THE TRINITY

On occasion, I have received some rather curt comments on my belief in God as a Trinity. And although I am not thrilled about the attitude that accompanies the comments, I fully understand they are made out of frustration. Just as I am frustrated with having to repeatedly defend my view, I am sure that those holding other views of the Godhead are experiencing the same thing. I guess the difference is that I present my view in my writing and do not feel the need to correct alternative views. If someone wants to believe differently, that is their choice, but it might be a good idea if they met with those of like mind. If they want to "share" their view in the church I attend, I feel it is necessary to oppose their teaching as false doctrine. Here is why I believe in God as a Trinity:

* Genesis begins with God creating heaven and earth. The word "God" is Elohim in the Hebrew; a singular noun with a plural ending (Gen. 1:1)
* Between Genesis 1:1 and the creation of Adam, God spoke to the One doing the creating (1:3, 6, 9, 11, etc.). We find from the New Testament that it was Jesus who created the material universe (Jn. 1:3; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2).
* The creation of man involved three Persons: One spoke (Gen. 1:24), One created (Jesus), and One breathed into man the breath of life (Gen. 2:7 - the Hebrew word for "breath" used here is nishma, and it is the only time it is used in the Bible. It is related to nishkah which means "chamber." It is likely referring to the lungs of man being filled. The usual word for "breath" is ruach which is also translated "wind," "air," and "spirit." It has the same meaning as pneuma in the Greek New Testament).
* Matthew 3:16-17 - Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit landed upon Him, and the Father spoke.
* Matthew 28:19 - The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are named as equals.
* John 14:26 - Jesus will pray to the Father to send the Holy Spirit.
* Acts 2:33 - Jesus, seated next to the Father in heaven, sent the Holy Spirit.
* Romans 15:30 - Prayer should be made to the Father out of love of the Spirit, and for Christ's sake.
* 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 - We are established in Christ, anointed by God, and sealed by the Spirit.
* Galatians 4:6 - God sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts.
* Ephesians 2:18 - Through Jesus, we have access by the Spirit unto God.
* Philippians 3:3 - We worship God in the Spirit and rejoice in Christ Jesus.
* 1 John 4:2 - The Spirit confesses Jesus has come in the flesh to the glory of God.
* 1 John 5:7 - There are three that bear record in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Spirit.

The above is far from being an exhaustive list of Trinitarian references, but it is representative of how the doctrine of the Trinity is present throughout the New Testament. The Father loves you, He sent His Son to die for you, and the Holy Spirit convinces you that the Gospel is true, giving you faith to believe. Amen!