Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. (Hebrews 1: 1-3 NRSV)
The Trinity is a mystery that Christians believe wholeheartedly, yet none of us can quite understand. Three in one and one in three, or as the hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy” declares: “God in three persons, blessed Trinity.”
How can three persons exist in one? How can one person be three? It will remain a mystery for us humans until we reach the Pearly Gates and actually see the Trinity with our own eyes. (Even then, I expect there will be awe and amazement!)
I have mentioned before in this space that “Spirit” in both the Old Testaments (in Hebrew) and in the New Testament (in Greek) is a feminine noun. So we can understand the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) as Father, Son, and Mother, a fact which pleases my heart!
Personally, I don’t worry too much about understanding the Trinitarian nature of God. I trust that the Almighty knew exactly what He was doing when He created the universe, and although He may have regretted His creation when He saw what a mess we humans eventually made of it, He (so far) has forgiven much of our sinfulness and welcomed us back into His fold time after time.
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: a Trinity of power, creativity, love, guidance, healing, mercy, and (thanks be to the God in three persons) of forgiveness!