The Trinity
Nature of the Trinity
Most Christians believe there is only one God, who is experienced as three persons, also known as the Three persons in one God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.. These three persons are the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. A key source of authority for affirming this belief is the A Christian creed that was adopted at the Council of Nicaea in AD325., which is a statement of Christian belief.
The Nicene Creed states:
We believe in one God, the Father the Almighty 鈥 We believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God 鈥 We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life.
The Trinity is a key idea in Christianity but many Christians find it hard to understand 鈥 how can God be both three and one? It is important to understand that, for Christians, God is one but is also experienced as three separate persons.
God鈥檚 oneness
Christianity is a Belief in one God. religion, which means that believing in the oneness of God is very important. The oneness of God is referred to in the The first part of the Christian Bible which corresponds to the Hebrew Bible but is arranged differently., and Jesus also reminds his followers of the importance of believing in only one God.
The oneness of God is a central Christian belief as it reflects the oneness of the universe God created. Christians believe the universe follows one set of laws.
God the Father
God the Father shows Christians that in the same way a parent might create and nurture a life, God cares about his Creation and wants to protect it. God crafted a universe he loves, and he will provide for his Creation. Ultimately, God is the Creator of all life.
God the Son
God the Son helps Christians to understand how God makes his love known in the world. Jesus spread teachings of Understanding and appreciation of the pain and suffering of others. and healed people who were sick. The life of Jesus, as described in the The teachings of Jesus and the apostles., also demonstrates that sacrifice and suffering are important parts of the human experience.
The Holy Spirit
God the Holy Spirit helps Christians to understand the idea that God is always present in the world. This is a source of strength to most Christians as they feel God is always with them.
Biblical teachings about the Trinity
In the Gospel of Matthew there is a significant moment when Jesus is being When a person is initiated into Christian life during a ceremony which involves the immersion in, or sprinkling or pouring of water. by John the Baptist:
As soon as Jesus was baptised, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, 鈥楾his is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.鈥
How the Trinity is reflected in belief and worship
The concept of the Trinity is often referred to during worship, which helps Christians to understand it. For example:
- The Nicene Creed is recited during every service of Central liturgical service observed by most Churches, recalling the last meal of Jesus..
- Significant events such as baptisms and marriages are performed in the name of the Trinity.
- Some Christians, for example A group of Christians who accept the Pope in Rome as their leader., make the sign of the cross and speak the name of the Trinity when they enter a church.