July 26: Key questions about the triune God

Matthew 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 2:12-13; Ephesians 1:3-14

Jul 1, 2009
WILEY RICHARDS

Wiley Richards is a retired professor of theology and philosophy at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.

The doctrine of the Trinity is absolutely fundamental to the Christian faith. It is also difficult to understand. As some of the old theologians have said, “If you try to understand the Trinity, you will lose your mind. If you deny the Trinity, you will lose your soul.” Two extremes of thought, both wrong, can be discerned. Some explain the Trinity in a modalistic fashion that God reveals Himself in the mode of Father in the Old Testament, as Son in the New Testament, and as Holy Spirit following the New Testament. That will not do because God is always Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Neither can we go to the opposite extreme and see the Trinity as three gods. God is one in essence, nature, being, but three as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

In the baptism of Jesus, the Bible proves the divine Trinity acts (Matt. 3:16-17). Three distinct acts stood out. (1) Jesus came up out of the waters. He clearly was immersed, not sprinkled or poured upon by John. (2) The Holy Spirit came down from heaven. Mark 1:10 says the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit descended like a dove upon Jesus. Luke 3:22 asserts that “the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him.” John 1:32 says John the Baptist reported, “I saw the Spirit descending like a dove, and it abode upon him.” All are asserting a central truth. The Holy spirit could appear in a material form (theophany) to accommodate Himself to human understanding. (3) All four gospel writers say a voice from heaven spoke affirming Jesus to be His Son, undoubtedly, the voice of God the Father.

In the second passage to be considered, the Holy Spirit teaches (1 Cor. 2:12-13). Jesus predicted His role as teacher in John 14:26 in which He said the Holy Spirit, sent from the Father (v. 16) would cause the disciples to remember all of Christ’s teachings. In this way we can explain the astounding details the writers recorded in the gospels. That ministry is extended in the Spirit of God who speaks in contrast to “the spirit of the world.” The Holy Spirit teaches by “explaining spiritual things to spiritual people” (HCSB). An unsaved person, therefore, can read the Bible and be mystified by it. The believers read it and their souls are fed.

Shifting now to the Book of Ephesians, the Bible states that the Father plans (1:3-6). Scholars may find excitement in trying to delve into what they imagine to be the order of God’s decrees. The Bible presents a simpler method. In verses 3-13, the phrase “in Christ,” “in him,” “in the beloved,” or “in whom” occurs 13 times (KJV). Everything from eternity to before creation to post-history is summed up “in Christ.” God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world (v. 4), brought it about in history according to His will (v. 5), and accepted us “in the beloved” (v. 6).

Not only did the Father plan, but also Jesus redeems (v. 7-12). Our receiving the “redemption through His blood,” brings “forgiveness through God’s grace,” in which God’s wisdom and prudence (v. 8) make known to us “the mystery of his will.” That is, that in the “fullness of times he might gather together all things in Christ” (v. 10). In Christ “we have obtained an inheritance,” guaranteed by the Father who works all things to accomplish His goal. Those who first trusted in Christ become the praise of God’s glory (v. 12).

In the next phase, the Holy Spirit guarantees (vv. 13-14). The Bible attributes two works to the Holy Spirit in effecting God’s plan to put redeemed people on display as evidence of His glory. First, He seals believers. The seal pictures a stamp which signifies ownership. It says, “God owned.” Second, the Holy Spirit is “the earnest of our inheritance,” the down-payment as when one buys a piece of property. The new owner immediately takes possession.

The presence of the Holy Spirit provides “a foretaste of glory divine,” as a hymn asserts, but He is also God’s guarantee to keep us secure in Christ.

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