GOD IS TRIUNE

Although the word, “Trinity,” is never found in Scripture, the concept of God as Triune is found throughout.  The first Hebrew word used for God in Gen.1:1 is Elohim and it is a plural word.  “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
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This doctrine of the Trinity is seen in the opening chapters of Genesis—with God speaking the world into existence and the Holy Spirit hovering over the face of the waters—as a mother hen would nest and hatch out her chicks.  “The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” (v.2).‬

The New Testament writers add that Christ was also part of that creative process—as much as the Father and the Spirit:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” (John‬ ‭1:1-3‬).

Thus, we have the one God speaking as three Persons who says, “Let US make man in OUR image” (Gen.1:26a, emphasis added).

Isaiah 7:14 and 9:6 are Old Testament messianic prophecies where Jesus is presented as God—just as much as God the Father.  “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”(7:14‬). The name, “Immanuel,” means, “God with us.”  Then in 9:6, we read, “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  Jesus is called, “Mighty God.”

Tomorrow, our intention is to examine some of the New Testament teaching concerning the Trinity.

THE GOD YOU SHOULD KNOW: Knowing the Unknowable

Read Exodus 33: 18-23; 34:5-8.

What is God like?  Here is a definition: “God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.” (Westminster Shorter Catechism) That is a good answer, insofar as it goes—the trouble is that it doesn’t go far enough.

In fact, we cannot fully describe the indescribable.  When we ask, “What is God like?” the reality is that He is not like anything or anyone.  “‘To whom then will you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare to Him? ... To whom then will you liken Me, Or to whom shall I be equal?’ says the Holy One.” (Isaiah‬ ‭40:18, 25‬).  God is in a category all by Himself.

God is so far beyond what our finite minds can conceive, or human terms can describe, that while we can describe something of His nature, character, and attributes, we are still unable to grasp all that God is.  "Can you by searching find out God?" (Job 11:7)

Yet, God has revealed much to us that can be known, and this we ought to contemplate with awe. Eternity will be required to explore the boundless wonder of an infinite Being!  Let’s begin this great adventure today by praying as Moses did, “Please, show me Your glory.”