Understanding the Trinity: One Essence, Three Persons

 

Summary

Today, we embark on a six-part series exploring the doctrine of the Trinity, a cornerstone of Christian orthodoxy that has been both a source of confusion and a touchstone of truth throughout church history. The Trinity is often misunderstood as tritheism, the belief in three gods, or as a contradiction, claiming God is both three and one. However, the historic Christian confession is that God is one in essence and three in person, which is not contradictory. This understanding is rooted in the progressive revelation of Scripture, where God unfolds His plan of redemption over time, building upon previous revelations without contradiction.

The concept of the Trinity is deeply intertwined with the biblical affirmation of monotheism, the belief in one God. This is evident in the Hebrew Shema from Deuteronomy, which declares, "Hear O Israel: the Lord your God is one." This monotheistic belief was unique in the ancient world, where polytheism was prevalent. The development of religious thought, influenced by 19th-century philosophers like Hegel, suggested an evolutionary progression from animism to polytheism, henotheism, and finally monotheism. However, the Bible consistently affirms monotheism from the very beginning, as seen in the creation narrative and the first commandment given to Moses.

The challenge arises when the New Testament affirms the divinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit while maintaining monotheism. This requires understanding the distinctions within the Godhead as relational rather than essential, preserving the unity of God's essence. Augustine's insight that "the New is in the Old concealed; the Old is in the New revealed" highlights the continuity and unity of divine revelation. Our task is to trace this progression and demonstrate the uncompromised unity of thought in the doctrine of the Trinity.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding the Trinity: The doctrine of the Trinity is not a contradiction but a profound mystery where God is one in essence and three in person. This understanding requires a grasp of the distinction between essence and personhood, which avoids the pitfalls of tritheism or modalism. [01:49]

2. Progressive Revelation: God's self-disclosure unfolds progressively throughout Scripture, building upon previous revelations without contradiction. This progression enriches our understanding of God's nature and His redemptive plan, culminating in the New Testament revelation of the Trinity. [03:21]

3. Monotheism in Scripture: The Bible consistently affirms monotheism, beginning with the creation narrative and reinforced by the first commandment. This foundational belief sets the stage for understanding the Trinity as a unity of three persons within one divine essence. [14:28]

4. Challenges of Historical Criticism: Nineteenth-century critics challenged the Bible's monotheism, suggesting an evolutionary development of religious thought. However, the biblical narrative consistently presents a monotheistic worldview, countering these critiques with its unique portrayal of God. [13:42]

5. Unity of Old and New Testaments: The New Testament's affirmation of the Trinity does not compromise the Old Testament's monotheism. Instead, it reveals the relational distinctions within the Godhead, maintaining the unity of God's essence and fulfilling the progressive revelation of Scripture. [22:43]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:36] - Introduction to the Trinity
- [01:14] - Addressing Misunderstandings
- [02:31] - Progressive Revelation
- [03:21] - Building on Past Revelations
- [04:07] - Unity and Monotheism
- [05:39] - Historical Context of Monotheism
- [06:32] - Hegel and Evolutionary Thought
- [08:06] - Religious Historical School
- [09:01] - Animism and Polytheism
- [10:35] - Henotheism Explained
- [12:13] - Monotheism in Israel
- [13:42] - Critiques of Biblical Monotheism
- [14:28] - Creation Narrative and Monotheism
- [19:15] - The First Commandment
- [22:05] - New Testament and the Trinity
- [23:23] - Conclusion and Reflection

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Understanding the Trinity

Bible Reading:
1. Deuteronomy 6:4 - "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one."
2. Genesis 1:1 - "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
3. Matthew 28:19 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

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Observation Questions:

1. How does the sermon describe the common misunderstandings of the Trinity, and what are the terms used to describe these misunderstandings? [00:36]

2. What is meant by "progressive revelation" in the context of understanding the Trinity, and how does it relate to the Old and New Testaments? [03:21]

3. According to the sermon, how does the Hebrew Shema from Deuteronomy affirm the concept of monotheism? [04:53]

4. What historical challenges to biblical monotheism were discussed, and how does the sermon address these critiques? [13:42]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the distinction between "essence" and "personhood" help clarify the doctrine of the Trinity, and why is this distinction important in avoiding contradictions? [01:49]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the New Testament revelation of the Trinity builds upon the Old Testament's monotheism without contradiction? [22:43]

3. How does the sermon use the creation narrative in Genesis to support the idea of monotheism, and what significance does this have for understanding the Trinity? [14:28]

4. What role does the concept of "unity" play in the doctrine of the Trinity, and how is this unity maintained despite the relational distinctions within the Godhead? [22:05]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your understanding of the Trinity. How has this sermon challenged or reinforced your beliefs about the nature of God? [01:14]

2. The sermon discusses the importance of progressive revelation. How can you apply this concept to your personal study of the Bible to gain a deeper understanding of God's nature? [03:21]

3. Consider the historical critiques of monotheism mentioned in the sermon. How can you equip yourself to respond to similar challenges in conversations about your faith? [13:42]

4. The sermon emphasizes the unity of the Old and New Testaments. How can this understanding influence the way you read and interpret Scripture in your daily life? [22:43]

5. How does the concept of the Trinity impact your relationship with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? Are there specific ways you can cultivate a deeper connection with each person of the Trinity? [22:05]

6. The sermon highlights the uniqueness of biblical monotheism. How can you share this understanding with others who may have misconceptions about the Christian faith? [04:53]

7. Reflect on the relational distinctions within the Godhead. How can this understanding of relationship within the Trinity inspire and shape your relationships with others? [22:05]

Devotional

Day 1: The Mystery of the Trinity
The doctrine of the Trinity is a profound mystery that challenges our understanding of God's nature. It asserts that God is one in essence but three in person, a concept that can be difficult to grasp. This understanding requires distinguishing between essence and personhood, which helps avoid the pitfalls of tritheism (belief in three gods) or modalism (belief that God is one person who appears in three forms). The Trinity is not a contradiction but a revelation of the complexity and depth of God's nature. As believers, we are invited to explore this mystery, recognizing that it reflects the richness of God's being and His relational nature. [01:49]

Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Reflection: How does embracing the mystery of the Trinity challenge your understanding of God and invite you into a deeper relationship with Him today?


Day 2: The Unfolding Revelation of God
Throughout Scripture, God reveals Himself progressively, building upon previous revelations without contradiction. This progressive revelation enriches our understanding of God's nature and His redemptive plan, culminating in the New Testament revelation of the Trinity. As we trace this progression, we see how God has consistently unfolded His plan of redemption, inviting us to know Him more fully. This journey through Scripture is not just about acquiring knowledge but about encountering the living God who desires to be known by His people. [03:21]

Hebrews 1:1-2 (ESV): "Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world."

Reflection: In what ways can you seek to understand God's progressive revelation in your own study of Scripture this week?


Day 3: Monotheism as the Foundation
The Bible consistently affirms monotheism, beginning with the creation narrative and reinforced by the first commandment. This foundational belief sets the stage for understanding the Trinity as a unity of three persons within one divine essence. The Shema from Deuteronomy declares the oneness of God, a belief that was unique in the ancient world. This monotheistic foundation is crucial for understanding the relational distinctions within the Godhead without compromising the unity of God's essence. [14:28]

Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (ESV): "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might."

Reflection: How does the affirmation of monotheism shape your understanding of God's nature and your relationship with Him today?


Day 4: Countering Historical Criticism
Nineteenth-century critics challenged the Bible's monotheism, suggesting an evolutionary development of religious thought. However, the biblical narrative consistently presents a monotheistic worldview, countering these critiques with its unique portrayal of God. The Bible's affirmation of one God stands in contrast to the polytheistic beliefs prevalent in the ancient world. This consistent monotheism is a testament to the Bible's divine inspiration and the unchanging nature of God. [13:42]

Isaiah 44:6 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: 'I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god.'"

Reflection: How can you engage with and respond to modern critiques of biblical monotheism in your conversations with others?


Day 5: Unity of the Testaments
The New Testament's affirmation of the Trinity does not compromise the Old Testament's monotheism. Instead, it reveals the relational distinctions within the Godhead, maintaining the unity of God's essence and fulfilling the progressive revelation of Scripture. Augustine's insight that "the New is in the Old concealed; the Old is in the New revealed" highlights the continuity and unity of divine revelation. This unity invites us to see the Bible as a cohesive narrative of God's redemptive work through history. [22:43]

Matthew 5:17 (ESV): "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them."

Reflection: How does understanding the unity of the Old and New Testaments enhance your appreciation of God's redemptive plan and your role in it today?

Quotes

"Today we're going to begin a new series of study. We're planning to have six messages with respect to the doctrine of the Trinity. The whole concept of the Trinity is one that is fraught with difficulties and controversy throughout church history. And yet, it has emerged as a touchstone of truth, and a non-negotiable article of Christian orthodoxy. Still, there is so much confusion around this concept that to this day we find people misunderstanding it in very serious ways." [00:00:03]

"I had a conversation not too long ago with a man who had his Ph.D. in philosophy, and he objected to Christianity on the grounds that at the heart of the Christian faith was this doctrine of the Trinity that was a manifest contradiction -- saying that God is three and one. And I was surprised at that, because since he was a professor of philosophy, I assumed he'd had at least elementary courses in logic and knew the basic ingredients of the law of non-contradiction." [00:01:14]

"When we see our confession of faith in the Trinity, the church confesses that God is one in essence and three in person. God is one in A, and three in B. Now if we said that He is one in essence, and three in essence that would be a contradiction. Or if we said He is one in person, and three in person that also would be a contradiction. But as mysterious as the Trinity may be and as it may be above our capacity to understand in its fullness, the historic formula is not contradictory." [00:01:43]

"What we mean by progressive revelation is that as time goes by God unfolds more and more of His historic plan of redemption. He gives more and more content of His self-disclosure by means of revelation. Now this progress in revelation does not mean that what God reveals in the Old Testament, He then contradicts in the New Testament. Progressive revelation is not a corrective, whereby the latest unveiling from God corrects a previous mistaken revelation." [00:02:57]

"There are hints of that very early in the Old Testament, but we don't have the extent of information about the Trinitarian character of God, in the Old Testament that we find in the New Testament; and so we have to trace this development throughout redemptive history to see what the Bible is actually saying about these things." [00:03:56]

"Trinity means, tri-unity. And what is behind the concept of unity, is the biblical affirmation of monotheism. And I think most of us are familiar with this term: monotheism. Mono means one, or single. Theism has to do with God. So, the idea is that there is only one God. We hear the Hebrew shema, in the book of Deuteronomy where the call is made, 'Hear O Israel: the Lord your God is one.'" [00:04:34]

"This affirmation of monotheism is a startling dimension of Old Testament faith and religion because of the rarity of such assertions in the ancient world. Most of the cultures of antiquity from which we have historical records, had religions that were not monotheistic in nature. Some have argued that the Egyptians were the first monotheists because of their worship of Ra or Aton of the sun god and so on, but there is a uniqueness found in the particular type of monotheism that is native to Israel and to Old Testament Jewish faith." [00:05:28]

"The very first commandment received by Moses at Sinai is one that is strongly monotheistic, because God is saying, 'Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.' Now, some people would say, 'That's only henotheistic, because God is saying, you can have other gods, just as long as they don't out rank Me, just as long as you make sure that I'm the head deity, the chief deity. No one can rank ahead of Me. Don't you put anybody before Me.'" [00:18:48]

"The New Testament church is affirming that God the Father is divine, God the Son is divine, and God the Holy Spirit is divine; yet, the New Testament still strongly maintains the notion of monotheism. So that somehow we have to understand that the distinctions in the Godhead are not essential -- that is -- I don't mean not essential in the sense of not important but that is they are not of the essence. They do not refer to a fragmentation or compartmentalization of the very being of God." [00:21:39]

"The New Testament continues to affirm the oneness of God as we will see in the forthcoming messages I hope. But, you see what the problem is: the whole question of the Trinity is rooted and grounded first of all in the biblical affirmation of monotheism, and so the struggle has been how can we maintain the Old Testament doctrine of monotheism with the clear New Testament affirmation of the triune character of the biblical God." [00:22:31]

"It was Augustine who once said that, 'the New (referring to the New Testament) is in the Old concealed; the Old is in the New revealed.' And that is our task: to show in this progression of thought and divine revelation, there is an uncompromised unity of thought." [00:23:11]

"Now, I mentioned that at the beginning because we don't see on the first page of Scripture a clear manifest teaching of God as being triune in His nature. There are hints of that very early in the Old Testament, but we don't have the extent of information about the Trinitarian character of God, in the Old Testament that we find in the New Testament; and so we have to trace this development throughout redemptive history to see what the Bible is actually saying about these things." [00:03:49]

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Transcript
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