to the way that a family can be one, yet many. In a family, the husband is the lover, the wife is the beloved, and the children are the consummation (completion) of the love. Each person is their own person, but through love, they are brought together as one unit. God is similar, but much, much more so. All human families have flaws, but God's love is perfect. The Father is the lover, the Son is the beloved, and the Spirit is the consummation. God has three persons, but only one essence, one substance. Through the Trinity, we can reach a better understanding of our knowledge that God is Love (1 Jn 4:8). God's love exists within God, and is entirely self-supporting.

    In addition, each person in the Trinity welcomes us into God's love. God the Father is around us sustaining all that is. God the Son is beside us as a man. God the Spirit is within us showing us the way. In these ways and through revelation, God welcomes us into God's love to a depth much beyond what would be possible without God's assistance.

This page was last changed on 2011/08/28