1511 Trinity, relationships between the persons

The actual term “the Trinity” is not found in Scripture, but the truths implied in a trinitarian understanding of God are clearly set out. The OT hints at a plurality of persons in the Godhead. The NT affirms that the Son and the Holy Spirit are divine.

There is only one God

Dt 6:4 See also Isa 43:10-11; Isa 44:8; 1Ti 1:17; 1Ti 2:5; Jas 2:19

OT indications of plurality in the Godhead

God refers to himself in the plural Ge 1:26 See also Ge 3:22; Ge 11:7; Isa 6:8

The angel of the Lord Ge 16:11-13 The “angel of the Lord” is identified with, yet distinct from, God. See also Ge 18:1-33; Ex 3:2-6; Jdg 13:3-22

The word of God The “word of the Lord” or “wisdom of God” is personified and identified with, yet distinct from, God: Ps 33:4; Pr 8:22-31

The Spirit of God The Spirit of God is God’s personal agent: Ge 1:2; Ne 9:20; Job 33:4; Isa 40:13 fn

The Messiah The Messiah’s divine nature is emphasised: Ps 110:1; Isa 9:6; Jer 23:5-6

Interchangeable expressions Word, Spirit (or breath) and Lord are used interchangeably for God: Ps 33:6; Isa 48:16; Isa 61:1

NT trinitarian references

Mt 28:19 The unity of the three persons is reflected in the singular name. See also 2Co 13:14; Eph 4:4-6; Rev 1:4-5

The unity of the three persons

The Son is fully united with the Father Jn 10:30 See also Mk 9:37 pp Lk 9:48; Lk 10:16; Jn 10:38; Jn 12:44-45; Jn 13:20; Jn 14:7,9-11; Jn 15:23

The Spirit is identified with God 2Sa 23:2-3 See also Ps 51:11; Mt 28:19; 1Co 3:16

The three persons are distinct from one another

Jesus Christ addresses the Father directly Mt 11:25-26 pp Lk 10:21; Mt 26:39 pp Mk 14:36 pp Lk 22:42; Mt 26:42; Mt 27:46 pp Mk 15:34; Lk 23:46; Jn 11:41-42; Jn 17:1

The Father speaks to the Son from heaven Mt 3:17 pp Mk 1:11 pp Lk 3:22; Mt 17:5 pp Mk 9:7 pp Lk 9:35; Jn 12:27-28

The Spirit speaks to the Father on behalf of believers Ro 8:26-27

Other examples of the difference between the persons Mt 12:32; Mt 24:36; Jn 7:39; Jn 16:7; 1Ti 2:5; 1Jn 2:1

The relationship between the Father and the Son

Jesus Christ is God’s unique Son Jn 1:14 The Greek word for “One and Only”, traditionally rendered “only begotten”, is actually used to signify “the only one of its kind”; “unique”. See also Jn 1:18; Jn 3:16,18; Ac 13:33; Heb 1:5; Ps 2:7; 1Jn 4:9

The relationship of Father and Son is unique Mt 11:27 pp Lk 10:22 See also Jn 6:46; Jn 7:28-29; Jn 8:55; Jn 10:15; Jn 17:25

The Father loves the Son Jn 3:35 See also Jn 5:20; Jn 10:17; Jn 15:9; Jn 17:24

The Father shares his divine life with the Son Col 2:9 See also Jn 5:26; Jn 6:57; Col 1:19

The Father delegates his authority to the Son Jn 5:27 See also Mt 28:18; Jn 3:35; Jn 5:21-22; Jn 16:15; Rev 2:26-27

Father and Son indwell each other Jn 14:10-11 See also Jn 10:38; Jn 14:20; Jn 17:21-23

The relationship between the Holy Spirit and the other two persons

The Spirit is “the Spirit of God” and “the Spirit of Christ” Ro 8:9 “the Spirit of God”: Ps 106:33; 1Co 2:14; Php 3:3; 1Jn 4:2 “the Spirit of Christ”: Ac 16:7; Gal 4:6; Php 1:19; 1Pe 1:11

The Spirit’s unique relationship with God Mt 10:20 See also 1Co 2:10-11

The Spirit’s unique relationship with the Son Jn 1:33 See also Isa 61:1; Jn 14:16-17,26; Ac 10:38

See also