The Triune God

April 14th, 2023
by Jeremy Roh

Deuteronomy 6:4
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.

This Sunday, we will be taking a break from our series on the book of Matthew, and delve into a series on the doctrine of the Trinity. But first of all what is doctrine? Doctrine refers to the foundational teachings and principles that shape our understanding of Christianity. Doctrine encompasses the core beliefs that have been handed down through Scripture and Church tradition. Doctrine serves as the foundation of our faith, guiding and shaping our believes, values, and practices. Through doctrine, we equip ourselves with a comprehensive and coherent framework to navigate the complexities of life and respond to the challenges we face. Christian doctrine helps us to discern truth from error. When we invest our time and effort into learning the essentials of our faith, we strengthen our relationship to God and are better equipped to share the gospel with others by standing firm in our convictions and bearing witness to the transformative power of Christ’s love.

So moving on, the doctrine of the Trinity is one of the most significant and distinctive teachings in Christianity. It is the belief that there is only one God, who exists eternally in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. While the term "Trinity" is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the concept is woven throughout both the Old and New Testaments. The Old Testament repeatedly affirms that there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 43:10). In the New Testament, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are both presented as divine (John 1:1, Acts 5:3-4), and the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all referred to as God (Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14). While the doctrine of the Trinity can be difficult to comprehend, it is essential to understand that it is a Biblically grounded belief.

The Trinity is crucial because it speaks to the nature of God and His relationship with humanity. By recognizing the triune nature of God, we acknowledge His ability to be simultaneously transcendent (above and beyond creation) and immanent (present and active in creation). Through the Father, we see God's sovereignty; through the Son, we experience God's redemption; and through the Holy Spirit, we encounter God's ongoing presence and guidance in our lives.

Understanding the Trinity has several implications for our Christian walk:

Salvation: Our salvation is a work of the triune God. The Father planned it (Ephesians 1:3-6), the Son accomplished it (John 19:30, Hebrews 9:12), and the Holy Spirit applies it to our lives (Titus 3:5). By understanding the distinct roles of each person in the Trinity, we can better appreciate the depth and richness of our salvation.
Worship: Because the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all equally deserving of worship, our praise should be directed to all three persons of the Godhead. When we pray, sing, or engage in any act of worship, we do so in recognition of the triune nature of our God.
Christian Living: The Trinity provides a model for unity and diversity within the body of Christ. Just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist in perfect unity while maintaining their distinct roles, we are called to live in harmony with one another, valuing the unique gifts and perspectives that each believer brings to the community of faith (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

As we consider enter into this sermon series learning about the doctrine of the Trinity, here are a few questions to consider:

In what ways does the Trinity serve as a model for unity and diversity within the Christian community, and how can we apply this principle in our relationships with fellow believers?
How does understanding the doctrine of the Trinity influence our approach to reading and interpreting Scripture?
How do you explain the concept of the Trinity to someone who is new to Christianity or struggling with this complex doctrine?
How has your understanding of the Trinity evolved over time, and how has this impacted your relationship with God?