I can’t unsee it!
For years, it has captivated me, that great mystery that hides in plain sight within scripture. For some, it’s an embarrassment because they can’t explain it to themselves or others. Its presence has fostered breakaway religions as their founders couldn’t comprehend or control it. Heck, it didn’t even have a name until the mid-second century.
Then this guy, Tertullian, wrote about this great Mystery from the scriptures and called it “trinitas” (triad or threefold). His reflections appear to be one of the first Christian theological documents on this topic. In English, it became known as the Trinity: one in three and three in one.
In seminary, I was introduced to another name while reading a book: Worship, Community and the Triune God of Grace by James B. Torrance. This book was trinitarian theology to its core, and spoke to how to live it in Christian life. Since reading it, I have been an advocate for, and have adopted, the words: “Triune God of Grace!” And “Yes,” it is still a Mystery, an incredible and comforting Divine Mystery.
Recently, I read a book on the Trinity. The Divine Dance – The Trinity and Your Transformation by Richard Rohr is, without a doubt, the best book about the Triune God of Grace I have ever read. I will be using it as a personal devotional in the coming months as I read it again, this time broken into short readings. And “Yes,” it is still a Mystery, an incredible and comforting Divine Mystery.
But don’t take my word for it; I dare you to read it for yourself. For once you do, you will not be able to unsee it.
With love, I leave you with four scriptures to chew on…
The Angel to Mary
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” Luke 1:35
Resurrected Jesus to the Eleven Apostles
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
Peter greeting the Churches of Asia Minor
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who are chosen exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.” 1 Peter 1:1-2
Paul blessing the Corinthian Church
“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” 2 Corinthians 13:14
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