The concepts of the ontological Trinity
and immanent Trinity are theological terms used to describe different aspects of the nature of God as revealed in the Bible. These terms help to explain how God exists in His own being and how He relates to Himself within the Trinity.
- ### Ontological Trinity
- The ontological Trinity refers to the essential nature or existence of God as Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit. It focuses on the eternal relationships and distinctions within the Godhead:
- 1. **Distinct Persons**: The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct persons within the Godhead, each possessing the fullness of the divine nature.
- 2. **Equal in Essence**: Each person of the Trinity is fully God, sharing the same divine essence or substance. This is affirmed in passages such as John 1:1-3, where Jesus (the Word) is identified as God and with God.
- 3. **Eternal Relationship**: The Father begets the Son (John 1:18), and the Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son (John 15:26). These eternal relationships within the Trinity are foundational to understanding the ontological Trinity.
### Immanent Trinity
- The immanent Trinity, sometimes referred to as the economic Trinity, focuses on how God reveals Himself and interacts within creation and among humanity:
- 1. **Revelation in Scripture**: Through the Bible, God reveals Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in His interactions with humanity. This revelation unfolds progressively throughout Scripture, culminating in the revelation of Jesus Christ as the Son of God (John 14:9-11).
- 2. **Salvation History**: The immanent Trinity is revealed through God’s actions in history, particularly in the work of redemption and salvation. For example, God the Father sends the Son into the world to save humanity (John 3:16), and the Holy Spirit is sent to empower believers and continue the work of Christ (John 14:16-17).
- 3. **Role in Creation and Redemption**: Each person of the Trinity plays a distinct role in creation and redemption. The Father plans and initiates salvation (Ephesians 1:3-6), the Son accomplishes salvation through His death and resurrection (1 Peter 1:18-21), and the Holy Spirit applies salvation to believers and empowers them for Christian living (Galatians 5:16-18).
- ### Biblical Teaching and Verses
- – **Matthew 28:19**: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” This verse affirms the triune nature of God, instructing believers to baptize new disciples in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- – **2 Corinthians 13:14**: “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” This benediction highlights the distinct roles of each person of the Trinity in the Christian life.
- – **John 1:1-3**: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” This passage speaks to the eternal existence of Jesus Christ (the Word) as God and with God from the beginning.
- ### Conclusion
- The ontological Trinity emphasizes the eternal existence and relationships within the Godhead, while the immanent Trinity focuses on how God reveals Himself and acts in relation to creation and humanity. Both concepts are foundational to Christian theology and understanding God’s nature as revealed in Scripture.