What in the World is the Trinity? with Christy Thornton
Oct 3, 2023
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Rebecca McLaughlin is joined by Christy Thornton, an expert on the Trinity, to answer questions about the Trinity. They discuss God's triune nature, the perception of God's character in the Old and New Testaments, God's plurality and tri unity, the meaning of Jesus as the Son of God, and misconceptions of the Holy Trinity.
God has always been triune, with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit being distinct but fully God.
The Holy Spirit is the bond of love between the Father and the Son, applying the work of salvation to believers and dwelling in them.
Deep dives
The Triune Nature of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
The podcast explores the triune nature of God, emphasizing that God has always been triune, even from the beginning of creation. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct but fully God. The Son is not a demigod, but eternally begotten from the Father, sharing the same divine essence. The Holy Spirit is the bond of love between the Father and the Son, and He applies the work of salvation to believers. The concept of the Trinity challenges human understanding, as it requires a sanctified mind to grasp the divine essence and relationship within God.
The Holy Spirit and His Role in the Gospel
The podcast delves into the role of the Holy Spirit within the Trinity and in the gospel. The Holy Spirit is the bond of love between the Father and the Son, and He applies the work of salvation to believers. Through the Holy Spirit, believers receive the life and love of the Father and the Son, experiencing the indwelling presence of God. The Holy Spirit is not to be feared like Halloween ghosts, but revered as a holy and essential part of God's character and interaction with humanity.
Understanding Jesus as the Son of God
The podcast addresses the nature of Jesus as the Son of God and how it differs from being a demigod. Jesus is fully God and fully human, not a creation but begotten from the Father for all eternity. As the Son, Jesus receives life from the Father and plays a unique role in the work of salvation. His special status as the Son of God does not diminish the value or importance of women, as the gospel is for all people and gender does not affect one's ability to receive the life and love of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Avoiding Projection and Emphasizing Divine Revelation
The podcast addresses the concern of projecting human understanding and relationships onto God. While humans may have a limited understanding, the revelation of the Trinity in the Bible transcends human notions of fatherhood, sonship, and relationships. God reveals Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, inviting humanity to grasp His divine essence and character. The terms used for God's nature, such as father and son, carry deeper meanings beyond human experience. The gospel message emphasizes the value and significance of women as vital participants in God's plan of salvation.
Rebecca McLaughlin is joined by Christy Thornton to answer questions about the Trinity.Questions Covered in This Episode:
Has God always been Triune?
Do other aspects of God’s identity change between the Old and New Testament?
Is “let us make man in our image” written in plurality?
If God was triune from the beginning why didn’t He make that clear from the beginning?
Why is the Trinity not more clearly articulated in the New Testament?
How do we know there are just three parts to God?
How can all three parts be fully God and yet not all of God’s fullness?
What differentiates each person of the Trinity?
What exactly does it mean for Jesus to be the Son of God? How is it different from us being sons and daughters of God? How is this different from being a demi-god?
If Jesus is fully God then He is perfect. If He is fully human then He is sinful, by definition, someone who is sinful can’t be perfect. How then can Jesus and God be one and the same?
Who is God the Father? Who is God the Son? Who is the Holy Spirit?
How do we know we aren’t projecting our human understanding and relationships onto God?
Guest Bio:Christy Thornton is Assistant Professor of Christian Thought and Associate Director of PhD Studies and Director of ThM Studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. She has served with the International Mission Board in North Africa, and is currently a covenant member at the Summit Church. She has contributed to The Gospel Coalition, Christianity Today, and numerous other publications.Resources Mentioned: