The Trinity Doctrine in the Bible

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,195
6,508
113
#21
Words such as triune and as trinity, are just fine in describing the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit, however calling them a doctrine when they are nowhere to be found in the Book is quite a stretch and quite an addition to the confusion called denominations..

This type of doctrine limits the I Am in being what He chooses to be. I am not saying our maker does not manifest Himself as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, but it is paramount to keep in the forefront of our worship that He is One.

Let us stop showing are ignorance by creating phrases as doctrinal while the word already has given the description of our Maker many times without them.

The mystery of our Maker will be revealed once and for all in His time on His Day. Let us not boast of false knowledge in His sight since He has afforded all with ample words to say just Who He really is. Faith will keep all from confusion, just believe Him.
 

tribesman

Senior Member
Oct 13, 2011
4,612
274
83
#22
In the Nicean creed (which all christians should agree with) we have an explanation of this matter.
 

jb

Senior Member
Feb 27, 2010
4,940
586
113
#23
Can anybody help make The Doctrine of The Trinity clear to those who are new to the Faith using scripture alone?

There are only 2 known verses in all of scripture that even hint at the concept of a '3-person God' who is actually 'One'.

Matthew 28:19 lists the 3 persons of the Trinity, but does not describe their relationship in any way or teach the "concept" of the Trinity at all.

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"
(Mt. 28:19)
It is very significant to note that after this verse, the only baptisms that are related in detail describe baptizing in the name of Jesus or Jesus Christ. These are found in Acts 2:38 & 8:12

The other verse that comes close to describing the Trinity is Ephesians 4:4-6.

"There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."
(Eph. 4:4-6)
This verse, as well, fails to teach the actual "concept" of the Trinity.

There are many pagan religions with 3-person gods which go into great detail about the 3-person relationship of their gods and the history of how they came about, but in Christianity, there is no teaching anywhere in scripture about the Trinity. The word Trinity is found nowhere from Genesis to Revelation.

There is not a single book in the 66 books of the Bible, much less even a paragraph, that teaches the actual concept of the Trinity.

So how do we teach this concept to a new inquisitive Christian who is interested in learning about it in their Bible?

If you can teach this concept using the Bible alone, please supply those books, chapters and verses for the edification of those who are eager to learn.
You'll find a study on The Trinity Here (Pages 52, 61,62,63)...
 

Athanasius377

Active member
Aug 20, 2020
206
86
28
Northern Kentucky
#24
In addition to what @tribesman wrote above, there is the more complete Athanasian Creed. In addition to what has already been written in defense of the Holy Trinity I would also add that the Apostles' themselves experienced the Trinity. Take the Apostle Peter for example: He heard the Voice of God the Father from Heaven, he walked with God the Son and was indwelt by God the Holy Spirit. If Peter were alive today and you told him about the doctrine of the Trinity he might look at you funny for using the term "trinity" but he would no doubt agree that it teaches what Scripture teaches us about the Godhead.

I would also mention as others have that we need not be afraid of the word "catholic". It simply means "universal" and was a way early christian writers differentiated between the Christian church and the gnostic and heretical church.
 

p_rehbein

Senior Member
Sep 4, 2013
30,095
6,479
113
#25
Can anybody help make The Doctrine of The Trinity clear to those who are new to the Faith using scripture alone?

There are only 2 known verses in all of scripture that even hint at the concept of a '3-person God' who is actually 'One'.
The ENTIRE Gospel of John introduces, describes and establishes the Holy Trinity. However, reading comprehension is required to realize this.
 
Apr 21, 2021
72
11
8
#26
The ENTIRE Gospel of John introduces, describes and establishes the Holy Trinity. However, reading comprehension is required to realize this.
The book of John is my favorite book in the Bible. I'm very familiar with it.

Jesus speaks many times of Himself and the Father, as well as their 'One-ness', but can you share which verses introduce, describe or establish a three part God?
 
Apr 18, 2021
97
8
8
#27
Words such as triune and as trinity, are just fine in describing the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit, however calling them a doctrine when they are nowhere to be found in the Book is quite a stretch and quite an addition to the confusion called denominations..

This type of doctrine limits the I Am in being what He chooses to be. I am not saying our maker does not manifest Himself as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, but it is paramount to keep in the forefront of our worship that He is One.

Let us stop showing are ignorance by creating phrases as doctrinal while the word already has given the description of our Maker many times without them.

The mystery of our Maker will be revealed once and for all in His time on His Day. Let us not boast of false knowledge in His sight since He has afforded all with ample words to say just Who He really is. Faith will keep all from confusion, just believe Him.

GOD has given Trinitarians a "Strong delusion" (II Thessalonians 2:11)!
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
12,170
3,999
113
#28
Words such as triune and as trinity, are just fine in describing the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit, however calling them a doctrine when they are nowhere to be found in the Book is quite a stretch and quite an addition to the confusion called denominations..

This type of doctrine limits the I Am in being what He chooses to be. I am not saying our maker does not manifest Himself as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, but it is paramount to keep in the forefront of our worship that He is One.

Let us stop showing are ignorance by creating phrases as doctrinal while the word already has given the description of our Maker many times without them.

The mystery of our Maker will be revealed once and for all in His time on His Day. Let us not boast of false knowledge in His sight since He has afforded all with ample words to say just Who He really is. Faith will keep all from confusion, just believe Him.
there are concepts in the word of God that do not give the name of them in scriptures as Example:


Trinity
Kenosis
Christophany

Yet they are clearly seen in the word of God yet not mentioned by name. The word Doctrine means teaching and there is a teaching of the Triune God in the Bible. They do not cause confusion because they are spiritually discerned.
 
Apr 21, 2021
72
11
8
#29
The word Doctrine means teaching and there is a teaching of the Triune God in the Bible.
Would you please share this teaching, chapter and verse? That is what this thread is all about.

They do not cause confusion because they are spiritually discerned.
I do have to disagree here. The Trinity doctrine/concept is very confusing and even those who are passionate PROponents of it admit this to be so; they like to use the word 'mysterious' as opposed to 'confusing' to avoid the response of 1 Cor. 14:33.

"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints."

There is nothing peaceful or clear about this extra-biblical teaching at all. And if there was such an important doctrine, as many make this out to be, that caused so much confusion and strife, God would have made certain to put plenty of information in the Bible about it. An entire book, or a paragraph at miniumum, explaining the dynamics of such a concept. That scripture does not exist.

I have yet to see anybody provide a teaching from scripture alone that explains this concept.

Spiritual Discernment is NOT my issue ... rest assured.
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
12,170
3,999
113
#30
Would you please share this teaching, chapter and verse? That is what this thread is all about.



I do have to disagree here. The Trinity doctrine/concept is very confusing and even those who are passionate PROponents of it admit this to be so; they like to use the word 'mysterious' as opposed to confusing to avoid the response of 1 Cor. 14:33.

"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints."

There is nothing peaceful or clear about this extra-biblical teaching at all. And if there was such an important doctrine, as many make this out to be, that caused so much confusion and strife, God would have made certain to put plenty of information in the Bible about it. An entire book, or a paragraph at miniumum, explaining the dynamics of such a concept. That scripture does not exist.

I have yet to see anybody provide a teaching from scripture alone that explains this concept.

Spiritual Discernment is NOT my issue ... rest assured.
Well if you are only going to cherry-pick a few sentences out of all I said then you would be confused. What is the full context of my comments?


Here is all I said :

there are concepts in the word of God that do not give the name of them in scriptures as Example:


Trinity
Kenosis
Christophany


Yet they are clearly seen in the word of God yet not mentioned by name. The word Doctrine means teaching and there is a teaching of the Triune God in the Bible. They do not cause confusion because they are spiritually discerned.


to say it is confusing because one cannot comprehend what can not be fully understood doesn't make it confusing.
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
12,170
3,999
113
#31
Would you please share this teaching, chapter and verse? That is what this thread is all about.



I do have to disagree here. The Trinity doctrine/concept is very confusing and even those who are passionate PROponents of it admit this to be so; they like to use the word 'mysterious' as opposed to 'confusing' to avoid the response of 1 Cor. 14:33.

"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints."

There is nothing peaceful or clear about this extra-biblical teaching at all. And if there was such an important doctrine, as many make this out to be, that caused so much confusion and strife, God would have made certain to put plenty of information in the Bible about it. An entire book, or a paragraph at miniumum, explaining the dynamics of such a concept. That scripture does not exist.

I have yet to see anybody provide a teaching from scripture alone that explains this concept.

Spiritual Discernment is NOT my issue ... rest assured.
God is not the author of confusion, yet man is limited in his ability to fully know all there is to know about God. Why? because the flesh is not saved or being glorified yet. As it is a mystery now and we see through a glass that is darkened yet we will know HIM as HE is Fully Known. WHEN the mortal puts on immortality and the corruption have incorruptibility as the very next Chapter in 1cor 15 speaks about.

1 John 3:2

Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

IF you say the concept of the Trinity is confusing then please explain How God the Father, the Son , The Holy Spirit are one, yet three distinct personalities with action that identify them with what they do? Please tell me the full nature of God and all HE can do and what HE is full. But don't use the Bible, because you would be taking from there what you say is confusing.
 

Simona1988

Active member
Mar 15, 2021
196
138
43
#32
Can anybody help make The Doctrine of The Trinity clear to those who are new to the Faith using scripture alone?
When you say 'new to faith' you refer to yourself?

.......

Because then you say:

There is nothing peaceful or clear about this extra-biblical teaching at all. And if there was such an important doctrine, as many make this out to be, that caused so much confusion and strife, God would have made certain to put plenty of information in the Bible about it. An entire book, or a paragraph at miniumum, explaining the dynamics of such a concept. That scripture does not exist.

I have yet to see anybody provide a teaching from scripture alone that explains this concept.
Spiritual Discernment is NOT my issue ... rest assured.
Seems to me you already have your mindset on an Individual God. And you are here only to argue and try to prove wrong the believers in a Trinitarian God.
 

Simona1988

Active member
Mar 15, 2021
196
138
43
#33


When You, O Lord, were baptized in the Jordan / the worship of the Trinity was made manifest / for the voice of the Father bore witness to You / and called You His Beloved Son. / And the Spirit, in the form of a dove, / confirmed the truthfulness of His word. / O Christ, our God, You have revealed Yourself / and have enlightened the world, glory to You!

Matthew 3:13-17
 
Apr 21, 2021
72
11
8
#34
When you say 'new to faith' you refer to yourself?
.......
Because then you say:
S3RV4NT said:
There is nothing peaceful or clear about this extra-biblical teaching at all. And if there was such an important doctrine, as many make this out to be, that caused so much confusion and strife, God would have made certain to put plenty of information in the Bible about it. An entire book, or a paragraph at miniumum, explaining the dynamics of such a concept. That scripture does not exist.


I have yet to see anybody provide a teaching from scripture alone that explains this concept.
Spiritual Discernment is NOT my issue ... rest assured.
Seems to me you already have your mindset on an Individual God. And you are here only to argue and try to prove wrong the believers in a Trinitarian God.
My God is THE God of the Bible and ONLY the Bible. Man's opinions and 'Traditions' are absolutely nothing in comparison.

I am not new to Christianity, but I discuss the Bible with those who are. Many are confused about the concepts within Christianity that are completely mind-bending ... like the Trinity. It makes it very difficult to reassure them of the rock-solid Truth of sound doctrine when they can't even comprehend some of the most basic tenets of the Faith. That is frustrating and disappointing, to say the least, because it leads more than you know to give up on the Faith and seek other avenues for their desire for Truth and understanding. It is my passionate certainty that God did NOT intend this at all. He is NOT the author of confusion, but there is one who is that author.

If you read my entire OP, it is clear that I was not being misleading in any way.

Here are my 1st sentence and last 2 sentences:
S3RV4NT said:
Can anybody help make The Doctrine of The Trinity clear to those who are new to the Faith using scripture alone?
---
So how do we teach this concept to a new inquisitive Christian who is interested in learning about it in their Bible?

If you can teach this concept using the Bible alone, please supply those books, chapters and verses for the edification of those who are eager to learn.
One of the biggest misunderstandings within the Christian Faith is the difference between "Tradition" and Biblical Truth.

Most modern Christians believe they are one and the same - because so many churches and seminaries teach this, but ... They are NOT.

I'll allow 'Got Questions' to comment on the matter. Here are a couple short paragraphs from their take on the topic:

Often, debates over traditionalism crop up in comparisons between Protestantism and Catholicism. Protestantism adheres to sola scriptura; that is, Protestants hold to the authority of Scripture alone in matters of faith and practice. Catholicism, on the other hand, gives equal weight to church tradition. When we look at what the Bible actually says, including Jesus’ rebuke of the traditionalists of His day (see Luke 11:37– 52), it is clear that the Bible is to be our authority. This is not to say that tradition is without merit, but that tradition is only authoritative insofar as it is based on biblical truth.
---
Jesus Himself affirmed the importance of Scripture. When He was tempted in the wilderness by Satan, He responded three times with “It is written” (Matthew 4:1–11). Jesus did not respond with “The patriarchs of old” or “According to tradition.” He told the Sadducees that they were in error regarding the resurrection because they didn’t “know the Scriptures or the power of God” (Matthew 22:29). Jesus often called out the religious leaders for adhering to traditionalism over the true commands of God. When some Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus about His disciples’ breaking the tradition of the elders in a certain matter, Jesus asked them why they broke God’s law for the sake of their traditions (Matthew 15:1–20). Clearly, it is God’s Word, not tradition, that holds authority in our lives.
(emphasis mine)
https://www.gotquestions.org/traditionalism.html

When an individual studies the Bible on their own, prayerfully and via the guidance of the Holy Spirit ... they DO NOT come to ANY understanding of the concept of the Trinity NOR do they EVER learn about 'KENOSIS or CHRISTOPHANY' for that matter.

These are ALL man-made WORDS that are according to Church TRADITION - NOT to Biblical Doctrine that is taught by the Bible itself.

God's Word is the final word on EVERY matter. I created this thread to give Trinitarians the opportunity to TEACH the Trinity doctrine using scripture alone. If the concept can be taught with scripture - meaning an unbroken set of verses, sentences or a paragraph, or more, then it is a legitimate concept in God's Word. If one must use their imagination and piece single words from here and there, or totally abstract verses that must be forced into the mind as defining the Trinity in a "because-we-say-so" way, then the concept cannot be a legitimate doctrine of God's Word.
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
12,170
3,999
113
#35
My God is THE God of the Bible and ONLY the Bible. Man's opinions and 'Traditions' are absolutely nothing in comparison.

I am not new to Christianity, but I discuss the Bible with those who are. Many are confused about the concepts within Christianity that are completely mind-bending ... like the Trinity. It makes it very difficult to reassure them of the rock-solid Truth of sound doctrine when they can't even comprehend some of the most basic tenets of the Faith. That is frustrating and disappointing, to say the least, because it leads more than you know to give up on the Faith and seek other avenues for their desire for Truth and understanding. It is my passionate certainty that God did NOT intend this at all. He is NOT the author of confusion, but there is one who is that author.

If you read my entire OP, it is clear that I was not being misleading in any way.

Here are my 1st sentence and last 2 sentences:


One of the biggest misunderstandings within the Christian Faith is the difference between "Tradition" and Biblical Truth.

Most modern Christians believe they are one and the same - because so many churches and seminaries teach this, but ... They are NOT.

I'll allow 'Got Questions' to comment on the matter. Here are a couple short paragraphs from their take on the topic:


(emphasis mine)
https://www.gotquestions.org/traditionalism.html

When an individual studies the Bible on their own, prayerfully and via the guidance of the Holy Spirit ... they DO NOT come to ANY understanding of the concept of the Trinity NOR do they EVER learn about 'KENOSIS or CHRISTOPHANY' for that matter.

These are ALL man-made WORDS that are according to Church TRADITION - NOT to Biblical Doctrine that is taught by the Bible itself.

God's Word is the final word on EVERY matter. I created this thread to give Trinitarians the opportunity to TEACH the Trinity doctrine using scripture alone. If the concept can be taught with scripture - meaning an unbroken set of verses, sentences or a paragraph, or more, then it is a legitimate concept in God's Word. If one must use their imagination and piece single words from here and there, or totally abstract verses that must be forced into the mind as defining the Trinity in a "because-we-say-so" sense, then the concept cannot be a legitimate doctrine of God's Word.
the Holy Spirit leads us and guides us into all truth as Jesus said HE would do in John chapter 14-16.

Until one has been illuminated by the Spirit from salvation as they place their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ they can't understand how Jesus is God when he is the Son of God. So the idea the term trinity is confusing is not true.

The Spirit of Christ is eternal and has always been. AS the Gospel of John chapter one states. if you remove the term trinity you still have to deal with what the BIBLE does call the eternal Godhead in Roman chapter one.
 

oyster67

Senior Member
May 24, 2014
11,887
8,696
113
#36
If you can teach this concept using the Bible alone, please supply those books, chapters and verses for the edification of those who are eager to learn.
John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
 

Simona1988

Active member
Mar 15, 2021
196
138
43
#37
When an individual studies the Bible on their own, prayerfully and via the guidance of the Holy Spirit ... they DO NOT come to ANY understanding of the concept of the Trinity NOR do they EVER learn about 'KENOSIS or CHRISTOPHANY' for that matter.
If you study the Bible with the wrong mindset, you won't understand much. Don't read the Bible like a Jew/Muslim/Atheist/Pagan would read it. Read it like the martyrs did. You know, those who were praising joyfully the TRINITARIAN GOD when lions were attacking them.

These are ALL man-made WORDS that are according to Church TRADITION - NOT to Biblical Doctrine that is taught by the Bible itself.
I don't have a problem with man-made words. Isn't language man-made? Adam was given this freedom by God: the freedom to NAME things.

I created this thread to give Trinitarians the opportunity to TEACH the Trinity doctrine using scripture alone. If the concept can be taught with scripture - meaning an unbroken set of verses, sentences or a paragraph, or more, then it is a legitimate concept in God's Word. If one must use their imagination and piece single words from here and there, or totally abstract verses that must be forced into the mind as defining the Trinity in a "because-we-say-so" way, then the concept cannot be a legitimate doctrine of God's Word.
What's next? A thread where you question the divinity of Christ?
 

oyster67

Senior Member
May 24, 2014
11,887
8,696
113
#38
Few doctrinal subjects have generated more passionate debate among Christians than the theme of the trinity. Churches have split and wars have even been fought over the issues that surround the nature of the Godhead.
I just don't get it. What is so difficult about it. It does not need analogies. It is a unique, special, and wonderful relationship. "Three in One".
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
12,170
3,999
113
#39
I just don't get it. What is so difficult about it. It does need analogies. It is a unique, special, and wonderful relationship. "Three in One".
th human intellect wants to know what it can't comprehend it seems easy to you but in fact, it is your faith that has allowed you to accept what the Holy Spirit and the word of God have opened your understanding to.
 

oyster67

Senior Member
May 24, 2014
11,887
8,696
113
#40
th human intellect wants to know what it can't comprehend it seems easy to you but in fact, it is your faith that has allowed you to accept what the Holy Spirit and the word of God have opened your understanding to.
Matthew
7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
7:8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

James
1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
1:7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
1:8 A double minded man [is] unstable in all his ways.