Question:  Dear Greg,

        Using only the Bible as a reference, please explain why the Trinity doctrine is considered to be a core essential.  What makes the doctrine rise to that level of importance while other doctrines, which have long historical acceptance in large portions of the Christian faith, do not?  I’m looking for an explanation that does not cite religious history for justification but instead only cites Bible scripture.

        Thanks,

        Kevin

Answer:  Dear Kevin,

        I will follow the ground rules you suggest and make this response as brief and cogent as you indicate you would prefer.  However, two short statements first.

1.      The Trinity is an essential of the Christian faith because the record of history demonstrates just that.  ALL cultic movements and groups depart from the Trinity in a variety of ways, but the common factor is that they depart.  That fact cannot go without investigation and question.  Christians do not look to history for proof, but for a record of the work God has done.  Because of this fact some cults deny history and attempt to revise it, offering their own reconstructed version of history that fits their theology.  However, this is denial on a massive scale.

2.      The verses I will provide below are simply that.  Verses within passages within chapters within books of the Bible.  They are revealed and given within contexts.  We are provided this precious truth, but the fact remains that many use/abuse/torture Scripture for their own ends.  One’s view of how to read Scripture is extremely important.  We recommend the book, “How to Read the Bible for All It’s Worth” by Fee and Stuart, available at any Christian bookstore.

        Those disclaimers aside, here is a brief list of biblical passages about the Triune nature of God, such as you request, without comment.  This is not an exhaustive list, for the Bible is filled with passages that speak of the one true God as being Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  These passages would be the passages I would begin a brief study of the Trinity with.  Of course you may have questions about some— and some of those questions may have already been answered here on our website (see our feature, “Search our Site”).  If not, we will do our best to continue to be of assistance to you as you seek to know the one true God of the Bible.  May God bless you as you read and study his Word.

        Genesis 1:26          Deuteronomy 6:4          Isaiah 9:6

        Matthew 1:22 -23         Matthew 3:16-17         Matthew 17:27

        Matthew 28:18-20       John 1:1-18              John 2:18-22

        John 3:16 , 18           John 4:17-19            John 5:18, 43

        John 8:31 -59        John 9:35-41            John 11:11-13

        John 12:49-50          John 14:6-11, 15-17        John 14:26, 28

        John 20:28, 31         Acts 5:4           Acts 8:29

        Acts 10:19           Acts 11:12           Acts 13:2

        Acts 20:23           Acts 21:11           1 Corinthians 2:1-5, 9-13

        Philippians 2:6-11         2 Corinthians 13:14