Today’s scripture: 1 Peter 1:20-21
One of the hardest concepts for nonbelievers to grasp is that of what we
Christ-followers call the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the
Holy Spirit. Many accuse us of worshipping three gods. Or they argue that it’s
impossible for there to be a three-in-one being.
It is difficult to grasp, and continues to be one of those mysteries we
probably won’t fully understand this side of heaven. However, it’s clear
throughout the Bible that our Sovereign God manifests Himself as God the
Father—Creator, Sustainer, Provider—God the Son—Redeemer, Savior—and God the
Spirit—Helper, Encourager, Convicter.
Today’s verses tell us that Jesus was foreknown before the foundation of the
world. And in Genesis, we read that God created man in “Our image.” In the
gospels, when Jesus—God the Son—was baptized, God the Father spoke and God the
Holy Spirit descended like a dove.
In God’s perfect plan, humankind would need a Redeemer, a perfect sacrifice to
pay the penalty for our sin. God the Son appeared on earth “for the sake of you
who through Him are believers in God.” Through the death and resurrection of
Jesus, we have hope and faith in God the Father.
Are you feeling hopeful? Or hopeless? Remember that the only real hope we have
is in Christ. When all else fails, our triune God—Father, Son, and Spirit—will
never fail.
Never.
Today's scripture: Ephesians 2:17-18
“Through Him [Christ] we both [Jews and Gentiles] have our access in one [Holy]
Spirit to the Father …”
Do you see the significance of the words in this verse? We who believe in the
God of the Bible believe in a three-in-one God. It’s one of those mysteries
that we won’t fully understand this side of heaven.
But we believe in God the Father—Creator, Sustainer. We believe in God the Son,
Jesus Christ—Redeemer, Savior. We believe in God the Holy Spirit—Intercessor,
Indwelling Strength. One God acting in three persons.
And so I can go to my Father, my Abba, and praise Him for this amazing world He
created and for His loving plan for my life (Jeremiah 29:11). I can thank my Lord
Jesus for His incredible sacrifice that allowed for my salvation (Romans 5:8). I
can ask the Holy Spirit to speak to the Father through my groaning (Romans 8:26).
I’m not sure exactly why God—the three-in-one God—is how He is … but I don’t
have to know. I just have to trust in His word. And know He is everything I
need.
Today's scripture:
John 15:26-27
So many mysteries are inherent in the Christian faith, so many things we just
can't fully comprehend. One of these is what we call the trinity: one God in
three persons. It's a stumbling block to unbelievers and a concept we believers
can't completely understand. Yet, while the Bible doesn't use the word
"trinity" or "triune," verses like today's make it clear.
Jesus speaks of the "Helper," who is the "Spirit of truth."
He also speaks of the Father. Finally, He speaks about Himself, God the Son who
took on flesh. Three Persons. One God.
Each Person of the trinity functions differently, and we are blessed by each. The
Holy Spirit blesses us by being our "Helper." He resides in us to help
us in so many ways, and I, for one, am so very grateful. I certainly need help!
In so many ways. The Holy Spirit gives us so much.
We can be confident that the Spirit will teach us what we need to know about
following Christ (John 14:26). He prays for us when we can't find the words
(Romans 8:26). He dwells in us; we are never alone (Romans 8:11). He gives us
life (2 Corinthians 3:6). He gives us access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18). He
will testify about Jesus (see today's verses). He comforts us (Acts 9:31). He
manifests spiritual gifts in us (1 Corinthians 12:4-5, 11). He gives us freedom
(2 Corinthians 3:17). He helps us keep from doing the "works of the
flesh" and manifests in us His fruit (Galatians 5:16-23).
What an amazing blessing the Holy Spirit is to me! I read these attributes of
this Person of the trinity, and I am so very grateful.
Such a mystery ... such a gift.
Today's scripture: John 14:16-17
I believe in a triune God: Father, Son, and Spirit. One God in three Persons.
It's a mystery beyond my human understanding, but this is what the Bible tells
me. Each of these Persons plays—for lack of a better term—a different role.
One Person whom I think gets forgotten sometimes is the Holy Spirit. Yet what a
wonderful gift He is. I'm in the middle of a study in Romans, and I recently
meditated on these words: "... the Spirit also helps us in our weakness;
for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes
for us with groanings too deep for words ..." (8:26). When I'm too tired
or weak, or when the pain's too great, or when I'm hurting for someone, I
sometimes can't get the words out—or I don't even know what words to say. The
Holy Spirit speaks for me.
Today's verses remind me that He is a Helper. He resides in me and helps me
know God's truth (see also 1 Corinthians 2:10-16). He encourages me—and
convicts me (we'll see more of this when we get to John 16!). He helps me to
combat the "works of the flesh" and manifests in me His fruit (Galatians5:16-22).
What an incredible blessing it is to remember that God the Spirit is always
with me—forever, Jesus says. He is continually working in and through me,
helping to make me more and more the woman God created me to be. And He'll do
the same in and through you.
