This is too important...
A bite-sized lesson in doctrine: 1 Concept, 2 Definitions, 3 Passages...
Welcome back to Theology Thursday!
Here is your bite-sized lesson in orthodox biblical doctrine in 3 simple steps:
ONE concept explained
TWO concise definitions that must be kept distinct
THREE Scripture passages to meditate on
Concept: The Trinity
What is the most foundational or important doctrine for the Christian faith? Would you say the resurrection of Jesus? Paul the Apostle said that without the resurrection, our faith is futile, but if you think about it, he’s assuming the doctrine of God. I believe the most important doctrine for our faith is the Trinity. The Trinity or triunity of God has been called “The most important doctrine no one ever thinks about.”1 Yes, without the resurrection of Jesus, our faith is nothing, but without the Trinity, the resurrection loses its power; it’s stripped of all meaning. The gospel message is true and saves only because it comes from this God, the Triune God. Other religions teach the resurrection of a figure named Jesus. But the identity of their god is a one-person god, not the triune God. The identity of the Holy Trinity matters because it is the foundation for every other facet of the Christian gospel. So, though the word “Trinity” is not found in the Bible, the authors of Scripture assume its reality. Namely, God eternally exists as one substance or essence in three distinct persons (or subsistences)—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit—each of whom is truly God, yet there is only one God. I hope that over the next few weeks, as we reflect on the triunity of God, we will see why it matters for every aspect of our lives. Rather than simply leave this doctrine at the doorway into Christianity, I pray it becomes the home in which we find warmth and delight.
Definitions/Distinctions:
Essence: “Essence” stresses the unity of God. There are not three “divines” or an essence that is composed of three parts or properties. Essence speaks of the nature of a thing; what makes something one thing and not another. God’s essence is that of pure being, always fully Himself, eternally and unchangeably, with no potential or development.
Subsistence: Subsistence refers to the distinct persons within the Godhead or the particular way the divine essence exists. They are not three “pieces” of God but are real persons, who possess the one divine essence, distinguished by eternal relations—the Father is unbegotten, the Son is eternally begotten from the Father, the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son.
Passages:
Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’ ”
Exodus 3:13–14
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”
Matthew 28:19
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
2 Corinthians 13:14
Thanks, Kevin DeYoung, for this memorable quote.
Thank you for sharing this powerful teaching it’s deeply encouraging and foundational. You are right without the Trinity, the gospel loses its power and meaning. God is not a distant force He is personal, relational, and eternally loving within Himself. That’s why understanding who God is matters so much. The Trinity is not a puzzle to solve but a mystery to worship God has revealed Himself as One in essence and Three in persons. This isn’t contradiction it’s divine glory Hear, O Israel The LORD our God, the LORD is one Deuteronomy 6:4. The love of the Father, the sacrifice of the Son, and the power of the Spirit are not separate plans they are one perfect act of divine love. The gospel flows out of this eternal relationship. When we come to Christ, we are being brought into that very love Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am... that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them John 17:24,26. The Trinity shapes how we live, pray, and worship. We pray to the Father, through the Son, in the Holy Spirit We are adopted by the Father, united to Christ, and indwelt by the Spirit For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father Ephesians 2:18. Let’s not treat the Trinity like a doorway we pass through once we should live in the warmth and joy of this truth every day. The Father planned your salvation, the Son accomplished it, and the Spirit applies it. That’s our God. Grace and peace to you, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful and powerful post. It truly opened my eyes to the deep truth of who our God is. We are seeing God do amazing things here in India, and your teaching is a blessing to us. There are many preachers here who are faithfully serving, but they are hungry for sound, biblical teaching like this. Please preach and teach us, sir we truly need your guidance and encouragement