Counsels on Christian Worldview

Counsel #5 — God’s New Testament Three-Ness

Picture: Counsel #5 — God’s New Testament Three-Ness CCW 15.1

The New Testament often affirms God’s “three-ness” by referring to the roles they take. For example, 1 Peter 1:2 refers to the Father’s foreknowledge, the Spirit's work of sanctification, and the blood of Jesus' sacrifice. What may make it confusing sometimes is that the Bible uses the term “God” to refer to all three in a corporate sense,^[18] while more commonly, it uses the term “God” to refer to the Father^[19]. However, the term God is also used to refer to Jesus^[20] and even the Holy Spirit^[21]. The term “Lord” also usually refers to Jesus as Lord,^[22] but occasionally the Father^[23]. The literary context of a given word and verse usually helps clarify these differences in use.^[24] CCW 15.2

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” Matthew 28:19 NKJV CCW 15.3

“The eternal heavenly dignitaries—God, and Christ, and the Holy Spirit—arming them [the disciples] with more than mortal energy, ... would advance with them to the work and convince the world of sin.” Ellen White in Evangelism p. 616.4 CCW 15.4

Reflect: Do the labels "Father," "Son," and "Holy Spirit" fully capture the essence of the divine relationship? Or are these merely starting points for a deeper understanding of the mystery that transcends human language? CCW 15.5