Page 12 - Pneumatology - Student Textbook

The Holy Spirit in the Trinity

The doctrine of the Trinity is that God exists as three persons, yet he is one
being. Each person of the Trinity has a separate identity while yet possessing
the full nature of God. The word trinity is not found in the Bible, but the full
concept is there as the Father is called God, the Son is co-existent with God, and the Holy Spirit is eternally
co-existent with the Father and Son and was present at creation. The Advocate sent to represent Christ
was the Holy Spirit, the third person of the triune Godhead. Probably the best definition of the Trinity is
this:

Trinity holds that God is one God, but three coeternal consubstantial persons—the Father, the Son, and the
Holy Spirit—as "one God in three Divine Persons". The three Persons are distinct, yet are one "substance,
essence or nature" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinity).

This doctrine was established and further developed with the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD.

We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus
Christ, the Son of God, begotten of the Father [the only-begotten; that is, of the essence of the Father, God
of God,] Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father;
(...) And [we believe] in the Holy Ghost. (...). — Nicene Creed

The Bible states in numerous places that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are a unity. We are to baptize
believers in their name:

Matt. 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit…

There are several benedictions in the Bible, each including the persons of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit:

2 Cor. 13:14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy
Spirit be with you all.

2.4 Let’s Practice…

1. What pronoun is used to describe the Holy Spirit, which is a neuter noun?

2-5. Name four attributes of personality which the Holy Spirit exhibits:

6-10. Name five of the six ways the Holy Spirit performs the actions of a person:

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