Picturing Theology

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P i c t u r i n g T h e o l o g y

God’s Three-In-Oneness: The Trinity (continued)

4. Not tri-theism: belief in three gods. Why? a. “If we can find a single activity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit which is in no way different in any of the three persons, we must conclude that there is but one identical substance involved” (Erickson, p.102). b. The persons of the Trinity may be distinguished numerically as persons, but cannot be distinguished in their essence or substance (different in persons, one in being). III. Essential Elements, Analogies, and Implications of the Trinity (Erickson, 103) A. Essential elements 1. God is one, not several. 2. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are each one divine. (Each possesses the attributes and qualities of the one true God.) 3. God’s oneness and God’s threeness are not, in reality, contradictory. 4. The Trinity is eternal. 5. Subordination among the persons does not suggest inferiority in their essence. a. The Son is subject to the Father. b. The Spirit is subject to the Father. c. The Spirit is subject to the Son as well as to the Father. d. This subordination is functional only; the subjection never speaks of inferiority. 6. The Trinity is incomprehensible.