The Trinity and Creation

Some Christians interpret the Bible accounts of creation as indicating the presence of the Trinity in the process of creation. Two key examples of such indications are found in Genesis 1:1-3 and John 1:1-3.

Genesis 1

‘In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light” and there was light.’ [Genesis 1:1-3 NIV].

Interpretation of Genesis 1

Some Christians interpret Genesis 1:1-3 as indicating the presence of the Trinity in the process of creation.
- It speaks of God as Creator, of the Spirit of God that was hovering over the waters, and of the Word spoken by God to begin the process of creation.

The Gospel of John

‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.’ [John 1:1-3 NIV].
Many Christians believe the Word (‘Logos’ in Greek) refers to God the Son who was the creative Word spoken by God at the start of the universe and is often referred to as the Word of God in Christian writings.

Interpretation of the Gospel of John

The idea that the Word refers to God the Son is important in the Gospel of John.
- John says that the Word was present with God at the beginning and that everything that came into being did so through him.
- John means that the Word is to be understood as Jesus, God the Son. Jesus is also the Word because he spoke God’s words throughout his ministry.

1Buddhism

2Christianity

2.1Key Beliefs

2.1.1The Nature of God

2.1.2The Problem of Evil

2.1.3Monotheism

2.1.4Creation

2.1.5Bible Accounts of Creation

2.1.6The Trinity and Creation

2.1.7Afterlife

2.1.8Heaven and Hell

2.1.9The Influence of Afterlife on Life

2.1.10End of Topic Test - Christianity Key Beliefs

2.1.11Exam-Style Questions - Christian Beliefs

2.2Jesus Christ & Salvation

2.2.1The Incarnation

2.2.2Jesus - Divine & Human

2.2.3The Crucifixion

2.2.4Jesus' Betrayal

2.2.5Resurrection & Ascension

2.2.6Sin

2.2.7Original Sin

2.2.8Punishment

2.2.9The Means of Salvation

2.2.10Achieving Salvation

2.2.11Disagreements About Salvation

2.2.12The Role of Christ in Salvation

2.2.13Theories of Salvation

2.2.14End of Topic Test - Jesus Christ & Salvation

2.3Worship & Festivals

2.3.1Different Forms of Worship

2.3.2Prayer

2.3.3Sacrament

2.3.4Baptism

2.3.5Other Sacraments

2.3.6Eucharist

2.3.7Pilgrimage & Celebrations

2.3.8Christmas & Easter

2.3.9End of Topic Test - Worship and Festivals

2.4Community

2.4.1Local Community

2.4.2Mission, Evangelism & Church Growth

2.4.3Worldwide Church

2.4.4Reconciliation

2.4.5Persecution

2.4.6Caring for Those in Need

2.4.7End of Topic Test - Community

2.4.8Exam-Style Questions - Christian Practices

3Catholicism (Christianity)

4Islam

5Judaism

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