Trinity

Fact or Fiction?

1
 Introduction

The goal is not to prove or disprove the Trinity
model but to simply examine scripture and
adopt what is taught, nothing more or less.

This is often considered one of the most
complex topics in all of scripture, but it really
does not have to be.

Hopefully at minimum we not only appreciate
this subject more, but also gain better
understanding
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 Introduction

What we might find is that some aspects of the
Trinity model pass the scripture test, where as
other aspects of the Trinity model (as defined
today) could use improvement.

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 Introduction

Is believing the Trinity doctrine a salvation
issue?

No, regardless if one does or does not believe
regarding the Trinity, it has no eternal impact.

Many incorrectly force the matter into a
salvational issue or a matter to divide over.

Some teach that it is nearly the most important
doctrine of the Christian faith

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 Introduction

This presentation is only intended to bring
structure and efficiency to a topic that is
massive in scope

If something said does not seem right, let’s

stop and discuss (it very well might not be
right!)

The presentation will be available in the

newsletter. Make sure you are signed up.
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 Why Discuss It?

Many in mainstream Christianity limit their
understanding of God’s nature by subscribing to a
strict understanding of the Trinity model.

“Hebrew Roots” is often accused of attacking or not

believing the Trinity which frankly, scares some
people.

There is benefit to removing the confusion

surrounding this topic.
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 Defining the Trinity Doctrine

The doctrine of the Trinity is often simply
defined in the following terms: "The holy
trinity is one supreme being existing in three
persons, all equal in rank and in eternity and
having the same substance, all united in one
Godhead."

If you do not understand this, then it is a

“mystery.”
 Defining the Trinity Doctrine

The Trinity is the Christian doctrine that deals with
and describes the nature of God. The doctrine asserts
the following:

There is one and only one God.

God eternally exists in three distinct persons.

The Father is God, the Son is
God, and the Holy Spirit is God.

The Father is not the Son,

the Son is not the Father,
the Father is not the Spirit, etc.
*http://www.theopedia.com/Trinity
?
 Defining a “Person”

"By 'person' we mean one who has his own
identity or individuality as a rational being,
conscious of his own existence." In other
words, a person is a particular being with
generally one center of consciousness. In the
Being of God there are three Centers of
consciousness. A person is unique among
beings in having capacities to reason and
exercise the will.

http://www.theopedia.com/Person
 Discussing “Persons”

On the surface, “3 persons in 1 Person” seems to

create a logical paradox

“Persons” is actually a poor translation of the

original doctrine in Latin that more accurately
uses the understanding of “essence”

Thus “3 Persons in 1 essence” is more accurate

 Origins

Where did the term and concept of Trinity originate?

Jay P. Green’s Classic Bible Dictionary says about

the word trinity, "This is not itself a Biblical term, but
was a term coined by Tertullian to refer to this whole
concept under one word" (p. 483). The Cyclopedia of
Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature
says forthrightly, "Respecting the manner in which
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit make one
God, the Scripture teaches nothing, since the subject
is of such a nature as not to admit of its being
explained to us" ("Trinity," p. 553).
 Origins

Trinitarians Roger Olson and Christopher Hall say of the
doctrine in their book, "The Trinity:"

"It is understandable that the importance placed on this

doctrine is perplexing to many lay Christians and students.
Nowhere is it clearly and unequivocally stated in
Scripture. How can it be so important if it is not explicitly
stated in Scripture?" (p. 1). "The doctrine of the Trinity
developed gradually after the completion of the N.T. in the
heat of controversy. The full-blown doctrine of the Trinity
was spelled out in the fourth century at two great ecumenical
councils: Nicea (325 A.D.) and Constantinople (381 A.D.)."
(p. 1-2)
 Origins

Both secular historians and Bible scholars readily
admit that the doctrine of the Trinity was not official
church teaching until the council of Nicaea in the
year 325 of our common era. The New Catholic
Encyclopedia, 1967, Vol. 14, concedes, "The
formulation ‘one God in three Persons’ was not
solidly established, certainly not fully assimilated
into Christian life and its profession of faith, prior to
the end of the 4th century… Among the Apostolic
Fathers, there had been nothing even remotely
approaching such a mentality or perspective."
 Trinity in Art

Pagan (sun god) Trinity influence in
art. Note the emphasis on the sun,
originating from sun god worship
(Nimrod, Tammuz, Ba’al,
Ishtar(Easter) etc.)
 Origins

"The doctrine developed gradually over
several centuries and through many
controversies… The council of Nicaea in 325
stated the crucial formula for that doctrine in
its confession that the ‘Son is of the same
substance…as the Father,’ even though it said
very little about the Holy Spirit…By the end
of the 4th century…the doctrine of the Trinity
took substantially the form it has maintained
ever since" (Encyclopaedia Britannica,
Trinity).
 Common Denominator

What is the “essence” or “substance?”

Word Teaches us all things...Word Word made flesh

Father Holy Spirit Son

All perfect instruction God’s power

manifesting into
the physical

Word Into creation Word Exampled in flesh Word

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 The Model is the Same for Us!

The Word made flesh is our example to follow...

This is the path of the Holy Spirit
Conforming to the same image
Us

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Conforming to the Image (Word)

Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with
his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in
knowledge according to the image of Him who created him (Col.
3:9-10)

For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the

image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many
brethren. (Romans 8:29)

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (1

Corinthians 11:1)

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Evidence for the Trinity – Mat 28:19

There are two New Testament passages
popularly used to support the “distinct persons”
doctrine of the Trinity. The first is Matthew
28:19 and the second is 1 John 5:7-8

Matthew 28:19

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and
of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (KJV).
Evidence for the Trinity – Mat 28:19

The Jerusalem Bible questions whether the
formula given for baptism here is inspired or
liturgical (added later by the “church”). The
Aramaic text of Matthew omits the verse
entirely. And although the passage is found in
the three earliest known Greek New Testament
manuscripts, without any original New
Testament manuscripts in existence we have no
evidence to substantiate that the present form
of Matthew 28:19 is accurate.
Evidence for the Trinity – Mat 28:19

One reason Biblical scholars question the originality of this
passage is that it conflicts with the other formulas given for
baptism in the New Testament. In all other instances baptism is
done into the singular name of Y’hshua (see Acts 2:38; 8:16;
10:48; 19:5; 22:16; Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27).

The Companion Bible makes special note of this: "To some,

perplexity, and even distress, is caused by the apparent neglect of
the disciples to carry out the [Master’s] command in Matthew
28:19, 20, with regard to the formula for baptism. …Turning to
Acts and onwards, they find no single instance of, or reference
to, baptism in which the Triune name of the Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit is employed. On the contrary, from the very first,
only ten days after the injunction had been given, Peter is found
(Acts 2:38) commanding all his hearers including those of the
dispersion to be baptized in the name of [Yeshua the Messiah]"
(p. 206, Appendix 185).
 Evidence for the Trinity – Mat 28:19

Eusebius (270 CE and 340 CE) directly omitted this verse in his quote
of Matthew

"The facts are, in summary, that Eusebius quotes Matthew 28:19, 21

times, either omitting everything between ‘nations’ and ‘teaching,’ or
in the form ‘make disciples of all nations in my name,’ the latter form
being the more frequent" (Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics).

The Jewish New Testament Commentary says, "Although nearly all ancient
manuscripts have the trinitarian formula, Eusebius, the Church
historian, who may have been a non-trinitarian, in his writings
preceding the Council of Nicea in 325 C.E., quotes the verse without
it. Most scholars believe the formula is original, but papers by Hans
Kosmala (‘The Conclusion of Matthew,’ Annual of the Swedish
Theological Institute, 4 (1965), (pp. 132-147) and David Flusser (‘The
Conclusion of Matthew in a New Jewish Christian Source,’ ibid., 5
(1966-7), pp. 110-119) take the opposite view" (note on Matt. 28:19, p.
86).
Evidence for the Trinity – Mat 28:19

The Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics, p. 380,
further reveals that Justin Martyr was also
possibly ignorant of the present form of
Matthew 28:19. "Justin Martyr quotes a saying
of Y’shua as a proof of the necessity of
regeneration, but falls back upon the use of
Isaiah and apostolic tradition to justify the
practice of baptism and the use of the triune
formula. This certainly suggests that Justin did
not know the traditional text of Matthew 28:19."
Has Scripture Been Manipulated to
Support a Strict Trinity Doctrine?

Alarmingly…yes

NIV – 1 John 5:7-8

For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the
water and the blood; and the three are in
agreement. (Earlier Greek manuscripts)

KJV – 1 John 5:7-8

For there are three that bear record in heaven,
the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and
these three are one. (Later Latin manuscripts
and late Greek)
Evidence for the Trinity – 1 John 5:7

Note the following on 1John 5:7:

"During the controversy of the 4th cent. over the doctrine of the
Trinity the text was expanded - first in Spain ca. 380, and then
taken in the Vulg. - by the insertion: ‘There are three that bear
record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit: and
these three are one.’ A few late Greek manuscripts contain the
addition. Hence it is passed into the KJV. But all modern critical
editions and translations of the NT, including RSV, omit the
interpolation, as it has no warrant in the best and most ancient
manuscripts or in the early church fathers" (The Interpreter’s One-
Volume Commentary on the Bible, note on 1John 5:4-12).
Evidence for the Trinity – 1 John 5:7

The Jerusalem Bible note on 1John 5:7-8 says,

"Vulgate vv. 7-8 read as follows "There are
three witnesses in heaven: the Father the Word and
the Spirit, and these three are one; there are three
witnesses on earth: the Spirit the water and the
blood’. The words in italics (not in any of the
early Greek MSS, or any of the early
translations, or in the best MSS of the Vulgate
itself) are probably a gloss that has crept into the
text."
 What do Trinitarians State About
Their Own Doctrine?

"This doctrine in many ways presents strange paradoxes... It is a
widely disputed doctrine, which has provoked discussion
throughout all the centuries of the church's existence. It is held
by many with great vehemence and vigor. These advocates are
certain they believe the doctrine, and consider it crucial to the
Christian faith. Yet many are unsure of the exact meaning of
their belief. It was the very first doctrine dealt with systematically
by the church, yet is still one of the most misunderstood and
disputed doctrines. Further, it is not clearly or explicitly
taught anywhere in Scripture , yet it is widely regarded as a
central doctrine, indispensable to the Christian faith. In this
regard, it goes contrary to what is virtually an axiom (a self
evident truth) of biblical doctrine, namely, that there is a direct
correlation between the Scriptural clarity of a doctrine and its
cruciality to the faith and life of the church" (p. 11-12).

Trinitarians Roger Olson and Christopher Hall speaking the doctrine in their book, "The Trinity:"
 Origin Conclusion

It is freely admitted through historical and present scholarship
that the Trinity was not established during the time of the
Apostles, but took an additional three hundred years to become
firmly established in the church. This occurred at a time when
the church was assimilating many people of pagan beliefs, most
of whom held to a Trinity teaching in their heathen background.
Like so many beliefs practiced by mankind, the Trinity was
developed through syncretized theology, and not by the inspired
Word.

YHWH’s Word admonishes us to prove all things (1Thess. 5:21,

Acts 17:11). It is critical that we study our beliefs and understand
whether they are inspired of YHWH or are man-made ideas
developed through tradition.
 What Scripture Teaches

Word in the flesh (Son) is not as great as the Word
(Father)

"You have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and
come again unto you. If you loved me, you would
rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my
Father is greater than I" (John 14:28).

“But we see Y’shua, who was made a little lower than
the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because
he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might
taste death for everyone.”
(John 14:28).
 What Scripture Teaches

Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the
Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my
own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing
his work. (John 14:10)

The Word was in a body of human flesh with a distinct

mind and will (Y’shua), which means Y’shua was
exposed to the desires and sinful nature of the flesh but
Y’shua always submitted to the Word that was in Him.
 What Scripture Teaches

Was Paul a Trinitarian?

But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every

man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head
of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:3)

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and
revelation, so that you may know him better. (Ephesians 1:17)

Answer: Not in the sense that Yehsua = God 31

 What Scripture Teaches

Yeshua is the image of God

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that
they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of
Christ, who is the image of God. (2 Cor. 4:4)

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all
creation. (Col. 1:15) (eikon – likeness, statue, image, reflection,
representation) “Like a mirror”

Yeshua has a will separate and different from God

i.e.- saying, "Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me;
yet not My will, but Yours be done." (Luke 22:42)
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 What Scripture Teaches

So what is the purpose of the Holy Spirit in the New
Covenant?

1. The Holy Spirit is a witness that the Newer Covenant = Law

written upon our heart (Jeremiah 31:31, 33, Hebrews 10:15-16)

2. The Holy Spirit was sent into the earth to teach us the Truth
of God John 14:16-17, 26, 15:26, John 16:13)

3. What is the Truth? God's Law/Word of God is Truth? (not

WAS truth) (Psalm 119:142, John 17:17)

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 What Scripture Teaches

So what is the purpose of the Holy Spirit in the New
Covenant? (cont.)

4. God wanted to write His law (all, not some) upon our heart and
teach us His law which is called "TRUTH" (Psalm 119:142) through
His Holy Spirit who is called "THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH" (John 14:16-
17,26, 15:26, 16:13)

5. We need God's Spirit WITHIN us for the following reasons:

a) Have the power to overcome the sin nature inherited by Adam

b) To bear spiritual fruit in our lives (Galatians 5:22-25)
c) To understand, grow, and have a revelation of God's Torah/Word
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 What Scripture Teaches

How does this play out in a practical sense?
And being found in fashion as a
man, he humbled himself, and
became obedient unto death,
even the death of the cross.
(Phl 2:8)
Submit/Humble
For in Him all the fullness The Son is the image of the
of Deity dwells in bodily invisible God, the firstborn over
form, (Col 2:9) all creation. (Col 1:15)
Word

Law is Spiritual – Rom. 7:14 Obedience

Holy Spirit Teaching Full image of Word/Light
Word
Word moving
into creation
Yeshua

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 What Scripture Teaches

Yeshua spoke only what the Father told Him
to speak through His Word.

Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father
is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own
authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing
his work. (John 14:10)

Then Jesus, still teaching in the temple courts, cried out, “Yes,
you know me, and you know where I am from. I am not here
on my own authority, but he who sent me is true. You do not
know him, (John 7:28)
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 What Scripture Teaches

Y’shua is given all authority (didn’t have it before)

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on
earth has been given to me. (Matthew 28:18)

Y’shua hands back the Kingdom (has it no longer)

Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God
the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.
(1 Corinthians 15:24)

Note Pattern: “God the Father” and “Son of God” not “God the Son

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 What Scripture Teaches

Because Yeshua was perfectly obedient to the Father He received full
authority from the Father. The Father exercises authority through the
vessel of Yeshua.

to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through
Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. (Jude
1:25)

The same applies to us…same model:

To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give
authority over the nations— that one ‘will rule them with an iron scepter
and will dash them to pieces like pottery’—just as I have received
authority from my Father. I will also give that one the morning star. (Rev.
2:26-28)
 What Scripture Teaches

Right arm of power; Sitting at His right hand

What does it mean that Yeshua is at the Father’s

right hand?

Who has gone into heaven and is at the right

hand of God, angels and authorities and powers
having made subject to him" (1 Peter 3:22)

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 What Scripture Teaches

Yeshua at the right hand of God…

Exodus 15:6; Deuteronomy 33:2; Psalm 16:8; Psalm 17:7; Psalm 18:35;18:35; Psalm 20:6; Psalm 21:8; Psalm
44:3; Psalm 45:4; Psalm 60:5; Psalm 63:8; Psalm 73:23; Psalm 74:11;
74:11; Psalm 77:10; Psalm 78:54; Psalm
80:15; Psalm 89:13; Psalm 108:6; Psalm 109:6; Psalm 110:1; Psalm 110:5; Psalm 118:16; Psalm 138:7;
Psalm 139:10; Ecclesiastes 10:2; Isaiah 48:13; Isaiah 62:8; Isaiah
Isaiah 63:12; Matthew 20:23; Matthew 22:44;
Matthew 25:33; Matthew 25:34; Matthew 26:64; Mark 10:40; Acts 2:33; 2:33; Acts 2:34; Acts 7:55; Acts 7:56;
Romans 8:34; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 8:1; Hebrews 10:12; Hebrews 12:2; 1 Peter 3:22; Revelation 1:16;
Revelation 5:1

It simply means “authority” in Hebraic language. As Yeshua said:

“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been
given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18)

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 What is the Truth?

What about all of the verses that “prove” the
Trinity model?

There are at least 100 pieces of scripture

commonly discussed related to the subject of
the Father/Son relationship of the Trinity

Handout and discussion