Our Triune God
February 12th, 2008
(By John MacArthur) 
The Trinity is an unfathomable, and yet unmistakable doctrine in Scripture. As Jonathan Edwards noted, after studying the topic extensively, “I think [the doctrine of the Trinity] to be the highest and deepest of all Divine mysteries” (An Unpublished Treatise on the Trinity).
Yet, though the fullness of the Trinity is far beyond human comprehension, it is unquestionably how God has revealed Himself in Scripture—as one God eternally existing in three Persons.
This is not to suggest, of course, that the Bible presents three different gods (cf. Deut. 6:4). Rather, God is three Persons in one essence; the Divine essence subsists wholly and indivisibly, simultaneously and eternally, in the three members of the one Godhead—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (We considered the deity of Christ previously in this post.)
The Scriptures are clear that these three Persons together are one and only one God (Deut. 6:4). John 10:30 and 33 explain that the Father and the Son are one. First Corinthians 3:16 shows that the Father and the Spirit are one. Romans 8:9 makes clear that the Son and the Spirit are one. And John 14:16, 18, and 23 demonstrate that the Father, Son, and Spirit are one.
Yet, in exhibiting the unity between the members of the Trinity, the Word of God in no way denies the simultaneous existence and distinctiveness of each of the three Persons of the Godhead. In other words, the Bible makes it clear that God is one God (not three), but that the one God is a Trinity of Persons.
In the Old Testament, the Bible implies the idea of the Trinity in several ways. The title Elohim (“God”), for instance, is a plural noun which can suggest multiplicity (cf. Gen. 1:26). This corresponds to the fact that the plural pronoun (“us”) is sometimes used of God (Gen. 1:26; Isa. 6:8). More directly, there are places in which God’s name is applied to more than one Person in the same text (Ps. 110:1; cf. Gen. 19:24). And there are also passages where all three divine Persons are seen at work (Is. 48:16; 61:1).
The New Testament builds significantly on these truths, revealing them more explicitly. The baptismal formula of Matthew 28:19 designates all three Persons of the Trinity: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” In his apostolic benediction to the Corinthians, Paul underscored this same reality. He wrote, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God [the Father], and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all” (2 Cor. 13:14). Other New Testament passages also spell out the glorious truth of the Triune God (Romans 15:16, 30; 2 Cor. 1:21–22; Eph. 2:18).
In describing the Trinity, the New Testament clearly distinguishes three Persons who are all simultaneously active. They are not merely modes or manifestations of the same person (as Oneness theology incorrectly asserts) who sometimes acts as Father, sometimes as Son, and sometimes as Spirit. At Christ’s baptism, all three Persons were simultaneously active (Matt. 3:16–17), with the Son being baptized, the Spirit descending, and the Father speaking from Heaven. Jesus Himself prayed to the Father (cf. Matt. 6:9), taught that His will was distinct from His Father’s (Matt. 26:39), promised that He would ask the Father to send the Spirit (John 14:6), and asked the Father to glorify Him (John 17:5). These actions would not make sense unless the Father and the Son were two distinct Persons. Elsewhere in the New Testament, the Holy Spirit intercedes before the Father on behalf of believers (Rom. 8:26), as does the Son, who is our Advocate (1 John 2:1). Again, the distinctness of each Person is in view.
The Bible is clear. There is only one God, yet He exists, and always has existed, as a Trinity of Persons—the Father, the Son, and the Spirit (cf. John 1:1, 2). To deny or misunderstand the Trinity is to deny or misunderstand the very nature of God Himself.
* Today’s article was adapted from John’s commentary on 1-3 John.
Very true. I use the analogy of the triangle with my boys Sunday School class. It is one triangle but it has three distinct angles. Remove any one angle and you no longer have a triangle. The kids seem to understand that.
It can be complicated (as some other doctrines in Scripture) but I tell them that its not necessary to completely understand it – we just need to believe it.
God bless.
Bill
Gentlemen;
I admire the diligent attempts to be scriptural in the way you present the Triune God. I like to use the material for my personal study and research about the Godhead.
Regarding what Bill said: “…that its not necessary to completely understand it – we just need to believe it.” As a Sunday School Teacher, how is it possible within the premise of a clear conscience to teach something you do not completely understand? Isn’t understanding the foundation of learning? How could accurate learning be possible without complete or thorough understanding? What do we call someone who teaches that which he has no complete understanding of? Doesn’t the saying “half truth is no truth” apply to your manner of teaching? Does faith in the Godhead mean the loss of a sound mind? To conclude a lesson as a “mystery” defeats the purpose of study. I think you can teach the doctrine of the Trinity without admitting that you don’t understand it, or stop teaching on the subject at all. Let others do it.
God bless
Whoa Loren, back the truck up a minute here friend. I understand a great deal more than you are aware of.
I was simply implying that we cannot possibly understand the depth of God’s wisdom and that somethings are really beyond our ability to comprehend at this time. When faced with a situation like that we need to accept it by faith (that’s called believing by the way). This is what makes God’s ways higher than our ways – or do you feel that is not the case with you? Perhaps you feel that you have a very solid grasp on the minute details of God’s workings? Are you saying that nothing is a mystery with you maybe?
I venture to say that I understand the doctrine of the Trinity just as well as you do sir. Who said anything about me pronouncing the Trinity a ‘mystery’.
You have offended me greatly and I am perplexed at how you can make such rash judgements concerning me while not ever having sat one hour in my class. Think about it…
Please do not suggest that I not teach Sunday School. Teaching the truth of God’s Word to children is my calling by God and I have a very strong passion for it. Not to mention have sent countless hours studying and in preparation for doing it.
Bill
Loren –
I am going to have to agree with Bill. It seems that you attacked Bill out of the blue with a comment which essentially called him stupid, being that he should leave the tough doctrine to the big boys who understand it and are better qualified to teach it. You may want to read the very first statement by MacArthur himself, “The Trinity is an unfathomable, and yet unmistakable doctrine in Scripture.” This statement is in agreement with Scripture verses such as 1 Cor. 1:25, “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men (NASB).” It is not that we cannot realize that God is one in essence, yet three in manifestation, but rather that being able to reconcile how one can be three at once and yet one is beyond the scope of human comprehension. There are certain “mysteries” regarding the Trinity within Christian faith which until glorification will not be fully understood by the human mind, however, it is not our lack of complete understanding which should be rebuked, but rather as MacArthur said, “To deny or misunderstand the Trinity is to deny or misunderstand the very nature of God Himself.”
Josh
The three persons in one is a hard one,It is the truth I’m naerly 48 years old when I think about the doctine of the trinity Or Gods eternal exsitance,exnihilo Our God being able to create something from nothing it totaly Holds my Interest For Hours,days yes years just to try to figure out how long is forever or better yet Our God always was when I realy cosentrate and chew on the thought I just can not totaly grasp the Idea get to a stop point in time in time but eterity keeps on going.Being humand minded I think ther must of been a start and a finish.By The word of God by faith enerity always was is to be Like God. Just like the trinity Three persons of the Godhead.I’m Human body soul mind Im am only one!I think in human terms Human Questions God Fater,Son,Holy Ghost Three Persons One God all working together.God is on his own terms Of Being who he is.The way he thinks exist our His ways He is God the Son is Human but God?The Father the head.The spirit of God.I talk to {wordly)people there tought of God is the old man up stairs God is more Human then God to them.Point God is God can we ever totaly understand everthing about Him.No way we have all eternity to love and learn about Him is that going to be long enough? can’t wait to see my Lord and our God forever.
Timothy
Brothers and sisters my intentions are by no means intended to offend anyone but just in case any offense is taken, I apologize and seek forgiveness in advance. It is always a joy for me to know that those in Christ study to make themselves approved of the Lord, workmen who rightly divide the word of truth. On any given topic for that matter. The interesting thing that struck me as I read the above commentary was the tone and content of response. It brought to mind that we know what ever we know in full or in part at the pleasure and grace of a merciful God. Even Him. God revealed Himself to us, scripture states no one seeks the Lord. We are saved by faith through grace not by works so that none should boast. I recall a prideful King in the Old Testament put out to pasture as a beast to eat grass, to be humbled. We who teach, and I do whole heartedly believe that we are all teachers of some sort. We teach best that which we need to learn. These lessons are not usually the lessons we have prepared but the ones prepared by the Holy Spirit for us.
Our teaching and our learning, even life it self is not about us, or what we know or don’t know or understand, but always to be about His glory. He works all things for the good of those who are set apart for His purpose. Once again if I have offended anyone, which was not my intent, I offer my humble apology and seek your forgiveness.
With Eternity In Mind
Bill 2
Good post nonetheless John. Just remember, even though this is a blog wherein we can put out thoughts down, let us not forget to sharpen each other for the Cause of Christ, not bash each other, or jump the gun in conclusion making without ever thinking twice about it.
Other than that, our GOD, the God of the universe is deserving of all of our Worship for who HE Himself is! A holy God!