Counsels on Christian Worldview

Counsel #2 — Understanding Three-In-One

Picture: Counsel #2 — Understanding Three-In-One CCW 12.1

The idea “three-in-one” is not a contradiction. It only becomes a contradiction if you mean God is both three and one in the same way. Is a tree with three branches three or one? Three, with respect to branchy-ness. One, with respect to tree-ness. A two-headed snake is two in one respect (heads) and one in another (body). These are not contradictory. In a similar sense, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit appear to have unity in what they will to do, but still have three consciousnesses. We may not know all the aspects that align with oneness or three-ness, but we can be assured there is no contradiction.^[10] CCW 12.2

“Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.” Mark 12:29 NKJV CCW 12.3

“The heart of God yearns over His earthly children with a love stronger than death. In giving up His Son, He has poured out to us all heaven in one gift. The Saviour's life and death and intercession… the pleading of the Spirit, the Father working above and through all… all are enlisted in behalf of man's redemption.” Ellen White in Steps to Christ, p. 21.2 CCW 12.4

Reflect: Consider the tree and two-headed snake analogies. Do these examples fully explain the concept of the Trinity, or do they only offer a limited perspective? Are there other analogies or metaphors that might help clarify the mystery of the Trinity? CCW 12.5