The doctrine of the Trinity
The doctrine of the Trinity stands as a cornerstone of Christian faith, encapsulating the profound mystery of one God in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. Far from being a mere theological abstraction, the Trinity is a revelation deeply embedded within the very fabric of biblical scripture. This page compellingly presents the biblical justifications for the Trinity, showcasing a wealth of evidence from both the Old and New Testaments that affirm this essential belief.
Old Testament Foundations
- Genesis 1:26“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…'” – The deliberate use of plural pronouns “us” and “our” strongly suggests a multiplicity within the Godhead, hinting at the complex unity of the Trinity.
- Genesis 18:1-33In the account of Abraham’s visitors, God speaks to Abraham in the plural, “Let us go over and see if we can find…” – This theophany is a compelling indication of a plural divine presence.
- Exodus 31:3“And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills…” – The reference to the Spirit of God indicates the presence of a distinct divine person.
- Psalm 110:1“The LORD says to my lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.'” – The distinction between “the LORD” and “my lord” implies multiple persons within the divine realm.
- Isaiah 6:8“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?'” – The shift from singular to plural pronouns underscores the plurality in God’s nature.
- Isaiah 9:6“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given…” – The prophetic declaration speaks to a divine gift involving multiple persons within the Godhead.
- Isaiah 48:16“And now the Sovereign LORD has sent me, endowed with his Spirit.” – Here, the LORD, the messenger (interpreted as the Son), and the Spirit are distinctly mentioned, highlighting the Trinity’s presence even in the Old Testament.
- Proverbs 30:4“Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak?” – This rhetorical question emphasizes the incomprehensible and multifaceted nature of God.
- Deuteronomy 6:4-5“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart…” – While affirming monotheism, the complex unity hinted in “The LORD our God, the LORD is one” supports a Trinitarian understanding.
New Testament Foundations
- Matthew 28:19“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”This explicit triadic formula not only underscores the unity of the three persons but also their distinct roles in the Great Commission.
- 2 Corinthians 13:14“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”Paul’s benediction beautifully encapsulates the Trinity, invoking all three persons to bless the believers.
- John 1:1, 14″In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”Affirming the divinity of Jesus (the Word) and His distinct personhood in relation to God the Father.
- John 14:16-17“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth.”Jesus distinctly refers to the Father and promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, highlighting their separate yet unified mission.
- Colossians 2:9“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.”This verse ascribes full divinity to Christ, affirming His equality with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
- Acts 5:3-4Peter confronts Ananias, saying, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit… You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”By equating lying to the Holy Spirit with lying to God, this passage underscores the Holy Spirit’s divinity.
- Ephesians 4:4-6“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called… one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all.”Paul articulates the unity of God while simultaneously referencing the Spirit and the Lord, reinforcing the Trinity.
- John 15:26“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father.”Jesus clearly distinguishes between Himself, the Father, and the Holy Spirit, each playing a unique role in the believer’s life.
- Romans 8:9“You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you.”Paul emphasizes the Spirit of God dwelling within believers, indicating the Spirit’s personal and divine nature.
- Hebrews 9:14“How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse your consciences from acts that lead to death…”The mention of Christ and the eternal Spirit in a single verse highlights their distinct yet cooperative roles in salvation.
- 1 Peter 1:2“Who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ…”Peter references the Father, the Spirit, and Jesus Christ together, underscoring their unified work in the believer’s life.
- Matthew 1:23“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).”This prophecy fulfilled in Jesus signifies God’s tangible presence among humanity, aligning with Trinitarian belief.
Key Passages Supporting the Trinity
- Matthew 3:16-17“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. … And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.'”This pivotal moment distinctly presents the Father (voice from heaven), the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit (descending like a dove), all present simultaneously, affirming the Trinity.
- John 10:30“I and the Father are one.”Jesus’ profound declaration of unity with the Father implies a distinct personhood within the Godhead, emphasizing both unity and distinction.
- Hebrews 1:8-10“But about the Son he says, ‘Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever…’Here, God the Father addresses the Son with divine titles and attributes, unmistakably attributing divinity to Jesus.
- 1 John 5:7“For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement.”This verse explicitly mentions the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, all affirming each other, highlighting their unity and distinctness.
- John 16:13-15“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth… He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known.”The interplay between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in the mission of truth further reinforces the Trinity’s collaborative nature.
- Romans 15:30“I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.”Paul invokes Jesus Christ and the Spirit together, linking them directly with God, underscoring their interconnected roles within the Trinity.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:13“But we ought to thank God always for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.”This passage connects God’s choosing with the sanctifying work of the Spirit and belief in the truth (Jesus), highlighting the Trinity’s unified action in salvation.
Conclusion
The doctrine of the Trinity is not a human invention but a divine revelation intricately woven throughout the Bible. The abundant and diverse references in both the Old and New Testaments present a consistent and compelling case for one God in three persons. This truth transcends mere theological abstraction; it invites believers into a deeper, more intimate relationship with each Person of the Trinity. Embracing the Trinity enriches our understanding of God’s nature, His interactions with humanity, and the profound love that binds the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit together. As you delve into these scriptures, may the clarity and depth of the Trinity inspire and strengthen your faith.
[Original source : https://www.divinerevelations.info/Trinity/]
A Poor Christmas
In a world of pride and greed,
A poor Christmas is what you need.
Be poor in spirit to be blessed,
Not by vanities to be stressed.
Even if luxury at Christmas abounds,
Be only concerned if godly faith surrounds.
Let your joy be not in pleasure nor wealth,
But rather in Christ who gives you good health.
This Christmas be humble and pure in heart,
And from proud and sinful ways you depart.
Hold on to God’s Word in your celebration,
Praise Jesus for saving you from damnation.
My kingdom is not of this world
The Lord’s wisdom has already been unfurled,
For He said, “My kingdom is not of this world”.
Yet many don’t understand this at all truly,
For they seek things which are vain, profane and unruly.
Many are complacent and sit down in silence,
Instead of praying about the world and its violence.
Anyone of God’s kingdom won’t be undiscerning,
But be mindful that unto God they’re returning.
In God’s kingdom there is justice always,
But for sinful pursuits there is no hope nor praise.
The kingdoms of the world are in chaos and dread,
Because they have rejected the Lord’s Supper – His wine and bread.
Those who are called by the Lord’s name, unto the Scriptures take heed,
Lest anyone of the world by deception does mislead.
Therefore as forewarned reject all false prophets and false christs,
Lest your faith be lost in these last days heists.
Strive that your thoughts, words and deeds are acceptable to God
Often the ways of the world are such that they strive for acceptance from the worldly systems. And the worldly systems do reward their subjects with worldly wages. These wages may seem from an outside perspective simply just about money, fame and prestige but in truth the way to please the world by sinning, results in offending the Lord God. Such a person cannot claim to truly love God!
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. (1 John 2:15-17)
You are in the word but not of the world. What this means that while you stay in this world, do what is good and acceptable to God always instead of loving the sinful ways of the world. Remember O people of God, that the world is in opposition to the Word of God which speaks of holiness while the word speaks of rebellion against all that is holy.
You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. (James 4:4)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (1 John 2:15)
When you try to ensure that your thoughts, words and deeds are acceptable to God, do not be troubled at the opposition and hate that you face. The world even hated Jesus Christ!
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. (John 15:18-19)
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:6-7)
Once you strive to please the Lord God never turn against him. And remember that the Son of God Jesus Christ is always there to support and empower you in your decision to stay true to the Lord God. Therefore think, speak and work in such a way that you always uphold your faith in God!
If we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us (2 Timothy 2:12)
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
Does God call you be a workaholic?
O believer in Jesus Christ, do you believe that God call you to be a workaholic?
Now do not mistake being a hardworking person to be the same as a workaholic. You can be a hardworking person and not be a workaholic at the same time. And this is a good to avoid being a workaholic, I will explain this in detail, but first let me give you the definition of a workaholic and also the mindset of a workaholic to begin with.
Workaholic – (noun) person with a compulsive need to work.
A workaholic is someone who can’t stop working. Workaholics are obsessed with working to an unhealthy degree. Just as an alcoholic has an unhealthy addiction to alcohol, workaholics have an unhealthy addiction to work. Wanting to work all the time might sound like a harmless desire, but for some people it’s a real problem. A workaholic goes to work early and stays late. A workaholic might have trouble relaxing. Many workaholics neglect their families and friends because all they care about is work. Workaholics take a good thing — working — too far. (Reference : https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/workaholic)
Now that you know who exactly is a workaholic, let come to understand if God calls you to be a workaholic. To know this, lets learn from the Word of God.
About being a workaholic due to anxiety:
Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the LORD protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good. It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones. (Psalm 127:1-2)
If your work ethic, causes you to overwork and live in anxiety, then its just workaholism fueled by your anxiety about life. You need to pray to God for guidance in such situations and also for rest, because God will freely give rest and wisdom to those that love him.
About being a workaholic due to money:
Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, Cease from your consideration of it. When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings Like an eagle that flies toward the heavens. (Proverbs 23:4-5)
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If any one loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides for ever. (1 John 2:15-17)
If your work ethic leads you to become a workaholic due to the love of money, then you are not truly trusting God’s providence but instead relying on your own logic and efforts. There are many people who have started with the right intentions about working well, but they have neglected prayer, and also have neglected to read and meditate upon the Holy Scriptures, all in with a misguided belief that they are right in sacrificing what is holy for the greater good. What good is it to neglect your fellowship with the Lord God for the sake of money?
Now again, not being a workaholic does mean that you are lazy. A workaholic is obsessed with work to the point that neither God, nor family nor health nor mental peace is valuable to that person who is workaholic. You can be hard working and efficient without being a workaholic!
God has set timeframes for all of humankind. It’s wise to follow God’s timings instead of usurp all the time that God has created for you, just because of the vain pursuit of workaholism.
Verses for reflection from Ecclesiastes 3:1-13:
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
2 a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
3 a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.
9 What gain has the worker from his toil? 10 I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. 12 I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; 13 also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.
Work for God, once again
Work for God, once again,
Pray to overcome your pain.
Work for God, once again,
Towards godliness you train.
Work for God, once again,
Proclaim the Gospel like the rain.
Work for God, once again,
Let the peace of Christ reign.
Work for God, once again,
Sow God’s word like the grain.
Work for God, once again,
Steer away from things vain.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. (John 4:36)
In the times of deception cling on to the Word of God
And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does the will of God remains forever. (1 John 2:17)
Face it O believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, you are living in a fallen world. A world fallen that has rebelled against God and has fallen from the grace of God. It’s a world that delights in the darkness and tries to flee from the light. And this is a world that deceive itself and tries to deceive the innocent, the naive and unwitting and even those who are the faithful of God.
The innocent, the naive and unwitting are mostly those who are younger but can be of any age. They do act morally right but are not necessarily going by faith in Jesus Christ. While the faithful of God in Jesus Christ, carry the light of Christ. Therefore the Enemy uses those who are under his grip to tempt believers in Christ. Beware, the Enemy is not that interest in affecting your health and wealth, but rather after your faith, which means he tries to pollute it with sin and lack of faith. Sometimes, affecting health and wealth are just a means to a bigger end ie causing a loss of faith.
In such times its important for those who believe in Jesus Christ to firstly hold to the Word of God, secondly reject all worldly deceptions and thirdly proclaim the Gospel by both word and deed. This will help one to remain undefiled by the deceptions of the world and also give glory to God as you continue your walk with Christ unto the very end!
Eloquence is not a substitute for the Truth
Eloquence is not a substitute for the Truth!
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. (2 Timothy 4:1-5)
There are preachers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and there are preachers who are just about fluff. The preachers of the Gospel will teach about the cross of Christ and will exhort you to holiness and obedience to God. The fluff preachers will use words to make you feel positive and even over confident about yourself, and eventually will distort the true meaning of the cross of Christ.
The preachers of the Gospel will protect their people from the deceivers of the world, while the fluff preachers will teach their unwitting flocks all sorts of heresies in the name of feeling good. However, wisdom is justified by it own children. The wise will know to turn away from fluff preachers right from their first sermon, while the self deceived foolish ones will keep trying to find even more fluff preachers who will play along with their silly agendas, instead of drawing them any closer to God.
A simple rule of thumb; never be shocked if true preachers of the Gospel stay faithful to God till the very end and don’t be surprised when the fluff preachers even deny the Word of God, outrightly at any time!
The Word of God has warned us long time back about such preachers of falsehood. Now its your turn to pay heed to God’s Word and reject the evil and accept what is holy.
Christ be with you!
Disciples of hope 