The Tri-Unity of God

The first mention of the plurality of God is found in the book of beginnings, or the book of Genesis 1:1-3. In the Hebrew, the word God is Elohim which means "more then one". In verse 2 of Genesis 1, we see the Spirit of God hovering over the face of the waters. Some scholars think that this could be a direct reference to the Holy Spirit found in creation. In verse 26 of Genesis 1, we see that when God began to create man it says, "let us make man in our image." Once again speaking of the plurality of God. The prophet Isaiah mentions all the titles of the Godhead in Isaiah 9:6. It says, "For unto us a child is born, Unto us a son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of peace." We commonly think of this passage whenever Christmas is drawing near. Interestingly enough, when John the Baptist was baptizing Jesus, Matthew's gospel tells us that when Jesus came out of the water the heavens were opened. And he saw the spirit of God descending like a dove and a voice from heaven said, "This is may beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Mathew 3:16, 17) Here we have Jesus standing with John, the Spirit descending like a dove, and God the Father speaking audibly from heaven. When Jesus commissioned his disciples, he included that they must make disciples of all the nations, "baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19) We also know that the early church believed in the Holy Trinity. In Paul's benediction to the Corinthians he says, "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen". (2 Corinthians 13:14) Church history tells us that by the 4th century the early church practiced what was considered to be an ancient ceremony. The followers of Christ would gather to remember the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus and sing a hymn called, Phos Hilaron, or hail gladdening light. One part of the song says, "Now we are come to the sun's hour of rest The lights of evening round us shine We hymn the Father, Son and Holy Spirit Divine."