5) Three Persons, One God
How to understand the Trinity - Key texts, analogies and the mystery of divine unity
In the previous lessons, we saw that the Bible clearly teaches: there is one God only, and that one God exists in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. But how is this possible? In this lesson, we will examine the texts that reveal the Trinity in action and explore ways to understand this divine mystery.
The Trinity in Key Texts
In the Great Commission, in whose name did Jesus command to baptize?
Note that Jesus said “in the name” (singular), not “in the names” (plural). The three persons share one divine name, because they are one God.
At Jesus' baptism, how did the three persons of the Trinity manifest themselves?
This is one of the clearest texts on the Trinity: the three persons appear simultaneously in different places, proving they are distinct persons.
What apostolic blessing mentions the three persons of the Trinity?
Paul naturally includes all three persons in his blessing, showing that for the first Christians the Trinity was a practical reality, not just a theological concept.
“There are three living persons of the heavenly trio; in the name of these three great powers—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—those who receive Christ by living faith are baptized.” — Ellen G. White, Evangelism, p. 615.
The Trinity in the Old Testament
What Hebrew word for 'God' suggests plurality in unity?
“Elohim” is the plural form of “El” (God). Although used with singular verbs (indicating one God), the plural form suggests a plurality within the Godhead, something that the New Testament reveals fully.
What did God say when creating man that suggests plurality?
“Let Us make… Our image” uses plural language in God’s own speech. This text does not reveal the whole doctrine of the Trinity by itself, but it harmonizes with the later revelation of a plurality of persons within the Godhead.
How many persons are mentioned in Isaiah 48:16?
Unity and Distinction
Are the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit the same person?
Jesus prays to the Father (two distinct persons). Jesus promises to send “another Comforter” (a third distinct person). They are not the same person, but they are one God.
What did Jesus mean by 'I and the Father are one'?
The same word “one” (hen) is used to describe the unity Jesus desired for His disciples. Just as disciples are distinct persons yet can be “one,” so the Father and Son are distinct persons yet are “one” in divine essence.
“Christ, the Word, the only begotten of God, was one with the eternal Father,—one in nature, in character, in purpose,—the only being that could enter into all the counsels and purposes of God.” — Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 34, par. 1.
Useful Analogies (and Their Limitations)
No analogy is perfect, but some can help:
Why are analogies like 'water in three states' (ice, liquid, vapor) inadequate?
The water analogy (H₂O) suggests that God is sometimes Father, sometimes Son, sometimes Spirit — which is heresy (modalism). But at Jesus’ baptism, all three persons appear simultaneously!
Some comparisons may illustrate one aspect of the truth, but none adequately represents the Trinity. Therefore, we must use analogies with great caution. They may help show the limits of our understanding, but they must not serve as the basis for defining who God is.
“The mysteries of the Bible, so far from being an argument against it, are among the strongest evidences of its divine inspiration. If it contained no account of God but that which we could comprehend, if His greatness and majesty could be grasped by finite minds, then the Bible would not, as now, bear the unmistakable evidences of divinity.” — Ellen G. White, Education, p. 170, par. 2.
The Mystery Remains
Can we fully understand the nature of God?
The Trinity remains a mystery because it exceeds our capacity for comprehension. We can know enough to believe and love, but we will never know God exhaustively. And this is appropriate: a God who fit in our mind would not be worthy of worship.
And Now?
The doctrine of the Trinity has practical implications:
- Worship: We worship one God in three persons; Father, Son and Spirit deserve equal honor.
- Prayer: We can pray to the Father, in the name of the Son, by the power of the Spirit.
- Salvation: The Father planned, the Son executed, the Spirit applies. All three work together to save us.
- Communion: The triune God is relational in His own nature; we are created for relationships too.
My Decision
I accept the biblical doctrine of the Trinity: one God in three persons — Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Though I do not fully understand this mystery, I believe what the Bible reveals and worship the triune God with all my heart.