IS GOD A TRINITY?
The Trinity is a unique doctrine in that it is considered the central teaching of Christianity, and it is almost universally believed by all its major denominations and sects. The Trinity is defined as one God in three consubstantial (of the same substance) persons. The first part of that definition is biblically sound. That there is only one God is intrinsic to the scriptures. Both Moses and Jesus said, “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one” (Deut. 6:4; Mk. 12:29). This statement is understood by all to mean that there is only one God. Anything beyond that descends into polytheism, which is clearly anti-Christian.
But that is exactly where the second half of the definition descends—into polytheism! Simple grammar tells us that “persons” is plural, more than one. God cannot be both one and three persons, it is contradictory and therefore false. But the above definition goes further and tries to amend this problem by saying the three persons are consubstantial, as though they are conjoined triplets. This sounds exactly like Hinduism’s three major deities: Shiva, who is distinct from Vishnu and Brahma, and yet one with them.
Where did this Trinity belief come from? Historian James Bonwick wrote, “…It is an undoubted fact that more or less all over the [ancient] world the deities are in triads…Further, it is observed that, in some mystical way, the triad of three persons is one” (Egyptian Belief and Modern Thought, p. 396). No wonder the Catholics’ official title for the trinity belief is “The Mystery of the Holy Trinity.” How three can somehow be one is certainly a mystery. Speaking of the Catholics, here is what the New Catholic Encyclopedia says, “The doctrine of the Holy Trinity is not taught in the Old Testament” (volume XIV, article “Trinity,” p. 306). Again, where did it come from?
Let’s continue from the above source,
“There is recognition on the part of exegetists and Biblical theologians, including a constantly growing number of Roman Catholics, that one should not speak of Trinitarianism in the New Testament without serious qualification. There is also the closely paralleled recognition…that when one does speak of unqualified Trinitarianism, one has moved from the period of Christian origins to say the last quadrant of the 4th century” (ibid., p. 295).
Those are astonishing admissions. In simpler terms, the Catholics are admitting that the Trinity belief does not come from the Bible. What do the Protestants say?
“The term ‘Trinity’ is not a Biblical term, and we are not using Biblical language when we define what is expressed by it as a doctrine” (The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, article “Trinity,” p. 3,012).
“The development of the Christian doctrine of the Trinity is historically clear, and its motives are equally well known, being almost exclusively due to Christological speculation” (New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, article “Trinity,” p. 19).
Finally, we discover the origin of the Trinity belief. It came, not from the Bible, but rather, out of speculation. Again, astonishing! This is the central teaching in which almost all Christians believe, and it is based upon nothing but speculation? How can that be?
Everyone knows that the three persons of the so-called Trinity are the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. That these three are one, and that each is God, there can be no doubt from the scriptures. The problem comes when they are assigned as persons. That implies separateness, three beings—three Gods—polytheism. And that is why speculation should never be the foundation for any Christian teaching. All teaching must come from a biblical foundation.
Since they are not a trinity, how should we understand the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? We should understand them as three ways in which the one God has chosen to express or reveal Himself to man. This should not be a hard concept to grasp. We humans express ourselves differently all the time. When my parents were still alive, as one person I simultaneously expressed myself as a son to them, while I was a father to my children, and a brother to my siblings. No one would suggest that my being a son, father, and brother made me three persons in one.
The three expressions of God in turn each express themselves in different ways. God the Father reveals that He created us, and therefore we come from Him as all children come from a father. Through the Father God reveals His fatherly love and mercy, His patience and kindness. He provides for all of our needs, while at the same time He chastens us when we stray. Through the Son God expresses Himself as our older brother, a high priest and advocate who is on our side. He is our Savior, Lord, and King. Through the Holy Spirit God expresses Himself as our comforter, our teacher and mentor. The Holy Spirit regenerates us, and is the way by which God lives in us, empowering us.
What other god of what other religion does all that the One true God does for us His children? And as if that is not enough, God is going to bring His children to glory and immortality. This eternal, immortal, all-powerful spirit God that we worship is truly awesome and majestic! Let’s be ever-thankful.