The Mystery and Beauty of the Trinity
Trinity Sunday celebrates the uniqueness of God as Three-in-One. This central Christian doctrine shapes our faith and worship.
Rooted in Scripture, historic creeds, and confessions, the Trinity invites us into divine mystery.

by Mark Poyner

Defining the Trinity
One God
United divine being
Three Persons
Father, Son, Holy Spirit
Coequal Nature
Each person fully God
The Athanasian Creed declares: "We worship one God in trinity and the Trinity in unity, neither confusing the persons nor dividing the divine being."
Biblical Foundations of the Trinity
Matthew 28:19
"Baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"
John 1:1-3, 14
"The Word was God... And the Word became flesh"
2 Corinthians 13:14
"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ... God... the Holy Spirit"
Genesis 1:26
"Let us make man in our image"
Theological Articulation: Creeds and Confessions
Apostles' Creed (2nd century)
Structured in a trinitarian format
Nicene Creed (325 CE)
Affirms divinity and unity of three persons
Athanasian Creed (5th century)
Details equality and coeternity
Reformed Confessions (16th century+)
Central to Reformed doctrine and worship
The Heidelberg Catechism on the Trinity
God the Father
Lord's Day 9: Creation and Providence
God the Son
Lord's Day 8: Redemption
God the Holy Spirit
Lord's Day 8: Sanctification
Q&A 24–25 affirms: "three distinct persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, are the one true, eternal God."
Distinguishing the Persons of the Trinity
The Father
  • Eternal source
  • Creator
  • Provider
The Son
  • Eternally begotten
  • Redeemer
  • Mediator
The Holy Spirit
  • Proceeds from Father and Son
  • Sustainer
  • Sanctifier
United in being, distinct in relationship and role. Each person fully God, working in perfect harmony.
Common Misconceptions About the Trinity
Not Three Gods
Tritheism incorrectly divides the divine essence into separate deities.
Not Different Modes
Modalism wrongly suggests God appears in different forms at different times.
Not a Contradiction
The Trinity is a revealed mystery, not a mathematical problem.
The Trinity in Worship and Christian Life
Prayer Life
To the Father, through the Son, by the Spirit.
Christian Fellowship
Reflects God's own eternal communion.
Assurance of Faith
Father who cares, Son who saves, Spirit who empowers.
"In worship, God draws us into fellowship with Himself." Our trinitarian faith shapes every aspect of Christian living.