The doctrine of the Holy Trinity, the belief in one God existing in three persons, stands as a cornerstone of Christian faith. In this blog post, we’ll explore the concept of the Trinity, delve into the significance it holds for our faith, and discuss how it relates to the good news of salvation. We’ll also take a closer look at the baptism of Jesus and its role in the gospel message.
The Holy Trinity: Three in One
“We teach God is three in one: God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” At first, this statement may appear puzzling or even paradoxical. The Trinity is undeniably complex, and it can be challenging to comprehend fully. Yet, its complexity doesn’t diminish its truth. This concept resembles a mathematical paradox, where “one plus one plus one equals one” might seem illogical. In reality, it equals three. However, when we consider “one times one times one times one equals one,” we grasp the notion that unity can coexist within diversity, mirroring the essence of the Trinity.
The Holy Trinity consists of three distinct persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit, all existing in harmonious unity. While the Trinity’s depth may elude our complete understanding, it enriches our comprehension of God.
The Good News: Emmanuel, God With Us
Understanding the Trinity is pivotal because it connects directly to the Christian gospel, the good news. Jesus, the Son, is undoubtedly God, distinct from the Father. Similarly, God the Father is undeniably God but distinct from the Son. While these persons are distinct, they are one God. The good news is that Jesus, the Son, assumed human form, revealing God to humanity as “Emmanuel,” which means “God with us.”
The Gospel Message
The gospel proclaims the liberating message that our human efforts and good works cannot earn our salvation or pave the way to heaven. Instead, God descended to our earthly realm, bridging the gap and making reconciliation possible. This truth is the crux of the gospel.
The Baptism of Jesus
One of the paramount events that underscores this good news is the baptism of Jesus. Although the Gospel of John provides only a partial account, other Gospels, such as Matthew, offer a comprehensive narrative. John conducted baptisms for repentance, symbolizing the cleansing from sin as individuals entered the water in a state of moral impurity and emerged purified. When Jesus arrived for baptism, John initially resisted, stating, “I need to be baptized by you, not you by me.”
The Enigma of Baptism
The baptism of Jesus presents a profound enigma. Jesus, entirely sinless, came forward to be baptized. His statement, “Allow it at this time, for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness,” has puzzled many. While Jesus unquestionably set an example for us to follow, His baptism carries a deeper significance. In His sinless perfection, He ventured into the waters to bear the sin of the world, even at the outset of His ministry. He embarked on a journey of repentance on our behalf, fulfilling all righteousness—a remarkable act of substitution for our inherent imperfections.
The Good News: Jesus Conceals Our Imperfections
This embodies the heart of the good news. Imperfection is inherent to our human nature; we falter, sin, and rebel. Yet, Jesus, through His life, crucifixion, and sacrificial atonement, conceals our imperfections. When we falter, He bears the penalty on our behalf. The bad news brings to light our deficiencies, but the good news heralds that Jesus pays the price for our transgressions, offering salvation in our place.
Conclusion: Propagating the Good News
John, in his writings, accentuates why he has chosen to focus on Jesus. Jesus, the Son of God, descended to inhabit our place, to be among us, and to proffer salvation. The good news is a message that should infuse every facet of our existence. We must habitually communicate the gospel through our demeanor, expressions, and conduct. Whether we’re navigating traffic in our vehicles, standing in line at the supermarket, or engaged in our daily routines, we possess the opportunity to convey the message of hope, redemption, and salvation.
The Holy Trinity and the good news of salvation are fundamental to the Christian faith. Understanding these tenets can deepen our relationship with God and encourage us to share the message of salvation and hope with those we encounter.
The content of this article is drawn from a segment of the sermon titled “I AM NOT THE CHRIST,” delivered by Dale McCamish on October 1, 2023, at the Wilmington Church of Christ.
Watch the full message below: