The Holy Trinity
The Holy Trinity:
PURPOSE:
To help the Student to better understand the Holy Trinity.
PROLOGUE:
Teachers note: This subject is a difficult one to teach. It must be approached with a prayerful attitude and preparations. Few subjects are more discussed and less understood than the Godhead. The Central theme in most Christian belief structures is based on the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit as the Holy Trinity.
The great mystery of the Holy Trinity is best summed up in 1 John 5:7-8 “For there are three that bear witness in Heaven, The Father, the Word and the Holy Ghost and these three are one. (8) And there are three that bear witness in Earth, The Spirit, and the water and the blood and these three agree in one”. This is the singular direct reference to the Holy Trinity in the (KJV) Bible. Verse 8 is deleted in the NIV version and is not shown.
Notice that the Godhead in Heaven is different than on Earth. Jesus (the Word) has returned to Heaven to sit at the right hand of God having left behind the Spirit (Holy Spirit) and salvation through his blood (death on the Cross) and the process of baptism of water to signify the cleansing of our sins.
Religious ceremonies, such as baptisms and funerals are often performed in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. The eleven Disciples were told in Matthew 28: 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.
Yet it is beyond the scope of human understanding to adequately define or describe the Holy Trinity. Man is trapped within time and space constraints that impose limitations of comprehension of an existence not constrained by time and space. Paul expressed this limitation of Man in 1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
Our basic belief is that God, (the Father) sent his only "begotten" Son (Jesus) to be born of a virgin. He taught us how to believe, performed many miracles and was crucified on a cross for the forgiveness of man’s sins. He came to teach us and he died to save us. After three days, Jesus rose from the dead and at an appointed time, he ascended into Heaven. After this, the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles at Pentecost. The three separate entities are here expressed in the Father (God), the Son (Jesus)(Word) and the Holy Spirit. Keep in mind that we use the name Jesus which is English.
The question is therefore; how can the three also be “one”?
The Holy Trinity has been explained as separate forms of the same entity. While it is a poor example, consider that water can be found in three separate forms yet is still one. It can be a solid (ice), a liquid (water) and a vapor (mist). God is the Creator and Father of all Creation, Jesus is the human form (embodiment) and the Holy Spirit is the invisible presence residing in the Soul of every Christian.
The book of Acts chapters 1 and 2 tells us of how the Holy Ghost (Spirit) descended upon the Apostles. Acts 1:2 “Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost (Spirit) had given commandments unto the Apostles whom he had chosen” shows us that Jesus must first ascend into Heaven before the Holy Ghost (Spirit) could come. The Holy Spirit is the “spiritual presence” Jesus left with us to reside in the deep recess of our Soul.
It appears that at no time has the three entities of the Godhead (Trinity) appeared to man at the same time. This does not include many encounters with Angels or Messengers of God. The only physical presence of God has been in the form of Jesus who came to live among us in human form.
Read Philippians 2:6-8 “Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. (7) But made of himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. (8) and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross”.
PROCEDURE:
Note: Read John chapter 14 to better understand the relationship between God (Father), Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
1. Why do we invoke the name of the Father, The Son and The Holy Ghost at certain services.
2. What is the role of God in the Holy Trinity? (Creator and Father)
3. What is the role of Jesus in the Holy Trinity? (God in Human form and Savior
4. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the Holy Trinity? (Presence of God in our Souls).
5. How are each of these entities important to us? Discuss openly.