Trinitian Christian Education 111

The First and Greatest Commandment

and the Trinitian

Name: Tinapay, Louise Nicole J. Section: 1NU13

Professor: Naliza-Balaki Beswilan Date: Nov. 15, 2023

Homework on the Holy Trinity Lesson

The doctrine of the Holy Trinity is a fundamental concept in Christian theology,
representing the belief in one God who exists as three distinct persons: God the Father,
God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit.

Instructions: Read the handout and watch the recorded lecture posted in the TLC. Then,
answer the questions below.

1. Discuss the biblical basis for the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. How do passages
from the Old and New Testaments support the idea of one God in three persons?

The doctrine of the Holy Trinity, a foundational concept in Christian theology,

expresses the belief in one God existing in three distinct persons: God the
Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. While the term
"Trinity" is not explicitly found in the Bible, theologians have derived this doctrine
from various passages in both the Old and New Testaments. The biblical basis
for the Holy Trinity is often seen through a combination of explicit statements,
implicit indications, and patterns observed in Scripture.

Old Testament:
1. Genesis 1:26-27:
 "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness...' So
God created man in his own image, in the image of God, he created him;
male and female he created them."
 The use of plural pronouns ("us," "our") in the creation of humanity
suggests a multi-personal aspect of God.
2. Deuteronomy 6:4:
 "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one."
 This verse, known as the Shema, emphasizes the oneness of God.
However, the Hebrew word for "one" (echad) allows for a compound unity,
suggesting a complex oneness.
3. Isaiah 6:8:
 "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who
will go for us?'"
 Again, the use of plural pronouns implies a multi-personal aspect of God.
New Testament:
1. Matthew 28:19:
  "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
 This Great Commission explicitly mentions the Father, the Son, and the
Holy Spirit in a unified context, suggesting their equality and shared divine
essence.
2. John 14-16 (Farewell Discourse):
 Jesus speaks extensively about the relationship between Himself, the
Father, and the Holy Spirit, emphasizing their interconnectedness and
unity of purpose.
3. John 1:1-14:
 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the
Word was God... And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us."
 The "Word" (Logos) is identified with Jesus Christ and is shown to exist
with God from the beginning.
4. 2 Corinthians 13:14:
 "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship
of the Holy Spirit be with you all."
 This verse explicitly mentions the three persons of the Trinity in the
context of blessing.
These passages, among others, provide the biblical foundation for the doctrine of
the Holy Trinity. While the concept may be challenging to fully comprehend, it
reflects the biblical portrayal of God as a complex, relational unity manifested in
three distinct persons, each fully God and yet one in essence. The Holy Trinity
underscores the richness and depth of God's nature as revealed in the
Scriptures.

2. Analyze the role of each person of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) in
Christian theology and practice. How do these people interact with humanity, and
what are their distinct functions?

In Christian theology, the doctrine of the Holy Trinity asserts that there is one God in
three persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit.
Each person of the Trinity has distinct roles and functions in Christian theology and
practice.
God the Father:
1. Creator:
 God the Father is often specifically associated with the role of Creator.
The Bible emphasizes that God created the universe, including humanity,
according to His will.
2. Sovereign Ruler:
 The Father is portrayed as the ultimate authority and sovereign ruler over
all creation. The concept of God's providence and governance is attributed
to the Father.
3. Source of Love and Grace:
 The Father is seen as the source of unconditional love and grace. The
New Testament often refers to believers as recipients of God's love and
grace through the Father.
 4. Sender:
 In the economy of salvation, the Father is often depicted as the sender.
For example, God the Father sent the Son into the world for the purpose
of redemption.
God the Son (Jesus Christ):
1. Redeemer and Savior:
 Jesus Christ, the Son, is central to the Christian narrative as the
Redeemer and Savior. He accomplished salvation through His sacrificial
death on the cross and subsequent resurrection.
2. Revelation of God:
 Jesus is considered the ultimate revelation of God to humanity. In Him, the
divine nature is fully revealed, and He is described as the "Word" (Logos)
through which God communicates with humanity.
3. Mediator:
 Christ serves as the mediator between God and humanity. Through His
atoning sacrifice, He reconciles sinful humanity with the holy God.
4. Example and Teacher:
 Jesus provides an example for Christian living and imparts teachings on
ethical and spiritual matters. His life and teachings serve as a guide for
followers.
God the Holy Spirit:
1. Indweller and Empowerer:
 The Holy Spirit is often portrayed as the one who dwells within believers.
The Spirit empowers and enables Christians to live according to God's will
and empowers them for service.
2. Convicter and Comforter:
 The Holy Spirit convicts individuals of sin, righteousness, and judgment.
Yet, the Spirit also serves as a comforter, bringing assurance and
encouragement to believers.
3. Gift Giver:
 The Holy Spirit bestows spiritual gifts upon believers, empowering them
for service in the Church and the world. These gifts contribute to the
building up of the body of Christ.
4. Guide into Truth:
 The Spirit guides believers into truth, helping them understand God's
Word and apply it in their lives.
Interactions with Humanity:
 Creation and Redemption: The Father is the Creator, the Son is the Redeemer,
and the Holy Spirit is the one who applies the work of redemption to individuals.
 Unity and Cooperation: The three persons of the Trinity are united in their
divine essence and work together in harmony. They are distinct but not divided,
functioning in perfect unity.
 Salvation: The Father plans and sends, the Son accomplishes redemption, and
the Holy Spirit applies salvation to individuals, drawing them into a relationship
with God.
 Prayer: Christians often address prayers to God the Father through the Son,
guided by the Holy Spirit. The Trinitarian formula is present in many Christian
prayers.
The roles and interactions of the three persons of the Trinity are central to Christian
theology and shape the understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity.
Each person contributes uniquely to the overall plan of creation, redemption, and
sanctification.

3. Explain the concept of the Holy Trinity using the Trinity Shield.
The Trinity Shield is a visual representation of the Holy Trinity, using symbols to depict
the three persons of the Trinity—God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God
the Holy Spirit—while emphasizing their essential unity. The Trinity Shield visually
encapsulates the complex theological concept of the Holy Trinity in a way that is
accessible and symbolic. It helps convey the unity, equality, and eternal nature of the
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit within the Godhead. It serves as a tool for contemplation
and reflection on the mystery of the Trinity in Christian theology.

Basic Rubrics:
1. Quality of Information /15
2. Organization of Information /15
3. Reflective thoughts /15
4. Adherence to the given deadline /5
_______
50 Pts.