The Trinity

From TFTW Bible College

There is only one divine nature, but there are three persons who possess it. These three are referred to as “The Trinity.” Since they all possess the attributes of God and they all possess divine nature, we may use the word “God” when referring to the individual persons. You may hear them referred to as:

1. God the Father
2. God the Son
3. God the Holy Spirit

Some people believe stating there is a Trinity is incorrect because they believe the idea of a Trinity is stating there are three gods. However, the confusion comes in if we forget what the word “God” really means. The word “God” refers to the divine nature, not to the persons who possess it. The word “God” does not indicate any number, it merely indicates the attributes of the divine. There is only one divine nature because someone either possesses the attributes of God or they do not. Therefore, there is only one God. There happen to be three persons who possess that nature. 

We can also see the Trinity in action at the baptism of Jesus. “Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:13-17)

Here we see three persons of God in action:

1) God the Father speaks from Heaven. 
2) Jesus the Son is being baptized.
3) God the Holy Spirit is descending like a dove.