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While the term itself isn't in the Bible, the idea of the Trinity is present throughout the word. Understanding the Trinity is crucial for grasping the nature of God as revealed in Scripture. We hear the term frequently but knowing what is meant and not getting it wrong is often challenging. There are a couple of descriptions of the trinity, the “ontological Trinity” and “economic Trinity” that can help us understand the complex relationship within the Godhead and prevent common misunderstandings.

The ontological Trinity refers to the nature of God as three in one. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are three persons but one being, unified in essence. The economic Trinity, on the other hand, deals with their roles. The Father sends the Son to redeem us, the Son accomplishes this redemption, and the Holy Spirit applies it to our lives. We have one God in three persons, each with different functions.

In orthodox Christianity, we believe that the Son is equal to the Father in power, glory, and being, as stated in John 1:1: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This shows their unity and distinction. The Father sends the Son, who is subordinate in role but equal in essence. Jesus said in John 5:19-20, “the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing”

The Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter Two, “Of God, and of the Holy Trinity,” explains the relationship within the Godhead. It states that “in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, of one substance, power, and eternity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost.” This underscores both the unity and the distinct roles within the Trinity.

Understanding these distinctions helps clarify how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work together in salvation while remaining one in essence. It shows their unified nature and their different roles.

However, misunderstandings and heresies have arisen throughout history. Modalism claims that God manifests in three modes or aspects, denying the distinct persons of the Trinity. Arianism says the Son and the Holy Spirit are created beings and not of the same substance as the Father, contradicting the belief that the three persons are co-eternal and co-equal. Tritheism suggests that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three separate gods, distorting the idea of one God in three persons.

The Westminster Confession of Faith addresses these errors by emphasizing that “in the unity of the Godhead, there are three persons, of one substance, power, and eternity.” This supports the belief that, while the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have distinct roles (the economic Trinity), they are one in essence and being (the ontological Trinity).

Recognizing these heresies helps us appreciate the balance of unity and distinction within the Trinity, a cornerstone of Christian theology. It ensures we uphold the biblical revelation of one God in three persons, protecting against misunderstandings that have led to significant theological errors.

~ john