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Philosophy

What Is the Trinity?

The Trinity is the Christian doctrine that God is one Being who exists eternally as three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Though the word 'Trinity' does not appear in the Bible, the concept is woven throughout both Testaments.

Key Question

What is the Trinity and is it in the Bible?

Evidence

Key Scriptures (ESV)

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.”

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.”

Scholar Insights

TK
Tim Keller
“The Trinity is not a mathematical puzzle — it is the foundation of love. God is not lonely or in need of creation to have relationship. He has always existed in a community of love within Himself.”
FT
Frank Turek
“The Trinity was not invented at Nicaea. The Council of Nicaea in 325 AD did not create the doctrine — it clarified and defended what the church had believed from the beginning based on Scripture.”
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Mike Winger
“Every analogy for the Trinity breaks down because there is nothing else like God. The best we can say is: one Being, three persons — and then worship the God who is beyond our full comprehension.”