Who Is God?
- There is only one God.
Scripture:
"… since there is only one God…" Romans 3:30
- God is made up of three distinct persons:
- The Father, the Creator
Scripture:
"…yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live.." 1 Corinthians 8:6
- The Son, the Savior
Scripture:
"For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form…" Colossians 2:9
- The Spirit, the Protector
Scripture:
"If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you." 1 Peter 4:14
One or Three?
There are many analogies that help make this point clear. One is the three distinct forms that water can take: liquid, solid (ice) or gas (steam). Each state is a different form (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) yet the same substance (God).
- Another analogy is the egg. An egg has three distinct parts (shell, yolk, white). Each part is different, yet is needed to make an egg, an egg.
- None of these analogies are a perfect fit for the explaining the Trinity. Perfect clarity in the understanding of the Trinity is not possible.
What’s the Purpose?
Many ask, "Why Three? Why not one?" Each member of the Trinity has a unique and special purpose.
- The Father is the central figure of the Trinity. He is seen as the leader of creation.
- The Son, Jesus, is the "saving person" of God. Jesus came to earth as a human to model God's love and to die for our sins.
- The Spirit is the "protecting and encouraging person" of God. The Spirit actively works in our lives to support our faith and help us grow in love for others.