The Trinity
The Trinity refers to the idea that God is one, but exists in three different Persons. The word 鈥榯rinity鈥 comes from the word 鈥榯ri鈥 meaning 鈥榯hree鈥 and 鈥榰nity鈥 meaning 鈥榦ne鈥.
Many Christians believe that there are three distinct Persons to this one God and that these three Persons form a unity. This belief is called the doctrine of the Trinity:
- God the Father - the creator and sustainer of all things
- God the Son - the The belief that God took human form in Jesus Christ. It is also the belief that God in Christ is active in the Church and in the world. of God as a human being, Jesus Christ, on Earth
- God theThe third element of the 'Trinity' (God is the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit). The Holy Spirit is active as God's presence and power in the world. - the power of God which is active in the world, drawing people towards God
God the Father
Christians refer to God as the Father. God the Father is the creator of all things. This means that he was the creator of the world and everything in it. He is the father of the universe.
God is also viewed as a loving father. This means that he cares and loves humanity, as a father loves his son. This is shown in the Parable of the Prodigal Son. (Luke 15:11-32)
In the parable, despite the son having squandered his early inheritance, the father still welcomes him home with open arms and a celebration. In the same way, God welcomes back those who have sinned and now seek to be reconciled with him.
God is also known as the father of Jesus Christ, as Jesus claimed to have a special relationship with God.
No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
God the Son
God the Son refers to Jesus Christ, the Son of God. For Christians, this is Jesus as God in human form, who was sent to save humanity. He was sacrificed for the sins of humankind, which allows them to be reunited with God after death. Jesus Christ is the incarnation of God on Earth - The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us
(John 1:14).
Christianity teaches that the Son was present at the creation of the universe, but wasn鈥檛 in his human form at this stage. God chose to reveal himself as a human being in order to spread his teaching, to show how life should be lived, and to represent humanity for their salvation.
God the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the power of God at work on the Earth. In the scriptures it is often depicted as wind, fire or in the form of a dove. It is through the power and workings of the Holy Spirit that God is known today, and how Christians can know what God wants them to do.
All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
It is also through the Holy Spirit that Christians receive grace and gifts from God, such as faithfulness and self-control:
...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
The Holy Spirit is connected with life and the soul. When Adam was created, God breathed life into him. Many Christians also believe that it was through the Holy Spirit that Mary became pregnant with Jesus.
Many Christians believe that the Holy Spirit continues to act through people, producing characteristics which show a true Christian.
