trinity
Theology is important to us because it gives us a framework for our faith. There are, however, very many theological currents, even within the Christian communion. One feature that typifies the WCG/CCI as a body of faith is our commitment to what can be described as "Trinitarian theology." Although the doctrine of the Trinity has been widely accepted throughout church history, some have referred to it as the "forgotten doctrine" because it can so often be overlooked. However, we at WCG/CCI believe that reality, meaning the reality and meaning of the Trinity, changes everything.
The Bible teaches that our salvation depends on the Trinity. The doctrine shows us how each person of the Godhead plays an essential role in our lives as Christians. God the Father has adopted us as his "most beloved children." (Eph 5,1)This is why God the Son, Jesus Christ, accomplished the work necessary for our salvation. We rest in his grace. (Eph 1,3-7), have confidence in our salvation because God the Holy Spirit dwells within us as the seal of our inheritance (Eph1,13-14)Each person of the Trinity plays a unique role in welcoming us into God's family. Although we worship God in three divine persons, the doctrine of the Trinity can sometimes feel very difficult to live out practically. Yet, when our understanding and practice of its core teachings are aligned, it has great potential to transform our daily lives. My understanding is this: The doctrine of the Trinity reminds us that we can do nothing to earn our place at the Lord's table—God has already invited us and completed the necessary work so that we may have a seat at the table. Thanks to salvation through Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we can come before the Father, bound up in the love of the Triune God. This love is freely available to all who believe, because of the eternal, unchanging relationship of the Trinity.
This certainly does not mean that we have no chance to participate in this relationship. Living in Christ means that God's love enables us to care for those who live around us. The love of the Trinity overflows us to enclose us in them; and through us she reaches others. God does not need us to accomplish His work, but He invites us as His family to join Him. We are authorized to love because His Spirit is in us. When I realize that his spirit lives in me, my mind feels relieved. The trinitarian, relationship-oriented God wants to free us to have valuable and meaningful relationships with Him and other people.
Let me give you an example from my own life. As a preacher, I can get caught up in "what I'm doing" for God. I recently met with a group of people. I was so focused on my own agenda that I didn't realize who else was in the room with me. As I became aware of how worried I was about completing the work for God, I took a moment to laugh at myself and celebrate that God is with us and leading and guiding us. We don't need to be afraid of making mistakes when we know that God is in control. We can serve him joyfully. It changes our daily experiences when we remember that there is nothing that God cannot set right. Our Christian calling is not a heavy burden, but a wonderful gift. Because the Holy Spirit lives in us, we are free to participate in His work without worry.
You may know that a motto in the WKG/GCI is, “You are included!” But do you know what that means for me personally? It means that we strive to love as the Trinity loves—to care for one another—in a way that honors our differences, even as we come together. The Trinity is a perfect model of holy love. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit enjoy perfect unity, while clearly being distinct divine persons. As Athanasius said, “Unity in Trinity, Trinity in unity.” The love expressed in the Trinity teaches us the importance of loving relationships within God’s kingdom. The Trinitarian understanding defines the life of our faith community. Here in the WKG/GCI, it motivates us to reconsider how we can care for one another. We want to love those around us, not because we want to earn something, but because our God is a God of fellowship and love. God's Spirit of love guides us to love others, even when it's not easy. We know that his Spirit lives not only in us, but also in our brothers and sisters. That's why we don't just meet for worship on Sundays—we also share meals together and joyfully anticipate what God will do in our lives. This is why we offer help to those in need in our neighborhood and around the world; it's why we pray for the sick and infirm. It's because of love and our faith in the Trinity. When we mourn or celebrate together, we strive to love one another as the Triune God loves. When we live out the Trinitarian understanding daily, we enthusiastically embrace our calling: "To be the fullness of him who fills all things." (Eph 1,22-23)Your generous, selfless prayers and financial support are a crucial part of this sharing community, shaped by the Trinitarian understanding. We are overwhelmed by the Father's love through the redemption of the Son, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and sustained by the care for His body.
From a meal prepared for a sick friend to the joy of a family member's accomplishment, to a donation that helps the church to continue working; all of this allows us to proclaim the good news of the gospel. In the love of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
from dr. Joseph Tkach
