Photo by Devin Avery on Unsplash
God exists as three Persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Many years ago, my brother named his first-born child Trinity. I had never heard such a name for a girl but instantly had an affinity for it. I assume I liked the name as I grew up in the Catholic faith.
The Trinity is the Christian belief that God exists as three Persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — who are entirely God and yet one God. It’s a difficult concept to grasp. But the way I like to think of it is to imagine three lit matches coming together to light one candle.
I wondered where the term “Trinity” came from. I learned it originated from a Latin word meaning “triad” or “threefold.” An early Christian first used it to describe the doctrine of one God existing as three Persons.
The doctrine was formally defined at the Councils of Nicaea (325 AD) and Constantinople (381 AD). These theological discussions were rooted in the teachings of the Bible. Although the term is not used in the Bible, the doctrine is taken from various passages throughout scripture.
The first Bible verse to suggest a triune God is found in the creation story with the use of “us” and “our”.
“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…’” (Genesis 1:26, NIV)
My favourite passage is when John the Baptist baptized Jesus. It clearly shows the Trinity in action: God the Father speaks, Jesus (the Son) is baptized, and the Holy Spirit descends like a dove.
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’” (Matthew 3:16–17, NIV)
Jesus taught about the triune Godhead to His disciples.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” (Matthew 28:19, NIV)
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever — the Spirit of truth.” (John 14:16–17, NIV)
The apostle Paul wrote a blessing emphasizing the Trinity and the three distinct roles united in purpose.
“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13:14, NIV)
Although the Bible never explicitly uses the word “Trinity” it reveals the triune God — one God in three Persons — throughout its pages.