3. THE GODHEAD

The doctrine of the Godhead is one of the fundamental teachings of Christianity. The Bible reveals that the Godhead consists of three distinct Persons—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—who are united in nature, character, and purpose.

Some have denied the deity of Christ, while others have claimed that Jesus alone is God. If this were true, there would have been a time when no God existed while Christ rested in the tomb after His crucifixion. However, Scripture clearly teaches that God has always existed:

"From everlasting to everlasting, thou art God." — Psalm 90:2

1. Did Christ possess the attributes of Deity?

"For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." — Colossians 2:9

Note: Paul teaches that the complete fullness of Deity dwells in Christ. He possesses every attribute of God, including:

• Divine authority

• Creative power

• Sustaining power over the universe

• Perfect wisdom

• Infinite love

• Omniscience

• Omnipotence

• Eternal existence

Since all the fullness of the Godhead dwells in Christ, Scripture reveals that there is more than one Person in the Godhead.

2. How many distinct Persons are there in the Godhead?

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." — Matthew 28:19

Note: Jesus mentioned three distinct Persons:

• The Father

• The Son

• The Holy Spirit

Since the Father and the Son are distinct Persons, it follows that the Holy Spirit is also a distinct Person.

3. What is the relationship of the members of the Godhead?

a. God the Father

God the Father is the Head of the universe, including the Son.

"My Father is greater than I." — John 14:28

Read also: 1 Corinthians 11:3

b. Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is the eternal, only-begotten Son of God.

Read:

• John 3:16

• Micah 5:2

c. The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Godhead and works in perfect harmony with the Father and the Son.

Read:

• Genesis 1:2

Note: In the plan of salvation:

• The Father planned salvation.

• The Son accomplished salvation through His incarnation, death, and resurrection.

• The Holy Spirit applies salvation by converting and transforming the human heart.

4. What are some of God's attributes?

God is:

a. Omnipotent (All-powerful)

• Revelation 19:6

• Job 11:7

b. Omnipresent (Present everywhere)

• 2 Chronicles 16:9

• Zechariah 4:10

c. Omniscient (All-knowing)

• 1 Timothy 1:17

• Job 24:1

• Job 32:8

d. Immutable (Unchanging)

• Hebrews 6:17

e. Eternal

• Psalm 10:16

• Daniel 7:14

• Revelation 11:17

f. Love

• 1 John 4:8

g. Merciful

• Exodus 34:6

h. Just

• Deuteronomy 32:4

• Revelation 15:3

i. Righteous

• Ezra 9:15

• Nehemiah 9:7–8

5. Did Christ exist with the Father from eternity?

Read:

• John 1:1–3

• John 1:14

These verses reveal that Christ existed with the Father before creation and was Himself the Creator.

6. Is the Holy Spirit a Person?

Yes.

a. Jesus called Him "another Comforter."

Read:

• John 14:16–17

b. The Holy Spirit possesses personal qualities.

He has:

1. A mind (Romans 8:26–27)

2. A will (1 Corinthians 12:11)

3. Feelings—He can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30)

4. Intelligence—He can be lied to (Acts 5:3–4)

5. Dignity—He can be insulted (Hebrews 10:29)

c. The Holy Spirit is associated with the Father and the Son.

Read:

• Matthew 28:19

• 2 Corinthians 13:14

7. What is the work of each Person of the Godhead in salvation?

a. The work of the Father

1. He gave His Son.

John 3:16

2. He pardons sin.

Micah 7:18

b. The work of the Son

1. He saves from sin.

Matthew 1:21

2. He intercedes for believers.

1 John 2:1–2

c. The work of the Holy Spirit

1. Inspires the prophets.

2 Peter 1:21

2. Convicts the world of sin.

John 16:8

3. Guides believers into all truth.

John 16:13

4. Brings about the new birth.

John 3:3–8

Conclusion

The three divine Persons of the Godhead are one in nature, character, purpose, and work. Although Jesus voluntarily submitted Himself to the Father's plan by becoming human, He remains fully divine.

God the Father planned redemption.

God the Son accomplished redemption through His perfect life, sacrificial death, resurrection, heavenly ministry, and promised return.

God the Holy Spirit applies redemption to the hearts of believers by convicting, converting, sanctifying, and preparing them for Christ's kingdom.

Although finite human minds cannot fully comprehend the infinite nature of God, Scripture gives sufficient evidence that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit work together in perfect unity to save humanity. Through Their united work, every believer may have the assurance of salvation and eternal life.