How Can God Be Three Persons in One?
How Can God Be Three Persons in One? The Trinity — one God in three persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) — is revealed throughout Scripture, though the concept transcends full human comprehension. It is not three gods, but one God in three co-equal, co-eternal persons.
Key verse: Matthew 28:19 (KJV)
The Trinity — one God in three persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) — is revealed throughout Scripture, though the concept transcends full human comprehension. It is not three gods, but one God in three co-equal, co-eternal persons.
The Trinity — one God in three persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) — is revealed throughout Scripture, though the concept transcends full human comprehension. It is not three gods, but one God in three co-equal, co-eternal persons.
"Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." — Matthew 28:19 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
The word 'Trinity' doesn't appear in Scripture, but the concept permeates it. At Jesus' baptism, all three persons appear: Jesus is baptized, the Spirit descends as a dove, and the Father speaks from heaven (Matthew 3:16-17). Jesus commissioned baptism 'in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost' (Matthew 28:19) — one name, three persons. The Old Testament hints at plurality: 'Let us make man in our image' (Genesis 1:26). Isaiah heard, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' (Isaiah 6:8). Each person is fully God: The Father is God (1 Peter 1:2). The Son is God — 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God' (John 1:1). The Spirit is God — when Ananias lied to the Holy Spirit, Peter said, 'Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God' (Acts 5:3-4). Yet there is only one God: 'Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD' (Deuteronomy 6:4). Analogies (water/ice/steam, egg shell/white/yolk) all break down because nothing in creation perfectly mirrors the Creator. The Trinity reveals that God is inherently relational — love existed within the Godhead before creation.
Key Scripture References
"Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is the Trinity?
The Trinity is the doctrine that God exists as three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — in one divine being.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
Who Is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity — fully God, who indwells, guides, and empowers believers.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Why Does God Allow Suffering?
While the Bible doesn't give a complete answer, it reveals that God uses suffering for growth, discipline, compassion, and ultimately His glory.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Trinity (Trinitas (Latin theological term))
One God existing eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Biblical Meaning of the Number 3 in a Dream (KJV)
Divine fullness, resurrection, and confirmation.
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “How Can God Be Three Persons in One?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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