The Bible teaches that there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4). It also shows us the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, each of them fully God. We call this the Trinity, or the Godhead: one God in three eternal Persons.
We see the three together at the baptism of Jesus. The Son stood in the Jordan, the Spirit of God came down like a dove, and the Father spoke from heaven: “This is my beloved Son” (Matthew 3:16-17). Jesus later told His disciples to baptize “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19).
We cannot fully explain God, and we do not need to. What matters is what the Trinity shows us: God is not alone and distant. From eternity He has lived in perfect love, and “God is love” (1 John 4:8). The Father, the Son and the Spirit work together for our salvation, and they invite us into that same love.
Key Bible verses
- Deuteronomy 6:4The LORD our God is one LORD.
- Matthew 3:16-17The Son baptized, the Spirit like a dove, the Father’s voice.
- Matthew 28:19In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
- 2 Corinthians 13:14The grace of Christ, the love of God, the communion of the Holy Ghost.
- Ephesians 4:4-6One Spirit, one Lord, one God and Father of all.
- 1 Peter 1:2The Father, the Spirit and Jesus Christ in our salvation.
- 1 John 4:8God is love.
Tap a reference to read it in the Bible.
Think about it
- What does it tell you about God that He has always lived in a relationship of love?
- How do the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit each help you in your walk with God?
- How would you explain the Trinity simply to a child or a friend?
