The mystery of the Trinity in Revelation chapter 1:
Note reference to the Trinity in verses 4 and 5 of Revelation chapter 1:
- God the Father (verse 4) : "Him which is and which was and which is to come"
- Spirit of God (verse 4)
- Jesus Christ (verse 5)
This is a thoroughly Trinitarian section
These opportunities are empowered by the 7 fold spirit of God (v4), able to meet the need of Gods people.
V5 “and from Jesus Christ.”
We note in these 2 verses reference to the doctrine often referred to as the ‘Trinity.’
Not a Biblical term admittedly but a soundly Biblical teaching and truth and pattern.
God is 1 essential being with a 3 fold personality.
Compare Human nature – not 3 persons but 3 aspects of the 1 individual:
- Body
- Soul
- Spirit
Not 1+1+1 but 1X1X1
The truth of the Trinity is taught throughout scripture and especially in the NT:
- God the Son – John 1:1,14
- God the Father – John 6:27
- God the Holy Spirit – Acts 5:34
All 3 Persons involved with:
- Incarnation of Jesus – Matt 1:18, 20, 23; Luke 1:35; 1 John 4:14
- Miracles of Jesus
Performed by Jesus – John 2:11
In the name of His Father – John 10:25
By the power of the Holy Spirit – Matt12:28; Acts 10:38
- Baptism of Jesus – Matthew 3:16-17; Luke 3:22
- Resurrection of Jesus Christ
God – Psalm 16:5-10
Lord Jesus – John 10:17-18
Spirit of God – Rom 1:4
God the Father – Rom 6:4
- Salvation of the Christian
Spirit of God – 2 Thess 2:13; John 3:6 – the one who performs / is the executor of the work of saving a soul.
Lord Jesus – John 10:28 – whose work provides that salvation
God the Father – 1 John 4:14 – with whom the plan of salvation originates
- Indwelling if the believer
Spirit of God – John 14:17
Lord Jesus – John 14:18
God the Father – John 14:23
- Baptism – Matt 28:19
- Teaching of the Believer / Apostles – John 14:26
- Our relationship with God – Ephesians 2:18
- Prayer
In the name of Jesus – John 14:13,14; 16:23
To the Father – Luke 11:2; Matt 6:9
By the Spirit of God – Rom 8:26
- Fruitfulness in the Christian life:
Father – John 15:1-2
Son – John 15:1,4-5
Spirit of God – Gal 5:22
- Comfort and Consolation to the Christian
Father – 2 Co 1:3
Son – 2 Co 1:5; 1 John 2:1
Spirit – John 14:16-17
- Eternal security of the Christian:
Jesus – John 10:28
Father – John 10:29-30
Spirit of God – Ephesians 1:13
- Testimony in the heavens (1 John 5:7)
- Inspiration of Scripture
Is this a NT doctrine only?
Consider Deuteronomy 6:4 :
Elohyenu – plural title for God
Echad – the Hebrew word for a composite unity compare the use of the same word in Genesis 1:5; 2:24; where it is also used for composite unity.
Yahid – by way of contrast, not used here in Deuteronomy is a word for singular unity – used in Gen 22:2
Taken from a bible teaching series of studies in the book of Revelation.
Yours by Grace in Christ
Dr J Stewart Gillespie