Any analogy used to explain the Trinity falls short on some points, but there are many instances in nature that demonstrate the ability to be one in essence and substance, yet be manifested in more than one way. H2O is one molecular compound that can manifest itself in three forms – ice, water, and steam. The analogy falls short because all cannot exist simultaneously. An egg has a yolk, eggwhite, and shell, but is still an egg. This analogy is inadequate because even though shell, white, and yolk exist together, they have different qualities, attributes, and substance.
Probably the closest analogy we can make is to compare to the offices of a man. A man is at the same time a son, a father, and a husband. There are shortcomings to the analogy, but it is sufficient for a picture.
Understanding the Trinity is difficult because we tend to think of it mathematically – 1+1+1. Logically, there is no way to make that equal anything other than 3. Even though God is one God, He is infinite. A better way to write the formula is ∞+∞+∞=∞. Just because it is difficult for our finite minds to grasp God’s infinitude doesn’t make it untrue.
Probably the closest analogy we can make is to compare to the offices of a man. A man is at the same time a son, a father, and a husband. There are shortcomings to the analogy, but it is sufficient for a picture.
Understanding the Trinity is difficult because we tend to think of it mathematically – 1+1+1. Logically, there is no way to make that equal anything other than 3. Even though God is one God, He is infinite. A better way to write the formula is ∞+∞+∞=∞. Just because it is difficult for our finite minds to grasp God’s infinitude doesn’t make it untrue.
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