2004-04-31 - The Trinity

Part 4

B. The Triunity in the New Testament

1. A Declaration of the Triunity in the New Testament.

The New Testament spells out more clearly what is hinted at in the Old. This is consistent with the concept of progressive revelation. Here are a few of the individual scriptures from the gospels:

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. … Then John gave this testimony: 'I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him (John 1: 1, 32)."

"For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit" (John 3:34).

"I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form,…" (John 5:36-37).

"I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me." …

"Jesus said to them, 'If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me'" (John 8:18 42).

2. The Lord's Birth Gives Testimony to the Trinity.

"The angel answered, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God'" (Luke 1:35). …

"But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.' All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel'-which means, 'God with us.'" (Matthew 1:20-23).

3. The Lord's Baptism Proves the Trinity.

"Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, 'I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?' Jesus replied, 'Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.' Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him, I am well pleased.'" (Matthew 3:13-17).

To be continued.

Questions or comments?

Geoff

pastorgeoff@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org