How can God be simultaneously a Trinity of Persons, and yet one?

[DW1980]

This is something that's bugged me for quite a while and I can't seem to get my head around it.
I constantly see things which, to my mind, seem to contradict, sometimes God is referred to as part or the whole of the Holy Trinity, but then in the Creeds, we profess that we believe in one God.
In short, I struggle with the idea of 3-in-1 and 1-in-3 aspect of God

Hi

I don't know I agree with everything on this site, but it has a very useful article on the Trinity at
Jesus Christ our Creator: A biblical defence of the Trinity - creation.com

It is one God, who exists as three persons - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Each is fully God. I think we can understand the doctrine, but getting our heads round the reality is impossible!

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

there is no way to perfectly and completely understand it. The Trinity is a concept that is impossible for any human being to fully understand, let alone explain.

Actually, people might "like" and "accept" it because they think they CAN understand it - as it is TOLD to them by someone else.

There is NO NEED to perfectly and completely understand YHVH, and it is impossible anyway, so DO not TRY to DO what is impossible,
rather READ HIS WORD, and ACCEPT HIS WORD, as YHVH permits. HE ALONE grants understanding , no matter what men say.

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

This is why FAITH is necessary ...

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

It may not be something that people often don't care about, but the nature of God, for me, is important and at the moment, this is something that is preventing me from continuing further with my faith. I have prayed about this many times, and I still feel no closer to an answer

Like you admitted in other posts, it is who you go to that confuses you...

It still remains something that is very confusing

 

[AvgJoe]

Actually, people might "like" and "accept" it because they think they CAN understand it - as it is TOLD to them by someone else.

There is NO NEED to perfectly and completely understand YHVH, and it is impossible anyway, so DO not TRY to DO what is impossible,
rather READ HIS WORD, and ACCEPT HIS WORD, as YHVH permits. HE ALONE grants understanding , no matter what men say.

So, by your logic, we shouldn't listen to anyone preach or teach the Word. What if the Holy Spirit chooses to grant understanding through what is preached or taught? What if the Holy Spirit chooses to grant understanding through what I share on this forum? I will continue to share, as I am led, in case He decides to do just that.

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

So, by your logic, we shouldn't listen to anyone preach or teach the Word.

If you use my logic or anyone else's logic that is an epic(guaranteed) fail.

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

I will continue to share, as I am led, just in case He decides to do just that.

Almost everyone does that, and thus more confusion ......

 

[RDKirk]

It may not be something that people often don't care about, but the nature of God, for me, is important and at the moment, this is something that is preventing me from continuing further with my faith. I have prayed about this many times, and I still feel no closer to an answer

Why is it important?

 

[RDKirk]

Yes ... I recognize that the Trinity is an attempt to explain God's nature ... which would be, inherently, problematic.

It would be like my dog trying to understand the nature of my being ...

"Sometimes he's there ... sometimes he's not ... sometimes he has food ... sometimes he doesn't, sometimes he's joined by another person, who may or may not give me food, or let me out, ... or leave me on my own ... "

"It's all soooo confusing ... "

This is why FAITH is necessary ...

When my daughter was small, she asked about our dog, Jack: "Papa, does Jack think he's a human?"

I said, "No, Pun'kin, he thinks we're dogs."

 

[tampasteve]

This question is one of the main reasons the Athanasian Creed was written. This creed is the foundation of what we call "Christianity", at least Trinitarian Christianity. Not included in this version of Christianity would be The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) and Jehova's Witnesses, as their understanding of Godhead is different. This is why reading and understanding the creeds is fundamental to our faith as Trinitarian Christians.

Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the catholic faith. Which faith except every one do keep whole and undefiled; without doubt he shall perish everlastingly. And the catholic faith is this: That we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity; Neither confounding the Persons; nor dividing the Essence. For there is one Person of the Father; another of the Son; and another of the Holy Ghost. But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, is all one; the Glory equal, the Majesty coeternal. Such as the Father is; such is the Son; and such is the Holy Ghost. The Father uncreated; the Son uncreated; and the Holy Ghost uncreated. The Father unlimited; the Son unlimited; and the Holy Ghost unlimited. The Father eternal; the Son eternal; and the Holy Ghost eternal. And yet they are not three eternals; but one eternal. As also there are not three uncreated; nor three infinites, but one uncreated; and one infinite. So likewise the Father is Almighty; the Son Almighty; and the Holy Ghost Almighty. And yet they are not three Almighties; but one Almighty. So the Father is God; the Son is God; and the Holy Ghost is God. And yet they are not three Gods; but one God. So likewise the Father is Lord; the Son Lord; and the Holy Ghost Lord. And yet not three Lords; but one Lord. For like as we are compelled by the Christian verity; to acknowledge every Person by himself to be God and Lord; So are we forbidden by the catholic religion; to say, There are three Gods, or three Lords. The Father is made of none; neither created, nor begotten. The Son is of the Father alone; not made, nor created; but begotten. The Holy Ghost is of the Father and of the Son; neither made, nor created, nor begotten; but proceeding. So there is one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, not three Sons; one Holy Ghost, not three Holy Ghosts. And in this Trinity none is before, or after another; none is greater, or less than another. But the whole three Persons are coeternal, and coequal. So that in all things, as aforesaid; the Unity in Trinity, and the Trinity in Unity, is to be worshipped. He therefore that will be saved, let him thus think of the Trinity.​

 

[NW82]

The easiest analogy I've ever had on this question is...time. Time exists, as I think we can all agree, and yet we have past, present and future....yet all three are encompassed in the same term time. Also consider Genesis 1:26, the terms us and our are used, in conjunction with John 1:1.

 

[section9+1]

I'd love to tell you, but he never bothered to explain it to me either. Instead of focusing on what you don't understand, focus on parts you do understand. That should keep you busy enough. When you stand before God, he will not ask you how come you never figured out the trinity.

 

[AvgJoe]

If you use my logic or anyone else's logic that is an epic(guaranteed) fail.

You're saying that we should not listen to what you have to say. Why do you even post to these forums, then?

 

[dreadnought]

This is something that's bugged me for quite a while and I can't seem to get my head around it.
I constantly see things which, to my mind, seem to contradict, sometimes God is referred to as part or the whole of the Holy Trinity, but then in the Creeds, we profess that we believe in one God.
In short, I struggle with the idea of 3-in-1 and 1-in-3 aspect of God

I should know better than to get involved in another Trinity discussion, but here goes. My belief is that the Lord "wears three different hats." He is the Creator, God, all-powerful, all-knowing, and motivated by love. He is Jesus Christ, God in flesh. He is the Holy Spirit. This is the what we call the Lord when he communicates with us. Someone soon will probably call me a modalist.

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

You're saying that we should not listen to what you have to say. Why do you even post to these forums, then?

I cannot tell (I don't know) why the importance of and the statement of not using "logic" escapes your notice.
Perhaps you can explain further ?

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

When my daughter was small, she asked about our dog, Jack: "Papa, does Jack think he's a human?"

I said, "No, Pun'kin, he thinks we're dogs."

..... hmmmm........ I think "dogs" is mentioned a few times in OT and NT.

Not in a good light for mankind....

And it seems that most people think "God" up in the sky somewhere is like "people", more than understanding that His Ways, His Thoughts, His Spirit is high above man's ways and thoughts, as high as heaven is above the earth !

 

[LoveofTruth]

This is something that's bugged me for quite a while and I can't seem to get my head around it.
I constantly see things which, to my mind, seem to contradict, sometimes God is referred to as part or the whole of the Holy Trinity, but then in the Creeds, we profess that we believe in one God.
In short, I struggle with the idea of 3-in-1 and 1-in-3 aspect of God

Here is a very strong trinity section in the holy scriptures

“12 Hearken unto me, OJacob and Israel, my called;I am he; I am the first, I alsoam the last.

13 Mine hand also hath laidthe foundation of the earth,and my right hand hath spanned the heavens:when I call unto them, they stand up together.

14 All ye, assemble yourselves, and hear; which among them hath declared these things? The LORD hath loved him: he will do his pleasure on Babylon,and his arm shall be on theChaldeans.

15 I, even I, have spoken;yea, I have called him: I have brought him, and heshall make his way prosperous.

16 Come ye near unto me,hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there am I: andnow the Lord GOD, and his Spirit, hath sent me.

17 Thus saith the LORD,thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God whichteacheth thee to profit,which leadeth thee by theway that thou shouldest go.

 

[AvgJoe]

I cannot tell (I don't know) why the importance of and the statement of not using "logic" escapes your notice.
Perhaps you can explain further ?

No, instead, I'll take your advice and not listen to you.

 

[DavidPT]

This is something that's bugged me for quite a while and I can't seem to get my head around it.
I constantly see things which, to my mind, seem to contradict, sometimes God is referred to as part or the whole of the Holy Trinity, but then in the Creeds, we profess that we believe in one God.
In short, I struggle with the idea of 3-in-1 and 1-in-3 aspect of God

Something more mind boggling than that, assuming a trinity, this would mean that there is not only one person with no beginning, but 3 persons with no beginning. I can't even comprehend how one person can have no beginning, let alone 3 persons. I believe wholeheartedly that God has no beginning and no end, it's just that I can't begin to grasp how the no beginning part is even possible. Multiply that by 3, it's really mind blowing then. Despite that, I'm still in the trinitarian camp, though I have to wonder why a lot of times.

 

[yeshuaslavejeff]

...to grant understanding through what I share on this forum? I will continue to share, as I am led, in case He decides to do just that.

If YHVH ever decides to do just that, well, then you wouldn't refuse His Word..... (using logic instead of His Truth, His Word, never is effective)

I should know better than to get involved

True, yet hope springs eternal, by God's Grace ! eh!?