Dictionary of Bible Themes The actual term "the Trinity" is not found in Scripture, but the truths implied in a trinitarian understanding of God are clearly set out. The OT hints at a plurality of persons in the Godhead. The NT affirms that the Son and the Holy Spirit are divine. Deuteronomy 6:4There is only one God See also Isaiah 43:10-11; 44:81 Timothy 1:17; 2:5 James 2:19 Genesis 1:26 OT indications of plurality in the Godhead See also God refers to himself in the plural Genesis 3:22; 11:7Isaiah 6:8 Genesis 16:11-13 The angel of the LORD See also Genesis 18:1-33The "angel of the LORD" is identified with, yet distinct from, God. Exodus 3:2-6Judges 13:3-22 Psalms 33:4 The word of God Proverbs 8:22-31The "word of the LORD" or "wisdom of God" is personified and identified with, yet distinct from, God: Genesis 1:2The Spirit of God Nehemiah 9:20The Spirit of God is God's personal agent: Job 33:4Isaiah 40:13 fn Psalms 110:1 The Messiah Isaiah 9:6The Messiah's divine nature is emphasised: Jeremiah 23:5-6Psalms 33:6 Interchangeable expressions Isaiah 48:16; 61:1Word, Spirit (or breath) and LORD are used interchangeably for God: Matthew 28:19NT trinitarian references See also 2 Corinthians 13:14The unity of the three persons is reflected in the singular name. Ephesians 4:4-6Revelation 1:4-5 John 10:30 The unity of the three persons See also The Son is fully united with the Father Mark 9:37Luke 10:16 John 10:38; 12:44-45; 13:20; 14:7,9-11; 15:23 pp Lk 9:48 2 Samuel 23:2-3See also The Spirit is identified with God Psalms 51:11Matthew 28:19 1 Corinthians 3:16 Matthew 11:25-26 The three persons are distinct from one another Jesus Christ addresses the Father directly Matthew 26:39pp Lk 10:21 Matthew 26:42; 27:46pp Mk 14:36 pp Lk 22:42 Luke 23:46John 11:41-42; 17:1 pp Mk 15:34 Matthew 3:17The Father speaks to the Son from heaven Matthew 17:5pp Mk 1:11 pp Lk 3:22 John 12:27-28pp Mk 9:7 pp Lk 9:35 Romans 8:26-27The Spirit speaks to the Father on behalf of believers Matthew 12:32; 24:36John 7:39; 16:7 Other examples of the difference between the persons 1 Timothy 2:51 John 2:1 John 1:14 The relationship between the Father and the Son Jesus Christ is God's unique Son See also John 1:18; 3:16,18The Greek word for "One and Only", traditionally rendered "only begotten", is actually used to signify "the only one of its kind"; "unique". Acts 13:33Hebrews 1:5 Psalms 2:7 1 John 4:9 Matthew 11:27 The relationship of Father and Son is unique See also John 6:46; 7:28-29; 8:55; 10:15; 17:25pp Lk 10:22 John 3:35See also The Father loves the Son John 5:20; 10:17; 15:9; 17:24Colossians 2:9 See also The Father shares his divine life with the Son John 5:26; 6:57Colossians 1:19 John 5:27 See also The Father delegates his authority to the Son Matthew 28:18John 3:35; 5:21-22; 16:15 Revelation 2:26-27 John 14:10-11 See also Father and Son indwell each other John 10:38; 14:20; 17:21-23Romans 8:9 The relationship between the Holy Spirit and the other two persons The Spirit is "the Spirit of God" and "the Spirit of Christ" Psalms 106:331 Corinthians 2:14 "the Spirit of God": Philippians 3:31 John 4:2 Acts 16:7 Galatians 4:6 "the Spirit of Christ": Philippians 1:191 Peter 1:11 Matthew 10:20 See also The Spirit's unique relationship with God 1 Corinthians 2:10-11John 1:33 See also The Spirit's unique relationship with the Son Isaiah 61:1John 14:16-17,26 Acts 10:38 See also 1165 God, unique1170 God, unity of 1653 numbers, 6-10 1690 word of God 2009 Christ, anger of 2012 Christ, authority 2078 Christ, sonship of 2218 Christ, Son of God 3015 Holy Spirit, divinity 3269 Holy Spirit in Christ 3272 Holy Spirit in OT 4140 angel of the Lord |
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