When discussing the Godhead with others, I have noticed that many Christians know only some of the fundamentals to God's triune identity. This, I believe, is a reflection of how little we study God's Word. In this essay, I would like to expand our understanding of the Trinity, so we can know Him better.
"28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen." - Matthew 28:19
The Godhead is manifested in three modes of being (Mt 28:19). These three persons are the Father (Joh 3:34-35, 8:54), the Son (Tit 2:13,3:4-6), and the Holy Spirit (Ro 8:9,13:19). Each of the three modes has characteristics essential to the Trinity (Joh 5:19, Mt 3:14-15). If God could only manifest Himself in one of these personalities, He would not function.
"43:10 Ye [are] my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I [am] he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. 43:11 I, [even] I, [am] the LORD; and beside me [there is] no saviour. 43:12 I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when [there was] no strange [god] among you: therefore ye [are] my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I [am] God." - Isaiah 43:10-12
The Trinity is not made up of separate god-people. This is because the Godhead is one individual (Isa 43:10, 44:6). The above passage of scripture shows both Mormonism and Jehovah's Witnesses to be incorrect regarding who Jesus was. Per logic, using God's own words above, it is very clear that there is only one God and He alone is Saviour. So, Jesus could not be a man who became "a god". Jesus also has to be God (rather than "a god"), to be the Saviour. My only assumptions are that God inspired all of scripture and that scripture does not contradict itself.
"32:7 I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom. 32:8 But [there is] a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. 32:9 Great men are not [always] wise: neither do the aged understand judgment." - Job 32:7-9
Each person of the Trinity has various functions. The Holy Spirit's operations focus on five areas (Neh 9:20, Joh 14:26, Lu 4:18, Joh 4:7-15, Ac 1:8). Giving wisdom and understanding to the believer is one of these operations (Job 32:8, Ex 31:3). This mirrors the New Testament passage found in John 14:26, "14:26 But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you".
"Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied." - Acts 9:31
Also, in troubling times He offers comfort (Ac 9:31). This, again, is confirmed a second time through Jesus' words in John 14:26 (above). So, the Holy Spirit comforts / helps / intercedes for you in various aspects of your life.
"4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 4:9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, [even] by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 4:11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." - Acts 4:8-12
For preaching, He gives power, boldness, and effectiveness (Ac 2:14-41, 4:8-31). This power, joy, peace, strength manifests itself to those around you. This is why non-Christians can see something different within you, something they deeply desire.
"4:13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." - John 4:13-14
He also gives the Christian the gift of everlasting water (Joh 4:7-14). This water springs up into eternal life (Jo 4:14). A refreshing spring of water for all thirsty souls. Nothing else can satisify or bring you eternal happiness.
"16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 16:18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." - Mark 16:16-18
The Christian also receives the potent gift of miraculous power for healing, prophecy, etc. (Mk 16:17, Mt 17:20). Not for selfish vainglory, neither for unrighteous mammon, but rather for God's glory and to promote His will on earth.
Jesus' functions in the Godhead are quite diversified. In the beginning, He was the Creator of life (Ge 1:1, Joh 1:3-10). It took him the space of six days to accomplish it. When He came to Earth, He was the Word manifested in the flesh (1 Ti 3:16). This is shown through His perfect obedience to the Father. In general, He is also the living Word of God (Joh 1:1).
"1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth ... 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." - Genesis 1:1, 3:15
"1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God ... 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us" - John 1:1, 1:14
Jesus will be the Righteous Judge on the coming day of judgment, where He will judge both great and small (Ps 72:2-4, Mic 4:3). He is King of all the kings and Lord of lords (Ps 24:8). This is extensively covered in Revelation. While prophesying during His ministry, Christ also showed Himself as a prophet (Joh 2:18-20). As the Messiah, Savior, and High Priest, He saves His people from their sins (Ps 69:1-36). This salvation is the bases for the Christian's faith. During His Earthly ministry, Jesus displayed His role as a healer and teacher (Mt 4:23).
"24:10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he [is] the King of glory. Selah ... 69:13 O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation. 69:14 Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters ... 72:2 He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment." - Psalms 24:10, 69:13-14, 72:2
"4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. " - Matthew 4:23
The Father's operations are divided into six different categories. One of the most evident is His fatherly role to others (1 Ch 28:6). He is the Father of Jesus (Joh 12:26-28). He was a father figure to the jews (2 Sa 7:14). He is now the father figure to all Christians (Joh 10:15-30). Another is His function as leader, and molder of His servants (De 32:5-6). Throughout the Old and New Testament, we can see numerous examples of God being a Father to His people. The Father is a rewarder of good, and giver of life (Mt 6:4-9, 7:7-11). He gives Christians necessities and whatever else they ask for. He also reveals new knowledge and wisdom (Mt 11:25-27). Last, the Father makes the choices within the Godhead (Mt 18:10-19). This is why we see Jesus and the Holy Spirit following the Father's will (Joh 5:17-43, 14:26).
"12:28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, [saying], I have both glorified [it], and will glorify [it] again." - John 12:26,
"32:6 Do ye thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? [is] not he thy father [that] hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee? " - Deuteronomy 32:6
"18:14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish ... 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven." - Matthew 18:14-19
Above I briefly outlined the functions of the Trinity, now I will state some of the truths underlying the operations of the Godhead. The Trinity works in unity (Gen 1:26, 3:22, Joh 5:17-43, 10:30). The three titles of the Godhead are interchangeable (Isa 9:6, Joh 10:28 & 29, Rev 1:8 & 21:6). God the Father has sent forth His Holy Spirit to His Son and His servants (Mt 12:18, Ro 8:9-27). The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead (Ac 3:26, 1 Th 1:10, Joh 2:19-21). No person can say, "Jesus is Lord," but by the Holy Spirit (1 Co 12:3-6). Jesus first came to the Earth and fulfilled all things, then the Holy Spirit came (Gal 4:4-6). We have access to the Father by one Spirit, through Jesus Christ (1 Ti 2:5, Eph 2:14-18). The Kingdom of the Son is the Kingdom of the Father (Heb 1:4-14).
