Although the word Trinity is not in the Bible, the biblical narrative does refer to it. For example, the first name of God in Genesis 1:1 is the Hebrew word “Elohim.” In Hebrew, Elohim is a plural noun, but it is often used in a singular sense when referring to the God of Israel. Some scholars suggest that the plural form of Elohim expresses the abundance of God’s attributes, power, sovereignty, and/or the Trinity.
Scripture hints at God’s singular plurality in the account of man’s creation. “Then God said, ‘Let US make mankind in OUR image, according to OUR likeness” (Genesis 1:26). More specifically, God the Spirit and God the Son are identified as involved in creation. Genesis 1:2 says, “And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.” And Colossians 1:15 says explicitly that Christ is the creator of all things. In other words, Scripture claims that all members of the Trinity are the Elohim of creation: the singular plural God.
The Old Testament often refers to the Spirit of God as a powerful influence in the lives of some of the main characters. King Saul received the Spirit when he was made Israel’s first king, but we are told that God’s Spirit left him when he disobeyed God’s command. The Spirit of God also came upon David when Samuel anointed him king (1 Samuel 16:14). In the Old Testament, the influencing presence of God’s Spirit in the lives of people was real but also temporary.
In the New Testament, the proclamation of the gospel verifies and clarifies the Trinity. The following outline summarizes the various roles of the Trinity with regard to the gospel.
The Father
- Author (Ephesians 3:8-9)
- Architect (Romans 1:1-2)
The Son
- Messenger (John 1:4, 17-18)
- Message (Romans 1:3,9; Gal. 1:16)
The Holy Spirit
- Power (Romans 1:4, Acts 1:8)
- Proof (Romans 8:9, 14, 16)
God the Spirit is revealed throughout the narrative of God the Son. The Holy Spirit was:
- The agent for the conception of Jesus (Luke 1:35).
- Present at Christ’s baptism along with the Father (Matthew 3:16).
- The One who led Christ into the wilderness (Matthew 4:1).
- the power behind Christ’s ministry (Luke 4:14; 4:18).
- The power behind Christ’s healing ministry (Luke 5:17; Acts 10:38).
- A major topic Jesus taught about in the upper room discourses (John 14, 16).
- The power behind the resurrection (Rom 1:4; 1 Peter 3:18; Rom. 8:11).
It should not be surprising, then, that the Holy Spirit plays a major role in expanding the gospel message. In the New Testament times as well as now, the Spirit is both the power and the proof behind the gospel.
The Holy Spirit and the Power of the Gospel
The following are a few examples of the power of the Holy Spirit relating to the gospel.
- The Holy Spirit brings conviction to the hearts of men (John 14:26).
- The Holy Spirit is the power behind every new birth (John 3:1+).
- The Holy Spirit was the power behind the gospel expansion (Acts 1:8).
- The Holy Spirit was the power behind the words of Jesus (John 14:26).
- The Holy Spirit is the power behind the Gospel (1 Thessalonians 1:5, Romans 1:16).
The Holy Spirit and the Proof of the Gospel
As the gospel expanded from Jerusalem to Judea, to Samaria, and to the world, there was an accompanying presence and evidence of God the Spirit.
- The Apostle’s baptism with the Holy Spirit that Jesus promised in Acts 1:5 is fulfilled at Pentecost. The Spirit’s dramatic presence, Peter said, was proof that Joel’s prophecy was now being fulfilled (Acts 2:17).
- Peter argues that the presence of the Holy Spirit among early Gentile believers like Cornelius proved that the Gentiles’ response to the gospel was authentic (Acts 15:7-8).
As the gospel expanded into Samaria and then to the world (Acts 1:8), the accompanying proof was the presence of the Holy Spirit, initially demonstrated by the gift of tongues.
- Jews (Acts 2)
- Samaritans (Acts 8:24-17)
- Gentiles (Acts 10)
Eventually, we find that the proof of the gospel power is not found in the expression of the gifts of the Spirit but rather in the fruit of the Spirit, a transformed heart and life (See 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10). For example, Paul highlights the evidence of the gospel’s power in the lives of the Thessalonian believers.
- They believed despite suffering persecution.
- They imitated Paul’s life and values.
- This life change was visible to others throughout Macedonia.
- They shared their faith with others.
- They repented and turned from serving idols to the living and true God.
- They anticipated Christ’s return and ultimate rescue.
This leads to a sensitive yet important question. What evidence do we look for today that indicates an authentic conversion, a new birth, a new creation through the gospel? Here are a few that we should consider.
- Spirit-led: a sensitivity to the quiet voice of the indwelling Spirit as he speaks through his Word (Romans 8:14).
- Fruit of the Spirit: demonstrates the spirit and character of Christ (Galatians 5:22-23).
- Allegiance – Demonstrates commitment to kingdom authority (Colossians 1:13).
- Alignment – actively living out God’s will (1 John 2:3).
- Witness of the Spirit – affirms legitimate faith (Romans 8:16).
Each person of the Trinity is involved in the gospel. That is why the early Apostles’ Creed emphasized the Trinity. This Creed was of significant importance because it confirmed, once and for all, that the New Testament gospel revealed the Trinity and the Trinity revealed the gospel.