The Trinity

• "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal ife." - John 3:16

  
  

  displayal of God's omnibenevolence
• "God is greater than our heart, and He knows everything" -John 3:20
• "I and the father are one" -John 10:30
• What are the roles of the three beings of the Trinity?

  1. God as the father: the creator (in Genesis). The universe works on one set of laws, so was therefore made by one being
  2. Jesus as the Son: shows God's incarnation, in a human form and is divine. Acts as a representative of God's love
  3. The Holy Spirit: God's active presence on Earth, guides Christians in their decisions and protects them from physical and supernatural danger

  
  

  The three beings however do not contradict monotheism- God is still one being (as if there were multiple Gods it would mean it'd take away from his omnipotence)
• "Christians are baptised in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.... The faith of all Christians rest on the Trinity " -CCC 232
• "the Lord is one" -Mark 12:29 (said by Jesus)
• Why is the Trinity important?

  Helps Christians understand the nature, and characteristics, of God; the Holy Spirit is God's active presence on Earth, guides Christians in their decisions and protects them from physical and supernatural danger.

  Through building a closer relationship with Jesus, it helps Christians connect with God.
• How is The Trinity represented in worship?

  -Included in prayers: like the Lord's Prayer and Nicene Creed

  -The Belief in the Trinity is intended to be at the center of each Christian's individual and daily relationship with God

  -Most sermons start with "in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit"
• What do Roman Catholics think about the Trinity?

  believe all three persons are equal in power and glory, but are also distinct and inseperable
• What do Protestants think about the Trinity?

  That it's a mystery and incomprehensible by humans, but also that all three beings are equal in power and glory but distinct and inseperable
• Baptisms and marriages are performed in the name of the Trinity; Catholics and Orthodox christians cross themselves when entering a church (expresses their belief in the Trinity)
• God the Father --> in the Old Testament as the Creator

  in the New Testament as the Father (during Jesus' baptism and Transfirguration)

  God the Son --> Catholics believe that Isaiah's prophecies refer to Jesus as the son of God, describing a child who will be Mighty God and Prince of Peace

  -at the annunciation --> Angel Gabriel tells Mary she has conceived God's son

  -at Jesus' baptism --> "This is my son, whom I love"

  God the Holy Spirit --> Roman Catholic teaching says the Spirit that surrounds the unformed world
• How is Jesus described in the Isaiah prophecies?

  As a Mighty God, and Prince of Peace
• "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:13-17)
• During Jesus' baptism, the Holy Spirit appears as a dove
• the incarnation was foretold in the bible, and Jesus was seen as a "Mighty God" and "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6)

  Isaiah also mentions the figure of the suffering servant in chapter 53 who released people from their sins
• In Luke 1:36, God sends Angel Gabriel to tell Mary that she would conceive the Son of God

  Luke's account of the baptism also confirms Jesus as the Son of God, and also later at the Transfiguration
• "We believe in one God" --> Nicene Creed
• Jehovah witnesses believe that Jehovah is the only true God. Jesus was created by God, so is God's son.

  The Holy Spirit is God's power applied to the world, and so is not a person.
• The Nicene Creed is repeated in every service of Holy Communion, which can be at least once a week for many Christians.