DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY
People claim that Trinitarian doctrine wasn’t recognized until after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. However, there are numerous examples of the Trinity throughout the Old Testament.
The First Person of the Trinity is God the Father, the Second Person of the Trinity is God the Son, Jesus Christ
The following passages demonstrate that God exists in more than one Person.
“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness; you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions;” (Psalm 45:6-7, ESV)
“Then the LORD rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from the LORD out of heaven.” (Genesis 19:24, ESV)
NOTE: In Genesis 19:24, the Hebrew for “LORD” is YHWH in both instances—YHWH is the name of God. In this verse, there are two Persons and they are both God.
“‘I overthrew some of you, as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and you were as a brand plucked out of the burning; yet you did not return to me,’ declares the LORD.” (Amos 4:11, ESV)
King David believed that the Messiah was God (e.g., Psalm 2:12) and Jesus points this out in Matthew 22:41-46. In Matthew 22:43-45, Jesus is referring to Psalm 110. The second person in Psalm 110:1, referred to in the ESV as “Lord,” cannot be a contemporary king, because the author of the psalm, David, is the king. The second person in Psalm 110:1 cannot be an angel, because an angel is never invited to sit at the right hand of God (see Hebrews 1:13). The second Person in Psalm 110:1 is the Son of God, the second Person of the Trinity.
NOTE: King David lived around 1000 BCE. The crucifixion took place in the first century CE.
In Daniel 7:9-14, “one like a son of man” arrives with the clouds to meet the Ancient of Days—God the Father. Throughout the Old Testament, the cloud rider is identified as God (e.g., Psalm 104:1-3). Thus, in Daniel 7, the “one like a son of man,” who arrives with the clouds, is God, the Son of God, and He’s meeting with the Ancient of Days, God the Father. When they meet, the “one like a son of man” is presented with everything listed in Daniel 7:14. Notice the correlation between Daniel 7:14 and Isaiah 9:6-7.
NOTE: In Isaiah 9:6, the title “Everlasting Father” is figurative and does not have the same meaning as “God the Father.” Isaiah 22:21 uses “father” in a similar way to how “Father” is used in Isaiah 9:6. In Isaiah 9:6, the title “Mighty God” is literal—this exact same title refers to God in Isaiah 10:21, and can be compared with Deuteronomy 10:17, Nehemiah 9:32, and Jeremiah 32:18.
In the ancient world, it was known that the “one like a son of man,” in Daniel 7, was the Son of God—the Messiah. Jesus claimed to be the Son of God referenced in Daniel 7—Jesus claimed to be God. The high priest did not believe Jesus and accused Him of blasphemy.
“But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, ‘I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.’ Jesus said to him, ‘You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.’ Then the high priest tore his robes and said, ‘He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy.” (Matthew 26:63-65, ESV)
Due to the numerous Old Testament descriptions of a second Person in the Godhead, many ancient Jews concluded that God exists in two Persons or “Two Powers.”
The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Trinity
In Ezekiel, the form of the Holy Spirit is described as having the appearance of a man.
“In the sixth year, in the sixth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I sat in my house, with the elders of Judah sitting before me, the hand of the Lord God fell upon me there. Then I looked, and behold, a form that had the appearance of a man. Below what appeared to be his waist was fire, and above his waist was something like the appearance of brightness, like gleaming metal. He put out the form of a hand and took me by a lock of my head, and the Spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven and brought me in visions of God to Jerusalem, to the entrance of the gateway of the inner court that faces north, where was the seat of the image of jealousy, which provokes to jealousy. And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was there, like the vision that I saw in the valley.
Then he said to me, ‘Son of man, lift up your eyes now toward the north.’ So I lifted up my eyes toward the north, and behold, north of the altar gate, in the entrance, was this image of jealousy. And he said to me, ‘Son of man, do you see what they are doing, the great abominations that the house of Israel are committing here, to drive me far from my sanctuary? But you will see still greater abominations.’” (Ezekiel 8:1-6, ESV)
The Holy Spirit is the presence of God.
“Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.” (Psalm 51:11, ESV)
“The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” (Genesis 1:2, ESV)
Possible References to the Trinity
Given that angels do not create in the same sense that God does, I believe that “us” and “our” in Genesis 1:26 is the Trinity.
“Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’” (Genesis 1:26, ESV)
In Revelation 4:8, God is addressed/worshiped as holy three times. This occurs in the Old Testament as well.
“And one called to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!’” (Isaiah 6:3, ESV)
Doctrine of the Trinity—Conclusion
The quotes above are just a small number of the many Old Testament passages which support the doctrine of the Trinity.
SALVATION AND PREDESTINATION
NOTE: I am not a Calvinist, nor do I belong to any denomination.
Salvation
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?’” (John 11:25-26, ESV)
“because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9, ESV)
Genuine Christian Conversion is Predestined
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.” (John 6:44, ESV)
“No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” (John 15:15-16, ESV)
“And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.” (Acts 13:48, ESV)
“For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” (Romans 8:29-30, ESV)
“But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace,” (Galatians 1:15, ESV)
“he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,” (Ephesians 1:5, ESV)
“In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,” (Ephesians 1:11, ESV)
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)
“who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,” (2 Timothy 1:9, ESV)
Genuine Christian Conversion is Not Earned or Maintained Through Works or Merit
Notice what is said in John 1:12-13, then compare it to 2 Peter 1:10.
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12-13, ESV)
“Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.” (2 Peter 1:10, ESV)
In 2 Peter 1:10, Christians are encouraged to confirm their election, not to earn it. This is the context of James 2:14-26. Good works accompany election, they do not earn election.
“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:14-17, ESV)
Equally important is the fact that election is not maintained through works. If someone genuinely believes in Jesus Christ for salvation, that person will never lose their salvation. Evil is permitted to exist in this brief moment of eternity, and Christians will be confronted by evil. However, God has the final say in all matters.
“And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.’” (John 6:39-40, ESV)
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.’” (John 10:27-30, ESV)
Judas Iscariot was the son of perdition, and it was his destiny to be destroyed.
“While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.” (John 17:12, ESV)
Peter (Simon) would deny Jesus three times. However, it wasn’t Peter’s destiny to fall away from the faith completely. Even though Peter’s faith would wane, it would persevere in the long run.
“‘Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.’ Peter said to him, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.’ Jesus said, ‘I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.’” (Luke 22:31-34, ESV)
Contrary to what some people say, Romans 11 does not teach that elect Christians can lose their salvation. It is important to read the entire chapter in context—Romans 11:1-7 and Romans 11:29 provide the context.
Hebrews 10 is another chapter that should be read in full with the correct context. Hebrews 10:26 is not referring to the sins of the struggling elect. It is a reference to the category of apostasy. It is a reference to those who do not have a genuine faith in Jesus Christ, waver, and eventually apostatize. Those who apostatize were never elect to begin with.
“They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.” (1 John 2:19, ESV)
NOTE: If someone brings up Revelation 2:26, be sure to cross reference it with John 6:29 and Matthew 16:16-17.
Sin and Error Within Predestination
Guaranteed salvation is not a license to sin. The grace of God will push people in the right direction, even if there are delays and obstacles to overcome.
“training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:12-14, ESV)
Christians can maneuver within the boundaries of predestination and make mistakes.
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” (Ephesians 4:30-31, ESV)
Persecution
There are people who will make a concerted effort to ruin a Christian’s faith or behavior. According to the Bible, those efforts will be revisited in the afterlife.
“And he said to his disciples, ‘Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin.” (Luke 17:1-2, ESV)
Jesus’ statement in Luke 17:1-2 is wide sweeping and extremely serious in its implications. However, forgiveness is central to the Christian faith and a primary aspect of God.
Many people predestined for redemption are not obvious candidates. The apostle Paul was a prime example of this. Prior to his conversion, Paul (Saul of Tarsus) played a very significant and committed role in persecuting Christians (e.g., Acts 22:4, Acts 26:10, etc.). However, after his conversion, Paul would become one of the most prominent Christians in history.
People with a history of hostility towards the church are not disqualified from redemption. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Often times, people who encounter and persecute Christians are themselves predestined to become Christians. That is one of the many reasons why it is important for Christians to forgive their enemies.
The following passages provide a glimpse into Paul’s transformation.
In Acts 7:55-8:1, a man named Stephen is stoned to death for his Christian faith. Paul (Saul) approves of Stephen’s execution.
“But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’ But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep. And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.” (Acts 7:55-8:1, ESV)
In Acts 26, Paul (Saul) speaks of his conversion to the Christian faith.
“At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, that shone around me and those who journeyed with me. And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you,” (Acts 26:13-16, ESV)
Difference Between Redemption and Rewards
It should be noted that there is a big difference between redemption and rewards.
In Matthew 6, when Jesus is warning Christians about superficial forms of religiosity, He mentions rewards.
“‘Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:2-4, ESV)
“‘And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:16-18, ESV)
“‘And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
‘And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this:
‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.” (Matthew 6:5-13, ESV)
In the afterlife, God will reward people for good works. However, salvation and rewards are two entirely different things. Salvation is the gift of God, not a result of works.
“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,” (Titus 3:4-5, ESV)
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23, ESV)
PASSAGES
In my opinion, the following passages are some of the most relevant passages in Christian Theology…
- Jesus Identifies Himself as God: Compare John 8:58 with Exodus 3:14. Compare Matthew 26:63-65 with Daniel 7:13-14. See John 10:17-18 and John 10:27-33.
- Repentance: See Luke 5:32, Luke 15:2-7, Luke 19:10, and Luke 18:9-14.
- Testimony and Salvation: See Romans 5:8–10, 1 Corinthians 15:3–8, 1 Corinthians 15:20–22, and John 14:6.
- Predestination: See John 1:12–13, Romans 9:15–16, Ephesians 1:5, Ephesians 2:8–9, and John 6:44.
- Perseverance: See John 10:27–30, John 6:39-40.
- Resurrection and the Life: See John 11:25-26.
ADDITIONAL DOCTRINES
In my opinion, the following doctrines are accurate...
Continuationism
Cessationism is not biblical (see 1 Corinthians 12:4-11). However, the Bible calls for discernment and warns about counterfeits.
Pre-Millennialism
I believe that pre-wrath is the most consistent Christian eschatological position. This position belongs to the pre-millennial system of eschatology which I will discuss in Part 2.
National Israel
According to the Bible, Israel has a very glorious national destiny (see Isaiah 9:6-7). However, the ancient prophecies forecast difficult times for Israel, prior to the fulfillment of her destiny (see Jeremiah 30:7, Daniel 9:27, Daniel 11:36-39).
CONCLUSION
I hope to discuss textual transmission and translation at some point in the future. For now, I would recommend the English Standard Version to anyone who would like an English translation of the Bible. You can find a free audio production of the English Standard Version online.
https://www.faithcomesbyhearing.com/audio-bible-resources/mp3-downloads
