Recently I have been addressing a topic that I have pondered for many years, and that is the topic of the doctrine of the Trinity in view of what we read in the New Testament. Before I proceed forward, I want to be very clear that I affirm and teach the deity of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Jesus is God’s Son having the same divine nature as the Father. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, thus he too is divine.

What I am addressing in these articles is how the New Testament presents to us the persons of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in contrast to some of the ideas we have based on the doctrine of the Trinity (which does vary based on the source). These articles in no way call into question the deity or unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Rather, they are intended to help us better understand the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

For example, within the doctrine of the Trinity, God is referred to as One God in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Three persons who constitute One God. The New Testament mentions God the Father (quite a few times I might add,) but It never once uses the language of God the Son or God the Holy Spirit. The Son is always referred to as the Son of God and the Holy Spirit has several titles, among them are the Spirit of God, God’s Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit, and the Spirit of the Lord.

Now why does this matter? It matters because the communication of the doctrine of the Trinity with regards to the Son of God and the Holy Spirit can sometimes be in conflict with the messaging of the New Testament.

Trinitarian theology has evolved throughout church history, thus it can often be a confusing topic for people to understand, and if the truth be known, many who teach some form of trinity doctrine often have difficulty explaining it. My aim is to point us back to the scriptures, primarily the New Testament, and work through this topic so as to have a better understanding of what we actually believe.

As stated, trinitarian theology has evolved throughout church history, and when we consider the teachings of the early church Fathers, it seems to be a much purer theology than later on. The early church Fathers seemed to teach trinitarian theology within the framework that God the Father is the source because he is the one true God, with Son and Spirit proceeding from the Father and having their being because of the Father.

This aligns with what I believe the Holy Spirit has been teaching me in recent times. I hope to share more on this in a future article, but for now allow me to share a couple of excerpts from two of the early church Fathers.

Ireneaus (a.d. 120–202) writes, “Therefore neither would the Lord, nor the Holy Spirit, nor the apostles, have ever named as God, definitely and absolutely, him who was not God, unless he were truly God; nor would they have named any one in his own person Lord, except God the Father ruling over all, and His Son who has received dominion from His Father over all creation, as this passage has it: “The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit Thou at my right hand, until I make Thine enemies Thy footstool.” Here the [Scripture] represents to us the Father addressing the Son; He who gave Him the inheritance of the heathen, and subjected to Him all His enemies. Since, therefore, the Father is truly Lord, and the Son truly Lord, the Holy Spirit has fitly designated them by the title of Lord.” ~ Against Heresies Book 2, Chapter VI

Tertullian (a.d. 145–220) writes, “… the Father is not the same as the Son, since they differ one from the other in the mode of their being. For the Father is the entire substance, but the Son is a derivation and portion of the whole, as He Himself acknowledges: “My Father is greater than I.” In the Psalm His inferiority is described as being “a little lower than the angels.” Thus the Father is distinct from the Son, being greater than the Son, inasmuch as He who begets is one, and He who is begotten is another; He, too, who sends is one, and He who is sent is another; and He, again, who makes is one, and He through whom the thing is made is another.” ~ Against Praxeas Chapter 2

It is exciting to me to find that some of the very things that I see from the scriptures and that I have pondered and of which I am also endeavoring to communicate, are in fact, in line with the teachings of the early church Fathers. As we move forward in this study, please understand that when I reference the doctrine of the Trinity such as I do in the next paragraph, I am mainly referring to commonly held views within Trinitarian teachings. Some are not exactly in line with New Testament language and teachings. Thus we ought to examine them in view of the teachings of the New Testament, and make corrections where needed.

For example, the doctrine of the Trinity (as it has evolved) states that the Holy Spirit is God the Holy Spirit, and is distinct and identifiable from the Father. Sometimes this can be confusing as some may think that the Holy Spirit is another Spirit outside of the person of God the Father.

That was exactly the conflict that I once had in my own understanding, so my teachings on this topic are somewhat personal because I found that seeking to know the Holy Spirit, independent of the Father, led me into fear and bondage. When I began to embrace the truth that the Holy Spirit is God’s own Spirit with me, I moved from fear and bondage, to freedom, peace, joy, and comfort.

So yeah, this topic is very personal to me.

The New Testament overwhelming teaches that the Holy Spirit is God’s own Spirit with us. Consider that on the Day of Pentecost the 120 disciples of Jesus who were gathered in one accord in the upper room, were filled with the Holy Spirit.

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. ~ Acts 2:1-4

A few verses later Peter stood up and explained exactly what had just happened.

… this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy… ~ Acts 2:16-18

Notice that God refers to the Holy Spirit who had filled the 120 disciples of Jesus as my Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God’s Spirit. He is not another Spirit distinct or separate from the Father (the Father is God in the context of Acts 2). While the (evolved) doctrine of the Trinity teaches that the Holy Spirit is distinct and identifiable from the Father, the New Testament reveals that the Holy Spirit is distinctly identified as God’s own Spirit from the Father, with us.

I will pour out of my Spirit. ~ Acts 2:17,18

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. ~ Ephesians 4:30

For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit. ~ 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. ~ 2 Timothy 1:7

And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us. ~ 1 John 3:24

Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. ~ 1 John 4:13

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man… ~ Ephesians 3:14-16

Let me say it again, the doctrine of the Trinity teaches that the Holy Spirit is distinct and identifiable from the Father, the New Testament reveals that the Holy Spirit is distinctly identified as God’s own Spirit from the Father, with us.

Overwhelmingly throughout the New Testament, God is a reference to the Father. Below are just some of the texts that support this.

Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Ephesians 1:2

To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Romans 1:7

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. ~  1 Corinthians 1:3

Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ 2 Corinthians 1:2

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ… ~ Ephesians 5:20 

Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Ephesians 6:23

Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Philippians 1:2

Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. ~ Philippians 4:20 

To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Colossians 1:2 

We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you… ~ Colossians 1:3

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. ~ Colossians 3:17

Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ 1 Thessalonians 1:1 

Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father… ~ 1 Thessalonians 1:3

Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. ~ 1 Thessalonians 3:11

Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ 2 Thessalonians 1:1-2 

Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace… ~ 2 Thessalonians 2:16

Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. ~ 1 Timothy 1:2

Now, you may have noticed that God is referenced in the texts above along with the Lord Jesus Christ. We have many such texts throughout the New Testament, so we can understand based on the language that the writers of the New Testament are not referring to the trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) when they mention God in those places. Instead, they are referring to the Father. Many times throughout the New Testament when the Father and Son are mentioned in the same thought, the Father is said to be God and the Son is referred to as Lord.

Later on I may write an article on the Lordship of Jesus, and how the Lordship of Jesus speaks to Christ’s exaltation by God the Father, but that’s an article for another time. For now I want to point out to you how often we see God and Christ and the description of “God” as a reference to the Father only and not Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. For example, consider the following texts.

Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. ~ Philippians 1:11

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. ~ Philippians 2:9-11

I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. ~ 1 Timothy 5:21

To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. ~ 2 Timothy 1:2 

To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour… ~ Titus 1:4

Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ~ Philemon 1:3

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.  ~ James 1:27

For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. ~ 2 Peter 1:17

Again, these are just some of the texts. Overwhelmingly, the title of God applies to the Father throughout the New Testament. If you don’t believe me, go look up every use of the word God in the New Testament and you will quickly find out that what I am telling you is the truth.

Now, if the New Testament writers thought they were referring to the Father in the vast majority of the texts where they mention God, then that ought to influence how we read the New Testament, and it ought to have some influence on our theology regarding the Trinity.

We are all familiar with the words, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son ~ John 3:16. In this text, God is a reference to the Father and the witness of the New Testament overwhelmingly teaches us that God has a Son!

No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. ~ John 1:18

And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God. ~ John 1:34

Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. ~ John 1:49

And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. ~ Matthew 16:16

I could go on listing scripture after scripture, but these will suffice for now. The point is, the description “God,” is a reference to the Father overwhelmingly throughout the New Testament, and when the Holy Spirit is referred to as the Spirit of God, we ought to know that He is the Spirit that is given to us by the Father. Not distinct from the Father, but distinctly the Spirit from the Father!

In Matthew 10 Jesus had said the following to his disciples.

But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. ~ Matthew 10:17-20

Notice that Jesus uses the language of the Spirit of your Father, but In Luke’s gospel, Luke quotes Jesus as saying the Holy Ghost. And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say. ~ Luke 12:11-12

We see Jesus’s words fulfilled multiple times in the book of Acts. For example, after the lame man was healed in Acts 3, Peter and John were arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin. After being questioned concerning by what power, or by what name, they had done this? We read, “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said…”

This is one of several examples of the Spirit of the Father (the Holy Ghost) giving the disciples the very words they were to speak at a precise moment in time as they answered to the authorities.

When we teach that the Holy Spirit is a distinct person separate from the Father, I think we can do a great disservice to the people and without awareness bring harm onto the body of Christ. If we communicate that the Holy Spirit is another person (distinct and identifiable from the Father and the Son,) then we could be indoctrinating people to seek intimacy with a Spirit that doesn’t draw them into fellowship with the Father and the Son.

Personally, I think this a contributing factor to the abundance of error among many ho claim to be Spirit filled believers. When the Spirit is considered to be independently God, people can easily be led into error. When the Spirit is understood as God’s Spirit (God’s personal presence with us), everything changes and we are driven to follow after truth.

The apostle John tells us that our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. Notice that John does not mention the Holy Spirit when he tells us who our fellowship is with the Father and the Son. Yet he does tell us that we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us ~ 3:24. And  we know that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. ~ 1 John 4:16

The Holy Spirit draws us into fellowship with the Father and the Son. Notice how John refers to the Spirit in correlation to the Father and the Son in the follow verses.

Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing (The Spirit) which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing (Spirit) teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. ~ 1 John 2:23-27

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit given to us from the Father, he is the Spirit of God! He is the promise of the Father and proceeds from the Father. He abides with us and in us, to lead us into all truth and into continual abiding in fellowship with the Father and the Son.

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him…But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. ~ John 14:23, 26

The Comforter, who is the Holy Spirit is God’s very own Spirit through whom the Father and Son make their abode with us.

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. ~ John 16:13-15

Another clear example to understand that the Holy Spirit is indeed the Spirit of the One true God can be found in Paul’s letter to the Romans. Notice the language: But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. ~ Romans 8:11

Who is he who raised up Jesus from the dead, whose Spirit will also quicken our mortal bodies? It is God the Father. Paul says that the Spirit is the Spirit of him, and his Spirit, of the One who raised Jesus from the dead.

As stated earlier, the New Testament doesn’t employ the language God the Holy Spirit but rather, the Spirit of God.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. ~ Romans 8:14

The sons of God being led by the Spirit of God denotes a relationship with the Father. Now consider Paul’s words to the Corinthians.

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ. ~ 1 Corinthians 2: 9-16

Notice that the Spirit of God, also referred to as the Holy Ghost, is God’s own Spirit. 

But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit…

… we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God…

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. ~ Romans 8:14-17 

And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. ~ Galatians 4:6

The Holy Spirit we receive through faith is also called the Spirit of Christ, and in the text above we see that he is referred to as the Spirit of his Son.

The Spirit that was upon Jesus is the Spirit of God, and the prophets in the Old Testament prophesied that the Messiah would be anointed with God’s own Spirit.

Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. ~ Isaiah 42:1

Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. ~ Matthew 12:10

Notice that concerning Jesus God says, I will put my Spirit upon him. He does not say, “I will send another Spirit distinct from me.” No! A thousand times, no! It is God’s own Spirit that was upon Jesus.

For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. ~ John 3:34-25

God in the text above is the Father. Jesus spoke the words he heard by the Spirit from the Father. The Father gives the Spirit from himself. This is exactly what happened at Jesus’ baptism.

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. ~ Matthew 3:16-17

Notice again, the Holy Spirit is referred to as the Spirit of God, and not God the Holy Spirit, because the Spirit comes from God, and not distinct or separate from God himself. The Holy Spirit comes from God because he is God’s own Holy Spirit!

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound… ~ Isaiah 61:1

In the text above, the Holy Spirit is referred to as the Spirit of the Lord God. The description “Lord God,” refers to God the Father throughout the New Testament. For example, consider Acts 4:24-26

And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. ~ Acts 4:24-26

Though Jesus is often referred to as Lord throughout the New Testament,  this text Lord is a reference to God the Father, for they were citing from Psalm 2 in their prayer.

Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. ~ Psalm 2:1-7

It can be easily understood from this text that the Lord is a reference to God who has his anointed, who is also his Son. In Acts 10, Peter preached, How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. ~ Acts 10:38

Now, let’s consider some other texts that refer to the Holy Spirit that we are prone to miss if we are entrenched in Trinity doctrine. Consider that the New Testament teaches us that we are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in us.

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. ~ 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

Now compare this text to a similar one in Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians.

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. ~ 2 Corinthians 6:16-18 

Notice that the Living God whose temple we are, is the Father ~ And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Also notice that the one who is the Father is the God who says, I will dwell in them. How does God our Father dwell in us? By his Holy Spirit. 

Now notice the language that Paul uses regarding being justified from our old sins. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. ~ 1 Corinthians 6:11

The Spirit of our God!

Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. ~ 2 Corinthians 1:21-22

God our Father, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is the one who gives us the earnest of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.

You will not find a single text anywhere in the New Testament that refers to the Holy Spirit as God the Holy Spirit because that description teaches that the Holy Spirit is a distinct person (separate) from the Father, but the New Testament reveals that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit that comes from the Father, through Jesus Christ.