The doctrine of the Trinity—the belief that God exists as three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) in one essence—is a foundational teaching in most mainstream Christian denominations. However, some groups and individuals challenge the concept of the Trinity and interpret certain Bible verses as evidence against it. Below is an exploration of Scriptures often cited by those who argue against the Trinity, followed by explanations of how these verses are typically understood within Trinitarian theology.
1. Deuteronomy 6:4 – God is One
- Verse: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.”
- Anti-Trinitarian Interpretation: This verse is often used to argue that God is singular in being, not three persons. It is seen as a clear declaration of monotheism.
- Trinitarian Response: Trinitarians agree that God is one in essence. They interpret this verse as emphasizing God’s oneness while not excluding His triune nature, as the doctrine of the Trinity also upholds monotheism.
2. John 14:28 – The Father is Greater Than the Son
- Verse: “You heard me say, ‘I am going away, and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.”
- Anti-Trinitarian Interpretation: This statement by Jesus is used to argue that Jesus is subordinate to the Father and not equal to Him, contradicting the idea of co-equality in the Trinity.
- Trinitarian Response: Trinitarians explain that Jesus, while on earth, spoke from His position as a human servant (Philippians 2:6-8). His statement reflects the temporary role He took in submission to the Father during His earthly ministry, not a denial of His divine nature.
3. Mark 13:32 – The Son Does Not Know the Day or Hour
- Verse: “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
- Anti-Trinitarian Interpretation: If Jesus were fully God, He would have omniscience. This verse is used to suggest that Jesus is not equal to the Father.
- Trinitarian Response: Trinitarians argue that during His earthly ministry, Jesus voluntarily limited certain divine attributes (Philippians 2:7). This verse reflects His human limitations, not a denial of His divinity.
4. 1 Corinthians 8:6 – One God, the Father
- Verse: “Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.”
- Anti-Trinitarian Interpretation: This verse separates the Father as “one God” and Jesus as “one Lord,” implying they are distinct beings rather than one God.
- Trinitarian Response: Trinitarians point out that Paul affirms both the Father and Jesus in divine roles. The distinction of titles reflects their relationship, not a denial of the Trinity.
5. Colossians 1:15 – Jesus is the Firstborn
- Verse: “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.”
- Anti-Trinitarian Interpretation: Some interpret “firstborn” to mean that Jesus was a created being, not eternal or co-equal with the Father.
- Trinitarian Response: The term “firstborn” (Greek: prototokos) refers to rank or preeminence, not chronological birth. Trinitarians argue that this verse affirms Jesus’ supremacy over creation, as the following verses state He is the creator of all things (Colossians 1:16-17).
6. John 17:3 – The Father is the Only True God
- Verse: “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”
- Anti-Trinitarian Interpretation: Jesus refers to the Father as the “only true God,” seemingly excluding Himself from being God.
- Trinitarian Response: Trinitarians argue that Jesus is not denying His divinity but emphasizing the distinct personhood of the Father. Jesus frequently referred to His unique role as the Son sent by the Father, consistent with the Trinitarian understanding of their relationship.
7. 1 Timothy 2:5 – One God, One Mediator
- Verse: “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.”
- Anti-Trinitarian Interpretation: This verse identifies Jesus as a “man,” not God, separating Him from the “one God.”
- Trinitarian Response: Trinitarians note that Jesus’ role as mediator required Him to be fully human (to represent mankind) and fully divine (to reconcile humanity to God). His humanity does not negate His divinity.
8. Acts 7:55-56 – Jesus at God’s Right Hand
- Verse: “But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.”
- Anti-Trinitarian Interpretation: This vision of Jesus standing beside God is used to argue that Jesus and God are separate beings, not one.
- Trinitarian Response: Trinitarians see this as a depiction of Jesus’ distinct personhood within the Trinity. Jesus’ position at God’s right hand signifies authority and honor, not separation of essence.
9. Proverbs 8:22-23 – Wisdom as Created
- Verse: “The Lord brought me forth as the first of his works, before his deeds of old; I was formed long ages ago, at the very beginning, when the world came to be.”
- Anti-Trinitarian Interpretation: Some equate the “wisdom” described in this passage with Jesus, suggesting He was created.
- Trinitarian Response: Most scholars agree this passage is poetic and personifies wisdom, not a direct reference to Jesus. Even if applied to Jesus metaphorically, Trinitarians interpret “brought forth” as a reference to His role in creation, not His origin.
10. Matthew 24:36 – Only the Father Knows
- Verse: “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
- Anti-Trinitarian Interpretation: This verse is used to argue that Jesus cannot be God because He lacks knowledge of the end times.
- Trinitarian Response: Trinitarians interpret this as reflecting Jesus’ human limitations during His earthly ministry, where He voluntarily set aside certain aspects of divine knowledge (Philippians 2:7).
Conclusion
Those who argue against the Trinity often cite verses that highlight the distinctions between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit or emphasize Jesus’ humanity. However, Trinitarians interpret these same verses within the framework of their belief that God exists as three distinct persons who share one divine essence. For non-Trinitarians (such as Unitarians or Jehovah’s Witnesses), these verses are foundational to their belief in God’s singular nature without a triune distinction. The interpretation ultimately depends on theological perspective and context.