Chap 3 The Trinity: Theology PDF

# 3 The Trinity: Theology You have probably heard a preacher or someone else talk about "the Holy Trinity.” Perhaps also you have some vague idea of what is meant by the word Trinity. The classic definition of the Trinity is this: “The three eternal distinctions in one divine essence, known as the...

# 3 The Trinity: Theology You have probably heard a preacher or someone else talk about "the Holy Trinity.” Perhaps also you have some vague idea of what is meant by the word Trinity. The classic definition of the Trinity is this: “The three eternal distinctions in one divine essence, known as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” What does that mean? It simply means that even though God is only one Being, or essence, this one Being exists in three separate persons: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. That’s hard to believe. I could never explain that. I can't explain it either. Though if we could figure out God, He wouldn't be much of a God, would He? But we can offer proof that there is a Holy Trinity-however mysterious or confusing the concept might be. # Proof of the Trinity Let’s see what the Bible says about this subject. ## The Bible Constantly Associates the Three Together in Their Work 1. Read Romans 1:7; Galatians 1:1; Ephesians 1:2. In each of these verses what two persons are connected together? God the and ____ 2. All three are mentioned at the baptism of Jesus. Note Matthew 3:16-17. How does this passage portray each member of the Trinity? * The Father * The Son * The Holy Spirit 3. According to Matthew 28:19, in whose name were the disciples to baptize? 4. A blessing from the Apostle Paul unites the three. Read 2 Corinthians 13:14 and write the verse below: 5. All three are united in our salvation. Read 1 Peter 1:2 and state what part each plays in our salvation. * The Father * The Son * The Holy Spirit To summarize, all three are associated and united in at least four ways: * The baptism of Jesus * The baptism of believers * Paul’s blessing on the church * Salvation 6. All three take part in our spiritual growth. Read 2 Corinthians 3:12-18 and summarize verses 17-18 in your own words. ## Their Eternal Existence Proves the Trinity 1. According to Psalm 90:2, how long has God the Father existed? 2. What does the Bible say about the Spirit’s life-span? (Heb. 9:14) 3. What does John 1:1-2 say about God the Son? ## Creation Proves the Trinity 1. Read Genesis 1:26. Notice the two pronouns that refer to God used in the verse: ____ and _____ Are these singular or plural? * What does this tell you about God? 2. Now, look at John 1:1–3, 14. Who else aided in creation? * John 1:34 tells us that this other person is called what? 3. Go back to Genesis 1:2. Who moved over the waters before creation? What difference does it make if I believe in the Trinity or not? ## The Trustworthiness of Christ 1. Read John 14:7–12. In verse 9, Christ says that anyone who has seen Him has also seen _____. 2. And in John 10:30, Jesus says ______. 3. Therefore, if we reject the doctrine of the Trinity, we say that ______ is a liar, and cannot be trusted. ## Our Faith in the Truthfulness of God’s Word 1. Read 2 Peter 1:20–21. Who wrote the words of God? * According to verse 21, who moved these men as they wrote Scripture? 2. Therefore, if we reject the Trinity, we deny the fact that God wrote the Word. Could we then know for sure that the Bible was true in every detail? ## The Assurance of Our Salvation 1. Read 1 John 3:24; 4:13; and Romans 8:14, 16. State in your own words what these verses mean. 2. If we reject the Trinity, can we be sure we’re saved? ____ ## The Enlightening Power of the Spirit * Read John 14:26; 15:26. According to these verses, what work does the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, perform? * However, if He is not God, can He honestly tell us the mind of God? * Then, if we deny the doctrine of the Trinity, can we really understand the Scriptures? ## Brief Summary The doctrine of the Trinity, simply stated, is that the Holy Spirit is God, Jesus Christ is God, and God the Father is God. They are all three separate, yet they are one God. Complete This Section Without Looking Back at the Lesson 1. Give the simple definition of the Trinity. 2. Name three major proofs of the Trinity. 3. Name four ways the Bible associates the Three-in-One. 4. Who created the heavens and the earth and everything in them? Be specific. 5. What four great truths must we discard if we reject the doctrine of the Trinity? ## Verses to Memorize * 2 Corinthians 13:14 * John 1:1-4