Biblical Support for a Single God in Three Persons:

For each passage, we encourage participants to:

• Read the text carefully: What is the immediate context? What is the main point?
• Identify key words and phrases: What words or phrases stand out? What do they suggest about the nature of God?
• Consider different interpretations: Are there multiple ways to understand this passage?
• Relate the passage to personal experience: How does this passage impact their understanding of God?
• Connect the passage to other passages: One of the fundamental principles of interpreting the Bible is that “The Bible explains the Bible.” This means we must examine other biblical texts to gain a fuller understanding. As we study, we should ask ourselves: “How does this passage relate to other scriptures that speak about God’s nature?”

The Father: The Hebrew Bible reveals

God the Father as the Creator “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1).

The Lawgiver “Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine.” (Exodus 19:5). “And God spoke all these words, saying: ‘I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me.’ ” (Exodus 20:1-3).

The covenant-making God “Now the LORD had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you.

 I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”” (Genesis 12:1-3).

He is the source of all things and the ultimate authority.

• It’s important to understand that the Hebrew Bible doesn’t explicitly use the phrase “Son of God” in the same sense as the New Testament. However, there are passages that foreshadow or point towards the concept of a divine figure who plays a unique role in God’s plan.

Does God have a son? “Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and whatis the name of his son? Tell me if you know!” (Proverbs 30:4)

A child who bears the name of God “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

Messianic prophecies call him the Son “I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have begotten you.” (Psalm 2:7)

God calls him “Lord” “The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” (Psalm 110:1)

• Jesus the Messiah: The New Testament reveals Jesus as

The eternal Son of God “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” (Colossians 1:15).

He is fully God and fully human “Let this mind be in you which was also in Messiah Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.”  (Philippians 2:5-7),

Participating in creation “All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” (John 1:3),

Living a perfect life, dying for our sins “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Messiah died for us” (Romans 5:8),

And rising again “For I also passed on to you first of all what I also received—that Messiah died for our sins according to the Scriptures,that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).

He is equal with the Father “I and the Father are one.” (John 10:30; John 14:9).

The Holy Spirit: The Ruach Hakodesh (Holy Spirit) is presented as

He is active in creation “And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” (Genesis 1:2),

He is active during the time of the Hebrew Bible “Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.” (Psalm 51:11)

A distinct person of the Godhead “But Peter said, “Ananias, why has satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit (Ruach ha-Kodesh) and keep back part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, it was your own, wasn’t it? And after it was sold, wasn’t it at your disposal? How did this deed get into your heart? You haven’t lied to men but to God.” (Acts 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6).

Empowers believers “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit (Ruach ha-Kodesh) has come upon you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and through all Judah, and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8),

Convicts of sin “When He comes, He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment” (John 16:8),

And guides and teaches “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit (Ruach ha-Kodesh) whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you everything and remind you of everything that I said to you.” (John 14:26).

He is also described as possessing divine attributes: “The Ruach of ADONAI Elohim is on me, because ADONAI has anointed me to proclaim Good News to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound” (Isaiah 61:1; Acts 10:38).

Other Texts to consider:

Genesis 1:1, 26: These verses establish God as the singular creator, yet also show God acting in a way that suggests plurality (“Let Us make man in Our image”). This can spark discussion about the unity and plurality within the Godhead.

Isaiah 44:6, 48:12: These verses emphasize the oneness of God, crucial for refuting any suggestion of polytheism. They establish the foundation for understanding the unity within God nature, revealing that the Messiah, Redeemer, and Savior is the same God who is Creator.

Isaiah 9:6: This passage speaks of a child who is called the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace,” which can be used to explore the different attributes and roles associated with God.

John 1:1, 14: The opening of John’s Gospel speaks of the Word (Jesus) being with God and being God, highlighting the close relationship between the Father and the Son. Verse 14 emphasizes the incarnation of Jesus.

John 10:30: Jesus’ declaration “I and the Father are one” is a powerful statement of unity. The discussion can focus on the nature of this oneness.

John 14:16-17, 26: Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, highlighting the role of the Spirit in relationship to the Father and the Son.

Matthew 28:19: The Great Commission, instructing believers to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is often cited in discussions about the distinct persons within the Godhead.

2 Corinthians 13:14: This passage, a common benediction, mentions the grace of the Lord Jesus the Messiah, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, offering a concise summary of the three persons working together.

• Interpersonal Relationships: The Bible reveals interactions between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, demonstrating their distinct persons while maintaining their unity. For example:

the baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:16-17) shows the Father’s voice, the Son’s presence, and the Spirit’s descent.

The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) commands baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Understanding the “One God” Aspect:

Many theological perspectives emphasize the oneness of God, rejecting the idea of multiple, separate deities. This concept of God’s unity is a central theme throughout Scripture (Deuteronomy 6:4; 1 Corinthians 8:6). While the nature of God is often described as a mystery, exceeding human comprehension, the understanding of God’s distinct yet unified aspects is a key element of faith. This unity of essence, will, and purpose is a central tenet of many belief systems.

Avoiding Misconceptions:

• Modalism: This view suggests that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are simply different modes or manifestations of the same being. This is rejected because it doesn’t account for the distinct roles and actions of each person.
• Tritheism: This view suggests three separate gods. This is rejected because it contradicts the clear biblical teaching of the oneness of God.

Practical Implications:

Understanding God’s nature and personhood profoundly affects our faith and practice

• Worship: We worship one God, but we acknowledge and honor the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in our prayers and worship.
• Salvation: Our salvation is accomplished through the work of the Father’s plan, the Son’s sacrifice, and the Spirit’s empowering.
• Christian Living: The Holy Spirit empowers us to live a life pleasing to God, reflecting the character of the Father and Son.

Conclusion

The mystery of God’s nature is not merely an abstract theological concept but a profound reality that shapes our faith, worship, and daily walk with Him. Though the fullness of His being surpasses human understanding, Scripture consistently reveals one God who exists in perfect unity as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

This divine relationship is not just a doctrine to be studied but a truth to be experienced. The Father’s love, the Son’s grace, and the Spirit’s presence guide, sustain, and transform us. As we embrace this mystery, we are invited into deeper fellowship with God, recognizing that while He is beyond comprehension, He also reveals Himself to us in a personal and relational way.

May this study not only deepen our knowledge but also strengthen our trust in the God who created us, redeemed us, and empowers us daily. Let us respond with worship, gratitude, and a commitment to live according to His will.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are some of the challenges in understanding the oneness and distinct aspects within the nature of God?
2. How does our understanding of God’s nature impact our understanding of God’s love and grace?
3. How can we effectively communicate our understanding of God’s being to others?
4. How does our understanding of God’s nature shape our personal relationship with God?
5. How does scripture illuminate the unity and diversity within God?

Dr. Richard Elofer, D.I.S.
(Fuller Seminary, School of Intercultural Studies)
Pastor, Hebrew Professor, Writer