This is the fifth in a series of articles on the subject—Do You Know God? In this week’s article, the subject of The Triune Nature Of God will be discussed. We will briefly review the Bible’s teaching on the trinity. Certain practical applications will then be drawn from this doctrine that should serve to enhance our relationship with God.
While the Bible presents God as three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—it should be understood that the Scriptures speak of only one God. When asked by a scribe as to which commandment was the greatest, Jesus responded by quoting Deuteronomy 6:4, “The foremost is, ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord” (Mark 12:29). The fact of the triune nature of God does not contradict this fact.
In this one God there are three persons who share in His essence. We read of God creating the heavens and the earth in Genesis 1:1. The name used of God in this verse—Elohim—is actually plural in form. The same word is used later in Genesis 1 in reference to God where He said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness” (verse 26). Notice the use of the plural pronouns Us and Our. The doctrine of the triune nature of God is not fully developed in the Old Testament; however, the concept of God’s plural nature is certainly evident.
While the three persons of the Godhead are equal in essence or divinity, they each play a distinct role. There is God the Father—it is this Father to whom we pray and from whom we will receive our eternal inheritance (Matthew 6:9; Galatians 4:6-7). There is God the Son—it is this Son who is not ashamed to call God’s children His brothers and sisters (Hebrews 2:11-14; Mark 3:31-35). There is God the Spirit—is it this Spirit of God who serves as the agent of divine revelation (John 16:13; 2 Peter 1:21).
The triune nature of God is certainly not easily understood by finite man. At the same time, what has been revealed about this facet of God’s person can inspire His children to greater service. Consider the following practical applications of this doctrine.
The Work Of The Trinity In Redemption. The three persons of the Godhead work in unison for the redemption of penitent sinners. Those who believe in Jesus are commanded to be baptized “in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). All three persons are referenced by the apostle Peter in bringing about our salvation, “To those . . . who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood” (1 Peter 1:1-2). God’s children should strive diligently to emulate the work of the Godhead in our efforts to reach out to the lost of the world as did God the Father and God the Son and God the Spirit.
We Are Partakers Of The Divine Nature. The apostle Peter wrote that by virtue of God’s glory and excellence “He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:3-4). It is written of the local church that it is a temple of God in which “the Spirit of God dwells” (1 Corinthians 3:16). Of individual disciples, the Bible teaches that our bodies are “a temple of the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19). The work of the triune God has made it possible for us to share in the nature of He in whose image we have been created—what a blessing and responsibility!
In The Godhead There Is A Unified . . . Will, Purpose, And Action. From the preceding discussion, it is evident that the three persons of the Godhead work in perfect harmony to accomplish God’s purposes. Jesus said, “I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 6:38). Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to guide the apostles into all truth and said of this third person of the trinity, “He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak” (John 16:13). Similar to the Godhead, we should seek to work in harmony with those in fellowship with God—we should manifest a unified will, purpose, and action!
In conclusion, all those seeking a closer relationship with God should seek to know the triune nature of God. This knowledge will not only enhance our relationship with God, but it will also serve to motivate us to work together as those who are partakers of this divine nature. The result will be a harmonious blending of souls committed the carrying out of God’s will during our time here on this earth.