Connecting the Remnant

     The concept of the Trinity—the belief that God is one being in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—can often be a source of confusion and debate. This is especially true for non-believers and new believers in Jesus Christ, who may find the idea difficult to grasp. Even among long-time followers of Christ, this profound mystery has been a topic of theological discussion, sometimes leading to misunderstandings and even divisions within the body of Christ. Yet, by examining our own nature, we can gain valuable insight into this aspect of God's being.

The Mystery of the Trinity

     The doctrine of the Trinity is not explicitly outlined in a single verse of Scripture, but it is a concept that is woven throughout the Bible. From the very first chapter of Genesis, we see hints of this triune nature: “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness” (Genesis 1:26). This plurality within the unity of God is echoed throughout the Old and New Testaments, culminating in the New Testament revelation of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

     For many, the Trinity may feel like an abstract concept—three distinct persons, yet one God. How can this be? It is a question that has perplexed theologians for centuries. Some have tried to explain it using analogies, but none can perfectly capture the essence of the Trinity. However, rather than being discouraged by its complexity, we are invited to see it as a divine mystery, a revelation of God’s nature that surpasses our human understanding.

A Reflection of God's Image

     One way to begin to wrap our heads around the Trinity is by looking at ourselves. In Genesis, we are told that humanity was created in God's image: “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27). This profound statement reveals that we, as human beings, reflect something of God's nature.  

     Note: That is not to say we HAVE God’s nature, as we well know, and as God’s word tells us, human nature is naturally depraved and wicked.  By definition, one thing being created in the image of someone or something else means that there are certain aspects, even if limited, the two have in common.  That being said, we are using the term “God’s nature” in this context to represent the foundational aspects that would naturally come with humans being created in God’s image.

     Most Christians agree that we are made up of three distinct but interconnected aspects: a physical body, a spirit, and a soul. Our body is the tangible, physical part of us, allowing us to interact with the world around us. Our spirit is the breath of life, the part that connects us to God, while our soul is the seat of our emotions, intellect, and will. These three parts make up our one being—different aspects, yet one person.

     In a similar way, the Trinity reveals that God is one being with three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—each with distinct roles, yet one in essence. Just as our body, spirit, and soul work together to make us who we are, so too the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work in perfect harmony, revealing the fullness of God's nature.

Seeing God in the Mirror

     This reflection of God's triune nature in our own being invites us to a deeper understanding of who God is. When we look in the mirror, we see a body, but we know there is more to us than what meets the eye. We sense our spirit and soul, recognizing that we are more than just physical beings. In this way, the mirror becomes a metaphor for understanding the Trinity. Just as we are a unified whole made up of different parts, so is God.

     All we have to do to see evidence of this seemingly impossible-to-understand doctrine is to look in the mirror. We are a living testimony to the nature of God—a triune God who is one. This does not mean we can fully comprehend the mystery of the Trinity, but it gives us a glimpse into the divine nature. It reassures us that God, in all His complexity, has allowed us to at least begin to comprehend who he is.

     In accepting this, we embrace the mystery of God’s nature and acknowledge that some aspects of God will remain beyond our full understanding. Yet, in our own existence, we find a reflection of the divine—a beautiful, complex, and unified image that points us back to the Creator, the triune God in whose image we are made.

Conclusion

     The doctrine of the Trinity may remain a profound mystery, but it is a mystery that draws us into deeper awe and worship of God. By recognizing that we, too, are a kind of trinity—body, spirit, and soul—we can gain a small, yet meaningful insight into the nature of our Creator. As we grow in our relationship with God, let us be reminded that the one who made us, who loves us, and who saves us is a God of perfect unity and love. And in this unity, we find the very essence of life itself.