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One God, Three Persons: A Theological Exploration of the Trinity


Welcome back, dear reader! I’m so glad you’re joining me on this theological journey through the Articles of Religion. Let’s start with the first article, “Of Faith in the Holy Trinity.”

Before we begin, let’s consider the very notion of a "Holy Trinity." What does this mean? Well, in essence, it’s the recognition that God exists as three distinct persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—yet these three persons are one God. This may seem like a paradox, but it is a paradox that lies at the very heart of our Christian faith.

Now, you may be wondering how such a thing is possible. How can three persons be one God? Well, the answer lies in the very nature of God himself. You see, God is not merely a human being writ large; he is not subject to the limitations of space and time that we are. Rather, God is eternal, infinite, and omnipotent. He transcends our understanding and exists beyond our comprehension. (I may have got a bit carried away there. Let me say that in a more straight-forward way: God is not simply a bigger, stronger, faster, smarter version of us; he is something entirely different and more complex.)

Yet, despite his infinite nature, God has chosen to reveal himself to us in ways that we can understand. He has shown us his love, his mercy, and his grace. And in doing so, he has revealed to us that he exists as three distinct persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—yet these three persons are one God.

And here is how Article 1 reads:

There is but one living and true God, everlasting, without body or parts, of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness; the maker and preserver of all things, both visible and invisible. And in unity of this Godhead there are three persons, of one substance, power, and eternity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

Now, you may be thinking that this is all well and good, but why is it important? Why does it matter whether we believe in the Holy Trinity or not? Well, for one thing, it speaks to the very nature of God himself. It shows us that God is not someone who is distant and unknowable, but rather God is someone who loves us, who cares for us, and who desires to be in relationship with us.

Furthermore, the doctrine of the Holy Trinity is foundational to our understanding of salvation. It was the Father who sent the Son to die on the cross for our sins, and it is the Holy Spirit who brings us to faith in Christ and empowers us to live as his followers. Without a belief in the Holy Trinity, we cannot fully comprehend the depth of God's love for us and the lengths to which he has gone to save us.


Perhaps the most famous writing on the Trinity is the Athanasius Creed.  

So our belief about the Trinity affirms that God exists as three distinct persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—yet these three persons are one God. It shows us the depth of God's love for us and the lengths to which he has gone to save us. And it reminds us that our faith is not just a set of abstract beliefs, but a relationship with the living God who created us, redeemed us, and sustains us by his grace.

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