The Importance of the Doctrine of the Trinity
I. Introduction
II. Explanation of the Doctrine of the Trinity
A. There is One God
B. God Eternally Exists as Three Persons
C. Incomprehensibility of the Doctrine of the Trinity
III. The Necessity of the Correct View
A. The Doctrine of the Trinity is Central to Christianity and the Plan of Redemption
B. The Importance of the Doctrine of the Trinity in Guarding Against Heresy
1. Arianism (Jehovah’s Witnesses)
2. Dynamic Monarchianism (The Way, International)
3. Modalism (Oneness Pentecostals)
IV. Application
A. We Should Study
B. We Should Ask God for Wisdom to Understand
C. We Should Be Able to Defend Our Belief in the Doctrine of the Trinity
V. Conclusion
VI. Bibliography
1. Introduction
To many Christians, the doctrine of the Trinity is an abstract and confusing concept, a belief that is held without much thought and rarely considered. Many of us were taught the doctrine of the Trinity as children, and we accepted it without question. Since that point, we have essentially ignored the topic. In church, we sing “God in three persons, Blessed trinity,”[1] but perhaps we don’t even consider the words. If asked, we would no doubt instantly affirm our belief in the doctrine of the Trinity, but upon further probing, we might realize that we cannot give an acceptable rationalization of our belief. And although the Trinity is certainly mentioned from the pulpit, it is not necessarily expounded upon or defended. Because we don’t consider the doctrine of the Trinity to be a concept that affects our lives significantly, we therefore largely ignore it.
The lack of emphasis on the doctrine of the Trinity is unfortunate, because the doctrine is crucial to Christianity. As Wayne Grudem wrote in Systematic Theology, “This teaching has implications for the very heart of the Christian faith.”[2] For if we deny the doctrine of the Trinity, we raise doubt about the divinity of Christ, which in turn leads to questions regarding the sufficiency of His substitutionary atonement. In fact, the Athenasian Creed went as far as to say that the proper view of God, “the Unity in Trinity, and the Trinity in Unity,” was “necessary to everlasting salvation.”[3] The purpose of this paper, then, is to explain the orthodox view of the doctrine of the Trinity, and to show why this belief is crucial to the Christian faith.
II. Explanation of the Doctrine of the Trinity
Stated simply, the orthodox view of God recognizes one God in three equal but distinct Persons. The Nicene Creed declared, “One God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity”;[4] that is, Christians worship only one God, but He consists of three Persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). Although the Bible never uses the term Trinity, and the doctrine cannot be proven from one particular verse of Scripture,[5] a systematic study of the Bible reveals that the doctrine of the Trinity is implicit. We will look at the doctrine of the Trinity in two parts: first, there is one God; second, God “eternally exists as three persons.”[6]
A. There is One God
First, let us look at the part of the doctrine of the Trinity which states that there is one God. In both the Old and New Testaments, the Bible is entirely clear on the point that there is only one God. Deuteronomy 6:4 states unequivocally, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord.” The same concept is repeated in the New Testament in James 2:19: “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well…” (cf. 1 Tim. 2:5).
Christianity has always been monotheistic, and stands in stark contrast to the numerous polytheistic religions. 1 Corinthians 8:5 notes that in the world “there be gods many, and lords many” but for Christians “there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things…” (1 Corinthians 8:6).
B. God Eternally Exists as Three Persons
Next, we should consider the second half of the doctrine of the Trinity—that there are three equal Persons in the Godhead. The Bible never explicitly states that God is triune; thus, we must compare many texts of Scripture to ascertain that God is three Persons, but we will eventually conclude that both the Old and New Testaments support the position.
Some claim that the doctrine of the Trinity is not alluded to in the Old Testament, however, as Grudem pointed out, Genesis 1:26 implies the plurality of the Godhead.[7] In that verse, God says, “Let us make man in our image [emphasis mine].” God could not have been speaking to angels, because the very next verse says that man was created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), not in the image of angels. Therefore, the use of the plural we and our implies that God is a plurality (cf. John 1:1).
A more complete revelation of the nature of the Trinity is given in the New Testament. In the story of Jesus’ baptism, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are mentioned together: Jesus is baptized, the Holy Spirit descends upon Him, and God the Father speaks from heaven (Matthew 3:16-17). In 1 John 5:7, all three Persons (“the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost”) are mentioned together.
Some who do not understand the doctrine of the Trinity have alleged that Christians believe in tritheism, or three gods, but that is not the case. The confusion may result from the usage of the word persons in describing the Trinity, but that word does only an imperfect job of communicating the nature of the Triune Godhead. As Augustus Hopkins Strong emphasized in Systematic Theology, “The word ‘person’ is only the imperfect and inadequate expression of a fact that transcends our experience and comprehension.”[8]
C. Incomprehensibility of the Doctrine of the Trinity
One final point needs to be made in explaining the doctrine of the Trinity—that the Trinity is incomprehensible. Strong called the doctrine of the Trinity “inscrutable yet not self-contradictory.”[9] None of us can ever hope to completely understand the doctrine; it is above human reason. A. W. Tozer wrote, “Our sincerest effort to grasp the incomprehensible mystery of the Trinity must remain forever futile, and only by deepest reverence can it be saved from actual presumption.” [10]
One anti-Trinitarian religious group argues that because the doctrine of the Trinity is incomprehensible, it must not be true. They assert that “divine revelation itself does not allow for such a view of God: ‘God is not a God of confusion.’” (1 Corinthians 14:33). Therefore, they claim that the doctrine of the Trinity cannot be correct, as it is confusing.[11] However, the Bible teaches that God’s ways are above our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9), so we should not presume to fully understand any one doctrine or attribute of God. Grudem wrote, “We can never fully understand any single thing about God,”[12] and this includes the mystery of the Trinity.
We must content ourselves with knowing what God has revealed to us about Himself, realizing that what God has told us about Himself in Scripture is limited and will not always make sense to our finite intellects. We must accept the doctrine of the Trinity on faith, believing that God is perfectly capable of being Three in One, even if that doesn’t make sense to us. We ought to have faith like that spoken of in Hebrews 11:1; faith in what we do not understand or see.
III. The Necessity of the Correct View
Now that we have considered what is meant by the doctrine of the Trinity, it is necessary to discover why the doctrine is so crucial to Christianity. I argue that a belief in the orthodox view of the doctrine of the Trinity is necessary in forming a correct view of salvation. Additionally, the doctrine of the Trinity is crucial in order to guard against heresies that would question everything from the deity of Christ to justification by faith in Christ alone.
A. The Doctrine of the Trinity is Central to Christianity and the Plan of Redemption
Denying the doctrine of the Trinity leaves open the dangerous possibility that Jesus was not God, which in turn casts doubt on whether Jesus’ death on the cross was truly sufficient to pay the penalty for sin. Grudem noted, “If Jesus is merely a created being, and not fully God, then it is hard to see how he, a creature, could bear the full wrath of God against all of our sins. Could any creature, no matter how great, really save us?”[13]
The very heart of the Gospel message is that only a perfect sacrifice, the sinless Lamb of God, could take away the sins of the world (John 1:29). Hebrews 10:4 states, “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sin.” For this reason, it was necessary that we be redeemed “with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:19). Because no man is righteous (Romans 3:10), it follows that only God, as Jesus Christ, could be the sacrifice for the propitiation of our sins. If Jesus were not God, how would this be possible?
Hebrews chapter 9 is a passage of Scripture that links the gospel to the deity of Christ and the doctrine of the Trinity. The chapter speaks of the testament, or covenant, which is between God and man (Hebrews 8:10). The writer of Hebrews states that “where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.” (Hebrews 9:16) In order for God’s covenant to be valid, God (as Jesus Christ) had to die. It is clear, then, that Jesus is God, for God was the testator. Furthermore, the fact that Jesus is God provides support for the doctrine of the Trinity, as it proves that God consists of at least two Persons. Thus, the redemptive plan and the doctrine of the Trinity are closely linked.
B. The Importance of the Doctrine of the Trinity in Guarding Against Heresy
Not only is a belief in the doctrine of the Trinity integral to forming a correct view of God’s redemptive plan, it is also crucial in guarding against heresies about the nature of God. Many heresies have originated from the lack of a proper understanding of the Bible’s teachings regarding the doctrine of the Trinity. Heresies opposed to the doctrine of the Trinity include Arianism, Modalism, and Dynamic Monarchianism. These three views are held, respectively, by Jehovah’s Witnesses, Oneness Pentecostals, and those involved in The Way, International.
An inquiry into the doctrines of these religious groups reveals that they hold erroneous views, not only of the Trinity, but also of the plan of salvation. I believe that there is a marked correlation between a denial of the Trinity and a false view of the Gospel. When the doctrine of the Trinity is abandoned, the deity of Christ becomes questionable, and His sacrifice on the cross is no longer viewed as sufficient to pay the penalty for sin. It follows then, that this belief in Christ’s insufficiency would lead to adding human efforts as a requirement for salvation. The Jehovah’s Witnesses, Oneness Pentecostals, and adherents to The Way, International demonstrate this link. All three groups deny the orthodox view of the Trinity, and add requirements to the Gospel.
1. Arianism (Jehovah’s Witnesses)
The Jehovah’s Witnesses hold to a doctrinal view of God known as Arianism. Arianism was originated by Arius, who taught that “God the Son was at one point created by God the Father, and that before that time the Son did not exist, nor did the Holy Spirit, but the Father only.”[14] Many Scripture passages show that this view is erroneous. Grudem pointed out that one passage that could be given as evidence that Jesus is eternal, not created, is Revelation 22:13, where Jesus states, “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.”[15] (cf. John 1:1). On Arianism, Strong concluded, “It is evident that the theory of Arius does not satisfy the demands of Scripture….the Scriptures speak of Christ as being in the beginning God, with God, and equal with God.”[16]
Jehovah’s Witnesses also err in their view of salvation, teaching that salvation is attained through doing good works, rather than by grace through faith in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).[17] I believe both errors (Arianism and works salvation) are a direct result of denying the doctrine of the Trinity.
2. Dynamic Monarchianism (The Way, International)
Another group with heretical teachings on the Trinity is known as The Way, International. The church’s founder, Victor Paul Wierwille, detailed his positions in a book with a revealing title: Jesus Christ is Not God. His viewpoint is known as Dynamic Monarchianism, which “teaches that God is the Father and that Jesus is only a man, [denies] the personal subsistence of the Logos and [teaches] that the Holy Spirit [is] a force or presence of God the Father.”[18]
In his explanation of Wierwille’s positions, James Walker wrote, “Rather than emphasizing salvation through faith in Christ, Wierwille artificially separated ‘faith’ from ‘believing.’ He taught a very mechanical view of faith in Christ - a mere intellectual or mental assent to biblical, historical facts. He also redefined repentance as just confession and belief. Thus, salvation does not involve repentance of sins but only doing ‘the will of God.’”[19] Thus, the correlation between abandonment of the true doctrine of the Trinity and unbiblical teachings on salvation is evidenced in the group called The Way, International.
3. Modalism (Oneness Pentecostals)
Oneness Pentecostals also espouse an erroneous view of the Trinity. The Oneness Pentecostal view of God, known as modalism, is a serious departure from the Scripture. Modalists believe that God is one Person who is seen in different manifestations or modes at different points in history; and God is not all three Persons at once.[20] This viewpoint contradicts the picture of the Trinity seen during the baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:16-17). As Grudem pointed out, the main problem with modalism is that it “must deny the personal relationships within the Trinity that appear in so many places in Scripture…”[21]
Just as the previous groups mentioned, Oneness Pentecostals add to the Gospel of Christ. They teach that speaking in tongues and baptism in Jesus’ name are both necessary for salvation, neither of which is taught in the Scriptures. [22]
The views held by Jehovah’s Witnesses, Oneness Pentecostals, and those involved in The Way, International demonstrate the serious errors that can arise when the orthodox view of the Trinity is abandoned. I believe that the false doctrines the groups taught could have been avoided by the recognition of the orthodox view of the doctrine of the Trinity.
IV. Application
Upon the realization of the importance of the doctrine of the Trinity, we Christians should be moved to action. We should study the Bible specifically on the Trinity topic, pray for wisdom and understanding, and be prepared to defend this vital doctrine. Each must each do his part to guard against the heresies that arise when the doctrine of the Trinity is abandoned.
A. We Should Study
Christians should study the Bible with earnestness to discover for themselves the truth of the doctrine of the Trinity. We must follow the command given in II Timothy 2:15, which states, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (cf. Acts 17:11) We can never learn too much about our awesome God and the mystery of the Trinity. The more we learn, the more grounded we will become in the Word of God and the more steadfast our faith will become in the correct view of the Godhead.
B. We Should Ask God for Wisdom to Understand
We should also pray that we would understand what we read in the Scriptures. The doctrine of the Trinity is a complex concept, and we must ask God to show us the truth. Though we must accept the fact that we can’t completely understand the doctrine of the Trinity, we should still ask God for wisdom. James 1:5 states, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally….”
C. We Should Be Able to Defend Our Belief in the Doctrine of the Trinity
It is probable that at one point in a Christian’s life, he will be subjected to questions or doubt about the doctrine of the Trinity. By becoming well-grounded in the biblical doctrine of the Trinity, he can allay all doubt and convince any anti-Trinitarians of the truth of God’s Word. Knowledge of the importance of the doctrine of the Trinity will lead to a desire to communicate the truth to others.
V. Conclusion
Clearly, the doctrine of the Trinity is vital to biblical Christianity. Denying the orthodox doctrine of the Trinity can lead to dangerous heresies about the nature of the plan of salvation. But Christians who believe in the Trinity will have peaceful assurance about their salvation, as they rest in the knowledge that Jesus, being fully God, was completely sufficient to pay the penalty for their sins. By diligently studying God’s Word to ascertain its teaching on the doctrine of the Trinity, we can avoid many doctrinal errors. And as we study the Trinity, we will grow more in awe of God and the marvelous mystery of the Trinity in Unity.
Bibliography
Athenasian Creed. http://www.apostle.org/pages/athenasian_creed.htm (accessed November 20, 2009).
Barker, Jason. “Watchman Fellowship Profile: Oneness Pentecostalism.” Watchman Expositor Vol. 16, No. 3, (1999). http://www.watchman.org/profile/onenesspro.htm (accessed November 20, 2009).
Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry. “Monarchianism.” http://www.carm.org/monarchianism (accessed November 20, 2009).
Erdmann, Martin. “Theology of the Bible 1 Lecture: The Doctrine of the Trinity.” Theology 1.
Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology.
Heber, Reginald. “Holy, Holy, Holy.” (1826).
Nicene Creed. http://www.creeds.net/ancient/nicene.htm (accessed November 20, 2009).
Strong, Augustus Hopkins. Systematic Theology.
Tozer, A. W. The Knowledge of the Holy.
Walker, James. “Jehovah's Witnesses: Salvation Through Works.” Watchman Expositor Vol. 8 No. 1 (1991). http://www.watchman.org/jw/worksjw.htm (accessed November 20, 2009).
------------. “Watchman Fellowship Profile: The Way, International.” (1996). http://www.watchman.org/profile/waypro.htm (accessed November 20, 2009).
[1] Reginald Heber, “Holy, Holy, Holy” (1826).
[2] Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1994), 247.
[3] Athenasian Creed, http://www.apostle.org/pages/athenasian_creed.htm (accessed November 20, 2009).
[4] Nicene Creed, http://www.creeds.net/ancient/nicene.htm (accessed November 20, 2009).
[5] Martin Erdmann, “Theology of the Bible 1 Lecture: The Doctrine of the Trinity”, Theology 1,
[6] Grudem, 226.
[8] Augustus Hopkins Strong, Systematic Theology (Rochester, New York: Press of E. R. Andrews, 1886), 160.
[9] Strong, 144.
[10] A. W. Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy (New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 1961), 17.
[11]
[13] Grudem, 247.
[14] Grudem, 243.
[17] James Walker, “Jehovah's Witnesses: Salvation Through Works.” Watchman Expositor Vol. 8 No. 1 (1991), http://www.watchman.org/jw/worksjw.htm (accessed November 20, 2009).
[18] Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry, “Monarchianism.” http://www.carm.org/monarchianism (accessed November 20, 2009).
[19]James Walker, “Watchman Fellowship Profile: The Way, International.” (1996), http://www.watchman.org/profile/waypro.htm (accessed November 20, 2009).
[20] Grudem, 242.
4 comments:
I FINALLY found the comment box after days of scrolling! Lol! That's good from what I've read of it, very intellectual, you are so wordy!Just Remember: 'one should probably let the mind relax in a story sometimes, without the tiresome weight of knowledge and learning.' ~ A Very Wise One
Lol....:)
Adam, thank you for your comment. I did not publish it simply because I don't have time to watch a two-hour video and then respond adequately to all the points brought up therein. I do appreciate the alternative perspective. If you are interested in discussing the doctrine of the trinity, perhaps you would consider addressing one point at a time (from what I mentioned in my paper).
"Anonymous"...you're so funny!! I recognized the quote immediately. ;)
I'm wordy? Haha, is that a good thing?
What a great resource!
Thanks!
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