Notes on the Trinity I began this study when, as a young Christian, I first encountered the teachings of the Jehovah's Wittnesses. My desire, then and now, was only to know what the Bible taught on this matter. I hope that this will be helpful to others, and I welcome any feedback. The Lord bless you as you study His Word. I. INTRODUCTION 1. Can God be understood? - No. He in infinite, all-powerful, and all-knowing. - We are finite. We are limited. a) 1 Timothy 3:16 "Godliness is a great mystery" b) Isaiah 55:8-9 "My thoughts are higher than yours" 2. The Trinity is not three gods! Jehovah God is one God who has revealed Himself in the Bible in three distinct persons. 3. Can 3 be 1? - Yes. The idea of oneness can be singular or collective. ie: one grape - one bunch of grapes. a) therefore, groups become "one" - man and woman become one in marriage - several individuals are one family; b) But this does nothing for our understanding of God. Can the same thing be 3 different things at the same time? I would say yes, but this is not what the Trinity is. The Trinity shows us that each person though different in their person is the same in their nature (substance, make-up, attributes, qualities). c) the key phrase is "at the same time". Can one thing take on 3 different forms at the same time? - Yes. Even in our finite, physical world this is true. ie. the triple point of water, in a vacuum tube lower temperature down to 00 C. The top third is steam, middle third liquid, bottom third ice. The thing (H2O) is in three different forms at the same time, yet is still water. d) Having shown this, can you honestly believe that it is not possible for God to have revealed Himself in three persons? 4. We have a basic, common belief that is to be recognized immediately; the fact that there is only one true God. This is found throughout the Bible. - Isaiah 43:10,11 "One God" - Galatians 3:20 "God is only one" - James 2:19 "Even the demons believe, and shudder" - 1 Timothy 1:17 "The only God" a) Once this is determined, we have a small problem to overcome. What about the other gods spoken about briefly? If there is only one true God, are there other lesser gods? - Can not be, according to scripture - Isaiah 45:5,14,18,22 - John 17:3 - Isaiah 44:6 - Isaiah 43:10 - Exodus 20:23 - there are "other gods" mentioned throughout the Bible, but they are, without exception, created and therefore false gods. They are by nature something other than the one true God, who alone is to be the object of our adoration and worship. - See Galatians 4:8 "who by nature are not gods" - So we answer our question by saying that "No, there are not other lesser gods," and that "These other so-called gods are not really gods, but created, and therefore false gods." - Anything can be made out to be "a god"; money, people, angels, philosophies, or a tree stump; just worship it and it becomes your god. - In every case, these things or persons depend on God for their existence. - they are, by nature, something other than the one true God. b) So now we know that there is only one true God, and we know a little about the other so-called gods of the Bible - that they are not really gods at all but created beings. - this is a common truth and belief between us. 5. We also have the following truths common to us. 1) God cannot lie. 2) Jesus can/has/will not lie. 3) Holy Spirit can/has/will not lie. - If you disagree with any of these statements, then we are not to trust the Bible, as it, or any part of it, could be a lie. II. OUR REASONING 1. This then shall be the line of deductive reasoning (that's logic) that must be followed given the few basic truths that we agree upon: IF: 1) It can be shown that there are three persons AND: 2) these three persons are called Jehovah God by reliable sources in the Bible; THEN: 3) These 3 persons are God. 2. Our best sources are obviously the three persons whom, as we have agreed, cannot lie. a) Therefore, if the Father calls Himself or either of the other two persons Jehovah God, then that person IS God. b) Also, if the Son (Jesus) calls Himself or either of the other two persons Jehovah God, then that person IS God. c) And the same is to be said about the Holy Spirit. 3. If in fact there are three persons in the Bible who are called God, then they ARE God, whether or not we understand how this could be. Agreed? III. GOD, THE FATHER 1. It is generally accepted by almost everyone that the person of the Father in the Bible is God. 2. Further proof: - 2 Peter 1:17 "God the Father" - John 1:18 "Who is at the Father's side" - John 5:23 "honour...the Father who sent Him." IV. GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT PART A: The Person of ... 1. He can teach. - Luke 12:12 "Holy Spirit will teach you what to say" - 1 Corinthians 2:13 words taught by the Holy Spirit; here, the Holy Spirit also interprets, which requires thought. (Intellect) - Hebrews 9:8 "Holy Spirit was showing by this" 2. We can have fellowship with Him. - 2 Corinthians 13:14 "and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit" 3. He gives. - 1 Thessalonians 1:6 "joy given by the Holy Spirit" 4. He lives. - 2 Timothy 1:14 "the Holy Spirit who lives in us" - Holy Spirit also helps here. - Holy Spirit also referred to here with word denoting a person: who. 5. He sanctifies people. - Romans 15:16 "sanctified by the Holy Spirit" (means "to set apart") 6. He makes decisions (exercises His will, which requires thought). - Acts 15:28 "it seemed good to the Holy Spirit" (cf.Mt.11:26) - Acts 20:28 "Holy Spirit has made you overseers" 7. He can witness things. - Acts 5:32 "We are witnesses...so is the Holy Spirit" - Holy Spirit also here referred to with word denoting a person: whom. 8. He can be lied to. - Acts 5:3 "you have lied to the Holy Spirit" 9. He says things. - Mark 12:36 "speaking by the Holy Spirit" - Mark 13:11 "it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit" - Acts 13:2 'the Holy Spirit said' - Holy Spirit also here referred to as claiming words denoting a person for Himself: Me, I - Acts 21:11 "the Holy Spirit says" - Acts 28:25 "Holy Spirit spoke the truth." - Holy Spirit also here referred to as claiming words denoting a person for Himself: I (v.27) - Hebrews 3:7 "Holy Spirit says" - Holy Spirit also here referred to as claiming words denoting a person for Himself: Me, I, My - Hebrews 10:15 "Holy Spirit also testifies to us..." - Holy Spirit also here referred to as claiming words denoting a person for Himself: I, My 10. Other references to the Holy Spirit with words denoting a person. - Ephesians 1:13-14 "the promised Holy Spirit who is..." - Ephesians 4:30 "the Holy Spirit of God with whom..." 11. Can be blasphemed. - Matthew 12:31-32 "blasphemy against the Spirit" - Mark 3:29 " " " " - Luke 12:10 " " " " 12. Can be tested. - Hebrews 3:9 "fathers tested and tried Me." 13. Gets angry (emotion). - Hebrews 3:10,11 I was angry/in My anger" 14. So we now know that the Holy Spirit has emotions, can be tested, blasphemed, called by personal pronoun, and lied to, that He can teach, give, speak, sanctify, make decisions, and witness things, that we can have fellowship with Him, and that He lives. a) These are the things which describe a living, reasoning being. The Holy Spirit then is a person - a being that's alive, capable of thought and emotion, and who has a will. 15. The Greek language gives a special place to the Holy Spirit. Words in Greek are either masculine, feminine, or neutral. The Greek word for spirit (of any kind) is neutral. But when it is used for the Holy Spirit the grammar rules are broken and the word receives a masculine article. PART B The Deity of... 1. The Holy Spirit is called God (Acts 5:3,4,9) - Ananias lied to the Holy Spirit (v.3) - Ananias lied not to men but to God (v.4) - Ananias tested the Holy Spirit of the Lord (v.9) a) Three pronouns (Holy Spirit, God, and Spirit of the Lord are used interchangeably for the person that was lied to. 2. The Holy Spirit is Jehovah God. - Exodus 17:2 "Why do you put the LORD (YHWH, Jehovah) to the test?" - Hebrews 3:7-11 It was the Holy Spirit who was tested, did the miracles, got angry. - Holy Spirit is Jehovah God. 3. Holy Spirit is Jehovah God. - Jeremiah 31:33-34 "declares the LORD (YHWH, Jehovah) - Hebrews 10:15-17 "the Holy Spirit also testifies" a) the passage from Jer. is quoted in Hebrews, except that the Holy Spirit is credited. 4. Holy Spirit is Jehovah God. - Isaiah 6:1-10 "voice of the LORD (YHWH, Jehovah)" - Acts 28:25 "Holy Spirit spoke the truth: a) passage from the Old Testament again quoted in the New Testament, except the Holy Spirit is credited. 5. Holy Spirit is omniscient (all-knowing). - 1 Corinthians 2:9-13 6. Holy Spirit is omnipresent (present everywhere at one time) - Psalm 139:7-12 7. Holy Spirit is omnipotent (all-powerful). - Romans 15:17-19 "power of signs and miracles" - Luke 1:35 Holy Spirit = the power of the Most High" 8. Holy Spirit is creator. - Job 33:4 "Spirit of God has made me." 9. Holy Spirit is eternal. - Hebrews 9:14 10. Holy Spirit is sovereign. - 1 Corinthians 12:6,11 V. GOD, THE SON PART A: The Person of... 1. Can the fact that Jesus is a person be questioned? - I think we both agree that Jesus was alive and a person before He walked on the earth, while He walked on the earth, and is still a person to this day. a) pre-existence. - John 8:58 "before Abraham was born" b) was a person on the earth. - John 1:18 "became flesh" - Luke 1:35 "one to be born" - Mark 15:37 "Jesus breathed His last" c) is still a person. - Mark 16:6 "He is risen" - Luke 24:34 "The Lord has risen" PART B: The Deity of... 1. Jesus CHRIST while on earth was, in nature, both God and man. - these two natures are not mutually exclusive. 2. We both agree that Jesus was a man. Here we are going to consider His deity, about which we do not agree. 3. If you believe that Jesus is not God, then who is the Messiah; the Saviour and Redeemer of men? a) Jesus is the Messiah, the Saviour and Redeemer of men. - John 1:41,42 Messiah - Luke 2:11 Saviour - Matthew 20:28 Redeemer - Galatians 3:13 Redeemer - Galatians 4:4-5 Redeemer - Christ Jesus is HIMSELF the Messiah, Saviour and Redeemer of the world. - see Acts 4:12, Jesus is the ONLY name by which we can be saved, salvation is in no one else. b) Jehovah God is the Redeemer and Saviour. - Isaiah 41:14 Redeemer - Isaiah 59:20 Redeemer - Isaiah 43:3 Saviour - Isaiah 43:11 the ONLY Saviour - Hosea 13:4 the ONLY Saviour - Jehovah is the Redeemer and the Saviour. c) Now look at Titus 1:3,4 God Saviour - Jesus Saviour d) Now we have a problem. Both Christ and Jehovah claim to be the Saviour and Redeemer. - How shall this be resolved? - Christ Jesus IS the Almighty God. 4. Jesus Christ was pierced on the tree (John 19:34). There is a prophecy that foretold this; - Isaiah 53:5 "He was pierced for our transgressions..." - Zech. 12:10 "they will look upon me-" - but who said this? - the LORD (YHWH, Jehovah) Almighty is speaking. Jehovah is Christ. 5. In Isaiah 7:14 a prophecy is made. - a virgin will give birth to Immanuel a) Prophecy repeated in Matthew 1:22, 23 - here we are told what Immanuel means - "God with us" is Jesus. 6. Matthew 3:3, "Prepare the way for the Lord" a) Is there any doubt about who John is preparing the way for? If so, see Matthew 3:11 and John 1:29-34. b) Now, turn to Isaiah 40:3, the prophecy of John the Baptizer. For whom are they preparing? - the LORD (YHWH, the Jehovah) - our God. 7. Evidence presented so far may be hard to believe, but it is also hard to refute because it is scriptural. - Philippians 2:5-11 Jesus Christ was by nature God, and became by nature a man. - see also Hebrews 2:9 (lower than angels). a) I don't know how this could be any more than you do. But the Bible says it is, so it is. I also don't understand how God could create everything, but the Bible says that's the way it is, so I trust His word. b) And I don't think that it is within the bounds of our understanding or even any of our business, how any of this could be: - 1 Timothy 3:16 "mystery of Godliness." - Isaiah 55:8-9 "My thoughts higher than yours" 8. How would you react if someone sincerely believed you to be God? How do the angels of Heaven react? - Revelations 19:9-10 "I fell at his feet" The angel rebuked him. a) How does Christ react? - John 20:28 Doubting Thomas - Accepts it and praises Thomas for finally believing. b) If Jesus in fact is not Jehovah God, Thomas committed blasphemy, and so did Jesus for not rebuking him. - see also John 5:23 (honour Son as the Father). 9. The Bible plainly states that Jesus is God in a bodily form (Colossians 2:9). 10. Christ is called God by God. - Hebrews 1:8-10 - The Supreme, Almighty God has called Jesus Christ, God. 11. Go to Is. 44:6 (first and last). - who is speaking? (Jehovah God). - what does He say about Himself? - he's Israel's King, and Redeemer, He's the first and last, and that there's no other God. a) Now turn to Rev. 1:8 (alpha, omega, Almighty) - who's speaking - Lord God, the Almighty - so Jehovah is first and last, alpha and omega, Lord God, and the Almighty. - He (Jehovah) says so. b) Now look at Revelations 1:17 - who's speaking - the First and Last, Jehovah. c) Now look at the next verse (Rev.1:18) - who's speaking - it is Jehovah God speaking in the person of Jesus Christ d) Now turn to Rev. 22:12-13 - who's speaking - Jehovah God/Jesus Christ - He is coming soon e) Read verses 14-16 "I Jesus..." 12. While walking on earth, who did Jesus say He was? a) Jesus often called Himself the Son of Man and the Son of God, and both of these titles fit perfectly well into the trinitarian doctrine of Christianity. b) - Ex. 3:14 I am that I am. - This is the name by which the Israelites would know Him. (Jehovah [YHWH]) c) About 150 years B.C., Hebrew Scripture was translated into Greek (Septuagint). This translation was well known in Jesus' day and was often quoted by Jesus and later by the disciples. d) Turn to John 8:24 - Jesus claims the I AM for Himself and carries on to say that if you don't believe it, you will die in your sins. e) Now John 8:48-59 - A heated debate is recorded here, between Jesus and the Jewish leaders. - At the end of this exchange, Jesus again claims the I AM title for Himself. - There's absolutely no mistaking what He said or what is meant. - The Jews knew exactly what He meant too. Look at their reaction (v.59). It is consistent and immediate. They were going to stone Him for blasphemy. 13. Jesus claims to be equal to God. - John 5:16-23 - the Word says that the fact that Jesus called God His own Father was the same as making Himself equal with God. (v.18) - Jesus also says that all are to honour Him just as they honour the Father. That means worship. (v.23) - If Jesus is not equal to the Father, then He committed blasphemy. - Jesus doesn't deny what is meant by what He said. (in v.19) 14. Jesus claims to be God. - John 10:22-39 "I and the Father are one" (v.30) - Jesus gives the eternal life (v.28) a) In verse 30, Jesus claims that the Father and He are one. - Again we see by the reaction of the Jews that they knew exactly what He meant. b) Does Jesus deny what the Jews know He meant? - No, in fact He confirms it: twice - Jesus, that master of rhetoric, quotes from the Septuagint translation of Psalms, saying, If He called them gods, what about me? Obviously I am something more than they were. Then He says that the Father is in Him and He in the Father. - For the third time the reaction is clear and swift. c) We are faced with two options now. i) Jesus is guilty of blasphemy. ii) Jesus is who He said He was. d) Here's a question to think about: - If anyone other than God was truly doing God's work and will, would that person try to make people think that he thought of himself as being God or remotely close to equal with God? 15. Jesus claims Godship again. - John 14:6-11 i) Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father (v.9) - The Father and Son really ARE one. They are of the same nature, and the same will, and the same personality. 16. This is borne out in prophecy. How does one explain Is. 9:6? - Jesus is Mighty God and Everlasting Father. (re: "Mighty God" see Is. 1:24, 10:21) 17. John 1:1-18 (Jesus = Word = God) a) the Word is Jesus - see John 1:14 (Word became flesh). b) the Word is both "with God and was God." - the New Kingdom Interlinear confirms that this is what the original says. c) Now read to verse 18 - some manuscripts (originals) read "but God the only Son", others read, "but God the only begotten," and still others read, "the only begotten," or "the only Son,". 18. Yes, God has revealed Himself in three persons. The fact of the Trinity is not a mystery. The "how's, why's" and "wherefore's" of the Trinity are, however, a great mystery indeed. - And the apostle Paul concurs. - 1 Tim. 3:16 19. As well, we have learned that a person can be right on every point in their theology - their beliefs - but if they are wrong about the person of Jesus Christ, then that person is wrong enough to lose their soul. - John 8:24 "If you don't believe that I am He, you will indeed die in your sins." VI. THE TRINITY IN THE BIBLE 1. If the Trinity is then fact - that is, the way God is and has revealed Himself to us, His creation - then there ought to be evidence of unity of the three persons. - For the most part, we have only shown the three distinct person's Deity. - And remember at the beginning that we said that this was all that was needed. 2. Firstly, by showing the Deity of these Persons, we have also shown a oneness. - This is born out by the fact that each Person is Jehovah God and there is only one Jehovah. - It's also borne out in some of the scriptures that we have looked at: a) Jesus = Saviour = Jehovah (pt.3) b) Jesus and Father are one (pt.14) c) Holy Spirit is Jehovah (pt.1) But I am going to offer some scripture that shows the oneness specifically. 3. The Trinity in Creation (Gen. 1:26-27) - "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness..." a) Verse 26 all by itself suggests a plurality in the act of creation: - "Let us make...", "in our image..." - Who actually created man and in who's image? - One is forced into some serious thinking about this, especially when considering the next verse: - so God [singular] created man in His [singular] own image [singular], in the image of God He [singular]... 4. In baptism (Matt 28:19). - He, Christ, tells us we are to baptize people in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. - Note that though three persons are mentioned, the name is singular. - 3 persons - one name. 5. The Trinity is also apparent in Isaiah's commission as a prophet. - Is. 6:8 - who will go for us? - God is speaking and wants someone to go and make the Lord known by speaking the Lord's words. 6. The Trinity is shown in the resurrection. - Who raised Jesus? a) God: Rom. 10:9 b) The Father: Gal. 1:1 c) The Son: John 2:19 (also John 10:17-18) d) The Holy Spirit: 1 Pet. 3:18 7. The Trinity in the benediction. - 2 Cor. 13:14 8. The Trinity taught by Christ. - John 14:26 (Comforter, Father will send) - John 15:26 (Comforter, whom I will send) 9. The Trinity taught in Christ's baptism. - Matt 3:16,17 10. The plurality of Person at the Tower of Babel. - Gen 11:6-8 11. The Trinity in prophecy. - Isaiah 48:12-17 - first and last - prophecy of Christ - "the Lord God and his Spirit have sent me" - Jehovah speaking. 12. A plurality in prophecy. - Zech. 2:8 - 3:2 - Is. 44:6 13. The Trinity was taught by the apostles. a) 1 Cor. 12:4-6 - same Spirit - same Lord. - same God. b) Gal. 4:4-6 - God sent forth the Son. - God sent forth the Spirit. c) Eph.4:3-6 - unity of the Spirit - one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God, and Father. d) 1 Pet. 1:2 - God the Father - Sanctification of the Spirit - The blood of Jesus Christ.