Dictionary of Bible Themes: 1511 Trinity, relationships between the persons

1511 Trinity, relationships between the persons

Dictionary of Bible Themes

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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.

There is only one God

Deuteronomy 6:4 See also Isaiah 43:10-11; Isaiah 44:8; 1 Timothy 1:17; Timothy 2:5; James 2:19

OT indications of plurality in the Godhead

God refers to himself in the plural

Genesis 1:26 See also Genesis 3:22; Genesis 11:7; Isaiah 6:8

The angel of the LORD

Genesis 16:11-13 The “angel of the LORD” is identified with, yet distinct from, God. See also Genesis 18:1-33; Exodus 3:2-6; Judges 13:3-22

The word of God

The “word of the LORD” or “wisdom of God” is personified and identified with, yet distinct from, God:

Psalm 33:4; Proverbs 8:22-31

The Spirit of God

The Spirit of God is God's personal agent:

Genesis 1:2; Nehemiah 9:20; Job 33:4; Isaiah 40:13 fn

The Messiah

The Messiah's divine nature is emphasised:

Psalm 110:1; Isaiah 9:6; Jeremiah 23:5-6

Interchangeable expressions

Word, Spirit (or breath) and LORD are used interchangeably for God:

Psalm 33:6; Isaiah 48:16; Isaiah 61:1

NT trinitarian references

Matthew 28:19 The unity of the three persons is reflected in the singular name. See also 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 4:4-6; Revelation 1:4-5

The unity of the three persons

The Son is fully united with the Father

The Spirit is identified with God

2 Samuel 23:2-3 See also Psalm 51:11; Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 3:16

The three persons are distinct from one another

Jesus Christ addresses the Father directly

Matthew 11:25-26 pp Luke 10:21; Matthew 26:39 pp Mark 14:36 pp Luke 22:42; Matthew 26:42; Matthew 27:46 pp Mark 15:34; Luke 23:46; John 11:41-42; John 17:1

The Father speaks to the Son from heaven

Matthew 3:17 pp Mark 1:11 pp Luke 3:22; Matthew 17:5 pp Mark 9:7 pp Luke 9:35; John 12:27-28

The Spirit speaks to the Father on behalf of believers

Romans 8:26-27

Other examples of the difference between the persons

Matthew 12:32; Matthew 24:36; John 7:39; John 16:7; 1 Timothy 2:5; 1 John 2:1

The relationship between the Father and the Son

Jesus Christ is God's unique Son

John 1:14 The Greek word for “One and Only”, traditionally rendered “only begotten”, is actually used to signify “the only one of its kind”; “unique”. See also John 1:18; John 3:16,18; Acts 13:33; Hebrews 1:5; Psalm 2:7; 1 John 4:9

The relationship of Father and Son is unique

Matthew 11:27 pp Luke 10:22 See also John 6:46; John 7:28-29; John 8:55; John 10:15; John 17:25

The Father loves the Son

The Father shares his divine life with the Son

Colossians 2:9 See also John 5:26; John 6:57; Colossians 1:19

The Father delegates his authority to the Son

Father and Son indwell each other

John 14:10-11 See also John 10:38; John 14:20; John 17:21-23

The relationship between the Holy Spirit and the other two persons

The Spirit is “the Spirit of God” and “the Spirit of Christ”

Romans 8:9

“the Spirit of God”: