The English word "trinity" comes from the Latin word "trinitas." (tres = three, usus = one)

The Trinity? The Father. The Son. The Holy Spirit.

Trinity is the best shortened human expression for us to speak biblically, accurately, and confessionally about who God is.

1. One God

   Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.
   Deuteronomy 6:4

2. Three Persons

   "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
   Matthew 28:19-20

"The idea that the one God meets us in three persons is thought to be among the most opaque and least accessible of all Christian teachings. Yet we must speak of Trinity, as Augustine knew, not because we are able to fathom it with overweening confidence, but because we cannot keep silence on a matter so central to faith."

   (The Living God by Thomas Oden, page 180 of Volume One)

*No other religion boasts of a complicated and mysterious God!

3 Significant Creeds over past 1800 years ("Credo" = "I believe")

1. Apostles' Creed - author unknown, date unknown

2. Nicene Creed - written by 318 pastors at Council of Nicaea, 325 AD

3. Athanasian Creed - probably written by St. Athanasius in 300s AD (see Lutheran Worship, p. 134)

Try starting your day by praying in this way:

"I am thankful to God the Father who created me,

God the Son who has redeemed me, and

God the Holy Spirit who sanctifies me and keeps me in my faith."