What Is the Truth about the Trinity?
A Counterfeit Kingdom … or Not?
Jehovah’s Witnesses mistakenly believe that the doctrine of the trinity is actually the worship of three gods (tri-theism). The truth is that the Bible proclaims in many passages that there is only one true God (monotheism).
“We maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith.”
(Romans 3:28–30)
If, indeed, there is only one God, then why was the Trinitarian position such a bedrock belief in the early church? And why has the doctrine of the Trinity been tenaciously taught throughout the centuries within churches that hold to Biblical inerrancy?
- Consider this: The Bible teaches that within the one true God, three coequal, coeternal persons exist: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
— The Father is called God.
“There is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.” (1 Corinthians 8:6)
— The Son is called God.
“But about the Son he [God] says, ‘Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom.’ ” (Hebrews 1:8)
— The Holy Spirit is called God.
“Then Peter said, ‘Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.’ ” (Acts 5:3–4)
- Consider this: The Bible presents the attributes of deity for each person of the Trinity—attributes that can be assigned only to God.
— Omnipotence (all-powerful)
- The Father
“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” (Jeremiah 32:17)
- The Son
“Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power.” (John 13:3)
- The Holy Spirit
“The power of signs and miracles, through the power of the Spirit.” (Romans 15:19)
— Omniscience (all-knowing)
- The Father
“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!” (Romans 11:33)
- The Son
“Now we can see that you [Jesus] know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions.” (John 16:30)
- The Holy Spirit
“God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:10)
— Omnipresence (everywhere present)
- The Father
“ ‘Am I only a God nearby,’ declares the Lord, ‘and not a God far away? Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?’ declares the Lord. ‘Do not I fill heaven and earth?’ declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 23:23–24)
- The Son
“Surely I [Jesus] am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
- The Holy Spirit
“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.” (Psalm 139:7–8)
Question: “How can the Trinity be illustrated?”
Answer: An analogy describing daylight could be used. Scientifically, light is comprised of the three primary colors: red, yellow, and blue. Each color is separate, but when blended together they make “white light” or daylight, and they function as one. Similarly, each person of the Trinity is a separate and distinct person, but together they constitute the Trinity and function as One.