Trinity
Trinity is never mentioned only alluded to in Scripture and is arguably the most difficult theological concept to comprehend. There are plenty of illustrations pastors have used over the years to communicate this truth, but most of us fail miserably to describe such complex a Deity. Still, people would be at a loss if we did not attempt to describe this aspect of the Christian God, for it is a primary way His children relate to and understand Him.
The Trinity is made up of three representation of the same Christian God: God the Father or Creator, God the Son – Jesus Christ and God in Spirit – Holy Spirit. Each aspect is a different function or representation of the same God. God the Father is usually understood to be sovereign over all Creation, Lord in Heaven and on earth reigning from heaven. Jesus Christ is God in the flesh and the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God left for all of us when Jesus returned to heaven. God the Father is often seen as the Almighty. Jesus Christ is remembered as the Savior Messiah who reconciled all people back to God, or Himself. The Holy Spirit is left on earth to be our Advocate and dwell in us so we are evermore transformed into His likeness. Get it?
Forgive me for this pathetic attempt, but I have one more illustration that might help. I can talk to my mom on the phone and it’s still my mom. I can see her in person, hug her and massage her shoulders and it’s my mom. I can say an exact phrase just like her, hear her voice as I act on something or pull a face that resembles her and it’s all still my mom coming out of me. In the same way we can talk to God without seeing Him – God the Father. The disciples could touch Jesus’ cloak, scars, hair and hug Him in person- God in the flesh. Christians can quote Scripture, hear God’s direction and voice as we go about our day or mimic Christ’s actions and it’s God’s Spirit coming out of them.
I believe in one Living God, one Deity, that shows Himself in my life in three different ways. I believe in a God that is so complex and creative that He Created everything, reconciled it all back to Him and remains with me through three different avenues of His presence. I believe in the Trinity.
