December 29, 2024—Most people, including Christians and non-Christians alike, find the trinity very confusing. How can God be three in one? If you struggle to understand the Trinity and its workings, this article is for you. I know God brought you here for a reason.
What is the Trinity?
The word “Trinity” does not appear in the Holy Bible. According to my research, the term was first used by an early Christian theologian and writer named Tertullian (155-220). Tertullian was from Carthage, a Roman province located in northwestern Africa.
The word “Trinity” is from a Latin word, “Trinitas,” which is found in Tertullian’s treatise, Adversus Praxeas (translated as Against Praxeas). Tertullian argues that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are three distinct persons existing in one essence (or body). Moreover, Tertullian states that:
Refusal to believe in the Trinity makes you a Jew. The Trinity separates us from the Jews as it is “the work of the Gospel” (Tertullian, Against Praxeas, page xxi).
Scripture declares the Trinity (Tertullian, Against Praxeas, page 52).
God sent Jesus by the birth of a virgin. When Jesus was resurrected, it was God who did so. Then, when Jesus ascended to the right hand of God, God also caused the ascension. However, the ascension did not happen until Jesus gave the Holy Spirit to His disciples. After the ascension, believers everywhere are still receiving the Holy Spirit. God promised salvation in the scripture and foreshadowed the necessary truth of the birth, life, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. All these things were to fulfill the scriptures within the Old Testament. (Tertullian, Against Praxeas, page 29)
The function of each member of the Trinity is distinct (more on this in the next section)
How Does the Trinity Work?
Jesus Christ is the Word of God in the flesh. God sent the Son to pay our sinful debt (and save us from the wrath to come (judgment). The Holy Spirit declares the truth of the Son, Jesus Christ. God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit glorify one another and submit to each other. God sends a message to Jesus. Jesus sends it to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit declares the truth of the Son, Jesus Christ, to whomever the message is intended for.
Free ebook on the Trinity
On December 31, 2024, I will release a free and short ebook about the Trinity. To get your copy, sign up to receive monthly newsletters. Head over to the home page and scroll down until you see this form:
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Accepting Jesus
Perhaps this is the first time you have heard of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came in the flesh. Being innocent, Jesus died on the cross to pay the price of your sin. Three days later, Jesus Christ was resurrected in the flesh. Walking in the resurrected body for 40 days, Jesus ascended to the right hand of God. If you have not accepted Jesus Christ, I invite you to do so now. All it takes is saying this prayer aloud:
God, I confess that Jesus came in the flesh and blood, paid the price for my sins, died on the cross, rose on the third day, ascended to the heavens, and sent the Holy Spirit to help me understand Your ways. For that, I accept Jesus Christ as my savior and Lord, and I welcome the Holy Spirit in my life. In Jesus’s name I pray, amen!
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