The Holy Trinity
Doctrine of the Trinity in the Bible- A Summary
I. Hints of the Trinity in the Old Testament
Plural Expressions of God
A. The primary Hebrew name for God, Elohim, is grammatically plural. While it is
almost always paired with singular verbs indicating a single being. Its plural
form allows for the concept of “plurality within unity”
B. The Divine “US”. On several key occasions, God refers to Himself using plural
pronouns. In Genesis 1:26, He says “Let is make man in “our” image.” Similar
phrasing appears in Genesis 11:7 and Isaiah 6:8.
Distinctions Within the Godhead
Certain passages present two or more persons who are both identified as God
or Lord.
A. Psalm 110:1 “The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand…’ “Jesus later
used this verse to imply the divine relationship between the Messiah and the
Father.
B. Isaiah 48:16 This verse is often cited as a rare triadic formula in the Old
Testament: “And now the Lord God has sent me (messiah speaking) and His
Spirit.” Here three distinct subjects are mentioned: the Sender (the Father), the
Sent (Son/Messiah), and the Spirit.
C. Genesis 1:1-2 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the Earth…and
the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” The Holy Spirit was present in
the act of creation.
D. Wisdom: In Proverbs 8, Wisdom is personified as a distinct being who was
present with God before the world began, acting as a master workman beside
Him. See John 1:1-3, 14.
While the Old Testament maintains a fierce commitment to monotheism
(Deuteronomy
6:4), these nuances suggest that the “oneness” of God is a compound unity rather
than a
simple singularity.
Other Hints
A. The Three Visitors in Genesis 18
B. The Promised child/Messiah in Isaiah 9:6 is called “The Mighty God”.
C. The Cloud Rider in Daniel 7 is referred to as “Like the Son of Man” approaches the
Ancient of Days & is given everlasting dominion and receives worship.
D. The Three-fold pattern: The Priestly Blessing Numbers 6:24-26, The Seraphim’s
Cry in Isaiah 6:3 “Holy, Holy, Holy”
II. The Trinity in the New Testament
A. Jesus exercised Divine prerogatives – forgiving sins, calming storms and
receiving worship- yet distinct from The Father. The deity of Jesus is firmly
established in John 1:1-3, 14.
B. The Deity of the Holy Spirit is seen in Acts 5:3-4 where Peter equates lying to the
Holy Spirit with lying to God.
C. Then there is the Triadic formulas and patterns where the New Testament
groups Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in ways that imply equality of essence and
unity of purpose.
a. The Baptismal Formula Matthew 28:19 Jesus commands His disciples to
baptize “in the name (singular) of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit” The use of a singular “name” for three persons suggest a unified
Divine identity.
b. The Apostolic Benediction 2 Corinthians 13:14
c. The Baptism of Jesus: Matthew 3:16-17 This event serves as a visual and
auditory snapshot of the Trinity: The Son is being baptized, the Spirit
descends like a dove, and the Father speaks from heaven.
d. Salvation is often said Salvation is “From the Father, through the Son and by
the Holy Spirit.
The Book of Doctrine & Discipline Global Methodist Church states:
Article 1- Of Faith in the Holy Trinity
“There is but one living and true God, everlasting and without body or parts, of infinite power,
wisdom and goodness, the maker and preserver of all things, both visible and invisible. And in
unity of this Godhead there are three persons of one substance, power and eternity-the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Ghost.” Page 18.