Defending the Trinity

By Ron Jones ©Titus Institute 2002


The Doctrine of the Trinity defined:

"There is only one God, but in the unity of the Godhead, there are three co-equal persons, Father, Son, Spirit."

They are distinct persons, not in the sense of humans --separate beings-- but each with his own personality, yet one being. This doctrine does not mean that there are three parts to God, there are three gods, or that there is one God, revealed in three ways (one person, three roles).

It is true that the word "Trinity" is not used in the Bible, but it is clearly taught. "Trinity" is the name we give the Biblical teaching on the triune nature of God.

How does the Bible teach the doctrine of the triune nature of God?

The Bible does not explicitly state this doctrine, but it teaches there is only one God, yet it calls three distinct persons God. Either the Bible contradicts itself or God is a triune being.

How do we defend the doctrine of the Trinity when confronting the cults?

1. Show that the Bible teaches that there is only one God.

Deuteronomy 4:35

Isaiah 43:10

Isaiah 45:5-6

I Corinthians 8:4

2. Show that the Bible calls the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit "God."

a. Father --John 6:27, Galatians 1: 1

b. Son (Jesus) -- John 20:28-29; Titus 2:13

Jesus is the Son of God (1 Jn. 5:1-5, "Jesus is the the Christ" v.1 and "Jesus is the Son of God" v.5).

c. Holy Spirit -- 1 Cor.2:10-11

3. Show that the Bible teaches that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one.

a. The Father and Son are one -- John 10:30, 14:6-11

b. The Son and the Spirit are one -- Romans 8:9

c. The Father and the Spirit are one -- 1 Corinthians 2:11, Romans 8:9

4. Show that the Bible reveals the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit appearing together as distinct "persons" accomplishing divine actions.

a. O.T. Creation:

Genesis 1:1 -- Father

Colossians 1: 1 6 -- Son (John 1:3)

Job 33:4, Gen.1:2 -- Holy Spirit

b. N.T.

Matthew 3:16-17

5. Show that the Bible reveals the Father, Son and Holy Spirit honored at the baptism of Christians with one divine name.

Key Passage: Matthew 28:19

v. 19 "…baptizing them in name (singular) of the Father, Son, and Spirit…"

"Name" implies authority and honor. Christians are to be baptized in the authority and honor of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Jesus uses "name" in the singular. The "name" of the three is singular, not plural. By baptizing Christians in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, all three are given equal honor and glory.

If all three were not God, then the following exhortations would be violated.

Isa.42:8

Ps.29:2

Ps.148:13

Summary: The Bible teaches that there is only one God, yet it calls the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit "God," teaches that they are one, reveals them together performing divine actions, and teches that they have one name.

Either God is a Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit or the Bible is contradicting itself.