Let Us,
The Old Testament points (Elohim, “let Us,” holy-holy-holy).
Lesson 5 · Course 52
The Trinity and the works of God
One God in three Persons, the law of God, decrees, and the three primary names.
At a glance
Summary
One God in three Persons, the law of God, decrees, and the three primary names. The members of the Trinity are equal in nature, distinct in person, and subordinate in duties. We worship one God, not three. Tritheism and modalism both miss the glory.
Big ideas
What to teach and remember
- The members of the Trinity are equal in nature, distinct in person, and subordinate in duties. We worship one God, not three. Tritheism and modalism both miss the glory.
- The word Trinity is not in the Bible; the truth is. The Old Testament points (Elohim, “let Us,” holy-holy-holy). The New Testament shows it in the open at Jesus’ baptism.
- Works that only God can do involve all three Persons — creation, the cross, the resurrection, inspiration, indwelling. Never preach a Lone Ranger God.
- The law reflects God’s attributes. The rule of law presupposes objective truth. Pantheism turns God into an inanimate force in nature; Scripture will not.
- God has revealed three primary names in the Old Testament, not six: Elohim, Jehovah (Yahweh), and Adonai. Names are revelation, not nicknames.
- Calvinistic language about decrees stresses that they are all-encompassing. Handle the mystery with worship: God rules, and we remain accountable.
Key terms
People, places, and words that matter
The Trinity?
One divine nature, three real Persons — Father, Son, and Spirit — neither confounding the persons nor dividing the substance. Use the baptism, the benediction…
Biblical words for decree
Predestine, foreknowledge, elect, call, purpose, will, counsel, good pleasure. The vocabulary is worship language before it is a debate team.
Three primary names
Elohim (the strong God, plural majesty), Jehovah/Yahweh (I AM, the covenant Name), Adonai (Master). Capitalization in the KJV is a preaching tool if you…
Trinity
Trinity is equal in nature, distinct in person, and subordinate in duties
Names
Names is revelation, not nicknames
Covenant
Three primary names Elohim (the strong God, plural majesty), Jehovah/Yahweh (I AM, the covenant Name), Adonai (Master).
Inspiration
Works that only God can do involve all three Persons — creation, the cross, the resurrection, inspiration, indwelling.
Structure
Outline / timeline
- What is the Trinity?
- Biblical words for decree
- Three primary names
Must remember
Facts to keep straight
| Quiz score | 100% (1 attempt) |
|---|---|
| Key claim | The members of the Trinity are equal in nature, distinct in person, and subordinate in duties. We worship one God, not three. Tritheism and… |
| Key claim | The word Trinity is not in the Bible; the truth is. The Old Testament points (Elohim, “let Us,” holy-holy-holy). The New Testament shows it… |
| Preach | Works that only God can do involve all three Persons — creation, the cross, the resurrection, inspiration, indwelling. Never preach a Lone… |
For the pulpit
Sermon hooks
- Never preach a Lone Ranger God.
- Capitalization in the KJV is a preaching tool if you explain it.
Quiz drill
Quiz drill / review · open to practice · 10 items
Quiz score: 100% · 1 attempt
1. The members of the Trinity are equal in nature, distinct in person, and subordinate in duties.
TrueEqual in deity; distinct in person; ordered in mission. Hold all three lines.
2. The Trinity means three Gods.
FalseChristians are monotheists. Hear, O Israel: the LORD is one.
3. The Old Testament points to the Trinity.
TrueHints and plural unity — not a full Nicene paragraph, but not silence either.
4. The Trinity was revealed at the baptism of Jesus.
TrueThe Son in the water, the Spirit as a dove, the Father’s voice. Go to the Jordan.
5. All three persons of divinity are involved in works that only God can do.
TrueCreation, Calvary, and new birth are triune works.
6. The law is a reflection of God’s attributes.
TrueHoly, just, and good — because He is.
7. The “rule of law,” by its very nature, presupposes objective truth for it to be reliable to rightly order society.
TrueIf law is only power, the strongest always wins.
8. Pantheism is the ideology teaching that God is an inanimate force within nature and controls all things through the laws of nature.
TruePantheism dissolves the distinction between Creator and creation.
9. The Calvinistic understanding of decrees teaches that they are all-encompassing because they control everything that comes to pass.
TrueThat is the claim of that tradition. Teach it accurately even when you linger over the mystery.
10. God has revealed His six primary names in the Old Testament.
FalseThree primary names: Elohim, Jehovah, Adonai.
Essay themes
If you preach or review
What is the Trinity?
One divine nature, three real Persons — Father, Son, and Spirit — neither confounding the persons nor dividing the substance. Use the baptism, the benediction, and the Great Commission.
Biblical words for decree
Predestine, foreknowledge, elect, call, purpose, will, counsel, good pleasure. The vocabulary is worship language before it is a debate team.
Three primary names
Elohim (the strong God, plural majesty), Jehovah/Yahweh (I AM, the covenant Name), Adonai (Master). Capitalization in the KJV is a preaching tool if you explain it.