For there are three bearing testimony: the Spirit and the Water and the Blood—and these are three in one. ―1 John 5:7-8
We know there is only one God, and he exists as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. At the baptism of Jesus, we see the Trinity represented in one scene:
21 When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as He was praying, heaven was opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in a bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:21-22)
Verse 22 says that the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus in “bodily” form like a dove, that is, in peace. In the following scriptures, the apostle Paul puts the Trinity in three verses:
4 There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different ministries, but the same Lord. 6 There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all men. (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)
In verse 5, how do we know that Paul is talking about Jesus Christ when he says “Lord”? We know from this scripture:
By His power God raised the Lord from the dead, and He will raise us also. (1 Corinthians 6:14)
Paul does the same thing in Ephesians:
4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:4-6)
In the following scripture, Jesus puts the Trinity in one verse:
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. (John 14:26)
God has woven the Trinity into the three synoptic gospels in parallel scriptures. In Matthew, Jesus says “Father.” In Mark, Jesus says “the Holy Spirit.” In Luke, Jesus says “I”.
Let’s go to the Olivet discourse in Luke 21 first. This is Jesus speaking:
12 But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. On account of My name they will deliver you to the synagogues and prisons, and they will bring you before kings and governors. 13 This will be your opportunity to serve as witnesses. 14 So make up your mind not to worry beforehand how to defend yourselves. 15 For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. (Luke 21:12-15)
In verse 15, Jesus says “I”. Now let’s go the to Olivet discourse in Mark 13. Here’s Jesus again:
9 So be on your guard. You will be delivered over to the councils and beaten in the synagogues. On My account you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. 10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all the nations. 11 But when they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand what to say. Instead, speak whatever you are given at that time, for it will not be you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. (Mark 13:9-11)
In verse 11, Jesus says “the Holy Spirit.” In Matthew, the parallel scriptures aren’t in the Olivet discourse. They’re in chapter 10:
17 But beware of men; for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues. 18 On My account, you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. 20 For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. (Matthew 10:17-20)
In verse 20, Jesus says “the Spirit of your Father.”
We know that Jesus Christ is God in human form. When we say “the Father,” we are referring to the invisible, infinite God. When we say “the Son,” we’re referring to God as a man. But some have a difficult time understanding this. Let’s look at the following scripture in which the apostle Paul quotes Epimenides:
‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are His offspring.’ (Acts 17:28)
Paul says, “In him we live and move and have our being.” This is a good description, and it fits with the following scripture from Jeremiah:
“Can a man hide in secret places where I cannot see him?” declares the LORD. “Do I not fill the heavens and earth?” declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 23:24)
With that said, let’s imagine for a moment that God is a vast, never-ending ocean and we’re little fish swimming in that ocean. Well, God became a little fish too, Jesus, and swam with us, but the ocean is still there, isn’t it?
The ocean is not the fish, and the fish is not the ocean.
Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, (Philippians 2:6)
The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, and the Spirit of Jesus are used synonymously. The Holy Spirit can speak to countless millions of believers around the world all at the same time, yet to each person, it feels personal, like we’re alone with the Lord. God is infinite, and this is the power of the Holy Spirit.
In these last days, let’s receive God’s promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Let’s accept Jesus Christ as Lord and savior turn from wrongdoing. By doing this, we will avoid the terrible fate of hell.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you. (2 Corinthians 13:14)
Futile World 