by Alfred Davis

Created on: April 24, 2008

Grasping the Trinity

Probably one of the more difficult theological concepts to grasp is the Trinity. The concept of the Trinity, the idea that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are one God has divided denominations, confused Christians, and given rise to critics. Other religions call it polytheism. Unfortunately, many pastors themselves do not understand it either.

One problem is that the word Trinity does not appear in the Bible. However, that does not necessarily mean that the concept does not. In fact, the main word used for God's name in the Old Testament is elohiym. It is the plural form of both elowaa and el, both of which mean god or deity and are sometimes used for God's name as well. Also, there are several other passages, which we will look at shortly, which indicate one God with a plural nature.

Another problem is that the idea or concept of the Trinity is inherently difficult to visualize. Critics sometimes frame it as a mathematical formula, claiming 1+1+1=3, not 1. That seems reasonable enough. After all, how can three separate things each be one and the same thing. However, they forget that 1x1x1=1, not 3.

Still others point out Deuteronomy 6:4, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD," as an argument against the Trinity. Yet, elohiym, the plural word for God, is used in the middle of the verse: "The Lord [Jehovah] our God [Elohiym] is one Lord [Jehovah]." Besides, 1 John 5:7 says, "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."

Of course, when the Bible says that "these three are one," it does not mean that the Father, Son (Word), and Holy Ghost are merely of one mind or that they are in agreement with each other. It does not mean that they are merely a team or committee with unity of purpose and common goals. It means that they are one and the same; one God manifested as the Father, the Word (Son), and the Holy Spirit. Considering that 1 John 5:7 is such a clear presentation of the Trinity, it is no wonder that the devil uses modern Bible translations to falsely attack its authenticity!

Now, we understand that both a team or a committee is a single unit. We also understand that, as a single unit, they are composed of two or more separate and distinct members. In other words, both team and committee, like the Hebrew word elohiym, are singular words yet they contain the idea of plurality in their makeup. One would not look at the individual members of

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