In some of the chapters, already given, frequent reference has been made to the Trinity, the union of the three Persons–Father, Son, and Holy Ghost–in the one Godhead. As presented to us in the Scriptures, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are equally divine, and also personally distinct from each other. In a certain, and a very important sense, the three are one, and yet, in another sense, equally important, they are three. In substance and purpose there can be no question about their oneness. In all the affairs of the universe they work together with a unity of plan, and a harmony of purpose, that is beyond the comprehension of man. Even in the creation we find them working together. In Genesis 1:26 we read: “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” The “us” and “our” are plural, and mean a plurality in the Godhead. It is also said in verse two: “And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” Here we have both the Father and the Spirit distinctly mentioned, as being together in the beginning of the creation. Turning to John 1:3, we have this statement, regarding Christ at the same period: “All things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made.” (Also Col. 1:16.) This makes it clear that the “us,” of Genesis 1:26, means the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Passing to the New Testament, we have the three clearly manifested at the baptism of Jesus (Matt. 3:16-17). In 1 Peter 1:2 we have mention of the Father, the Spirit, and Jesus Christ. In the closing verse of the thirteenth chapter of 2 Corinthians we read: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all.”
Jesus at one time said: “I and my Father are one” (John 10:30). In John 17:11 the same truth is reiterated, for there we are told that he prayed that his disciples might be one as he and the Father are one. And while they are spoken of as one, yet they are mentioned as doing their separate work. “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work,” says the Master in John 5:17. This and other scriptures set forth the personality of the Father and the Son.
–J. H. Moore,
The New Testament Doctrines,
Brethren Publishing House,
Elgin, Illinois. 1914