(kriss;2855)
What does the Bible teach about the Trinity?"
The Godhead consists of three entities. The term God (divine) is applied to the Father (Rom. 1: 7), the Son (Heb. 1: 8), and the Holy Spirit (Acts 5: 3, 4). While three entities comprise the Godhead (state of being God), they are one in nature, purpose, and thinking (cf. Jn. 14: 8-11). The scriptures never refer to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Godhead) as gods. When "gods" is used, it refers to idols or pagan pantheons (Ex. 12: 12). Moreover, it is significant that the Hebrew adjective of singularity (one) is used with the plural noun God (Elohim). "Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord" (Deut. 6: 4). Notwithstanding, the scriptures clearly present three separate and distinct entities or personalities: 2 Cor. 13: 14, Eph. 4: 4-6, Matt. 3: 13-17. The scriptures reveal no degrees of deity. Hence, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are co-existent, co-eternal, and co-equal. A careful study of the nature of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit reveals a nature, properties, and characteristics which can only be found concerning God (theios). While there are circumstantial variations (i.e. the incarnation), such a study reveals no variations in the essential nature of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. If there had been any varying degrees and gradations of deity (such is really impossible, God is either God or not God, Isa. 46: 5-10), the incarnation would have been the opportunity. However, Jesus, in the flesh, remained God, modernism and some of my brethren to the contrary notwithstanding. Jesus did not "leave his essential nature in heaven (deity, dm) when he came to earth" (2 Cor. 8: 9). He simply disrobed himself of all the grandeur of deity which he enjoyed in heaven (Phili. 2: 6-10)
