What is the Trinity?

There is only one God. That is very clear throughout the Bible. In the first part of the Bible, the Old Testament we read, ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one,’ (Deuteronomy 6:4). Later, in the New Testament, we read, ‘For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.’ (I Timothy 2:5)

In the one Godhead, there is multiple personality. Father, Son and Holy Spirit are equal, and each is God, yet they have distinct works. The Bible says, ‘For there are three who bear witness in heaven, the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.’ (I John 5:7). God is far greater than anything mere humans can ever understand. Nevertheless we have tried to explain and illustrate the triune (three-in-one) God. Some have used H²O in this way. It is one compound, but can be found in the form of ice, water or vapour. Some have used human beings, being in the image of God, to illustrate Him – each person is one, but comprises of body, soul and spirit. St Patrick is supposed to have used the three-leaf clover to illustrate the unity and yet three-fold aspect of one God. All these are helpful but inadequate because God is infinite. God has revealed Himself in the Bible as One God, and also as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Each person of the Trinity is described as having the quality and attributes which only God has. In every great work of God from creation of the world to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and to the conversion of an individual, each Person of the Trinity is seen to be at work.

Christian people throughout the centuries have accepted this Bible teaching that there is one God who is triune in character. For example Reginald Heber writing in the nineteenth century penned the words of a famous Christian hymn:

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee,
Holy, Holy, Holy, merciful and mighty,
God in Three Persons, Blessed Trinity!

Today, there are religions and new sects, which argue against this basic Bible belief. Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses detest the doctrine. But this is such a vital subject that listed here are some Bible verses which teach the doctrine of the Trinity or multiple personality of God, or deity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit:-

Genesis 1:26 (note the word ‘our’ and ‘us’)
Genesis 3:22 (note the word ‘us’)
Isaiah 9:6-7
Luke 4:18
Matthew 12:28
Matthew 28:18-19 (note the singular word ‘name’)
Luke 1:35
Luke 3:22
John 15:26
1 Corinthians 8:6-2
2 Corinthians 3:17 and 13:14
1 Timothy 3:16
Hebrews 9:14
1 Peter 3:18
1 John 5: 6-7