#BoldBeliefDevotional by Paul Natekin
Key Bible Verse:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” — Matthew 28:19 (ESV)
Have you ever wondered about the nature of God? It can be confusing when we hear about the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Is Jesus God? Is He the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit all at once? Let’s dive into this together and find clarity.
Apologetic Insight:
(from Greek ἀπολογία, ‘speaking in defense’) Defending and explaining faith with reason and evidence.
The doctrine of the Trinity can be challenging, but it’s a cornerstone of Classical Christianity. Here are some insights to help us understand:
- J. Warner Wallace (ColdCaseChristianity.com) reminds us that while the word “Trinity” isn’t in the Bible, the concept is evident. He explains, “The New Testament authors described the nature of God in a way that consistently affirmed the existence of one God in three distinct persons.”
- Timothy McGrew (HistoricalApologetics.org) emphasizes the historical evidence for the Trinity, pointing out that early Christians recognized the distinct roles of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He states, “The earliest Christian confessions and creeds affirm the Trinity, showing it was part of the foundational teaching of the Church.”
- Gary Habermas (GaryHabermas.com) addresses the resurrection of Jesus, which underscores His divine nature. He says, “The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a historical event that validates His claim to be God, the Son.”
- C.S. Lewis (CSLewis.org) provides a helpful analogy: “The Trinity is like the sun in the sky. The sun itself (the Father), the light it emits (the Son), and the heat it gives off (the Holy Spirit) are all one sun, yet they are distinct in their functions.”
The error of Modalism, where God is seen as one person manifesting in different roles at different times, contradicts the consistent biblical portrayal of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as distinct yet united in essence.
Encouragement & Application:
Understanding the Trinity isn’t about solving a puzzle but about deepening our relationship with God. Remember:
- Scripture Reading: Dive into the Gospels to see how Jesus interacts with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask your spiritual mentors or explore resources by trusted apologists.
- Community: Engage with a community that can discuss and pray through these mysteries together.
Reflection Questions:
- How does the concept of the Trinity challenge or deepen your understanding of God?
- What steps can you take to better grasp the unity and distinction of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
Prayer:
Dear God, thank You for revealing Yourself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Help us to understand the mystery of the Trinity, not just with our minds but with our hearts. Guide us in our journey to know You more intimately and to grow in faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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