In this podcast, we introduce listeners to the profound and often complex study of the Doctrine of God, exploring His nature, attributes, works, and self-revelation through Scripture and the Holy Spirit. The episode emphasizes that theology is not merely an intellectual pursuit but a relational journey—one that invites believers to move beyond knowing about God into truly knowing Him personally, as illustrated through the faith and friendship of Abraham. By examining key theological disciplines and the role of both reason and revelation, the discussion establishes a framework for understanding how finite humanity can encounter an infinite God. We address the limits of human understanding, the necessity of divine revelation, and the balance between God’s transcendence and immanence, ultimately pointing to Jesus Christ as the fullest expression of God’s revealed nature and the key to truly knowing Him through faith, Scripture, and the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit
After the resurrection of Jesus, He appeared to the disciples, saying, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you. And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’” (John 20:21-22). Fifty days later, on Pentecost (Shavuot), Jesus told His disciples: “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Notice the Holy Spirit came in two forms: first in peace—the fruit of the Spirit. And then in power—the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
The Persons of The Trinity
In the Old Testament, there are plural names and pronouns for God. For example, the names Elohim and Adonai or plural. Some scholars claim this plurality relates to “a plurality of majesty.” However, in Genesis, we read: “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness” (Genesis 1:26). Notice the plural pronouns. Others are found in Genesis 3:22 and 11:7. In Isaiah, we read: “I heard the voice of the Lord [Adonai], saying: Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” (Isaiah 6:8). This verse acknowledges the oneness and unity of God, but also incorporates God’s plurality, inferring plurality in unity.
Understanding The Trinity
Christian theology takes on a definite form and system of study, creating the basis for exploring religious doctrines and matters of divinity, specifically the relationship of God with His creation. Theology comes from two Greek words: theos, meaning “God,” and logos, meaning “discourse” or “reason.” Therefore, theology is the discourse or reasoning about God, His existence, nature, names, attributes, works, and His biblical truth. One of the more challenging areas of theological study is that of God’s triune nature—the Trinity.