In Making Sense of Your World: A Biblical Worldview, W. Gary Phillips and William E. Brown discuss a point of faith that has perplexed Christians through the ages: the Trinity.
“The Bible is clear that there is only one God … yet this unity does not preclude statements that allow three persons–the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit–to be called ‘God’ or ‘Lord.'”
It’s a doctrine that’s clear from the beginning in the Hebrew words of Genesis.
“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness.'” Genesis 1:26a, NIV
Three persons referring to themselves as ‘us’ but called God–a singular term.
And this doctrine continues through the New Testament.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.” John 1:1-2, NI’V
Something I’d not considered before: Phillips and Brown explain that when Jesus issued the Great Commission, He commanded us to make disciples and “‘baptize’ new converts in the ‘name’ (singular)” of each member of the Trinity.
“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
A singular “name” for the three persons of one God.
They further state: “The respective roles and relationships within the Trinity present God as a dynamic fellowship rather than a static unity. God has exercised an eternal relationship of love and communication within His own nature.”
Singular names for one God comprised of three persons so unified they can correctly be called One.
We cannot fully appreciate the sacrifice the crucifixion caused, the division of persons who had never been separated for all of eternity past–and never will be again for all of eternity to come.
Our God, so big as to contain Three in One, so loving as to separate the indivisible–for us.
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called the children of God.” I John 3:1a, NIV
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Excellent post, Nancy! When we ponder the triune God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we see God’s love in deeper measure. Loved this line: “Our God, so big as to contain Three in One, so loving as to separate the indivisible–for us.”
Thanks so much, Melissa. God bless!
What an interesting and excellent post, Nancy. I’d never thought about the great commission in the way it’s described here. And love this thought, “…God as a dynamic fellowship rather than a static unity.” Amen!
The book those two authors penned is deep, and I found the portion containing this discussion most profound. Thanks, Karen. God bless!
Have tried to teach and explain the concept of the Trinity for many years, and in all that time, I never considered the perspective you shared here my friend. Thank you for adding another arrow into my quiver.
Thanks, JD. I’m grateful for the lessons in the books. God bless!
Excellent post Nancy with a great perspective on the Trinity. Thanks for sharing
Thanks, Yvonne, for reading and commenting. God bless!
So beautifully put: “three persons so unified they can correctly be called One.” Perfect, holy unity… the Trinity.
Thank you, Jessica. God bless!
Amazing love, indeed, Nancy. I loved this line: “We cannot fully appreciate the sacrifice the crucifixion caused, the division of persons who had never been separated for all of eternity past–and never will be again for all of eternity to come.” Thanks very much for sharing!
Thank you, Annie. God bless!