The Trinity
We believe that God is the Creator and King of the universe. Three distinct persons make up the God-head: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Although the word Trinity, which Christians use to describe this three-person God, is not in the Bible, the fact that God indeed consists of three persons is clearly taught there.
The three persons of the Godhead share certain common characteristics that set them apart from all other beings in the universe. God is immortal, all-powerful, all-knowing, unchangeable, and able to be everywhere at once. He is the source of all love, life, and power. And though He constantly supervises His entire vast creation. He is a personal God who wants to be the close Friend of each person on earth.
Perfect unity exists in the Trinity. Their goals, plans, and opinions are identical. They never disagree. Their very thoughts are open to each other. Though the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three separate persons, they think, act, and feel as one. They actually are one God in three persons.
Perfect equality also exists in the Trinity. All three of its members are fully God. No one member is less divine than the others. The Father did not create the Son or the Holy Spirit – all three have existed together from eternity and have no beginning. The Holy Spirit is not simply God's power – a divine force. He is a fully equal member of the Godhead.
God is infinitely patient, fair, and truthful. But the quality with which His name is most synonymous is love.
Here are some supporting Scriptural texts.
- Deuteronomy 6:4
- Genesis 1:26; 3:22
- Matthew 3:16, 17
- Matthew 28:19
- John 14:16, 17
- 2 Corinthians 13:14
- 1 Timothy 6:15,16
- Psalm 139:7-12
- 1 John 3:20
- Jeremiah 32:17
- Malachi 3:6
- John 1:1-3