Definitions of the trinity by a cross-section
of conservative theologians
The doctrine of the trinity means that within the being
and activity of the one God there are three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Although the word trinity
does not appear in the Bible, the "trinitarian formula" is mentioned in the Great Commission <Matt.
28:19> and in the benediction of the apostle Paul's Second Epistle to the Corinthians <2 Cor. 13:14>.
(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary)
(Copyright (C) 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)
The Christian doctrine (of the trinity) is: (1) That there is only one God, one divine nature and being. (2) This
one divine Being is tripersonal, involving the distinctions of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (3) These
three are joint partakers of the same nature and majesty of God. This doctrine is preeminently one of revelation.
And although it brings before us one of the great mysteries of revelation and transcends finite comprehension,
it is essential to the understanding of the Scriptures, and, as we shall see, has its great value and uses.
(from New Unger's Bible Dictionary)
(originally published by Moody Press of Chicago, Illinois. Copyright (C) 1988.)
While there is only one divine nature, there are three substances, or persons, called the Father, the Son, and
the Holy Ghost, who possess, not a similar, but the same numerical essence, and the distinction between them is
not merely nominal but real.
(John Dick, Theology)
God is one... He subsists in a personality which is threefold, indicated by relationship as Father and Son; by
a mode of being as Spirit; and by the different parts taken by the Godhead in manifestation and in the work of
redemption.
(Schofield, Reference Bible)
There is but one God; but this one God makes Himself known to man as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and they are
separate personalities.
(Torrey, What
the Bible Teaches)