"But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only."
This verse is part of Jesus' teaching about the end times. It emphasizes that the exact timing of His return and the culmination of the age is unknown to all—except God the Father.
— Matthew 24:36
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Wrestling with the Trinity: An Honest Dilemma
I’ve long wrestled with a question that may resonate with others who walk a non-denominational Christian path. It’s a theological dilemma that touches the core of both belief and belonging: the doctrine of the Trinity.
I believe in God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. I believe in Jesus as the Son of God, the one who walked among us, who died and rose again. I believe in the Holy Spirit as the power of God at work in the world. But I do not see clear biblical evidence that these three are coequal, coeternal persons in a triune Godhead. To my reading, God the Father is always presented in a superior role. Even Jesus said, “The Father is greater than I” (John 14:28). That statement, among others, gives me pause.
And yet, many churches—most, in fact—require belief in the Trinity as a foundational doctrine. It’s often written into their statements of faith, sometimes even as a test of true Christianity. This leaves me with a difficult question: can I, in good conscience, become part of a church that holds as central a doctrine I cannot, at present, affirm?
This is not about rebellion, nor about trying to create division. It’s about integrity. I want to be part of a community. I want to gather with others in worship, in learning, in service. But I don’t want to pretend to believe something just to belong. And I’m not ready to close the door on questions I still hold.
Some will say, “But what about... ? I also see how early church history shaped the doctrine of the Trinity over time, how language and metaphysics entered into what was once a simple faith in God through Christ.
Perhaps you’ve felt this same tension: a desire to follow Christ wholeheartedly, but a sense that certain man-made frameworks have been elevated to divine status. Perhaps you’ve stayed silent in church, or stepped away altogether, because your conscience wouldn’t allow you to say “I believe” to something you’re not sure about.
If that’s you, I’d love to hear from you.
I’ve written this not to debate, but to invite. To open a space for honest conversation. If you're walking this road too—longing for fellowship, but holding questions about traditional doctrine—I invite you to join the discussion on my blog. Your thoughts, your doubts, your faith—all are welcome.
Let’s walk this path together with sincerity, humility, and a shared hunger for truth.
Comments
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Hi Jim,
I also have been trying to research this question of Jesus's divinity. Here is what I found.
The answer to this question is probably to be found in John chapter verses 1 v 1 and 2. In the beginning was the word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.
Also in Genesis 1 v 26 where it talks about God speaking to Jesus
"Let us make man in our image" Then in Proverbs 8:22-30: "The LORD created me as the beginning of his works, before his deeds of long ago. From eternity I was appointed, from the beginning, from before the world existed. Proverbs 8:24 When there were no deep oceans I was born, when there were no springs overflowing with water; Proverbs 8:25 before the mountains were set in place - before the hills - I was born, Proverbs 8:26 before he made the earth and its fields, or the beginning of the dust of the world. Proverbs 8:27 When he established the heavens, I was there.
marked out the horizon over the face of the deep, Proverbs 8:28 when he established the clouds above, when the fountains of the deep grew strong, Proverbs 8:29 when he gave the sea his decree that the waters should not pass over his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth, Proverbs 8:30 then I was beside him as a master craftsman, and I was his delight day by day, rejoicing before him at all times, Proverbs 8:31 rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth, and delighting in its people."
The "I" in that passages is Jesus, and the " He" Is The Lord God.
God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ) and God the Holy Spirit.. Isaiah 48:16- Come near unto me, hear this: I have not spoken in secret from the beginning ; from the time that it was, there am I, and the Lord GOD, and his Spirit hath sent me. 17a- Thus saith, the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, I am the Lord thy God (Jesus). 1John 5:7- For there are three that bear record in Heaven, The Father, the Word (Jesus is the Word)- St John 1:1; and the Holy Spirit.
The bible teaches us that there are three persons in God: the Father,Son and the Holy Spirit but the three are one God alone.even the angels have only soul and spirit. When God said let us make man in our image,it means let me(God) make man in three dimensions similar to me(God) that is why of all creation there is only man (soul,mind and body)who is like God in three.
The Bible is our ultimate guide and not to be influenced by personal opinion.
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Hi Gill, thanks for penning your thoughts. 😀May I ask, where does it say this when you write "The bible teaches us that there are three persons in God: the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit but the three are one God alone."
And also, if the there are one, how did God know something that Jesus never knew? Does this not put into question "coequal?"
Matthew 24:36 (ESV)
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Hi Jim,
Yes you are right it does say that in the Bible! I have always believed in Sola Scriptura that if it is in the Bible it must be true. However there is a lot of scripture pointing the other way also. Personally I pray to God in the name of Jesus ( I say this at the end of prayer) and I believe Jesus was the son of God as well as our saviour and the one who redeems us from our sins. The Bible is like a guide book but we evaluate it with our spirit.
Best wishes
Gill
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You are right there is no mention of the word 'Trinity' in the Bible so it must be another understanding of the relationship, between God the father, Jesus son and Holy Spirit, as perhaps more of a hierarchy?
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Hi Gill,
I have been reading the Bible for 40 years. Some verses present issues that are hard to resolve. But here are my thoughts . 400 years after the death of Jesus, Constantine, in an effort to unify the empire presided over a large meeting involving all the religious leaders in the empire. In an effort to unify the various views regarding the identity of God and Jesus, they came up with The Trinity. Right away, that sends out alarm bells for me when new terms are factored in.
My feeling is that God can not be analysed , he is not a being like humans or angelic creatures. He is the "I Am". Therefore, we cannot put God in a box that fits our limited human discernment.
And under those circumstances, I just follow the example of Jesus, who prayed, relied and worshipped God. I also pray to Jesus, because Jesus invited us to do so.
However, this all sets me at odds with Christendom, because I cannot accept the Trinity in fear of succumbing to idolatry.
I hope that makes sense? However, I respect all the conclusions that others including yourself have grown to accept.
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Hi Jim,
Thank you that was interesting what you said about Constantine wanting to keep the faith united.
Gill
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Thank you for your input, Gill.