The Trinity: One What and Three Whos

A Jehovah’s Witness who had knocked on my door challenged me in the course of our conversation to give a clear and concise definition of the Trinity doctrine. Here’s how I responded: The word “trinity” refers to “tri-unity” (three in one), thus conveying the biblically revealed truth that there is plurality within the unity of God’s nature (one God in three “persons”). The doctrine of the Trinity should be understood within the broader context of the Christian view of God. The God unveiled in the Bible (and later described in the ancient creeds of Christendom) is the one sovereign and majestic Lord. Historic Christianity thus affirms belief in one infinitely perfect, eternal, and personal God—the transcendent Creator and sovereign Sustainer of the universe. This one God is triune. He exists eternally and simultaneously as three distinct (though not separate) persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.