We have undertaken a very brief consideration of the Trinity, the triune nature of the Godhead, consisting of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It should be noted and included that there is no rank in the Trinity. While it’s true that there appears to be such, especially when we refer to Them as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, it looks, on the surface, as if the Father is in command, the Son second in command, and the Spirit third in command. This cannot be due to the eternity of each. Any eternal being must, of necessity, possess all the qualities of infinity. Thus, none could be more infinite than another, or less so. The infinity and eternality of each requires an equality among the three. Again, there is no rank or hierarchy in the Trinity, but each member is coequal and coeternal. Neither is there a tinge of competition among them.
When we speak of the Three, we must, of necessity, place one first, and doing so establishes rank, at least in the minds of many…Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. But some would object, “Do not we have Jesus as sent by the Father and who came to do the Father’s will? Did He not make Himself subservient to the Father and stated as much multiple times?” Yes, He surely did. “And did Jesus also not say He would send a Comforter, the Holy Spirit, at least making it appear that the Spirit would come under orders of Jesus?” Yes. “Then, how can we say there is no ranking in the Godhead, only perfect equality?” It’s because we must distinguish the role or responsibility assumed by each member of the Trinity from the character and nature of His being. Within the Trinity, there was perfect agreement as to assignments undertaken and Who would administer what. By mutual agreement of the Three, redemption’s plan was devised. It was agreed that the Father would assume the role Father’s do as the Provider. What the Father would provide was the Son. The Son, ever obedient and willing to be provided, was incarnated as a human being in the womb of the virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit. All were instrumental in carrying out the great drama of redemption, and not only redemption but every other endeavor They would undertake in perfect harmony and cooperation.
The eternality of the three Persons subsisting in one God requires an equality among them. Again, it should be noted that the reality we are describing is, in every way, utterly unique. Nothing of the kind by example or analogy exists anywhere among humans, and never has…coequal, co-eternal, each member of the Godhead as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
CC-04-10
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