I think we can all agree that the word Trinity cannot be found in the Bible. But does that mean that it is wrong to use this word? When describing Biblical things, it is good to use Biblical terms, but how do you do that completely when most of us do not speak the original language in which the Bible was written? Sometimes it’s difficult to convey a concept in another language when that specific language lacks an equivalent word. Secondly, despite their inadequacies in describing and defining things, some words at least give us some sense of particular concepts. Thirdly, those who object to the word Trinity are often unknowingly hypocritical and inconsistent in their reasoning. For instance, many claiming to follow Christ have no problem labelling God’s word as the Bible, using hymn books, having church buildings, church business meetings, children’s classes or even submitting to a governing organisation (or board) even when those things are not mentioned in scripture.
Additionally, what about the word church? Technically speaking, although found in most English translations, the word church originally had little to do with the Greek word ekklesia. The word church is an English word derived not from “ekklesia” (congregation, gathering, assembly) but from the Greek word “kyriakos”, which came to be associated with the concept of “the Lord’s house”[1]. Yet despite this, most Christians have little problem using the word church today. Although the term, Trinity, seems to have been introduced by Tertullian in the second century and later formalised into the Catholic church doctrine[2], that doesn’t mean it is wrong to use it in describing the nature and relationship of the Godhead. Admittedly, many who use the word Trinity either have an immature understanding or even hold erroneous views. However, the same can be said of baptism, faith or any other Biblical topic. The point is, rather than dismissing a word because it isn’t in the Bible, perhaps it’s better to ask does this word reasonably represent a Biblical concept?
Of course, when it comes to the members of the Godhead, we will always, to some extent, grapple to fully understand them and find the words to describe how the Godhead functions. For this reason, we should recognise the limitations of any terms we use.
That said, does the word Trinity reasonably represent a Biblical concept? In a general sense, it does. Essentially, Trinity means Tri (Three) – Unity, referring to the quality of the relationship between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, as well as their similar nature and existence.
Of course, some oppose this understanding and, as I mentioned before, hold to what I believe to be a false understanding of God. Since several scriptures declare that there is one God (Deuteronomy 6:3, Isaiah 45:5), they conclude that Jesus cannot be God or is an inferior god. Although they believe that Jesus is powerful, He is nevertheless a created being. Regarding the Holy Spirit, rather than seeing Him as a spiritual being, they see Him as a force representing the active power of God.
On the other extreme of this is the teaching known today as Modalism. Modalism acknowledges that God is one being but manifests Himself as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. In other words, each of these is the same being but presented in three different ways. Although the simplicity of this view is appealing, it nevertheless is erroneous and not something that can be supported by scripture.
So, where do we begin to understand the concept of the Trinity, or, as some also call it, the Triune God? Since the New Testament is a better covenant, it offers us a better understanding of God’s will and gives greater insight into His character. For this reason, I believe it is far more helpful to begin by studying the New Testament – particularly its teaching about the Deity of Jesus Christ.
Final Thoughts:
So for the following few articles, I hope to consider the topic of the Trinity, starting with several passages from the New Testament. Once we have considered the Trinity from the vantage point of the New Testament, we will be better positioned to see glimpses of the Godhead at work throughout the Old Testament.
[1] J.D. Douglas. The Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Part 1, Inter-varsity Press, 1994, p.283.
[2] J.D. Douglas. The Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Part 3, Inter-varsity Press, 1994, p.1597.
