Doctrine of the Trinity - Christianity (God)

Trinity

Belief of many Christians that God is "Three in One"

Members of Trinity

Father, Son & Holy Spirit

Evidence of Trinity in OT

- Hebrew word for God = Plural

- Genesis 1 = God as "Father" of the universe

God as Father of universe in creation

- Creation through words

- Spirit over the waters

Hebrew word for God

Elohim

Evidence of Trinity in NT

Jesus' Baptism: "You are my Son, whom I love, with you I am well pleased."

Inspiration for Early Church's belief in Trinity

- Biblical texts

- Belief that Jesus was uniquely the Son of God

- Impact of Holy Spirit on individuals & Church

Formal Doctrine of Trinity

- There is one God in three persons: Father, Son & Holy Spirit

- Each person fully possesses all attributes of the Godhead

- Relationship between three persons = Mutual indwelling

Attributes of Godhead

Eternity, omnipotence, omniscience, etc.

Evidence for Mutual Indwelling

"I and the Father are one."

Importance of Trinity

- Diversity & unity within creation mirrors that within the Godhead

- Connects with Christian beliefs about sin & atonement

- Explains God as both transcendent & immanent

- Model for human relationships

Role of Trinity in atonement

- Son: Atoned for sin through crucifixion

- Father: Sent the Son

- Holy Spirit: Gives hope of eternal life for believers, through work in their hearts and lives