The Trinity

A Very Profitable Doctrine

“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” -- 1 John 5:7

The doctrine of the Trinity is much more than an abstract point of theological speculation. It is much more than a point of doctrinal refinement. This is a subject so far above our comprehension that it should inspire the deepest reverence and humility. Indeed, it ought to inspire the most blessed assurance, circumspect consecration, and blissful unity among God's saints.

The Source of Grace

All grace flows to us from all three of the Divine Persons (Eph. 1:3-14). As the three Persons in the Godhead are equal in Divinity, but distinct in personality, so all three of the Divine Persons are equal in grace, but distinct in their operations of grace. God the Father is the Fountain of grace (Eph. 1:3-6). God the Son is the Mediator through whom grace comes (Eph. 1:7-12). God the Holy Spirit is the Administrator of grace (Eph. 1:13-14).

Believer’s Baptism

In believer's baptism we who have professed faith in Christ publicly avowed our consecration to God, being immersed in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Rom. 6:4-6). Being baptized in the name our holy, triune God, we have publicly declared our consecration and commitment to obey the will of God the Father, to live for the glory of God the Son, and to submit to the leadership of God the Holy Spirit.

Point of Unity

Let every thought about the Holy Trinity stimulate in every believer's heart a desire that we may all be one, even as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are One This is our Savior’s prayer. – “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one” (John 17:20-22).

"Who can think of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit as one -- one in nature, one in love, one in purpose -- and not hope for the day when the intercessory prayer of Christ will be answered in the union of all his followers?" (J. M. Pendleton).

As the sons and daughters of the triune God, let all who know God earnestly devote themselves to the pursuit of that unity. Strive to be one in purpose, together seeking the glory of God. Seek to be one in labor, striving together to make known the glorious gospel of Christ. Endeavor to be truly one in love. “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:1-5).

My brothers and sisters in Christ, let us be patient with one another. Forbear one another's faults. Forgive one another's offenses. Prefer each one the other, serve one another, and highly esteem one another. Labor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:1-6), that we may be one as our God is one.