I would like for the people who say they are Christians, but don't believe there is a Trinity to explain...

Question

to me how they reconcile Matthew 3:16&17 where Jesus is being baptized by John in the Jordan, and the Holy Spirit descends and lands upon Him like a dove, and then the Father speaks to Him from heaven saying, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased."

Also, why is Jesus referred to as the "Son of God" in practically every book of the New Testament. Also, why does Jesus refer to God as "Father." Also, why is the Hebrew word "Elohim" translated as "God," which is plural. Further more, what did Jesus mean in John 10:30 when He said, "I and Father are one."

I am asking a genuine question here, because I can't understand how someone can say that they are a Christian, and that they believe what the Bible says, and then say also that they don't believe in the Trinity. I am aware that the term, "Trinity" is not found in the Bible, but the concept is every where you turn in scripture. Thanks.

Answer 1

To me, the answer to this question is clear. The concept of the Trinity is undeniable in scripture. To say that God is one, but also 3 distinct persons is absolutely Bible. I read Southern_Apostolic's answer just a second ago. I wanted to add to what he said, that God hid the entire age of grace (in which we now stand) from the Jews of the Old Covenant. Why did He not reveal His triune nature to them? He said, "Let US make man in OUR image after OUR likeness." (Genesis 1:26) They must have known something about the 3 in one to have used the word Elohim to describe Him.

Most people will agree that in John 1:1-4 when it says, "the Word" that it is referring directly to Jesus Christ.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." How can Jesus (the Word) be both of these: to BE God and to also be WITH God? Ever thought about that? It goes on to say that all things were created by Him (The Word) and without Him was not anything made that was made."

Here's another one: Hebrews 1:1-3 I'm not going to type this one out, but it says in essence that God created the worlds by His Son Jesus Christ. And that Jesus is the "express image of His PERSON."

So if I may be so bold to say, If any Christian believes there is no Trinity, or that God is not one (Deuteronomy 6:4) yet three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), they really should consider the possibility that their denomination is teaching error, as this is not what he Bible teaches.

The Trinity is a state of existence that human beings cannot understand, because only God Himself is capable of it. God is one person, but at the same time is three different persons. He is omnipresent only in the person of the Holy Spirit. God the Father is seated on the throne of heaven, and Jesus Christ the Son of God is presently seated at the right hand of that throne in heavenly places, but will not remain there for long, as He is returning to establish His kingdom upon earth. All three persons of the "Godhead" (the term that is used to refer to the Trinity in the following books of the New Testament: Acts, Romans, and Colossians) are absolutely unified in purpose, and mind, and desire.

Answer 2

God is a spirit John 4:24. Jesus Christ is God manifest in the flesh ITim 3:16 God created for Himself a body (Jesus Christ) for the Godhead to dwell Col 2:9 God has revealed Himself as the Father in creation, the Son in Redemption, and the Holy Ghost in Salvation. The statement I am my Father are one is a simple statement I am the Father. Just like if you've seen me, you've seen the father. If Jesus Christ is the Almighty according to Revelation, then He has all power. That makes Him God. If at the baptism, you feel that the sign from Heaven is a sign of a trinity, then you are putting God in a box, and limiting His ability to be omnipresent. I cannot even find anywhere in scripture where it says person of god. That is a human attribute to a divine being.
Just as with the stoning of Stephen. Stephen saw Jesus at the right hand of God. Nobody will explain where the right hand side of an omnipresent spirit is. but there is no geographical reference to this. You might also want to read Isa 43-45. The satatement is overwhelming. Jehovah God stating I am One. I am Savior. I am by myself. I created everything BY MYSELF. If there was a trinity, then why did God hide it from Israel. They were the only monotheisitc culture in the world at there time.

Answer 3

Good question.
You cannot deny the trinity and agree with the Bible, and if you do not agree with the Bible you are not a Christian.
It takes more then just believing in Jesus to be a Christian like the person before me suggested, because even Satan believes in Jesus and he definitely is no Christian.
To be a Christian means to be like Christ, dead to this world, dead to sin, yet alive in God.
You see anyone can say they are a Christian, but it takes a lot more then lip service to actually be one.

Answer 4

Good points...

Here is a brief synopsis of the Trinity:

There is only ONE God. He manifests himself in three personas/persons/manifestations for the purposes of the redemption of, and relationship with, human beings.

Contrary to what some people say, there is nothing irrational or illogical about this concept (of the Trinity).

For an explanation (and defense) of the doctrine of the Trinity, see http://www.godsci.org/gs/sect/doc/trinity.html

Cordially,
John

Answer 5

Someone has made a reference to you that you are trying to get other people to explain. That's not fair.

Chewie, I think you need to talk to your pastor - or the pastor of perhaps more than one church. Your questions are typical of someone who is looking for something far more significant than trying to understand what one or two people referenced in your presence.

First, talk to your pastor. Second, join a Bible study group.

You want my opinion? I don't think you have a pastor. I think you are searching for the ultimate religion; the ultimate belief; the one definitive source of passages with elemental answers that fit your life; the one and only path to righteousness and Godliness.

Back to your question: "I would like for the people who say they are Christians, but don't believe there is a Trinity to explain..."

I have to answer that with another question. Do you know what a Christian is? A Christian is someone who believes in Christ. That's it. It's that simple. And you can believe in Christ just like other people believe in Christ - but you don't necessarily all believe in the same things beyond that. That's why there are so many different religions. Accept that simple truth - a Christian is a person who believes in Christ. Period.

If you insist on delving deeper into fine tuning each and every belief or thought, that is why you need to join a Bible study group. Ask your questions there. Only your study group can help you find the answers to the doubts you have of your own faith.

Answer 6

I'm a bit confused. The Trinity to me, means "the threefold personality of the one Divine Being" (www.dictionary.com)

I believe that they are separate Beings. And I think you do to. Perhaps you should reword that question. If you read John 17:11 "And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are."

Jesus is asking his Father that the people can be one as Jesus is one with the Father. The means to me that Jesus and the Father are two distinct personages.

It also appears that your scripture references say the same thing, like in the example of Jesus Christ's baptism.

Answer 7

How can a Christian not believe in the Holy Trinity?

Answer 8

You cant be christian and not belive in the trinity. thats part of the basic belife system of a christian