The Bible not only teaches that God exists but that God exists in a triune nature. The triune nature of God is often described using terms like the Godhead or the trinity. The point is that there are three distinct individuals or beings who possess the divine nature. This doctrine is ignored by some, confusing to many and a challenge to all. The Bible says in several places that there is one God (Deuteronomy 6:4; 1 Corinthians 8:6). Yet, the Bible also teaches that within that oneness, there are three individuals: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. The oneness of God is not contradicted by the fact that three different beings possess a divine nature. There is an uncompromised unity among the three members of the Godhead, though each member contains His distinct individuality.
We must humbly approach this subject, realizing that there are some things about God and His nature that we will not know on this side of eternity (Deuteronomy 29:29; Job 11:7). Nevertheless, we also must acknowledge that God has given us enough information in Scripture to speak with some definiteness on His triune nature. The triune nature of God is not a side issue that should only be engaged by specialists. The nature and identity of God is to be studied, known and appreciated by all of God’s people. In this article, I want to briefly point out some things about each member of the Godhead that will hopefully help us appreciate Scripture’s teaching on this vital subject.
God the Father
God the Father is perhaps the most familiar of the three members of the Godhead to most Christians. Usually, when God is referenced, this is who we have in mind. God the Father is eternal and is responsible for creating the world in which we live (Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 43:7; Revelation 4:11). Our prayers are directed to God the Father in the name of His Son Jesus (John 15:16). God the Father is described as the One who sent the Son into the world for the forgiveness of our sins (Romans 3:25; 1 John 4:10). Some have described God the Father as the member of the Godhead who orchestrated the plan to save humanity, the mind behind the scheme of redemption (John 3:16). Jesus often described Himself as being sent by the Father and that He came to do His Father’s will (John 3:17; 5:23; 6:29; 6:57; etc.). Finally, one day Jesus will deliver the kingdom (i.e., the church) up to God the Father (1 Corinthians 15:24-28).
God the Son
Jesus the Christ is presented to readers of Scripture as the Son of God (Mark 1:1; Romans 1:1-4). Jesus, God the Son, is the one who came into the world to die for our sins (Galatians 4:4-5; Matthew 26:28). Though Jesus emptied Himself and became a human (Philippians 2:5-11), the Bible still describes Him as being equal with God (John 1:1-4; Hebrews 1:1-3). It is important to see that Jesus is as much God as God the Father and not any less. He, too, is mentioned as being responsible for creation (Colossians 1:15-17). While many are familiar with the humanity of Jesus, we must remain impressed with His deity and the fullness of God in Him (Colossians 2:9). Jesus was able to forgive sins (Mark 2:5-7), read minds (John 2:24-25) and rise from the dead (John 10:18) because He is God (John 20:28). God the Son is the One Who will judge us in the last day (John 5:22-24; 2 Corinthians 5:10), and it is through His name that we are saved (Acts 4:12).
God the Holy Spirit
The Bible tells us that the Spirit of God was present at creation (Genesis 1:1-2). Elihu rightly described himself as being created by God’s Spirit (Job 33:4). The men who wrote the Bible were directed by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21) as He gave them the words to write (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Holy Spirit was sent by Jesus to guide the apostles into all truth (John 16:13). He is called God, just like the Father and the Son (Acts 5:3-4). The Holy Spirit was possessed in a miraculous measure by some in the first-century church of God.
Conclusion
Much more could be said about the one God and the triune nature He possesses. We should study each of the members of the trinity individually and collectively. We need to appreciate Their distinct roles but also not make more of Their distinctions than the Bible does. We are baptized into the Godhead (Matthew 28:19), and we are in a close relationship with each of Them as we walk in the light (2 Corinthians 13:14). Praise God for God!
[Editor’s Note: It helps me to think in these terms: one God (Godhead) but three persons and one humanity but billions of persons. ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor]
