Observing Trinity Sunday on the Sunday after Pentecost is fitting because the powerful descent of the Holy Spirit disciples marks a final point of the Trinitarian revelation. The doctrine of the Holy Trinity tells us about the nature of God and summarizes the whole Biblical message. Although this doctrine is a high mystery that transcends natural human understanding, it also has practical implications for Christian faith and practice.
There are numerous New Testament texts (such as Matthew 3:16-17, Matthew 28:19, John 3: 1-16, Ephesians 2:18, 2 Corinthians 13: 14, and 1 Peter 1:2) which show a Trinitarian understanding of God's revelation to humanity. For example, there is today's Gospel from John 3: 1-16 where Jesus discusses the nature of redemption with Nicodemus. In these verses, we see an affirmation of the love of God the Father, the sending of Jesus Christ, God the Son, to save humanity, and the work of the Holy Spirit in giving a new spiritual birth to those who believe in Christ.
A belief in the Holy Trinity was expressed in ancient Christian baptismal questions about God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. These questions and answers became the basis for creeds such as the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed. So even though the Trinity can be discussed using complicated philosophical and theological concepts, Christians affirm or confess this basic doctrine for reasons of living faith. The doctrine of the Trinity is a biblical Christian belief that is deeply rooted in the experience of redemption and in Christian worship and prayer. The God we worship and pray to is Triune. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit share one divine essence and work together in perfect love to redeem poor sinful human beings. The doctrine of the Trinity is really at the heart of the Gospel!
No comments:
Post a Comment