Dictionary of Bible Themes: 1170 God, unity of

1170 God, unity of

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 1000 God » 1010 God, nature and qualities of » 1015 God » 1170 God, unity of

God acts as a unity in all his deeds. The three persons of the Trinity are united in one Godhead. They are interrelated with one another, share the same attributes and co-operate in the same work. God's characteristics are consistent, expressing his integral divine nature.

God is one

Deuteronomy 6:4 See also Mark 12:29,32; 1 Corinthians 8:4; Galatians 3:20; Ephesians 4:5-6; 1 Timothy 2:5; James 2:19

The three persons of the Trinity are united in one Godhead

All three are interrelated

Romans 8:9-11 The interchange between the persons of the Trinity reflects their unity in terms of activity. See also John 14:23; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 2:18; 1 Peter 1:2

The Son is one with the Father

The Spirit is one with God

2 Samuel 23:2-3 See also Psalm 51:11; 1 Corinthians 3:16

The three persons are one in character

All three are eternal

Romans 16:26 the Father; Isaiah 9:6 the Son; Hebrews 9:14 the Spirit

All three are all-knowing

Isaiah 40:13-14 the Father

The Son:

John 2:24-25; John 21:17 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 the Spirit

All three are holy

John 17:11 the Father

The Son:

Mark 1:24; Acts 3:14

The Spirit:

John 14:26; Romans 1:4

All three are called Lord and God

The Father:

Matthew 11:25; Acts 3:22; 1 Corinthians 8:6

The Son:

John 1:1; John 20:28; Acts 10:36; 2 Peter 1:1

The Spirit:

Acts 5:3-4; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

All three are glorious

The Father:

Acts 7:2; Ephesians 1:17

The Son:

John 1:14; John 12:41

The Spirit:

2 Corinthians 3:8,18; 1 Peter 4:14

The three persons share in the same work

In creation

Genesis 1:1-3 See also Psalm 33:6; Psalm 104:30; John 1:3-4; Colossians 1:16

In Jesus Christ's ministry

John 3:34 See also Acts 10:38

In salvation

1 Peter 1:2 See also 2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Titus 3:4-6

In indwelling the church

Ephesians 2:22

The Spirit indwells believers:

1 Corinthians 3:16; Corinthians 6:19

The Son indwells believers:

Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 3:17

In directing the church's mission

Acts 16:6-10

The Father directs mission:

Acts 14:27; Galatians 1:1

The Son directs mission:

Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:7-8

The Spirit directs mission:

Acts 13:2,4

God's characteristics are consistent

His love and justice are in unity

Exodus 34:6-7 See also 2 Samuel 7:14-15; Psalm 103:6-8; Romans 3:25-26

His wrath and mercy are in unity

Joel 2:11-13 See also John 3:16-18 It is particularly in the cross of Jesus Christ that the perfect balance between God's wrath and justice and his love and mercy are seen; Romans 2:4,7-8