What difference does the trinity make?

By Steve Litchfield, Pulpit Supply and IWU Extension Teacher

'In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” - Genesis 1:1

Among many interesting features of the first verse of the Bible is this. 'God” is Elohim, the plural noun. 'Created” is a singular verb.

At the outset of his revelation, God tells us there is plurality and singularity in the Godhead. While the word 'Trinity” is not used, throughout the Bible it is clear that the one true God exists in three people: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

By the time we get to the end of Chapter one, we read, 'Let ‘us' make humans in ‘our' image … male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:26-27

Again there is an early inference to the Trinity which the rest of Scripture clarifies. Humans, male and female are made in the image and likeness of God.

For example, at Jesus' baptism, the Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus in the form of a dove, while the Father announces, 'This is my Son, whom I love, with him I am well pleased.”

In Ephesians Chapter one regarding salvation, the Father calls, the Son redeems, and the Holy Spirit seals.

Or, the benediction from 2 Corinthians 13:14, 'May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are each equally God, of infinite holiness and worth. Yet the one God exists in three people with distinct roles.

Can you imagine any bickering among the members of the Trinity, any sibling rivalry?

There is a beautiful peace and unity in the Godhead. Throughout Scripture, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are content with their roles.

Many applications might be thought of; here are two.

First, we should not look down on anyone for their particular career, or job, or role in life. Our culture might be tempted to think a professional career outside the house is more valuable than working at home.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Is the Father more important than the Son? Is the Son more important than the Holy Spirit? Of course not!

Upon entering certain Asian dwellings, the Imperial Palace for example, you will see two adult lions flanking the entrance. One lion will have a paw on a globe; the other will have a paw on a cub. The lions are of equal size.

Second, our culture might be tempted to think that louder is better. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. We tend to be pretty self-centered, and I certainly include myself.

While we should be personally responsible, what about the person who cannot speak up for themselves? The Bible has a lot to say about defending the widow and orphan (James 1:27). King David says that God created his inmost being in his mother's womb (Psalm 139:13).

Those who cannot speak for themselves are not any less valuable. They, too, are made in the image and likeness of God. The Trinity says so.