The Three-in-One God

The Doctrine of the Trinity

In some ways, trying to explain the Trinity is like describing the beauty of a rainbow to someone who is colorblind. We can state the facts, but the full spectrum of color remains beyond our ability to grasp. All illustrations fall short in capturing the innermost nature of God’s very being in human terms. Our glorious triune God is infinite; the most brilliant human mind is finite. The Old Testament presented shadows of this doctrine1 that become clearer in the New Testament. The incarnation of the Son2 and the coming of the Holy Spirit3 reveal the triune God—three-in-one. 

The best approach to the mysterious truth about unity and distinct persons within the Godhead is to simply accept what the Bible teaches. Scripture clearly reveals there is one God who exists in three persons who are equally God. The passage we are studying this week offers a glimpse of the harmony and unity of purpose that God has ordained within Himself. John 15:26 explains that Jesus asked the Father to send the Spirit, who reveals the Son and glorifies God. John 16:12-15 tells us that the “Spirit of truth” speaks only what He hears from the Father as He reveals what belongs to the Son. This intricate, cooperative unity confounds and amazes us. 

Our ability to explain the fullness of God’s revelation does not determine the validity of that truth. Much of what God reveals cannot be fully contained in human language or thoughts. To dismiss the doctrine of the Trinity due to its mysterious complexity represents a grave loss. If God’s person, work, and ways can be confined by our limited minds, He is no different than we are. The fullness of God’s person represents the totality of His work and the immeasurable glory due Him. God is to be humbly worshiped more than fully explained. 

How can we experience the blessing of a God who exceeds us in every way? We look to the Father and praise His power, majesty, and eternal plan for humanity. We praise the Son for His sacrificial death and victory over sin on our behalf. We seek the internal witness of the Holy Spirit to reveal truth we would otherwise miss or dismiss and rely on His power to witness and live for Christ. The three persons of the Trinity work together on our behalf and to the eternal glory of God. Praise be to God—three yet one!

1. Old Testament shadows: Genesis 1:2, 26-27; 16:9-13; 22:15-18; Exodus 3:2-6; Deuteronomy 6:4; Judges 13:17-23; Isaiah 6:8; Zechariah 3
2. Incarnation of the Son: Matthew 1:18-20; 3:16-17; 17:5; Luke 1:35
3. Holy Spirit’s coming: Acts 2:1-13

Resource: Bible Study Fellowship, People of Promise: Kingdom Divided, Lesson 21, The Gospel of John