Why is the Trinity So Important to Christians?
Why is the Trinity So Important to Christians?
It was such a memorable moment.
A group of 12 of us were seated around a large table in a conference room where we were spending the week in an intensive class on “Systematic Theology.”
I was the only woman in our little group. And, the topic this particular morning was, “The Trinity.”
How Do You Explain the Trinity?
Our professor asked if we had any great ways to explain the concept of the Trinity – a word picture we might use when teaching a class.
Someone tossed out the “water” example. You know, the Trinity is like water. Just as water can be in the form of a solid, a liquid, and a gas, God is in three forms: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
However, this example eventually breaks down. It’s not a perfect word picture and it doesn’t explain the Trinity.
Then, another student threw out the “egg” example.
This illustration explains that the Trinity is like an egg because of the three parts. Just as an egg has a shell, a white section, and a yolk, so also God has three parts: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. However, this example gets sort of messy as well.
It’s hard to explain the Trinity using an egg.
It’s HARD to explain the Trinity no matter what example, word picture, or illustration you might choose.
Louis Berkhof explains it this way:
“The Trinity is a mystery…
It is especially when we reflect on the relation of the three persons to the divine essence that all analogies fail us and we become deeply conscious of the fact that the Trinity is a mystery far beyond our comprehension. It is the incomprehensible glory of the Godhead.”
(Grudem, page 256)
So, if the Trinity is such a mystery, why study it and write about it?
In short, we study and learn about the Trinity because according to Wayne Grudem,
“This teaching has implications for the very heart of the Christian faith.”
(Grudem, page 247)
What Are the Main Points We Need to Know About the Trinity?
1} God is Three Persons.
They are three distinct persons.
The Father is not the Son.
The Son is not the Spirit.
The Father is not the Spirit.
Scriptures on this point: John 1:1-2; John 17:24; 1 John 2:1; Hebrews 7:25; John 14:26; Romans 8:27; John 16:7; Matthew 28:19; 1 Cor. 12:4-6; Romans 8:26-27)
2} Each Person is Fully God.
The Son is fully God. (John 1:1-4; John 20:28, 30-31)
The Spirit is fully God. (Matthew 28:19)
3} There is One God.
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”
Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Why is This Teaching So Important to the Christian Faith?
First, the Trinity matters because Jesus had to be fully God to save us.
If Jesus were just a good man or a great teacher, He would not be able to die on the cross and save us. He would have just been another created being.
But, Jesus can make atonement for us because He is fully God. Jesus can stand in the gap for us because of His deity.
“If Jesus is not fully God, we would rightly doubt whether we can trust Him to save us completely.”
(Wayne Grudem)
Second, the Trinity matters because Jesus has to be fully God for us to worship Him.
In many places in the Bible, we are encouraged to bow down and worship the Lord Jesus. If He were not God, why would be told to worship Him?
But, He is fully God and worthy of worship.
Consider Philippians 2:9-11:
“Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
that in the name of Jesus, every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue declares that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.”
Third, the Trinity matters because it illustrates the way God relates and His nature.
Before creation, the Trinity existed. Father, Son, and Spirit were interpersonally related.
They worked together, they related, they got along, they were in unity, and they were in a relationship.
The word, “trinity” is not found in the Bible, but the idea flows throughout the pages.
The first instance is found in Genesis 1:26–during creation–where God uses the pronoun “US.”
“And God said, Let the US make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and the cattle, and all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.”
You might also want to look up these verses: Genesis 3:22; Genesis 1:7; and Isaiah 6:8.
Fourth, the Trinity matters because the unity of our universe is at stake.
According to Grudem, “If there is not perfect plurality and perfect unity in God himself, then we have no basis for thinking there can be any ultimate unity among the diverse elements of the universe either.”
(Grudem, page 247)
Why Does the Trinity Matter in our lives?
The Trinity matters to you and me because of what Jesus did for us on Calvary.
Being fully God and fully man, He died on the cross in your place and mine. Jesus is God! If you have put your faith in Christ, your salvation is secure because Jesus is Lord.
The Trinity matters to you and me because it’s a mystery that we really can’t explain.
This means – we don’t know everything, only God does.
And, these truths keep us humble and reminded of the fact that He is God and we are not.
Check out Job 11:7-8:
“Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?
They are higher than the heavens above—what can you do? They are deeper than the depths below—what can you know?
Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea.”
The Trinity matters to you and me because it illustrates working together in both unity and diversity.
Just as the three persons of the Trinity are unique, diverse, and yet unified; we also are to live as unique and diverse people who can be unified.
In our families, churches, neighborhoods, jobs, and organizations, God created us all very unique and different.
However, the Trinity models for us how three can work together as one.
Closing Thoughts – Why is the Trinity So Important to Christians?
In closing, I am reminded of the most wonderful example of unity and working together.
It was my joy to serve for several years on staff at a local church as the Director of Women’s Ministries. We were blessed to have hundreds of amazing women involved in our ministry.
One particular event stands out in my mind because of the incredible way everyone worked together.
We were hosting a ladies’ dinner for two evenings.
For this event, the ladies were organized into teams. One team handled the food, another the decorations, another the entertainment and music, and others the tickets, the prayer cover, and the volunteers.
It was a pretty massive undertaking.
But, everyone came together, fulfilled their roles, followed through on their parts, and worked together.
Although we were from various backgrounds and upbringings, we were unified in purpose… we wanted to see women come to Christ.
And, we did.
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.
And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him, I am well pleased.”
Matthew 3:16-17
So, what do you think?
What illustrations have you heard used to describe the Trinity?
Why is the Trinity so important to the Christian faith?
Why is it important to you?
What else would you like to share?
It’s always great to hear from you!
For the study, our main texts will be first, the Bible, of course, and Wayne Grudem’s classic, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine.
It is our prayer that by the end of this study, we will all find more delight in understanding what we believe and why we believe it.
“…YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” LUKE 10:27 (ESV)
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38 Comments
marqus mushtaq · 04/30/2024 at 11:32 AM
Your exploration of the significance of the Trinity in Christianity is thorough and insightful. You navigate the complexities of this theological concept with clarity and provide a comprehensive overview of its importance to the Christian faith.
I appreciate how you acknowledge the various attempts to illustrate the Trinity through analogies like water or an egg, while also highlighting the limitations of such comparisons. Your explanation of the Trinity’s three main points – three distinct persons, each fully God, yet one God – is clear and well-supported with relevant scriptures.
Furthermore, you effectively convey why understanding the Trinity is crucial for Christians. From its implications for Jesus’ role in salvation to its reflection of God’s relational nature, you eloquently articulate the significance of this doctrine in shaping Christian belief and practice.
Your closing reflection on the Trinity as a model for unity and diversity is particularly poignant. By drawing parallels between the unity of the Trinity and the collaborative efforts of your church’s women’s ministry, you provide a tangible example of how this doctrine can inspire cooperation and solidarity within Christian communities.
Overall, your blog post offers valuable insights into the theological depth and practical relevance of the Trinity for believers. Well done!
James Martel · 07/10/2020 at 7:57 PM
There is no inspiration, encouragement, or hope for me in Christianity. In my studies I’ve concluded that there is no trinity. The doctrine is divisive and has a disturbing history. Even today many Trinitarians judge non-trinitarians saying they are NOT Christian if they reject Trinity. I’ve lost my faith in ‘Christianity’ so I now I just avoid Christians altogether.
helloredds@gmail.com · 07/11/2020 at 10:34 AM
Hey James,
I’m so sorry to hear this.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Right now, I’m asking God to heal your hurt and make Himself very real to you.
He loves you and wants to have a personal relationship with you.
Blessings
Melanie
Jim · 07/12/2020 at 9:09 AM
I’ve not lost my faith in God or Jesus. I lost faith God’s people and his ‘church’. I’ve been a Christian since 1973 and have hidden my non-Trinitarian views for decades. I’m absolutely sick and tired of the millions of ‘Christians’ – especially high profile Christians like John MacArthur and the like – who teach that those of us who reject the man-made doctrine of Trinity are condemned heretics.
Television, the internet, and social media, etc. has destroyed Christianity’s growth because the Benny Hinn’s, Ken Copeland’s, Joyce Meyer’s, John Hagee’s, etc., etc., have exposed Christianity’s hypocrisy. Not to mention that when it comes to doctrine and prophecy, Christians can hardly agree on anything…yet they all claim to possess the truth!
Whenever I debated ‘Trinity’ with others like on forums or blogs, I was either banned from forums for being non-Trinitarian, and and after 2-3 replies on blogs, when bloggers couldn’t ‘overcome’ they immediately began passing judgment saying I need to repent and accept Christ, or I’m in a heretical cult, (I’m not JW) and delete ‘most’ of my replies and then say goodbye.
It’s almost impossible to debate Trinitarianism because when they can’t explain something or overcome a contradiction, hey always resort to the notion that,…
“That’s because Jesus was speaking from his ‘humanity’ – or that’s because Jesus was speaking from his divinity!
They claim Jesus was 100% God and 100% man and that’s their cop-out reply to every contradiction.
Well, Jesus was NOT 200%. He was 100% man and that’s it! For example…
Saying Jesus is God completely destroys the gospel message! We know that God cannot be tempted and HE cannot sin. That being TRUE, and IF Jesus is 100% God, that means Jesus could not have been tempted or sinned anyway! That makes Jesus a fraud, and the cross a hoax and to no effect!
The only way for me to maintain my spiritual sobriety is to get away and stay away from TRINITARIAN CHRISTIANS.
To condemning Trinitarians I say,…Psalm 55:12
“It is not an enemy who taunts me—
I could bear that.
It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me—
I could have hidden from them.
Instead, it is you—my equal, my companion and close friend.
What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God.”
Jim · 07/12/2020 at 8:45 PM
What makes you think God hasn’t made Himself real to me? What makes you think that I don’t have a relationship with Jesus? OH, that’s right – I’m non-trinitarian.
Will you post my previous reply? Or like all the others are you going to cop-out?
Jim · 07/12/2020 at 8:52 PM
Sorry I jumped the gun, I couldn’t find the reply earlier. I apologize and thanks for posting my reply.
You should know…
About 4 years ago I burned every bible and every hard cover resource book I had – probably $2,000 worth of books because I was at the end of my rope with Trinitarians who condemn people. I gave up and even today I’m barely hanging on.
helloredds@gmail.com · 07/13/2020 at 6:06 PM
Hey Jim,
I really do appreciate your perspective.
Although we don’t agree, I always try to show respect for other’s ideas and beliefs.
You are welcome to stop by anytime.
Blessings to you,
Melanie
Jim · 07/13/2020 at 6:18 PM
Thank you Melanie. Trinity is not a salvation issue. Jesus life, death, and resurrection – now those things are salvation issues.
I forgot to mention that when I was at the end of my rope I not only burned all of my books, I also took my website down.
Now, I understand WHY Christians are the number one cause of Atheism in the world. I would never become an Atheist, but right now, and for a while, I have to distance myself from Christians.
It’s a relief to find a Trinitarian who’s not mean, judgmental or condemning.
God bless what you do.
Bruce baker · 05/05/2022 at 1:15 PM
Great site love trinity is not a Salvation issue
Attending a church last week pastor says if you don’t believe in Trinity you you aren’t saved
And shouldn’t attend this church
Breaks my heart
Nate · 02/16/2020 at 1:06 PM
Hi, I’ve been studying this topic for a while, and this article is well-written, and summarizes the Trinitarian belief of most Christians.
However, I believe it’s perfectly fine to be a Christian who believes Jesus was the Son of God, not God himself. Trinitarianism is polytheism.
Jesus never said he was God, and he doesn’t HAVE to be God for his dying on the cross to be effective. Why? He is the SON of God. See John 3:16.
If you claim Jesus was God, then you have to claim that Jesus is the son of Jesus, or God is the son of God, and neither of those statements make any sense.
Whenever these contradictions come up, people brush it off by saying “It’s a mystery we can’t fathom”. If it doesn’t make sense and it’s not in the Bible, why do people so tightly cling to it? I think maybe because it’s just too unsettling a thought for some people that they should have to start prayers now with “Heavenly Father” rather than “Dear Jesus”.
Jesus taught to pray to the Father, not himself. Jesus prayed alone in the Garden – why in the world would he go pray to himself? Well, he didn’t pray to himself. He prayed to the Father.
Why can’t we still worship God, be followers of Christ, and have salvation, if Jesus is the Son of God rather than God himself? And the Holy Spirit is the dynamic presence of God rather than a separate person?
The Bible says there is only one God.
helloredds@gmail.com · 02/25/2020 at 8:51 AM
Hey Nate,
It’s good to hear from you. And, thank you for sharing your views.
However, on this site, we strongly affirm that the Bible teaches that Jesus is God (John 1).
Here is our stance on this topic:
We believe that Jesus Christ in the flesh was both God and man. That He was born of a virgin and that He lived a sinless life; that He was crucified, died as a penalty for our sins, and was raised from the dead bodily on the third day. Later, He ascended to the Father’s right hand where He is the head of the church and intercedes for believers, and from whence He is coming again personally, bodily, and visibly to this earth to set up His millennial kingdom.
We believe that the Godhead exists eternally in three persons; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and that these three are one God.
Blessings,
Melanie
Diana · 02/03/2018 at 10:27 AM
I love this topic.
God in three Person, blessed Trinity. You broke it down so well ,Melanie!
Many people are confused with this topic.
I have shared it on Facebook and Twitter as well.
helloredds@gmail.com · 02/03/2018 at 11:20 AM
Thank you, Diana!
You bless us with your kind words!
So appreciate you and your sharing the post on social media.
You are a blessing!
Melanie
Lori Schumaker · 02/11/2017 at 11:41 PM
Great description from a GREAT teacher ♥ Thanks for taking something so complex and making it relative to our lives. This series from you and Dawn is fabulous!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
helloredds@gmail.com · 02/14/2017 at 4:18 PM
Thank you, Lori!
It’s always my prayer that I will take the complex things and make them more simple and easy to grasp!
Appreciate your affirmations today!
You are a blessing in my life~
Melanie
Kristin · 02/07/2017 at 8:40 AM
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and your heart with us readers!
helloredds@gmail.com · 02/07/2017 at 3:48 PM
Thank you, Kristen!
I’m so glad you stopped by for a visit and left a kind word.
I hope you’ll join us again!
Blessings to you,
Melanie
Sherry · 02/06/2017 at 9:47 AM
These are great points Dawn. It is the mystery of how God comes and dwells among us. In the form of the Holy Spirit He actually can live in your body if you are living a Holy life. “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” 1 Corinthians 3:16. In doing that when we all remain in the Spirit of God we are then tied together in unity by Jesus Christ. It is a mystery that is for sure.
Wonderful topic of which there are many, many layers to it’s meaning.
helloredds@gmail.com · 02/07/2017 at 3:47 PM
Thanks, Sherry!
Sure do appreciate you stopping by to leave an encouraging word today!
Dawn and I both are blessed by your comments!
Marva | SunSparkleShine · 02/06/2017 at 9:26 AM
Melanie, I love that you and Dawn have been digging in deep and reminding us to ground our faith in truth. I know it’s tempting to skip over these theological questions, but oh how our faith grows when we do.
helloredds@gmail.com · 02/07/2017 at 3:46 PM
Thank you, Marva!
We are having to put our brains on full power for these posts!
Sure do appreciate you and your encouraging words today!
Lynn Parrish · 02/03/2017 at 4:17 PM
I love your posts Melanie! I was so intrigued by your “Delight in Doctrine” posts that I ordered the book “Systematic Theology” and have really enjoyed reading it. Thank you for your blog, it encourages my heart more than you know!
helloredds@gmail.com · 02/04/2017 at 12:06 PM
Thank you, Lynn!
You bless me with your affirming words today!
And, I’m so glad you ordered the book. It’s a deep-thinking book, but it is filled with so much good stuff!
Sure do appreciate you and your encouragement, sweet friend!
Blessings,
Melanie
Shirley E Harlan · 02/03/2017 at 10:31 AM
I have always believed in the Trinity also as far back as I can remember. My description of the Trinity (as it was explained to me by my dad) is that as a man is a father, a son and a brother also like a man; a woman is a mother, a daughter, and a sister. This made a lot of sense to me as a young child and it was how I explained it to my children and grandchildren. Yes I believe that there is only one God–He came down in the form of a baby to save all of us where He gave the ultimate sacrifice for all mankind. After the death on the cross the Holy Spirit then indwell all believing mankind.
helloredds@gmail.com · 02/04/2017 at 12:05 PM
Hey Shirley,
What a great explanation of the Trinity!
I really like your description. Thanks for sharing it with me.
I appreciate you stopping by today. And, I hope you will visit again.
Blessings to you,
Melanie
SHANNON GEURIN · 02/03/2017 at 8:49 AM
I have believed in the trinity for as long as I can remember Melanie! I love that each one has a distinct and special purpose in my life and I’m so grateful. This post is SO full of wisdom and truth. Thank you Melanie! I appreciate you so much:-)
helloredds@gmail.com · 02/04/2017 at 12:03 PM
Thank you, Shannon, for stopping by to leave a good word today.
Isn’t it amazing how distinct and special our God is? I love thinking about these things.
You’ve blessed me today with your comments.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend~
Melanie
Clair Pyle · 02/03/2017 at 7:29 AM
I love reading your systematic theology posts, Melanie. Your reasoning is easy to follow, making these truths easy to remember.
I enjoy thinking about and applying your summary in “What does this mean to you and me”
Let’s stay close to God’s word as our guide.
helloredds@gmail.com · 02/04/2017 at 12:02 PM
Thank you, Clair!
I so appreciate your kind words and your visit today.
I’m so glad that my posts are easy to follow and that they make your think – all at the same time! These are two of my top goals every single time I write – make things easy to understand and encourage everyone to think! Woohoo!
You’ve blessed me today with your encouragement!
Blessings,
Melanie
marthajaneorlando · 02/03/2017 at 6:59 AM
I absolutely love how you’ve explored the concept of the Holy Trinity and why it’s so crucial to all we believe as Christians. Though it certainly is a mystery we can never fully understand, it does allow us to connect with God on so many amazing levels, some of which, of course, we’ll never grasp in entirety, but I think that’s a good thing! After all, God is God, and we are not.
Blessings!
helloredds@gmail.com · 02/04/2017 at 11:59 AM
Thank you, Martha!
Your words are very kind and affirming today.
You bless me~
Melanie
Leah Adams · 02/03/2017 at 6:36 AM
I love this post…and this series. I will be bookmarking this to return to later.
helloredds@gmail.com · 02/04/2017 at 11:58 AM
Thanks, Leah!
I’m so grateful for you and for your friendship!
Jennifer · 02/03/2017 at 6:36 AM
This is such a great post and series! Thanks so much for explaining it so simply. What a great reminder this morning!
Alison Tiemeyer · 02/02/2017 at 9:56 AM
Wow, Melanie, thank you so much for sharing this wisdom & insight. This is a tough topic to discuss, but you’ve done so with clarity, depth, and understanding! Thank you for diving into the depths of our faith! I sure appreciate you & your ministry, my friend.
helloredds@gmail.com · 02/04/2017 at 11:58 AM
Thank you, Alison!
It is a complex topic, isn’t it, but one that needs to be shared.
Sure do appreciate your encouragement and your kind words!
You bless me~
Melanie
dawnklinge · 02/02/2017 at 9:47 AM
I pray that this teaching will encourage others as it sure encouraged me! I appreciate your thorough and thoughtful approach to this deep topic. You bless me, Melanie!
helloredds@gmail.com · 02/04/2017 at 11:56 AM
Thank you, Dawn!
I’m so grateful for your prayers.
You bless me~
Melanie