Elohim- Uni-plural
The ending “im” indicates masculine plural, three or more in Hebrew.
The name of God given at creation reveals the reality of the Godhead- the
holy Three-in-One, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Genesis 1:26 “Let us make man in our image”
Similar languageGenesis 3:22 “The man has now become like one of us,
knowing good and evil”
Genesis 11:7 “Come, let us go down and confuse their
language”
Here we see a glimpse of a mysterious truth that will be more fully explained
in the New Testament.
This is an extremely difficult concept- Apple Analogy- Read Three in One
Three distinct personalities, separated by function
It is interesting to note that although Elohim is plural, the verb that
accompanies it is always singular.
Deuteronomy 6:4 “ The Lord Our God, the Lord is One.”
Isaiah 45:5, 22 “Apart from me there is no Elohim”
Each played a part in creation- Genesis 1:1; Exodus 20:11
Revelation 4:11 The Father
John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16 Jesus, the Son
Genesis 1:2; Job 33:4; Psalm 104:30 The Spirit
Diagram found on a cathedral wall in Europe
Four essential truths about the Trinity
1. God is one- Mark 12:29, 1 Corinthians 8:4, James 2:19
2. The Father is fully God- Ephesians 4:6
3. The Son is fully God- John 1:1, 14
4. The Spirit is fully God- Acts 5:3-4
This beautiful mystery of the complex triune nature of God was largely
hidden from God’s people in the Old Testament. The oneness of God
was emphasized in contrast to the myriads of idols worshiped around
them. But, with the coming of Jesus Christ, that mystery began to
unfold for us.
John 10:30 “I and the Father are one.”
In the Son, God gives us the precious gift of a face to face view of Himself.
God the Creator joins His creation.
What does this mean to each of us personally? (Hebrews 2:5-18)
The human nature of God the Son created the perfect environment to
manifest the enormity of the sacrifice required for sin.
Romans 5:8
On the Day of Pentecost, what aspect of the Trinity was made available for
those who became Christians?
Acts 2:38 the gift of the Holy Spirit
How does this revelation directly affect you?
Jesus had spoken of the coming of the Comforter, John 16, but, His role in
the life of the believer became manifest at the foundation of the
Church.
Let’s take a very brief look at how Elohim has been actively involved with
those He made in His image through His three aspectsFather - Acts 17:26-28, John 3:16
Jesus the Son- John 1:10-14, Luke 19:10
Holy Spirit- Romans 8:26-27, Ephesians 1:13-14
From the very beginning of time, God the Father is seen interacting in and
directing the affairs of men, calling them to love Him, serve Him, and
worship Him. Jesus provides the specific remedy to the brokenness caused
by our sin and shows us in human form the essence of God. The Holy Spirit
works in the hearts of believers as a seal of God’s promises. Yet, as distinct
and unique as each of these parts are, they are one God- Elohim!
Can combine lessons 2 and 3