Some critics of the Trinity doctrine claim that since the word
"trinity" is not found in the Bible, it isn't true. Furthermore,
some assert that if God wanted us to believe in the Trinity He would have
stated the doctrine clearly.
First of all, it is illogical to claim that since
the word "Trinity" is not found in the Bible that its concept is not taught
therein. This
kind of objection usually demonstrates a prejudice against the teaching of
the Trinity. Instead, the person should look to God's word to see if
it is taught or not.
Second, there are many biblical concepts that
people believe in that don't have a specific word describing them used in the Bible. For example, the word
"bible" is not found in the Bible, but we use it anyway to
describe the Bible.
Likewise, the words "omniscience," which means "all
knowing," "omnipotence," which means "all
powerful," and "omnipresence," which means "present
everywhere," are words not found in the Bible either, but we use them to describe the attributes of God.
We don't have to see a specific word in the Bible in order for the
concept it describes to be true.
Following are other words that the Bible does not
use but the concepts are mentioned.
Atheism is the teaching that there is no God. "The
fool has said in his heart, "There is no God" (Psalm
14:1).
Divinity which means divine quality or godlike character.
Yet, we speak of the godlike quality of the Lord God. See Psalm
139.
Incarnation which means the word (God) who became flesh.
Yet, this is definitely taught in the Bible (John 1:1,14).
Monotheism is the teaching that there is only one God (Isaiah
43:10; 44:8).
Rapture is the teaching that the Christians who are alive when
Jesus returns will be caught up to meet Him in the air (1 Thess. 4:16-18).
So,
to say that the Trinity isn't true because the word isn't in the Bible is
an invalid argument. Furthermore, to say that if God wanted us to
believe in the Trinity He would have clearly taught it in scripture, is
also an invalid argument. Something does not have to be clearly
formulated in the Bible to be valid. Not all things taught in the
Bible are perfectly clear. Take a look at the book of Revelation. It
contains many things that are cryptic that must be interpreted after
examining all of the Bible. Even then, there are disagreements as to
what some things mean. Yet, we know that the truths there are true
whether or not we discover them.
Nevertheless, there are scriptures that
demonstrate a Trinitarian aspect.
Matt.
28:18, Go therefore and make disciples of
all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son
and the Holy Spirit,
2 Cor. 13:14, The grace
of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of
the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
Eph.
4:4-7, There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were
called in one hope of your calling; 5one Lord, one faith,
one baptism, 6one God and Father of all who is over all and
through all and in all. 7But to each one of us grace was
given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
Jude 20-21, "But
you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith; praying
in the Holy Spirit; 21keep yourselves in the love of God,
waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal
life."