Expert: Marvin Howard - 1/17/2008

Question
Hi,
I was raised in the church of Christ and have been a member since I was 12. I was recently asked what I believe about the trinity. Since this is not a scriptural term, I really don't understand what people mean when they refer to it. I believe that I have a grasp of what the Godhead is. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three distinct Persons within the one Godhead.
I was hoping you could help me with what people mean by the 'trinity'?
Thanks

Answer
Hi!

J, the prefix, “tri,” does indeed mean three. The catholics invented the term, refering to the “three-in-one,” or the “triune” nature of God. You are exactly correct that this is what you are being asked. However, I want you to consider, historically, the attitude catholicism (the creators of this word as it relates to God) has shown the Bible. With this thought I mind I would like to share with you more of what I have found. Personally, I prefer the term “Godhead” to “trinity,” for the reason you cited.

As a course requirement last week, I had to ask a question (and provide an answer) in college classes (OABS), concerning inspiration, for which I received a grade of 100. As a side note, this forum will not allow me to embolden certain portions of my answer for emphasis. In that light, I will enclose any emboldened text within brackets [], that you may get the full emphasis. Here is my answer.

What is the relationship between the light, breath, bread, and the Word? How was the Word both God and with God?

2nd Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

In light of this passage, all Scripture is “spired” into the writers by God. In actuality, there is no word in the Greek that is simply translated simply as “inspiration.” In fact, one word is translated as “inspiration,” and the additional, prepositional phrase; “of God.” That you may know I have knowledge of the meaning, I offer the Greek definition, and a short explanation of this definition, in my own words.

θεόπνευστος
theopneustos
theh-op'-nyoo-stos
From G2316 and a presumed derivative of G4154; divinely breathed in: - given by inspiration of God.

Thus says Strong’s Lexicon.

θεόπνευστος
theopneustos
Thayer Definition:
1) inspired by God
1a) the contents of the scriptures
Part of Speech: adjective
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G2316 and a presumed derivative of G4154 Citing in TDNT: 6:453, 876

Thus says Thayer’s Lexicon.

Basically, the definition infers that the Scriptures, all of them, are the very [breath] of God. Such [breath] is given when speaking. Can we use Scripture to further define the [breath] of God? Yes, I believe we can. Why would this be important? There are several reasons, but here are the two main reasons. First, there are many who have a lesser view of Scriptures than they ought. Secondly, there are many who claim divine revelations of the Holy Spirit today. This second reason will be discussed at the appropriate time.

[Spir]it and in[spir]ation carry the same root word, etymologically speaking; [spir]e. A [spir]e (noun) is somewhere there is a [breath]taking view. To re[spir]e (i.e., respiration) is for us to [breath]e repetitively, and to e[xpir]e (i.e., expiration) is for us to [breath]e our last, or die. Therefore, to [spir]e (verb) is the equivalent of to [breath]e. So, what then is the Word, the [breath], of God?

John 1:1 & 14, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

Jesus is the Word of God. Also, we must consider this passage and others like it.

John 14:23-27, “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

The Comforter, that is to say the Holy [Spir]it, came in the name of (i.e., by the authority of) Jesus. Moreover, since the word [spir]it has the same root word we discussed earlier, [spir]e, the Holy [Spir]it is also the [breath] of God.

The fact that the Father [breath]ed, and Jesus is the [breath] of God, and the [Spir]it is also the [breath] of God, and that the Scriptures are the [breath] of God demonstrates soundly that the Father, Son, and [Spir]it, though three, are in fact [one], and that the Scriptures are [one] with them. Thus, the contents of the Bible are far more important than any other book, and should be respected and handled accordingly, according to 2nd Timothy 2:15.

This brings us to the second reason of the importance of Scripture, and that is, authority of the Scriptures, as opposed to “divine” revelation given at another time (e.g., today).

John 17:17, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”

We previously discussed how Jesus is the Word. Here, we find that the Word is Truth.

John 4:24, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

God must be worshipped in Spirit and in Truth. Since Jesus is the Word, and the Word is Truth, then worship must be conducted in accordance with the Word of Jesus; God, the Son. Worship must be conducted in accordance with the Bible. While this specifically covers worship, what does the Bible/the Spirit/Jesus say about other aspects of religion?

Matthew 28:18, “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”

Normally, the word “power” comes from the Greek δύναμις dunamis (pronounced doo'-nam-is), and is the etymological root of our word “dynamite.” This is “power,” as used in Romans 1:16 and many other places in the Bible, and has a meaning of “strength.” However, “power,” as used here, is not limited to strength, though that is included. Here is the Strong’s definition of “power” as used in reference to Jesus in Matthew’s account.

ἐξουσία
exousia
ex-oo-see'-ah
From G1832 (in the sense of ability); privilege, that is, (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence: - [authority], jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.

Thayer echoes the definition’s inclusion of “[authority]” in the meaning of this word. In fact, this is the source of our English word, “exude.” In other words, this is something that comes out of every pore of Jesus’ Being. Therefore, Jesus declares that He has all “[authority]” in Heaven and on earth. Since the Bible is, by extension, Jesus Himself, then all religious authority for us is found in the Bible.

Colossians 3:17, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”

The context of this passage proceeds from the singing of worship (v. 16) and continues through the relationship of wives and husbands (vv. 17ff). This indicates that doing things in the name of Jesus (e.g., by His authority) extends past things we do in worship, to everyday life. Religion is not merely a system of belief, but it is a system of belief upon which one bases his/her entire life in devout, studious, and assiduous practice.

Hebrews 1:1-4, “God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.”

Yes, the Scriptures are verbally inspired by God. Yes, they contain every whit of authority available to any man. If you believe the Scriptures, there is no room left for any other, whether a supposed prophet, or not. Moses is no longer a valid source of authority in our actions. Mohammed is not a source of authority. Nimrod, Nichren, Nietzsche, Ra, Isis, Shiva, and Buddha are not sources of authority. Ratsinger is not a source of authority. Luther is not a source of authority. Calvin is not a source of authority. Lucado is not a source of authority. Smith is not a source of authority. No other denominational founder or leader is a source of authority. Likewise, I am not a source of authority, nor is any other man, woman, or child, living or dead, real or imagined, past, present, or future.


It is said, “You are what you eat.” This is not only true physically, but spiritually, as well. If we are to be spiritual creatures, we must feast upon spiritual things. I can only find one spiritual thing we must eat referenced in Scripture. The Master, Himself, said it plainly.

Matthew 4:4, “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

If we do not eat on a regular basis, we will die. Likewise, if we do not break the bread of the Word regularly, we will die spiritually. If we eat physical food multiple times a day to feel comfortable, how much more important then is the Word, since our spiritual lives should be more important than the physical?

The conception of the Word has been an important idea throughout the Bible. Even in the Old Testament we find the concept that it is a light and guide for mankind. It is echoed in the New.

Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

2nd Peter 1:19, “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:”

Since we find Jesus is the Word, is it any wonder that we also find Him as a guiding light; by the same author who describes Him as the Word?

John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

J, I hope I have clarified things for you on this issue. If I created more questions, or if I can assist you with any other, Biblical topic, please do not hesitate to return to AllExperts.

In His Service,
Marvin Howard
http://www.geocities.com/preacherman_1962