Introduction:

1. This is another of those transcendent realities of God’s nature.

2. Much debate has existed through the years in this area of theology.

3. The Bible is quite plain in its teachings, but it is difficult for us to grasp.

4. What we can grasp of this concept impresses upon us God’s orderly manner in creation, redemption, and His divine providence.

Discussion:

I. Important Definitions

A. Godhead is synonymous with Godhood (H. Leo Boles).

1. Childhood indicates the state of being a child

2. Manhood indicates the state of being a man

3. Godhood indicates the state of being Deity, Divine

B. Two key terms in the NT that shed light on this meaning:

1. Theios: adj. “that which belongs to the nature or status of deity, divine” (BDAG; 3X Acts 17:29; 2 Peter 1:3, 4)

2. Theiotes: noun “the quality or characteristic of Deity, Divinity” (BDAG; 2 X Romans 1:20; Colossians 2:9)

C. Different terms are used to describe this transcendent reality: Deity, Divine being, Divine nature, trinity, etc.

II. One God (Divine Nature) in Three Persons

A. Various errors have emerged from this divine mystery.

1. Tritheism teaches that there are three separate Gods.

2. Unitarianism teaches all three personalities revealed in the NT are God the Father taking different form and function.

B. The Bible is clear in its teachings concerning the triune Godhead.

1. Throughout Genesis 1, God (Heb. Elohim) is a plural noun.

2. In Genesis 1:26, God said “let US make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness.”

3. The NT brings the Godhead into clear view (Matthew 28:18-20; John 15:26; 16:12-15; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 4:4-6; Titus 3:4-6).

C. Yet, more than 45 passages emphasize the one God (Deuteronomy 6:4; 2 Samuel 7:22; Isaiah 45:5-7; Mark 12:28-30; 1 Corinthians 8:4; James 2:19).

III. Same Essence, Different Function

A. In his Biblical Theology, Rex Turner Sr. outlines this showing the:

1. Father as Designer; God said (Genesis 1)

2. The Son/Word as Creator (John 1:1-3, 14; Hebrews 1:1-3)

3. The Spirit as Organizer, Beautifier, and Lawgiver (Genesis 1:2; John 16:12-15; 1 Peter 1:10-11)

B. Let me summarize: The Father said, “Let there be…,” the Word/Son made it be, and the Spirit brought it into its final, fully organized form.

C. This is true of the creation and the scheme of redemption.

IV. The Sender and the Sent

A. Militating against the Unitarian position is the sending of the Son by the Father and the Spirit by the Son.

B. The Father sent the Son to atone (John 4:34; 6:38-40; Galatians 4:4-5).

C. The Son sent the Spirit to flesh out His will (John 16:12-15).

D. This harmony of purpose, planning, and execution is the essence of the triune Godhead; three persons sharing one essence.

V. Interceding for Us

A. Crucial to the whole plan is the return of the Son to the Father’s side (John 14:1-3; 16:7; 20:17; Acts 1:6-11).

B. His work there is interceding for His people as our Great High Priest (1 Timothy 2:4-6; Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:25; 1 John 2:1-2).

C. The Spirit likewise intercedes on our behalf (Romans 8:26-27).

D. These blessings belong to those who are in Christ (Ephesians 1:3; Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:26-27).

1. Though it is beyond our full comprehension, the doctrine of the triune Godhead is central to the faith once delivered.

2. Seeing the harmony of the three persons in their creative and redemptive work has a profound impact on His people.

3. Thank the Godhead for these remarkable blessings in Christ!