Trinity

The teaching of the Holy Trinity may seem a bit dry for those of us who like our understanding of God to be shaped by stories and pictures.  But it is foundational for Christians because it defines who God is, how salvation is accomplished, and how we as believers relate to God and each other.  Without it, Christianity would be reduced to mere moral philosophy rather than a faith rooted in a divine, relational, and saving God.

It clarifies for us who God is in Christian experience and understanding:  God in three distinct persons: Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit. This doctrine guards against both polytheism (belief in many gods) and the idea of a solitary, impersonal deity.  It affirms that God is both immanent (present in the world) and transcendent (beyond the world), and that God is inherently relational and loving within Himself.

An understanding of God as Trinity deepens worship and prayer. Christians typically pray to the Father, through the Son, and in the Spirit. Recognizing the distinct roles of each person in the Godhead enriches personal devotion and gives believers comfort and confidence in our relationship with God.

The teaching of the Trinity explains how salvation works: the Father sends the Son, the Son accomplishes redemption, and the Holy Spirit applies this salvation to our lives. Each person of the Trinity plays a unique role in the work of salvation, yet all are united in purpose.

The mutual love and unity within the Trinity model the kind of relationships Christians are called to have with each other and with the world.  The holy Trinity inspires believers to live out the mission of God—loving others, sharing the gospel, and building unity within the church.

Bernhard Schunemann

15 June 2025