We are considering a doctrine described as a major obstacle that prevents many from embracing the Christian faith. It is that of the triune nature of God. We began this consideration by acknowledging the Trinitarian concept to transcend our limited logic. We believe there are many aspects of God that transcend our ability to comprehend them. Yet, it is not our ability to comprehend the revelation of the nature of God that makes it true. What makes it true is what God has revealed about Himself. To what degree we do or do not comprehend what He has revealed has nothing to do with its truthfulness. If God has said it, it is true, and God has said it. Rather than object by declaring, “But God must say it so I can fully understand it and place my approval upon it, or I refuse to believe it.” A more respectful response would be that of the psalmist. David contemplated God’s nature and works in his 139th, and, then, exclaimed with a proper humility, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me. It is high; I cannot attain unto it.” We might say, “It’s way over my head,” and it is.
The triune nature of God is explained in various ways, but, perhaps, the simplest is to say there is but one God, in essence, who subsists in three distinct Persons, each co-equal and co-eternal. “One God, yet three Persons? How can that be?” I don’t know, but I do believe I am one person who subsists in three components: body, spirit, and soul. I’m confident God’s existence as One, and subsistence of being three distinct Persons, is not a problem to Him. There are many differences separately deity from humanity, and it is likely that the character and nature of God is the greatest among them. Critics may object in saying, “You Christians insist on the Trinity,” yet, is there any place in the Bible where the word “Trinity” is found? No, there is not. Admittedly, the word “Trinity” is a word coined by man, not God. Yet, the concept of the Trinity is a truth revealed by God, not devised by man.
The word “Trinity” is an English compound-word that joins two words into one. The first part, “tri”, means “three”, as in triad or triple. In “unity”, the “u” is dropped, and the words “tri plus “unity” are morphed into “trinity.” It is man’s term, but the concept which it describes is clearly God’s, not man’s. Are there other man-made words but whose concept represents God’s idea? Yes. The word “Bible” is not found in the Bible. It, too, is a man-coined word, but the concept of “Bible” is clearly God’s, not man’s.
CC-04-03
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