INTRODUCTION

1 John 5:7
God’s Word teaches that the Godhead consists of three separate, distinct, and recognisable personalities and qualities, perfectly united in one. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are different Persons in the Godhead — not merely three names for one Person (Matthew 3:16–17; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Matthew 28:19–20).

SUB TOPICS:

1. THE MYSTERY OF THE GODHEAD

   The Godhead is a great mystery which is clearly beyond the finite mind of the unsaved, natural man (1 Corinthians 2:14). The believer accepts the gospel truth of the Trinity by faith, recognising that God remains the eternal repository of all mysteries (Deuteronomy 29:29). He believes that with respect to His being or essence, God is one, and with respect to His personality, God is three. The essence must not be divided or the Persons confused.

   In spite of the great mystery surrounding it, the doctrine of the Godhead has always proved to be rich in spiritual and practical values. The Godhead consists of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Each is God — separate, distinct, and recognisable personalities perfectly united in one. The Father is called God (1 Corinthians 8:6; Psalm 89:26), the Son is called God (Isaiah 9:6–7; John 20:28), and the Holy Ghost is also called God (Acts 5:3–4; 1 Corinthians 3:16–17). The term “Elohim” in Genesis 1:1 reveals this plurality, seen in “Let us make man in our image” (Genesis 1:26). The Godhead is also referred to as the Holy Trinity (Romans 1:20).

2. THE UNITY OF THE GODHEAD

   The unity of the Godhead is scripturally evidenced in the execution of all divine plans and purposes. At creation, God said, “Let us make man in our image” (Genesis 1:26). This reveals the joint participation of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. The same truth continues throughout the Scriptures.

   The ministry of Jesus Christ was carried out by the power of the Holy Ghost under the authority of the Father (Acts 10:38). At His baptism, the three Persons of the Trinity were revealed together — the Father spoke from heaven, the Son stood in the water, and the Holy Spirit descended like a dove (Matthew 3:16–17). Their functions, though distinct, are in perfect unity for the fulfillment of divine purpose.

3. THE SAINT AND THE TRINITY

   The salvation of man is a joint work of the Holy Trinity (John 3:16; 6:44; 3:6–8). Water baptism involves all three Persons (Matthew 28:19–20). Our prayers are directed to the Father (Luke 11:2), through the Son (John 14:13–14), and made effectual by the Holy Ghost (Romans 8:26). Sanctification and empowerment are also by the Trinity (John 17:17; Acts 26:18; Hebrews 13:12).

   The believer is thus sustained by the grace of the Triune God — “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost” (2 Corinthians 13:14). Therefore, having the Godhead as our support, we fear no evil, for underneath are the everlasting arms (Deuteronomy 33:27).