Our Triune God by Philip Graham Ryken

Author:Philip Graham Ryken [Leland Ryken]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781433519901
Publisher: Crossway
Published: 2011-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

RESPONDING TO GOD’S TRIUNITY

It is a basic tenet of orthodox Christianity that the whole Bible—Old and New Testament—reveals one, consistent plan of redemption carried out by one, unchanging God. But that does not mean that our understanding of God remains unchanged. From the beginning to the end of the Old Testament period, and through the New Testament era as well, there is increasing light and clarity as the revelation of God unfolds. In this chapter we have looked specifically at how the revelation of God’s triune nature opens to us in the flow of Scripture.

But God’s triune nature will always remain mysterious. It is not the intention of this chapter to explain God’s triunity. In fact, it is commonly said that everyone in history who tried to explain the Trinity ended up being branded a heretic. Scripture does not present this doctrine in a manner that satisfies our curiosity. Instead it teaches us just enough about God’s triune nature to increase our astonishment and awe of him. The point of this chapter has been to show that there is nothing illogical or theologically inconsistent about God’s being three in one.

Having come to that conclusion, the mystery remains. But now, instead of a mystery that causes us to doubt, we see that God’s triunity is a mystery that leads us to worship. Augustine wisely reminds us, “What is needed is a loving confession of ignorance rather than a rash profession of knowledge. To reach a little toward God with the mind is a great blessedness; yet to understand is wholly impossible.”25 In this chapter we have “reached a little toward God with the mind.” But the purpose of such an exercise is not to satisfy questions; rather it is to clear away distractions and promote awe and worship.

As a God who demands holiness and then personally and graciously provides for sinners to be made holy, the ways of God stretch our comprehension. As a mighty Creator whose voice gave existence to all things, the power and wisdom of God exceed our understanding. As one who exists eternally without beginning or end, never tiring and never changing, and who is everywhere present, with intimate understanding of all things, the infinite character of God is beyond our capacity to fathom. It certainly should be no surprise to us that when we undertake to contemplate the very being of so mind-boggling a God, we find ourselves facing a task to which our feeble minds are not equal.

The proper outlet for such awe is worship. True theology leads to doxology. Our task in this chapter is not complete without a call to worship. Intellectual contemplation of God is part of our calling to love him “with all our minds.” But this exercise must be joined to loving God “with all our heart . . . soul . . . and . . . strength” as well (Mark 12:29–30).

Let us bow in reverence and awe before so profound and glorious a God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!

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