Ask a Pastor Column

Q: Which of the three members of the Trinity did you receive in your life and have a personal relationship with?

A: The Christian doctrine of the Trinity is a complex and mysterious subject. However, within that mystery we are given some clear points to hold onto which lets me give a somewhat detailed answer to this question. Clear point No. 1: God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ becomes our Father by adoption the moment we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior (Galatians 4:5; Ephesians 1:5; 1 John 3:1; etc.). From that moment He considers us free to share in the riches of Christ (Colossians 1:12) and entitled to offer prayers to Him as we are seated at His right hand in Christ (Ephesians 2:5-6).

It would be easy to assume that God being our Father automatically makes Christ our brother. But that is not the case because we are sons and daughters of God “in Christ,” sharing in His Sonship. Jesus Christ is never called our brother in the Bible, He is our Head or authority (Colossians 2:9-10), the Bridegroom of the Church (Luke 5:33-34), our Teacher and Lord (John 13:13), the Captain of our Salvation (Hebrews 2:10), our Savior (Ephesians 5:23), Redeemer (1 Peter 1:18-19), Friend (John 15:15), and so much more.

Christ is also our Conduit to the Father (I Timothy 2:5; 1 Jn. 2:1). The Bible describes Jesus as being both in heaven (Eph. 1:20) and with us (Matthew 28:20). Christians can consider ourselves, in one sense, to be with Christ in heaven (Ephesians 2:5-6). And we can remember that Christ is always with us on earth (Colossians 1:26-27)

The Holy Spirit is described as the believer’s Helper (John 14:26). Since Jesus departed from the earth, the Holy Spirit fills the gap he left, acting as tutor teacher and guide to Christians until we’re called home or Jesus returns (John 14:25-26). His active and felt presence in our lives is the seal and guarantee of our salvation (Ephesians 1:22). His work through God’s word opens up our eyes to the wonders of the Scriptures, He heals us and teaches us through His book (Ephesians 6:17b; Hebrews 4:12). He serves us and restrains the evil of the world through us until the time comes for Him to depart (II Thessalonians 2:7).

————

Let us know what you think of the ask a pastor articles! If you’ve found them helpful in any way, been blessed by an article, or have any thoughts on how we could make it better, let us know by sending an email to askapastor [email protected] or by mail to Formoso Church; P.O. Box 66; Formoso, Kansas 66942. And, as always, feel free to send us your Bible questions!