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Study 02 of 25

The Trinity

The triune God of agape love unites to plan, accomplish, and communicate our salvation

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

Sequeira presents the Godhead not as an abstract philosophical puzzle but as three co-eternal Persons united in the mission of redeeming humanity. He shows from Scripture — the plural 'Elohim,' the divine name Yahweh applied to Father, Son, and Spirit, and Jesus' own claims to divinity — that the Trinity is a biblical, not merely traditional, doctrine. Each Person plays a distinct role in the Plan of Redemption: the Father as heavenly Chairperson who so loved the world that He gave His Son, the Son as Savior who accomplished salvation 'full and complete,' and the Holy Spirit who communicates and applies the good news, convicting and sanctifying believers. The doctrine of the Trinity matters practically because it grounds the gospel: the same self-giving, unconditional agape-love that unites the three Persons as one God is the love that reached out to save sinners. Understanding the Godhead in this relational, mission-oriented way transforms it from dry doctrine into the very fountain of the gospel.

Key points

  • Scripture teaches one God existing as three co-eternal, co-equal Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  • Old Testament evidence (Elohim, the plural 'Us,' Yahweh applied to all three) supports the Trinity long before the New Testament.
  • Each Person of the Godhead has a distinct role in redemption: Father as director, Son as Savior, Spirit as communicator/sanctifier.
  • The unity of the Godhead is grounded in agape-love — unconditional, selfless love that also defines the gospel itself.

Key texts

  • Matthew 28:19
  • John 1:1-3, 14
  • Romans 1:17

From the book

Chapter 2 · Beliefs 2–5 · Read this chapter

  • “Thus, the name Yahweh in the Old Testament is used to refer individually to all three persons of the Godhead.” (ch. 2)
  • “The idea of one God, comprised of three divine, eternal persons, perfectly united in thought and purpose, is found nowhere in paganism.” (ch. 2)
  • “The Righteousness of God While the Scriptures make human beings wise for salvation, the Godhead provides the means of salvation.” (ch. 2)

Put it into practice

  • Thank each Person of the Godhead by name in prayer this week for their specific role in your salvation.
  • Study one Old Testament text (e.g. Genesis 1:26 or Isaiah 43:11) that reveals the plurality of the Godhead.
  • Notice this week where agape-love (selfless, others-centered) could replace self-interest in your relationships.
  • Memorize Matthew 28:19 as a summary statement of the biblical Trinity.
  1. Scripture

    1. What Old Testament evidence does the author cite for the plurality of persons within the Godhead?

  2. Scripture

    2. How does the author use the name Yahweh to argue for the divinity of the Son and Spirit?

  3. Doctrinal Clarity

    3. What distinct role does each Person of the Godhead play in the Plan of Redemption?

  4. Comprehension

    4. What evidence from Jesus' words and works does the author give for His divinity?

  5. Contrast

    5. Contrast the doctrine of the Trinity with the view that God merely manifests Himself in three different roles.

  6. Doctrinal Clarity

    6. Why does the author say the doctrine of the Trinity is not a pagan concept?

  7. Scripture

    7. How does Paul define the gospel in Romans 1:17, and how does this connect to the Godhead's mission?

  8. Application

    8. How does knowing that all three Persons of the Godhead are personally engaged in your salvation affect your assurance?