Does the first verse of the entire Bible begin to reveal the mystery of the Trinity? Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. It does, as well as the rest of chapter one. As a dear brother pointed out, the word, “God” in the Hebrew (ELOHIYM or ELOHIM) is actually the plural form of its root. As a matter of fact, it is primarily used throughout the Old Testament. So, let’s geek out a bit with languages, and then go onto more Scripture. The Greek word used in the New Testament (THEOS) is in the singular form. The Greek translation of the Old Testament, known as the Septuagint, uses this word when translating the Hebrew Plural Name (ELOHIM) when used for the true God. It never uses the plural form (TEHOI). The reason for this is at the time of the translation, Greek idolatry was the prevailing superstition. Indecently, their gods were considered demons. By translating the Hebrew, ELOHIM as “God,” they taught or instilled the unity of God, and at the same time did not deny a plurality of persons in the Divine Nature. In the New Testament and the Septuagint, THEOS, God, generally answers to the Old Testament Plural Name, ELOHIM and thus denotes God, the Trinity.
Jesus underscores that God is One in Mark 12:29-39: “And Jesus answered him, ‘The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord’. . .” This is a quote from Deuteronomy 6:4-5: Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. Another New Testament verse highlights our mini language lesson in relation to One God and the idolatry of the day: You believe that God is One. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder (James 2:19).
Now, let’s head back to the beginning. Genesis 1:2-3 The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. Holy Spirit is clearly seen in this passage of Scripture. What about our Father and Jesus? The phrase, “Then God said” actually begins to articulate both Father and Son working together. John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. Again we read: “He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him” (John 1:10). The Word expresses the heart of the Father. We go on to read: “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only Begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).
John 1:15-18 John (the Baptist) testified about Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of Whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’” For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time; the only Begotten God Who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.
Take your time in reading this next passage of the Bible. In fact, read the entire chapter along with chapter two for fuller context.
Colossians 1:13-20 For He (our Father) rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His Beloved Son, in Whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the Firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the Firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.
Creation was by One God Who expressed Himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Revelation 4:11 “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”
