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California Ave. Church of Christ


" The Godhead "

Triune Nature of God - Help Me Understand? Dear Bible Teacher: Can you help me understand how the church can teach that there is one God and still talk about three different beings called God?  - Lesa G. Dear Lesa: Questions about the relationship of the Father Son and Holy Spirit are common. Greater minds than ours have wrestled with the subject.  I will share with you what I have learned.   First, the question must be decided by God's word rather than by human reason. The Lord our God is one Lord (Mark 12:29)  This is a fundamental truth of the faith.  However, three distinct divine personalities are mentioned in Scripture.  Baptism is into the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). At Jesus' baptism the Holy Spirit was seen in the form of a dove, and from heaven the Father spoke (Matthew 3:16-17).  This plurality can be seen in the Hebrew word, "elohim," translated God in Genesis 1:26. And God (plural) said, let us make man in our image. The word "God" is applied to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit: "God the Father" (John 6:27). "our great God and our Savior, Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13).  "...the Word was God... and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:1,14).  When Ananias lied to the Holy Spirit, Peter said, "Thou has not lied unto men but unto God" (Acts 5:3-4).  Thus the Father, the Word-Jesus and the Holy Spirit are all called God or deity by inspiration.  These three together are the Godhead mentioned in Acts 17:29. In the world of idolatry, our God is the one true God; he has no rivals. He is one in contrast to the many warring gods of heathendom. There is one seat of divine government. The three divine persons are perfectly united in planning, decrees and action.  They are one in character and personality. They are one in desire to save mankind from sin. The word "one" often describes intimacy, fellowship and unity.  Jesus said, "I and my Father are one" (John 10:30). Husband and wife are one flesh (Matthew 19:15).  All Christian should be one (John 17:20). Thus God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are the one God of Deut. 6:4. This is not irrational, rather it is beyond finite man's ability to comprehend.  A "thus saith the Lord" is sufficient reason for our faith (Romans 10:17). John Waddey