Definition Of The Doctrine Of The Trinity

[Leafrivermac]

Trinitarianism is the belief that there are three persons in one God. This has been stated in various ways, such as "one God in three Persons" and "three persons in one substance." It holds that in God are three distinctions of essence, not just of activity. The names given to these three persons are God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost (or Holy Spirit).
Orthodox trinitarian doctrine, as it has developed through the centuries, also holds that these three persons are co-equal in power and authority, that they are co-eternal in the past, present, and future, and that in each the same divine nature is fully contained. However, each person is given a unique characteristic when viewed in relation to the others: the Father is unbegotten, the Son is begotten or generated, and the Spirit is proceeding. Trinitarians sometimes say that the uniqueness of the Father is displayed in creation, that of the Son in redemption, and that of the Spirit in sanctification, yet all three actively share in each work, with varying stress of functions. Since each participates in the work of the others, there is no clear distinction on that basis.
Trinitarians call these three persons the trinity or the triune God. One trinitarian scholar describes the trinity as follows: "The Trinity must be thought of neither as one God in three manifestations nor as a symmetrical triad of persons with separable functions; instead the Trinity signifies one God in three modes of existence- Father, Son, and Spirit, and each of these participates in the activity of the other." Trinitarians frequently use the diagram of a triangle to explain their doctrine. The three corners represent the three members of the trinity, while the complete triangle represents God as the whole trinity. Thus, the Father is not the Son is not the Holy Ghost. Furthermore, neither Father, Son nor Spirit is completely God without the others. Is that right?

[Rebel Hog]

Three Persons - As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." (MAT 3:16-17)

One God - For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. (1 JOHN 5:7 KJV)