Once we understand the definition of personhood (see “What is Personhood?”) we must now examine the issue of the doctrine of the Trinity. So, does Scripture state that God is a being of three "persons"? If so, we cannot argue against it because we would be arguing against the very definition of God Himself. God defines who He is in Scripture. We simply need to understand what it says.
What Does Scripture Say?
1. God is a person. We see throughout the OT and NT that God is a being which makes rational, intelligent, and moral decisions. Thus, if He exists, He must be a person.
2. Jesus was also a person. Very few would also question this fact. He was capable of making rational, intelligent, and moral decisions. His words are found throughout the 4 Gospels.
3. The Holy Spirit is a person. Many would argue this fact. Thus, we must examine the evidence:
- He has a name, the "Helper" (John 14:26). The same Greek word PARAKLETOS can be translated "Counselor" or "Comforter".
- He “thinks” and “knows” (1 Cor 2:10). Thus, He has a mind and will.
- He has a specific job - "to teach" (Luke 12:12; John 14:26; John 15:26; 1 John 2:27), and to "comfort" us. He also brings words of wisdom in times of need (John 14:26).
- He acts independently but according to God (John 16:13; Acts 15:28)
- He makes independent decisions according to His will (1 Cor 12:7-11).
- He is said to "hear" and then "speak" (John 16:13). Jesus also heard and spoke according to God (John 12:48-50)
- He has emotions. He can be grieved (Eph 4:30).
- He “intercedes” for us, or speaks on our behalf (Rom 8:26-27).
- He “inspires” (2 Pet 1:21) and sanctifies (or cleanses us) (1 Pet 1:21)
- He “strives” with men (Gen 6:3).
- He brings conviction upon all men (John 16:8).
- He distributes Spiritual Gifts (1 Cor 12:11).
- He directs church affairs (Acts 13:2).
- He “dwells” in believers (Rom 8:11).
- Additionally:
1. 4 times in John 14:17 it refers to the Holy Spirit as a "He" or "Him". The Greek word is AUTOS and is only translated as "it" in the NWT. The Greek word for Spirit is a neuter noun. A neuter noun is simply one without gender connotation. Thus, the NWT translators have chosen to use the pronoun "it". However, later in John 16:13 they change to "he". This is because the Greek text requires it. Thus, personhood is implied and in the English language we refer to persons with the pronouns "he" and "she".
2. 7 times in John 16:13 it refers to the Holy Spirit as "He" or "Him". Notice here that the NWT does refer to the Holy Spirit here as a "he".
Are All Three Persons the Same?
Yet, if all three are persons are they all the same? The following is evidence that supports the fact that they are all three separate but the same:
Evidence for Jesus as God:
1. God never changes (Mal 3:6) and Jesus never changes (Heb 13:8).
2. God is the only Savior (Isa 43:11; Jude 1:12; Titus 2:10; 1 Tim 4:10) and Jesus is the only Savior (Luke 2:11; John 4:42; Acts 4:12; 2 Tim 2:10; Titus 1:4; 2 Pet 1:1; 3:18; 1 John 4:14; Heb 2:10; 5:9)
3. God created the Universe and Earth by Himself (Isa 44:24; Gen 1:1) and Jesus created the Universe and Earth (Heb 1:10; Col 1:16; John 1:3)
4. God is the first and the last (Isa 41:4) and Jesus is the first and the last (Rev 1:17).
5. God forgives sins (Psa 103:2-3; Mark 2:7) and Jesus forgives sins (Mark 2:5).
6. God is our redeemer (Isa 63:16) and Jesus redeemed us (Titus 2:13-14).
7. God is the Holy One (Psa 16:10; 71:22; 78:14; 89:18; Isa 10:20) and Jesus is the Holy One (Acts 3:13-14; 13:34-35).
8. Only God is worshipped (Matt 4:10) and Jesus is worshipped (Matt 9:18).
9. God is Messiah (Isa 9:6) and Jesus is Messiah (John 4:25-26).
10. God is from everlasting (Psa 93:1-2) and Jesus is from everlasting (Micah 5:2).
11. Only God is glorified (Isa 42:8) and God glorified Jesus (John 5:23; Heb 1:8).
12. God is I AM (Exo 3:14) and Jesus is I AM (John 8:58).
13. God heals all diseases (Psa 103:2) and Jesus heals all diseases (Matt 8:16).
14. God is the Judge of the whole Earth (Gen 18:25; Psa 94:1-2) and Jesus is the Judge of the whole Earth (John 5:22).
15. God has life in Himself (John 5:26) and Jesus has life in Himself (John 1:4).
16. God raises the dead (John 5:21) and Jesus raises the dead (John 5:21).
17. Additionally:
- Jesus was One in the Father (John 10:30)
- Jesus was in the form of God and equal to God (prior to incarnation) (Phil 2:5-8)
- God called Jesus "God" (Heb 1:8, 10)
- God is said to have killed "Himself" at the cross (Acts 20:28)
- God is said to have "laid down His life for us" (1 John 3:16)
- God is said to have manifested in the flesh as Jesus, believed upon, and received up in glory (1 Tim 3:16)
- Stephen as he is stoned calls out to God by calling Him the "Lord Jesus" (Acts 7:59)
- Thomas confessed that Jesus is both Lord and God (John 20:28)
- Seeing Jesus is seeing God (John 14:8-9)
- Jesus is called "Emmannuel" which means "God with us" (Matt 1:23)
- John tells us explicitly that the people did not believe that Jesus was God (John 10:33). Thus, they crucified Him because He "made Himself God".
Evidence for the Holy Spirit as God:
1. God is love and the Holy Spirit is love (Rom 15:30).
2. God is life and the Holy Spirit is life (Rom 8:2).
3. God is truth and the Holy Spirit is truth (John 16:13).
4. God is forever and the Holy Spirit is forever (John 14:16).
5. God is Creator and the Holy Spirit is Creator (Gen 1:2; Job 33:4; Psa 104:30)
6. God is Omnipotent and the Holy Spirit is Omnipotent (all-powerful) (1 Cor 12:11)
7. God is Omnipresent and the Holy Spirit is Omnipresent (everywhere) (Psa 139:7-8).
8. God is Omniscient and the Holy Spirit is Omniscient (knows everything) (1 Cor 2:10).
Additionally, the promise of the Holy Spirit is at the heart of the New Covenant that God promised (Eze 36:26-27). Thus, when He came at Pentecost He was viewed as God. The early Church, then, went on to view Him as God (Acts 5:3-4).
Are All Three Ever Mentioned Together?
All 3 Persons are referred to together in several verses. Some of these verses are as follows: Gen 1:1-3; Isa 48:16; Matt 28:19; 2 Cor 13:14.
Conclusion
Thus, we can conclude that the definition of the Trinity, though difficult if not impossible to understand, is true. It is not true because the concepts are logically true but because God has defined Himself as such. He is, by His own definition, three persons in one.
1 comment:
SAVED BY GRACE
About 3 years ago I dropped into a black hole – four months of absolute terror. I wanted to end my life, but somehow [Holy Spirit], I reached out to a friend who took me to hospital. I had three visits [hospital] in four months – I actuallythought I was in hell. I imagine I was going through some sort of metamorphosis [mental, physical & spiritual]. I had been seeing a therapist [1994] on a regular basis, up until this point in time. I actually thought I would be locked away – but the hospital staff was very supportive [I had no control over my process]. I was released from hospital 16th September 2004, but my fear, pain & shame had only subsided a little. I remember this particular morning waking up [home] & my process would start up again [fear, pain, & shame]. No one could help me, not even my therapist [I was terrified]. I asked Jesus Christ to have mercy on me & forgive me my sins. Slowly, all my fear has dissipated & I believe Jesus delivered me from my “psychological prison.” I am a practicing Catholic & the Holy Spirit is my friend & strength; every day since then has been a joy & blessing. I deserve to go to hell for the life I have led, but Jesus through His sacrifice on the cross, delivered me from my inequities. John 3: 8, John 15: 26, are verses I can relate to, organically. He’s a real person who is with me all the time. I have so much joy & peace in my life, today, after a childhood spent in orphanages . God LOVES me so much. Fear, pain, & shame, are no longer my constant companions. I just wanted to share my experience with you [Luke 8: 16 – 17].
PEACE BE WITH YOU
MICKY
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