Understanding the Trinity is foundational to the Christian faith, yet the concept can be confusing. Scripture clearly states that God is one (Mark 12:29; Galatians 3:20; James 2:19). It also reveals three manifestations of God: God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit, together referred to as the Godhead. They share one divine essence, while each member of the Godhead has a distinct will.
The word “Trinity” does not appear in the Bible. Rather than using a single term to describe the unity of the three members of the Godhead, Scripture reveals this concept through their relationships, actions, and descriptions.
In our previous discussion, we introduced the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and explored the biblical foundations of the Trinity. Each has existed since before time began and shares the same holy character. Their roles and actions, however, have varied according to how God was working among His people at different points in biblical history.
Let’s examine how Scripture describes Christ and the Holy Spirit and how their roles unfold throughout the Bible.
Roles of Christ and the Spirit in the Old Testament
Jesus Christ
- Creator – Colossians 1:16; John 1:3; Hebrews 1:2
- Sustains creation – Colossians 1:17
- Angel of Yahweh (Lord) – The Angel of Yahweh is the manifestation of the invisible God throughout the life of Israel. His role is clearly one of deity and although controversial, is most likely the incarnate Christ.
- Led Israel – Christ, in the cloud, led the Jewish people in the desert as noted by Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:1-4
- Visible manifestation of God – Any visible appearance of God must be Christ as no one has seen God at any time (Exodus 3:2; Exodus 33:19; John 1:18; 1 John 4:12)
The Holy Spirit
- Creator – Genesis 1:2; Psalms 33:6; Psalms 104:30; Job 27:3; Job 33:4
- Contended with man – Genesis 6:3
- Gave revelation and prophecy – 2 Peter 1:20-21
- Came upon selected believers – The Spirit empowered certain people, such as kings (David and Saul), the builders of the tabernacle, as well as the prophets, the 70 elders of Israel, several judges, and others. The Spirit’s association with Old Testament believers appears limited in scope to accomplish specific tasks over a period of time.
These actions by the Spirit contrast with the New Testament where believers are indwelt permanently from salvation and His power is not limited (Romans 8:9; Ephesians 1:13-14).
Roles of Christ and the Spirit in the Gospels
Jesus Christ
- Offered the kingdom with Himself as king – Matthew 3:2-3; Matthew 4:17; Matthew 10:7; Luke 22:70
- Offered salvation and forgiveness of sin – John 3:3-16
The Holy Spirit
- Caused the birth of Christ in human form – Luke 2:52
- Anointed Christ at His baptism – Matthew 3:1-17
- Testified of Christ at His baptism – Matthew 3:16
- Filled Christ – Matthew 3:16
- Assisted Christ with certain miracles – Luke 4:18
- Assisted with Christ’s resurrection – Romans 1:4
- Led Christ into the wilderness for His temptation Matthew 4:1
- Assisted with Christ’s prophetic messages – Luke 4:18
- Assisted Christ in offering Himself as a sacrifice – Hebrews 9:14: 1 Peter 3:18
- Came upon the disciples for certain purposes – Matthew 10:20; John 20:22
- Revelation of the gospel writings came through the Spirit – 1 Timothy 3:16
Roles of Christ and the Spirit Now in Believers
Jesus Christ
- Maintains creation – Colossians 1:16-17
- Prays for believers – Romans 8:31; Hebrews 7:24
- Heads His body, the church – Colossians 1:17-18
- Nourishes and cherishes the body – Ephesians 5:29; Philippians 1:11
- High priest – He acts as a high priest offering mercy to believers in every time of need – Hebrews 4:14-16
- Fills believers with His fullness – Ephesians 1:2-23; Colossians 2:19
- Bears fruit in Christian’s lives – Philippians 1:11
The Holy Spirit
- Please see Holy Spirit – Power Source for the Christian Life for more information.
Roles of Christ and the Spirit Now in Non-believers
Jesus Christ
- Maintains creation – Colossians 1:16-17
- Provides salvation as a free gift from God through faith (please see Our Great Salvation)
The Holy Spirit
- Convicts man of sin, righteousness, and judgment – John 16:8-11
- Regenerates the new believer at salvation – Romans 6:2-9
- Places the new believer in the church at salvation – 1 Corinthians 12:13
- Seals the new believer to their redemption at salvation – Ephesians 1:13-14
- Please see Holy Spirit – Power Source for the Christian Life for more information.
Indeed, God has given us a great salvation and has provided for every need to attain this, from the beginning of time to eternity future.
Thanks for joining me. Please join us next time as we begin to discuss the essentials of the Christian walk.
William C. Stewart, MD
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