The Holy Trinity is the Christian belief that God is one being in three co-equal, co-eternal persons – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Yet the word “trinity” never appears anywhere in the Bible. However, the concept is supported by Biblical verses that demonstrate this concept. Let me share these verses with you today.
Matthew 3:16-17 – After He was baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and settling on Him, 17 and behold, a voice from the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
In this scripture, all three persons of the Holy Trinity are clearly delineated. The Father’s command to hear His Son and the Spirit’s vindication and empowerment officially inaugurated Christ’s ministry. Note that the dove denoted a picture of gentleness.
Matthew 28:19 – Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Note that this language to the remaining 11 disciples of Jesus is a strong affirmation of the Holy Trinity. Also note that the message to the disciples is clear and straightforward.
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.
This Holy Trinity benediction at the end of Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians reminded them of the blessings they had received – “grace” from their Lord Jesus Christ, “love” from God the Father, and “fellowship” with God and one another through the Holy Spirit. Note that Jesus was mentioned before the Father here because His sacrificial death is the ultimate expression of God’s love.
Inquiring minds might be interested in knowing how the “Holy Trinity” evolved from these early references that appeared in the Bible. It turns out that there was considerable discussion (and also dissension) throughout the early centuries as the Christian church grew rapidly around the world. The result of all this discussion led to the Council of Nicea in the year 325 AD producing an early version of the Nicene Creed. Further enhancements were also made at a later Council of Constantinople held in 381 AD.
The final presentation of the Nicene Creed was accepted at the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD, and represented the formulation and presentation of the Holy Trinity concept to the Christian world. The Nicene Creed is thus an ancient profession of faith that provides a theological foundation that remains as relevant today as when it was first written. Note that it took 125 years after the first council in Nicea to produce the final version of the Nicene Creed, and a total time of 4.5 centuries for man to match God’s original plan for the Holy Trinity. Christians seeking a deeper understanding of their faith and connection to the church can find stability and unity in this creed. It provided a unified statement of faith that settled a number of theological debates that had arisen over time.
Some (or many) of you may have already understood the development of the Holy Trinity in the Christian church, but I hope this presentation may have been helpful to others who were not aware of this lengthy development.