Doctrine of the Trinity (Part I)

              The doctrine of the Trinity is given to us not in formulated definition but in fragmentary allusions which, when assembled into an organic unity, are clearly Scriptural.  The doctrine of the Trinity is a genuinely Scriptural doctrine.

            “The doctrine is purely a revealed doctrine.  It embodies a truth which has never been discovered, and is indiscoverable, the natural reason…. As it is indiscoverable by reason, so it is incapable of proof from reason.  There are no analogies to it in nature, not even in the spiritual nature of man.” –International Standard Bible Encyclopedia.

            Dr. Wiley, in Christian Theology, says: “The Father is specially related to God’s work in Creation; the Son by incarnation is specially related to God’s work in Redemption; and the Holy Spirit by His indwelling is specially related to God’s work in Sanctification…. In this sense we may (1) the Father is God above us, (2) the Son is God with us, (3) the Holy Spirit is God in us.”

            Mr. John Wesley said: “Let man firmly believe, there is but on God, the object of any Divine worship whatever; and think and speak of Him under that plain Scriptural distinction of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; leaving the incomprehensible nature of that union and distinction to the great Author of our faith Himself.”

            That God is regarded as a trinity is clear from the Scriptures.  The proofs offered by the theologians are:

1. At the baptism of Jesus, God the Son is approved, God the Holy Ghost descends as a dove upon Jesus.
2. Works that only God can do are ascribed to God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost.
3. That all are worshiped is clearly taught in the Bible.
4. Believers are to be baptized in the name of the Father, in the name of the Son, and in the name of the Holy Spirit (Matt 28:19).
5. The gifts would teach us of the three Persons to be worshiped and obeyed (I Cor. 12:4-6).
6. In the inspired benedictions all three names are linked together as of equal importance (II Cor. 13:14).

            Do you say you cannot understand this idea of the Trinity?  That does not make it untrue.  I do not understand the telephone, I understand less about radio, and television is entirely beyond my comprehension, yet all are facts of everyday life.

--Oliver G. Wilson