One of the Most Profound Topics We Grapple With

is related to the nature of the personage of God. There is a three-fold eternal God-head made up of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. For the most part the Trinity is shrouded in mystery. Our finite minds do not have the capacity to understand such a majestic concept as a three-in-one God. However, Scripture reveals some basic truths about God.

The Apostle John in the introductory verses to his Gospel account when referring to God the Father states that "No one has ever seen God" (John 1:18). The reason for this becomes obvious when one observes Jesus' comment to the Samaritan woman that "God is Spirit" (John 4:24).

Even though we have not seen the Father we are not ignorant of him. John goes on to inform us that the "one and only Son is himself God...(and) has revealed God to us" (John 1:18). Through reading and meditating upon the Scriptures we receive glimpses of the character and nature of God. This is accomplished through observing the actions and studying the teaching of Jesus. One of Christ’s greatest desires, while on earth, was to bring glory to his Father (John 17:4).

There is a tremendous oneness between the Father and the Son. It is incredible to realize that this oneness is being extended to all who are a part of the household of faith. Jesus’ prayer on the night he was betrayed contains these words: "I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one -- as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us" (John 17:21).

That same evening the disciples were extremely discouraged because Jesus had indicated he would soon be leaving the earth. As he desires to encourage them he discloses that an Advocate will be sent along side them. They are told that this one who comes from heaven "will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth" (John 14:16). One of the chief responsibilities of the Spirit is to bring glory to Jesus (John 16:13).

The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one in nature and character. However, within the Trinity there are differing roles and there is also a chain of authority. The Father is the one who sent Jesus to earth (John 17:3) and it was Christ’s responsibility to complete "the work you gave me to do" (John 17:4). The Father at the request of the Son would shortly send the Holy Spirit (John 14:16) to dwell within the believers (John 14:17).

During our earthly existence we cannot hope to grasp more than the most basic truths related to the nature of God --- the rest will take eternity. Thankfully though he has revealed enough of himself so that we can currently experience a personal life changing relationship with the God of the universe.

Copyright. Bruce February 2006

Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.