Key Doctrines of the Faith: The Trinity

by David Chadwick

There are so many key doctrines that uphold the historical message of the Christian faith. These are the truths that differentiate a cultural Christian from those whose lives are yielded fully and have an allegiance to Jesus.

The Trinity. That's today's key. It's a term never mentioned in the Bible, but has been historically used to explain the Godhead. Though never mentioned, the Trinity is clearly seen throughout the New Testament. Remember, the term Bible is also never mentioned in the Bible either!

In Jesus's last words in Matthew 28:19-20, we are told to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Also, in Jesus's baptism in Matthew 3, the Father spoke to the Son who had just had the Holy Spirit descend on him like a dove.

The Trinity. Such a beautiful doctrine. One God in three separate persons. Yes, it's certainly a mysterious doctrine, but it's clearly taught in the Bible. Who would want to worship a God who could be fully explained? If we were able to fully explain him, it would probably cause us to quest more and more to be God! Embracing mystery is part of what leaves room to worship him.

Read Romans 8, for example. Look at each person in the Godhead working. The Trinity is also an imperative part of addressing God's love. How can God be love unless there is an object of his affection? With the Trinity, this problem is addressed. The Father loves the Son, the Son loves the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit loves the Father. So on and so forth. It's also why the angels and humans were created by God – to share in this love. It's so wonderful!

You must be Trinitarian (believing in the Trinity) to be a Christian. It's not optional. It is a key doctrine to the Christian faith. The early church repeatedly fought away all heresies that attempted to deny the Trinity.

We must do the same today!