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Faith

What Is the Trinity?

The Trinity is a central part of the Christian faith. Christians believe there is one God, who is revealed in three ways: as God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three expressions are fully united in being, yet distinct from one another.

It may sound complex, but it’s easier to understand than you might think. Below, we explore the meaning of the Trinity step by step.

A triangle with 3 circles going through it representing The Trinity

One God in Three Forms: The Meaning of the Trinity

The word Trinity doesn’t appear directly in the Bible, but the idea behind it does. Throughout the Bible, you see the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit working together. They each have a unique role, yet always work in perfect unity.

So, Christians don’t believe in three separate gods, but in one God in three persons. That’s what we call the divine Trinity.

Who Are the Three Persons of the Trinity?

God the Father: Creator and Source of All

Jesus the Son: God in Human Form

The Holy Spirit: God With Us and In Us

What Does the Bible Say About the Trinity?

Even though the word "Trinity" isn’t used in the Bible, Scripture clearly shows the cooperation of Father, Son, and Spirit:

  • Jesus’ baptism (read Matthew 3:16–17): Jesus is baptized, the Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father’s voice is heard from heaven.

  • Creation (read Genesis 1): God speaks, the Spirit hovers over the waters, and in the New Testament we learn that everything was created through Jesus (read Colossians 1:16).

  • Jesus’ Great Commission (read Matthew 28:19): “Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”

Image of the setting over the sea

How Does the Trinity Work?

The Trinity doesn’t mean that God pretends to be three different roles. It means that God truly exists as three distinct, fully divine persons who work together in perfect unity and love.

  • The Father sends the Son.

  • The Son obeys the Father.

  • The Spirit proceeds from both to continue God's work within us.

Metaphors That Help Explain the Trinity

Some examples can help us understand the Trinity a bit better, though none of them are perfect. These metaphors help illustrate and simplify the concept:

Water (H₂O)

Triangle

Human relationships

⚠️ These examples are helpful illustrations, but they can’t fully capture the mystery of who God is. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can be fully sure of God’s love for us and know the mystery of God (see Paul’s prayer to the Colossians for this exact thing in Colossians 2:2). 

Watch this BibleProject animation video:

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Why Is the Trinity Important?

The Trinity shows that God is a God of relationship and love. Even before the world was created, love already existed between the Father, the Son, and the Spirit. And that love is extended to us.

The Trinity isn’t a side issue, but reveals the heart of God:

  • God the Father as the source of life

  • Jesus as the Savior

  • The Holy Spirit as our daily guide and helper

The Trinity in a Nutshell

Let’s review the key ideas about the Holy Trinity:

  • There is one God

  • God exists as three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit

  • Each person is fully God

  • They are not three gods, but one God together

Now we leave you with this benediction, a blessing from 2 Corinthians 13:14 (NIV):

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Paul in 2 Corinthians 13:14

Got questions or want to talk or pray more about this? Feel free to reach out to us here!

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Curious to learn more about God and who He is? Discover it in this article!