“And God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness,’” – Genesis 1:26
The Creation and the Trinity
In the book of Genesis, we see a beautiful picture of the Trinity at work during creation. When God says, “Let us make mankind in our image,” it hints at a multi-person nature of God. As we reflect on this sacred moment, we can see how each person of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—was present and active. This encourages us to marvel at our creation in His image. As we live each day, we can recognize the divine fingerprints of the Trinity weaving through our lives, shaping us into His likeness.
Genesis 1:26
“Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” – Genesis 1:26
Genesis 3:22
“And the Lord God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil.” – Genesis 3:22
Genesis 11:7
“Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.” – Genesis 11:7
Isaiah 6:8
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”” – Isaiah 6:8
Psalm 110:1
“The Lord says to my lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”” – Psalm 110:1
The Revelation of the Trinity
The Old Testament contains glimpses of the Trinity that foreshadow a fuller revelation. In various prophecies and descriptions, we see how God interacts with His creation through multiple persons. We are invited to recognize that the one true God exists in a loving relationship within Himself. This understanding encourages us to appreciate the depth of God’s nature and to recognize the guidance we find in each of the Trinity’s roles. As we read the scriptures, we can see the anticipation building towards Christ’s coming and the revelation of the Holy Spirit.
Isaiah 9:6
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6
Isaiah 48:16
“Come near me and listen to this: From the first announcement I have not spoken in secret; at the time it happens, I am there.” – Isaiah 48:16
Zechariah 12:10
“And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child.” – Zechariah 12:10
Genesis 18:1-3
“The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre, while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day.” – Genesis 18:1-3
Proverbs 30:4
“Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Whose hands have gathered up the wind? Who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and the name of his son? Tell me if you know!” – Proverbs 30:4
The Attributes of God in the Trinity
Each person of the Trinity reveals different attributes of God. The Old Testament highlights various aspects of God’s nature that remind us of His brilliance and creativity. When we explore the attributes of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, it leads us to deeper faith and trust. The complexities of their characteristics encourage us to engage with God in a more profound way, allowing us to experience His love, mercy, justice, and grace. Understanding these attributes helps us reflect on our relationship with God and how we can share the love of Christ with others.
Psalm 139:7-10
“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.” – Psalm 139:7-10
Isaiah 63:10
“Yet they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit. So he turned and became their enemy and he himself fought against them.” – Isaiah 63:10
Deuteronomy 6:4
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” – Deuteronomy 6:4
Exodus 34:6
“And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” – Exodus 34:6
Psalms 90:2
“Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” – Psalms 90:2
The Prophecy of the Messiah
The Old Testament speaks prophetically about the coming Messiah, who represents the Son in the Trinity. These messages communicated the hope that a Savior would arrive to redeem humanity. This anticipation in the scriptures helps us appreciate the unity of purpose among the Trinity. As we contemplate the prophecies concerning Christ, we find inspiration to trust in God’s plan and the fulfillment of His promises. We can also see how these prophecies resonate with the roles of Father and Holy Spirit, past and present, urging us to remain hopeful in His goodness.
Micah 5:2
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” – Micah 5:2
Isaiah 53:5
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5
Isaiah 7:14
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14
Jeremiah 23:5
“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.” – Jeremiah 23:5
Isaiah 61:1
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” – Isaiah 61:1
The Unity of the Trinity
The concept of Trinity emphasizes the unity of God’s nature while still allowing each person to play distinct roles. Foundational teachings found in the Old Testament showcase God’s singular purpose woven through multiple persons. As we explore these depictions of God’s unity, we gain confidence that our God is not divided but operates together harmoniously. When we embrace this understanding, we can act with unity in our relationships, communities, and the church. We are called to reflect this unity in how we love others and serve God.
Numbers 6:24-26
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” – Numbers 6:24-26
Deuteronomy 32:39
“See now that I myself am He! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand.” – Deuteronomy 32:39
Isaiah 44:6
“This is what the Lord says: Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God.” – Isaiah 44:6
Psalms 33:6
“By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.” – Psalms 33:6
Isaiah 61:3
“And provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” – Isaiah 61:3
God’s Love Through the Trinity
Throughout the Old Testament, we see how God communicates His love to His people through various means, pointing to the future revelation of the Trinity. Each aspect—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—plays a vital role in showcasing God’s unwavering love. We learn that His love is deep and multifaceted, callings us to understand just how cherished we are. As we absorb God’s messages of love through the scriptures, we are motivated to share that love with others, embracing our calling as His beloved children.
Zephaniah 3:17
“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” – Zephaniah 3:17
Isaiah 54:10
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” – Isaiah 54:10
Isaiah 43:4
“Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.” – Isaiah 43:4
Psalm 136:1
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” – Psalm 136:1
Malachi 1:2
“I have loved you,” says the Lord. “But you ask, ‘How have you loved us?’ “Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” The Lord says. “Yet I have loved Jacob.” – Malachi 1:2
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the Trinity in the Old Testament, we find comfort in God’s love, unity, and divine purpose. We experience the richness of His nature and how each person of the Trinity contributes to our understanding of God. These verses remind us of our identity and encourage us to walk in faith, knowing we are created in His image. This exploration fills us with hope, enabling us to share God’s love in our daily lives, connect with others, and embody the essence of the Trinity.
Our understanding of the Trinity can deepen as we continue to study the scriptures. If you’re interested in learning more, I encourage you to explore these exciting topics: God’s Nature and The Holy Spirit. Let’s keep seeking God together, growing in our faith with each step we take.