One of the fundamental doctrines that distinguishes Christianity from all other religious is the belief that God has revealed himself as One God who exists in Three Persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Christians agree with the other monotheistic religions that there are no multiple gods but only One.
When one carefully studies the Christian documents, it becomes apparent that this One God somehow exists in Three Eternal Persons. This does not constitute any division in God but describes his essence. This Three in One, and One in Three essence is so fundamental that it finds expression in all the works of God – from creation, redemption, judgment, to the new creation.
Some find this concept daunting or even repulsive. It was St. Augustine who pointed out in the 4th century that “If you can comprehend it, it is not God.” The Trinity is the ultimate mystery of God. When we stand before the Trinity, we stand before God who is greater than any human representation of the Divine – whether in theological and philosophical ideas, or in any art form. The Trinity baffles us and call us to worship the One who is “Wholly Other!”
The one preeminent thing that the Trinity teaches us is that the oneness that exists is brought on by the incredible love between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. That is why the Bible says that, “God is love.” 1 John 4:8 (NIV).
This fact also points to the practical implication for human life. If we could truly worship God who is Three in One, and One in Three because of love, we can perhaps learn to bring about greater oneness in our marriages, families, clans, nations, and the World.
Pastor Sam Grozdanov