The Holy Trinity is the biblical doctrine that the one true God exists in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. These three are coequal, coeternal, and consubstantial. Meaning they share the same divine nature but are not the same person. This is not a contradiction but a mystery revealed in Scripture.
The doctrine is grounded in monotheism. God is one:
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one!” (Deuteronomy 6:4)
Yet within this one God, we see distinct persons acting in harmony. At Jesus’ baptism, all three are present:
“When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water… and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove… and suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'” (Matthew 3:16–17)
The Father is called God:
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father.” (Romans 1:7)
The Son is called God:
“But to the Son He says: ‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.'” (Hebrews 1:8)
The Holy Spirit is called God:
“Why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit… You have not lied to men but to God.” (Acts 5:3–4)
Each person of the Trinity has unique roles:
- The Father sends the Son.
- The Son accomplishes redemption.
- The Spirit applies that redemption.
Jesus affirmed the triune name in the Great Commission:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)
The word “Trinity” is not found in the Bible, but the concept is clearly taught. The early church affirmed this truth to protect against heresies that denied the deity of Christ or the personhood of the Spirit. The Trinity does not mean three gods, but one God in three persons.
The Trinity reveals the eternal relationship of love and unity within the Godhead. It also explains how God could send His Son, and how the Spirit can indwell believers. Understanding the Trinity is essential to understanding the gospel.
“For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” (Colossians 2:9)
