The other day I heard someone give an example explaining the Trinity and I immediately remembered one that I often times use. I’ve heard people use an egg (shell, white, and yoke) to explain the Trinity, some have used water in its three different states (ice, water, and steam) and some who have used a cherry pie (crust, cherries, and the filling) to explain this, but I would like to share how I explain it and perhaps it will help someone.
When we talk of the Trinity, we are talking of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each one is God, yet all three of them together are God. When you refer to one of them you are referring to all of them, and when you are referring to all of them you are referring to one of them. Confusing? Well, let me give you the example I use when I explain this to others.
Look at the United States government, not necessarily as we see it now but rather how the founding fathers designed and intended it to be. The United States government has three distinct branches, the Executive branch, the Judicial branch, and the Legislative branch. Each of these three branches are clearly distinct and seperate from the other two in their role and function, much like the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit each have distinct and seperate roles and functions, but just as the three branches of the United States government are seperate they are still considered one. When we refer to someone in, lets say, the Legislative branch, we are in essence referring to the entire United States government. In just the same way, when we refer to Jesus, for example, we are referring to God which includes all three of them. And just as when we refer to the United States we are referring to each of the three branches in their distinctiveness, even so when we refer to God we are in essence referring to all three of the Trinity.
As I’m thinking about it, it could also work in that when we butt heads with one branch of the United States government, we are butting heads with the entire United States government. Even so, when we oppose or disregard one person of the Trinity, we are basically opposing or disregarding all three persons of the Trinity. What unity there is between them!
Well, I hope this will help you better understand the Trinity, and perhaps make it easier for you to explain this to others. I certainly hope it didn’t confuse you more.
God bless, and have a great day.
Copyright 2012 – John Johansson
