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A LEADING QUESTION

1. WHAT IS MEANT BY SAYING GOD IS A TRINITY?


A KEY SCRIPTURE

  Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." (NKJV)

 


ARRIVING AT AN ANSWER

The very first time the word "God" is translated in the Bible, in the Hebrew it is the word "ELOHIM". Newberry, that fine Hebrew scholar, in his Bible notes gives this explanation:-

"ELOHIM (God, plural of ELOAH) occurs about 2 500 times: First in Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Here it is joined to a verb in the singular = God (ELOHIM, plural) created (singular), and shows trinity acting in unity. It also frequently occurs with adjectives, pronouns, and verbs in the plural. Genesis 1:26 "And = God said, Let us = make (plural) man in our - image (singular). Genesis 3:22 "like one of us." Genesis 20:13 "when God caused me to wander." Joshua 24:19, He is a =holy=God (plural)." Newberry

The first mention of God then, in the Bible, shows Trinity acting in unity. Now the word "trinity" is not a Bible word and does not occur there - but the word sums up what the Bible teaches concerning the mystery of God's being. Trinity is meant to convey the Bible meaning that the one true God is one in every way in nature, will and being; but one in three distinct Persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Note the term "trinity" is derived from the Latin word 'trinitus' which is derived from the adjective 'trinus' meaning 'threefold' or 'three in one'.


A KEY SCRIPTURE

  Genesis 1:26 "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness;'" (NKJV)

 


ARRIVING AT AN ANSWER

To whom was God speaking when He said "Let Us make man"? There is only one answer that fits both the words "God said" and the plural pronoun "Us". ELOHIM is plural in form, and the pronoun "Us" suggests itself a plurality of persons. This verse is one of the most outstanding references in the Old Testament for the doctrine of the Trinity in unity. One Person of the Godhead is addressing another. In Genesis 3:22 the conversation is again between the Persons of the Holy Trinity. God exists in three Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

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