| In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. |
| —John 1:1 |
The concept of the Trinity is beyond our ability to fully comprehend. The concept that God exists in three distinct persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and yet fully exists as One magnificent being is beyond our finite human ability to understand. The “Three in One” has troubled people for many ages past. There is nothing like this in all of our human experience. While we cannot fully comprehend the Trinity, we accept its reality as a vital part of our faith journey.
Oh, people have tried to explain this reality by comparing God to water that can exist as a liquid, solid, and a gas. But, the same water cannot exist simultaneously in all three of those states. So, the analogy falls apart. We simply have to accept that the Triune God is beyond our comprehension. Accepting the reality of the Trinity is truly an act of faith.
We see ample evidence of the Trinity in God’s written Word. For example from Genesis 1:26 where the Scripture records:
Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
The use of the plural pronouns “us” and “our” illustrates the “Three-in-One” nature of God. The creation of humankind was a joint effort, as was all of creation. Yet, who can fathom that while Three divine persons are present in distinction, the Three are also One eternal being?
Speaking of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Apostle John begins his gospel with these words found in John 1:1:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
So, our Savior was not only present at creation, He was an active participant in the act of creation because He is, in fact, God. Yes, He is the Son of God. But, He is also God. We frequently sing the hymn by Reginald Heber, “ Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!” 1 which contains these words:
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.
Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see;
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,
Perfect in power, in love, and purity.
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
As we continue to celebrate the Season of Advent, let’s rejoice that our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, is both the Son of God and also, simultaneously and completely, God, as well.
| 1 Heber, Reginald. “ Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!” Public Domain. |
