The Trinity

I recently finished the book, The Forgotten Trinity by James White. Mr. White
helped explained what the Trinity is why its important to know about it. In
light of finishing the book, this post is a book report/ blog post.

What is it?

In order to properly define the trinity we must first take a step back and
remember that we are using finite words to explain infinite truths. When we are
trying to explain things like the trinity, we usually use examples and analogies.
We use things that have already been experienced. For example, when asked about
flavor in food we say," it tastes like honey and crackers." Knowing the one
asking has experienced the taste of honey and crackers. The problem is God is
unique, "to whom then will you liken me?" Isaiah 40:25. Another problem we have
explaining God is the human language is based on time. We use words based on the
past, present, and future.

A simple definition would go something like this:

Within the one Being that is God, there exists eternally three coequal and
coeternal persons, namely, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

You would think that a belief that can be expressed in one sentence would be
fairly simple, but that would be a mistake. These words were chosen very
carefully.

The first foundation," the one Being that is God" is the belief called
monotheism. This belief is that there is only one God.

Second the definition insists that there are three divine persons. This is where
the most misrepresentations happen. Note the definition states that there is
three persons not three beings.

The third foundation, "three coequal and coeternal persons." The Father is not
1/3 God, the Son is not 1/3 God, and the Holy Spirit is not 1/3 God. All three
persons deserves the same amount of respect because all three are God and
nothing less.

The Father

     The Father is like a dictator, he sets rules and we are to live by them, if
we don't, then how can we say we love him( John 14:15). The Father is also
loving, he was the one who crushed his Son for our sins.

The Son

    We first must note that,"difference in function does not indicate
inferiority of nature." The Son does not do what the Father does. Never the
less, the Son's job is still very important. There are quite a bit of verses
that use God in terms to Jesus the Son. Verses like: John 20:28," Thomas
answered and said to Him," my Lord and my God!"

In John 6:46 Jesus states," No one has seen the Father except the the one who
was sent by the Father." So who walked with Abraham and who did Isaiah see? They
both saw and interacted with the pre-incarnate Christ. Christ "job" was to do
the Father's will and to die on the cross for the sins of His sheep. If Jesus is
Michael the Ark-angel( according to Jehovah witnesses) then how can he be
praised by other angels? He can't be an angel and God at the same time because
angels are created and God is not.

The Holy Spirit

   His "job" is to conform us to be like Jesus. He also convicts us of sin
against the Father. Many people misrepresent the Spirit as a force or power, but
how can two persons( the Father and the Son) be one Being with a force? People
say that the Spirit dwells inside us so he is a force, but will say that Jesus
is in my heart. Can a force or power speak for itself? In Acts 8:29, "Then the Spirit said to Philip," Go up and join this chariot". Also in Romans 8:26-27 the Holy Spirit shows characteristics of a "Him" instead of an "it".

Why does it matter?

    John 4:24,"God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." True worship is based on Christian truth. If we do not know who God is, how can we worship and praise him correctly? Our worship is based on our view of God. If we have a false view of God or we praise the Son more then the Father or the Spirit then our worship or praise is false or inferior.

   If you are a believer then this matters greatly, and you can never get enough of learning about the Father who in his love and great mercy saves men through the redeeming work of the Son who draws us to him through the power and regenerating work of the Spirit. If you love the triune God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength then join me and others in singing,

Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Praise Him all creatures here below!

Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts!

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

Amen!