Doctrine of the Trinity Part 1
Proposition: The doctrine of the Trinity, though not explicitly set forth, is found in the Bible and is seen in the light of God’s more prominent plan of redemption with each person of the Trinity, united in purpose, playing a unique role in redeeming the people of God. See it, believe it and live in the light of the principles of diversity within unity.
I. PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS
A. The Problem: No systematic statement of the doctrine of the Trinity is found in the Bible.
B. Scripture’s Focus: God’s redemption of man.
1. The Trinity is revealed as the plan for redemption unfolds in Scripture. The Father, according to His plan, sends the Son to accomplish redemption, the Son sends the Spirit to apply the work of redemption to God’s people.
2. Trinitarian expressions are found in the New Testament.
a. Matthew 28:19, Great Commission
b. 2 Corinthians 13:13, Apostolic Blessing
C. Statement of the Doctrine: One God, existing in three persons—the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. They are one in their essence; yet, each has His own special distinct characteristics:
1. The Father—is of none, He generates the Son from all eternity.
2. The Son—is eternally generated from the Father,
3. The Spirit—proceeds from the Father and the Son by spiration.
II. THE TRINITY IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
A. God is a Plurality
1. Elohim—Masculine plural noun
2. Plural pronouns—Gen. 1:26; Gen. 11:7; Isaiah 6:8—”Whom shall (I) send, and who will go for (Us)?” (Plurality in a unity)
3. Plural descriptions of God–Ecc. 12:1, lit. “Creators”, Ps. 142:2, lit. “Makers”
4. The Shema—Deut. 6:4: “…the LORD is one!” Echad–compound “one”, not yachid–absolute “one”.
B. God is at least TWO
Identification/Differentiation Principle: In some passages one Person is identified as God and is seen in relation to a different Person also identified as God.
1. Psalm 45:6-7
2. Gen. 19:24 (Applies to LORD, “YHVH” as well).
3. Zechariah 2:8-9
4. Genesis 16:7,13—The Angel of The LORD, making tangible contact with man.
5. Genesis 22:11-12—The LORD (the Angel) with Abraham
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