Trinity
The doctrine of Trinity is Biblical, even though the word “Trinity” is not mentioned in the Bible from cover to cover. However, you can find Biblical references that point towards one GOD with three divine natures; Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost (spirit). Let’s look at Matthew 28:19, where Jesus instructs the apostles: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”
Now, the mentioned of Trinity is not unique to the Gospel of Matthew, but referencing GOD the head and its three persons is found elsewhere in the New Testament for example 2 Cor. 13:14, Heb 9-14 and many more reference could be found. Furthermore, you find the mention of Trinity in the writings of the early Church Fathers. They clearly understood the teachings of the Apostles, who were their predecessors by means of oral traditions and their writings.
Let me mention a few of the early Christians and their writings which point towards the divinity of Christ and his relationship with the Father and the Holy Spirit – If we explore the Didache (1st century writings of the early Christians – 70 AD). “After the foregoing instructions, baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, in living [running] water….If you have neither, pour water three times on the head, in the name of the Father, and of the son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Didache 7:1 [A.D. 70]). So, in other words the power of the Trinity can release us from the bondage of sin and give us entry to GOD’s kingdom in heaven. Please note; water is essential and is the essence of life, another topic which I must write in the future about. Anyhow, back to what the Didache the writing of the early Christians references to is “Trinity” GOD head and three persons; Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Also, you must understand that early Christians were apprentices of the Apostles and successor to the Apostles. These Apostles passed on Christians teachings orally and in written forms. There are many more writers and due to lack of time I will only mention a very few: Ignatius of Antioch, Justin Martyr, Theophilus of Antioch, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Origen and Hippolytus etc.
Just to prove the point here’s an example of Justin Martyr (First Apology 13:5-6 [A.D. 151]) writings – “We will prove that we worship him reasonably; for we have learned that he is the Son of the true GOD himself, that he holds a second place, and the Spirit of prophecy a third. For this they accuse us of madness, saying that we attribute to a crucified man a place second to the unchangeable and eternal GOD, the Creator of all things; but they are ignorant of the mystery which lies therein” Now, let’s briefly look at this statement; the author mentions clearly about the Trinity. However, do notice that Justin is either refuting a claim or writing in rebuttal to the one’s accusing the early Christians about “Trinity” The reason I mention this is because the early Church was faced with heresy, schisms and non believers of the divinity of Christ and the Trinity. So, it is not unusual to see in our world today that people do not believe in the “Trinity” and the second nature of GOD that is the SON of GOD.
At this point, let’s practice some apologetics – defending the doctrine of Trinity.
Bible teaches us about one GOD as mentioned above in Matthew 28:19 about the Son and Holy Spirit, which total three persons and possess the nature of GOD. Now, for some people this doctrine is very difficult to understand or in other word is a mystery of GOD that most Catholics don’t understand and even if they do; they cannot explain or defend this doctrine. To explain this doctrine of faith or in other word most non Catholic call this illogical or unreasonable doctrine. You must first explain the difference between “being” and “person”. “Being”, can be described as “What” and Person as “Who”? For example, pointing to my wife, the question would be “What is she?” first answer would be she is a human being. The question of “Who is she?” can be answered as “Samantha”.
“All persons are beings, but not all beings are persons. For example, you are one being and one person. But a dog is one being and zero persons. With regard to the Trinity, there is one being, which is GOD, yet there are there persons; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is not illogical. If one were to say that there is one GOD and three Gods, or one Person and three Persons – that would be illogical. But one being and three Persons is not contradiction”. (Catholic.com)
Another argument that is most often used by most non-Christians is the “why the Jews didn’t know that – Father, Son and Holy Spirit is one GOD. Why does their great prayer only mention of one GOD. “Hear O Israel, the Lord thy GOD is one GOD”
Let me explain and give you a better defense to such illogical argument. First of all there is no mention of Triune in the Old Testament. Nor did Jesus upon his arrival to earth in a manger announce his divinity and neither did GOD stand on Mount Sinai gave Moses the explanation of the three distinct persons who are one in the being and nature, existing consubstantially and eternal. Understanding GOD the Father and the three persons has been gradual over time, since the beginning of time. Just imagine we are still having problems fully comprehending what GOD truly is, just think if GOD wouldn’t have gradually revealed himself, man kind would have had a melt down. As, Jesus said, “I have many things yet to say to you, but you are not able to bear them at present” (John 16:12) hopefully, upon our arrival in heaven will explain everything. Till then, keep exploring and reading Christian doctrine, especially the writings of the early Church Fathers who saw and understood first hand account of Jesus’ teaching.
Sign of the Cross: Not sure why most Christian denomination refute on making the sign of the cross on themselves. Even though five centuries ago Protestants agreed with Catholics despite their rebellion against the Church on adding cross as a symbol of Christianity on their Bibles, Pulpits, steeples and car bumpers. They fail to understand the making the sign of cross is ancient and scriptural. Word of GOD, man incarnate came for the salvation of mankind, he was born, and he suffered and died. He came to redeem ransom and restore his people – his Church. We should place the cross on ourselves as a reminder of the reality of the Crucifixion. Early Christian writing shows us that the sign of the cross was made and used regularly in all travels and movements, as apologist Tertullian wrote “In our coming in and going out, in putting our shoes, at the bath, at the table, in lighting our candies. In lying down, in sitting down, whatever employment occupies us, we mark our forehead with the sign of the cross.”
I hope my brothers and sisters in Christ; that the divinity of Christ and Trinity of GOD the Father, his only begotten Son and the Holy Spirit makes sense after reading my brief explanation. This topic is huge, but I have tried my best to answer and explain to my ability what Trinity means and why we must make the Sign of the Cross every moment of our being here on earth. Make the cross and you will always have his protection and grace upon you, your children and families. Walk with GOD and stay blessed.
Reference: www.Catholic.com
The doctrine of Trinity is Biblical, even though the word “Trinity” is not mentioned in the Bible from cover to cover. However, you can find Biblical references that point towards one GOD with three divine natures; Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost (spirit). Let’s look at Matthew 28:19, where Jesus instructs the apostles: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”
Now, the mentioned of Trinity is not unique to the Gospel of Matthew, but referencing GOD the head and its three persons is found elsewhere in the New Testament for example 2 Cor. 13:14, Heb 9-14 and many more reference could be found. Furthermore, you find the mention of Trinity in the writings of the early Church Fathers. They clearly understood the teachings of the Apostles, who were their predecessors by means of oral traditions and their writings.
Let me mention a few of the early Christians and their writings which point towards the divinity of Christ and his relationship with the Father and the Holy Spirit – If we explore the Didache (1st century writings of the early Christians – 70 AD). “After the foregoing instructions, baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, in living [running] water….If you have neither, pour water three times on the head, in the name of the Father, and of the son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Didache 7:1 [A.D. 70]). So, in other words the power of the Trinity can release us from the bondage of sin and give us entry to GOD’s kingdom in heaven. Please note; water is essential and is the essence of life, another topic which I must write in the future about. Anyhow, back to what the Didache the writing of the early Christians references to is “Trinity” GOD head and three persons; Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Also, you must understand that early Christians were apprentices of the Apostles and successor to the Apostles. These Apostles passed on Christians teachings orally and in written forms. There are many more writers and due to lack of time I will only mention a very few: Ignatius of Antioch, Justin Martyr, Theophilus of Antioch, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Origen and Hippolytus etc.
Just to prove the point here’s an example of Justin Martyr (First Apology 13:5-6 [A.D. 151]) writings – “We will prove that we worship him reasonably; for we have learned that he is the Son of the true GOD himself, that he holds a second place, and the Spirit of prophecy a third. For this they accuse us of madness, saying that we attribute to a crucified man a place second to the unchangeable and eternal GOD, the Creator of all things; but they are ignorant of the mystery which lies therein” Now, let’s briefly look at this statement; the author mentions clearly about the Trinity. However, do notice that Justin is either refuting a claim or writing in rebuttal to the one’s accusing the early Christians about “Trinity” The reason I mention this is because the early Church was faced with heresy, schisms and non believers of the divinity of Christ and the Trinity. So, it is not unusual to see in our world today that people do not believe in the “Trinity” and the second nature of GOD that is the SON of GOD.
At this point, let’s practice some apologetics – defending the doctrine of Trinity.
Bible teaches us about one GOD as mentioned above in Matthew 28:19 about the Son and Holy Spirit, which total three persons and possess the nature of GOD. Now, for some people this doctrine is very difficult to understand or in other word is a mystery of GOD that most Catholics don’t understand and even if they do; they cannot explain or defend this doctrine. To explain this doctrine of faith or in other word most non Catholic call this illogical or unreasonable doctrine. You must first explain the difference between “being” and “person”. “Being”, can be described as “What” and Person as “Who”? For example, pointing to my wife, the question would be “What is she?” first answer would be she is a human being. The question of “Who is she?” can be answered as “Samantha”.
“All persons are beings, but not all beings are persons. For example, you are one being and one person. But a dog is one being and zero persons. With regard to the Trinity, there is one being, which is GOD, yet there are there persons; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is not illogical. If one were to say that there is one GOD and three Gods, or one Person and three Persons – that would be illogical. But one being and three Persons is not contradiction”. (Catholic.com)
Another argument that is most often used by most non-Christians is the “why the Jews didn’t know that – Father, Son and Holy Spirit is one GOD. Why does their great prayer only mention of one GOD. “Hear O Israel, the Lord thy GOD is one GOD”
Let me explain and give you a better defense to such illogical argument. First of all there is no mention of Triune in the Old Testament. Nor did Jesus upon his arrival to earth in a manger announce his divinity and neither did GOD stand on Mount Sinai gave Moses the explanation of the three distinct persons who are one in the being and nature, existing consubstantially and eternal. Understanding GOD the Father and the three persons has been gradual over time, since the beginning of time. Just imagine we are still having problems fully comprehending what GOD truly is, just think if GOD wouldn’t have gradually revealed himself, man kind would have had a melt down. As, Jesus said, “I have many things yet to say to you, but you are not able to bear them at present” (John 16:12) hopefully, upon our arrival in heaven will explain everything. Till then, keep exploring and reading Christian doctrine, especially the writings of the early Church Fathers who saw and understood first hand account of Jesus’ teaching.
Sign of the Cross: Not sure why most Christian denomination refute on making the sign of the cross on themselves. Even though five centuries ago Protestants agreed with Catholics despite their rebellion against the Church on adding cross as a symbol of Christianity on their Bibles, Pulpits, steeples and car bumpers. They fail to understand the making the sign of cross is ancient and scriptural. Word of GOD, man incarnate came for the salvation of mankind, he was born, and he suffered and died. He came to redeem ransom and restore his people – his Church. We should place the cross on ourselves as a reminder of the reality of the Crucifixion. Early Christian writing shows us that the sign of the cross was made and used regularly in all travels and movements, as apologist Tertullian wrote “In our coming in and going out, in putting our shoes, at the bath, at the table, in lighting our candies. In lying down, in sitting down, whatever employment occupies us, we mark our forehead with the sign of the cross.”
I hope my brothers and sisters in Christ; that the divinity of Christ and Trinity of GOD the Father, his only begotten Son and the Holy Spirit makes sense after reading my brief explanation. This topic is huge, but I have tried my best to answer and explain to my ability what Trinity means and why we must make the Sign of the Cross every moment of our being here on earth. Make the cross and you will always have his protection and grace upon you, your children and families. Walk with GOD and stay blessed.
Reference: www.Catholic.com
