100 BIBLE LESSONS - LESSON NUMBER 4 - THE TRINITY
INTRODUCTION
So far we have learned that there is one God- the Creator of the world. But a careful study of the Scriptures will show that God exists in three Persons, that is, a Godhead manifested in three Persons.
I - BASIS OF THE DOCTRINE OF TRINITY
1. In the baptism of Jesus in Matthew 3: 13-17, we see the Trinity at work. God the Father spoke from
heaven, "This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." God the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ was being baptized. God the Holy Spirit descended like a dove and alighted on the Savior.
2. The baptismal formula in Matthew 28:19, "Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the
Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
3. The benediction in 2 Corinthian 13:14, "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and
the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen."
4. The creation of man uses plural terms: Genesis 1:26 "And God said, Let us make man in Our image, after
our likeness: and let them have dominion."
II - ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY
1. SHAMROCK - A three leaved plant said to have been used by St. Patrick to illustrate this doctrine. It is
but one leaf but it has distinct sections.
2. WATER - Revealed in three forms - liquid, ice and steam yet all three have the same chemical formula,
H2O.
3. LIGHT - Red heat rays that are invisible, picturing the Father, yellow light rays that are seen picturing
the Son, blue chemical rays that are seen by their effects, picturing the Spirit.
It must be emphasized that the Trinity remains a mystery and that no single illustration can possibly explain everything. God is infinite and we are finite. To attempt a philosophical explanation of the tri-unity of God is an attempt to put the facts of the infinite in finite terms.
III - THE TRINITY ACTING IN UNITY
1. IN CREATION - God the Father spoke, Genesis 1:3 "And God said, Let there be light. God the Son
was the Word spoken, John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word." God the Holy Spirit moved upon the face
of the waters, Genesis 1:2.
2. IN THE INCARNATION - God the Father gave His only Son, John 3:16.
God the Son was born into the world, Luke 2:11.
God the Spirit came upon Mary to cause conception. Luke 1:35.
3. IN REDEMPTION - God the Father accepted the sacrifice of Calvary, Hebrews 9:14.
God the Son offered Himself as our substitute, Hebrews 9:14
God the Spirit - Jesus offered Himself "through the eternal Spirit." Hebrews 9:14.
4. IN SALVATION - God the Father received the prodigal from the far country, Luke 15:22. The Father
welcomes the sinner, forgives him, supplies robe, ring and a feast.
God the Son is the Shepherd that goes to seek the lost sheep, Luke 15:4.
God the Spirit seals the new convert, Ephesian 1:13.
5. IN COMMUNION - God the Father invites us to come to Him for fellowship, Ephesians 2:18.
God the Son is the reconciliation, 2 Corinthians 5:19.
God the Spirit effects this union and communion, Ephesians 2:18.
6. IN PRAYER - God the Father is the One who receives the requests, John 16:23.
God the Son is the One in whose Name we pray, John 16:23.
God the Spirit directs us in our request, Romans 8:26.
7. IN GLORY - God the Father is eventually to receive the millennial kingdom, 1 Corinthians 15:24
God the Son is the One who will change our vile body to one like His, Philippians 3:21
God the Spirit gives the invitation, Revelation 22:17.
8. IN REGENERATION - God the Father records the new name in glory, Luke 10:20.
God the Son cleanses the sin in His precious blood, Ephesians 1:7.
God the Spirit performs the transforming miracle of the new birth, John 3: 3-6.
CONCLUSION
Do not be troubled if you cannot understand this perplexing doctrine. It is a mystery and will remain
a mystery until we meet the Lord in glory.
SOURCED FROM 100 BIBLE LESSONS - ALBAN DOUGLAS
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