Understanding the Holy Trinity
Introduction
One of the most difficult teachings of the Christian faith concerns the doctrine of the Trinity. Preachers often shy away from explaining it. Members generally accept it as beyond understanding. Yet, it remains a central theme of the faith.
My first seminary introduction to the concept was somewhat comically introduced by the professor as “old math” He said for us 1+1+1=1.
Preaching
I would preach on the subject once a year on Trinity Sunday. Sometimes I would attempt to explain, perhaps in a children’s sermon, with a visual aid. I would use a container of water, a bag of ice and a steaming kettle. We know that these are all forms of the same substance.
At other times I would draw a comparison with our ability to make sense out of the contradictions of Oxymorons. We are completely comfortable with terms like baby grand, jumbo shrimp, and phrases like among the first.
Prayers
Lately I have shifted to explaining that most Christians mostly accept the idea and go with the easy movement from one person of the Trinity to another as seen in our prayers. We often prayer to the Father, through the Son, by the power of the Spirit.
I have also used three prayers that each address one person of the Trinity. The first is most familiar, Our Father….. The second is used as the Kairos prison ministry prayer. It begins, “Jesus comes join us on our journey…”. The third is used by the Cursillo movement. It begins “Come Holy Spirit…”
In ecumenical settings I have noticed a variety of prayers. One Pentecostal friend began each prayer with a generic, “Lord we love you today.” Others would begin “Father God we just..” still others might say “Come Holy Spirit..” or “Thank you Jesus for…”. The point being in general practice we are able to shift our prayers between the persons of the Trinity without losing a belief there is only one God.
AI
I found that ChatGPT gives a relatively succinct and clear rational explanation.
“The doctrine of the Trinity is a central tenet of Christianity that describes the nature of God as being one in essence but existing in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. Here’s an explanation of the key aspects:
1. **One God**:
– Christianity is monotheistic, meaning Christians believe in one God. The Trinity does not mean there are three gods, but one God in three persons.
2. **Three Persons**:
– **The Father**: Often seen as the creator and sustainer of the universe, the Father is the source of all that exists.
– **The Son (Jesus Christ)**: The Son is fully God and became incarnate as Jesus Christ, living a human life, dying on the cross for humanity’s sins, and rising again. He is seen as the redeemer.
– **The Holy Spirit**: The Holy Spirit is fully God and is active in the world, dwelling within believers to guide, comfort, and empower them.
3. **Distinct but United**:
– Each person of the Trinity is distinct but not separate. They are co-equal and co-eternal, meaning they have always existed together and are equal in their divinity and power.
– The Father is not the Son, the Son is not the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit is not the Father. Yet, all three are one God, sharing the same divine essence.
4. **Biblical Basis**:
– The doctrine of the Trinity is supported by various passages in the Bible:
– **Matthew 28:19**: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
– **2 Corinthians 13:14**: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
– **John 1:1, 14**: Describes the Word (Jesus) as being with God and being God, and then becoming flesh.
5. **Historical Development**:
– The formal doctrine of the Trinity was developed over the first few centuries of Christianity, with key contributions from Church Fathers and ecumenical councils, such as the Council of Nicaea (325 AD) and the Council of Constantinople (381 AD).
Understanding the Trinity can be complex because it transcends human comprehension. However, it is foundational to understanding the Christian concept of God and His relationship with humanity.”
All Christian’s acknowledge the Trinity. We might add how different church traditions or denominations tend to emphasize one person of the Trinity over the others. Sacramental churches that celebrate communion each Sunday emphasize the life, death, and resurrection, of Jesus. Pentecostal and Charismatic churches emphasize the “Baptism of the Holy Spirit” and the gifts of the Spirit. All seem to include the Lord’s Prayer and keep the Father in a semi dominant position regardless of doctrine view each as co-equal.
Conclusion
The doctrine of Trinity is as ancient as the beginning of the church with roots in the New Testament. It was solidified in the first few centuries and remain the common practice of Christianity today. It is somewhat of a struggle to explain yet posses no stumbling block in everyday experience of the faith.
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