Doctrine Matters with Kevin DeYoung: Episode Summary
Title: What Is the Doctrine of the Trinity?
Release Date: March 4, 2025
Host: Pastor Kevin DeYoung
Publisher: Crossway
Introduction to the Doctrine of the Trinity
In this episode of Doctrine Matters, Pastor Kevin DeYoung delves into the profound and often perplexing doctrine of the Trinity. Recognizing that many Christians find the Trinity to be a challenging “math problem” of three in one, DeYoung emphasizes its paramount importance within Christian theology. He underscores that despite its complexity, the Trinity is foundational, as evidenced by its prominence in Jesus' final teachings and the early creeds of the Church.
“The doctrine of the Trinity is perhaps the most important doctrine, period, and it's almost certainly the most important doctrine that most Christians don't think nearly enough about.”
— Kevin DeYoung [05:30]
Biblical Foundations of the Trinity
DeYoung meticulously outlines the biblical basis for the Trinity, presenting seven clear, scriptural statements that form the backbone of Trinitarian orthodoxy:
- There is only one God.
- The Father is God.
- The Son is God.
- The Holy Spirit is God.
- The Father is not the Son.
- The Son is not the Holy Spirit.
- The Holy Spirit is not the Father.
He references key biblical passages, such as the Shema in Deuteronomy and affirmations of Jesus' deity in the Gospel of John, to support each statement.
“There are scores of texts that prove the deity of Jesus Christ the Son... and there are texts that assume the deity of the Holy Spirit...”
— Kevin DeYoung [12:45]
DeYoung also highlights the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19, where Jesus instructs His disciples to baptize “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” reinforcing the triune nature of God.
“He tells his disciples that they are going to baptize people in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”
— Kevin DeYoung [10:20]
Theological Definitions and Terms
To articulate the Trinity’s intricacies, DeYoung introduces essential theological terminology:
- Consubstantial: Sharing the same essence or substance.
- Coeternal: Existing together eternally without beginning or end.
- Coequal: Holding the same status and authority.
He references the Westminster Confession, which states, “In the unity of the Godhead there be three persons,” emphasizing that the three persons are distinguished by their personal properties but unified in substance.
“The three persons of the Trinity are not three existences, strictly speaking. There is no analogy... the three persons are consubstantial, coeternal, coequal.”
— Kevin DeYoung [22:10]
DeYoung explains the personal properties of each person of the Trinity:
- Father: “Of none, neither begotten nor proceeding.”
- Son: “Eternally begotten of the Father.”
- Holy Spirit: “Proceeds eternally from the Father and the Son.”
“The Father is of none. He is not begotten of another. He does not proceed from another.”
— Kevin DeYoung [18:05]
Historical Context and Rejected Heresies
DeYoung provides a historical overview of early Church debates surrounding the Trinity, clarifying what orthodox Trinitarianism rejects:
-
Adoptionism: The belief that Jesus was adopted into divinity at His baptism, denying His inherent divinity.
-
Monarchianism: Specifically Modalism, which posits that Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are different modes or manifestations of a single person, rather than distinct persons.
“Modalism... believes that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are different names for the same God, acting in different roles or manifestations.”
— Kevin DeYoung [28:15] -
Arianism: Proposed by Arius in the 4th century, this view asserts that only the Father is truly God, making the Son and Holy Spirit subordinate and not fully divine.
“Orthodox Trinitarianism says all three persons share same rank, power, glory and being.”
— Kevin DeYoung [30:40] -
Tritheism: The belief in three separate gods, which is contrary to the monotheistic foundation of Christianity.
DeYoung emphasizes that orthodox Trinitarianism maintains the unity of God while acknowledging the distinct personhood of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
“They are not created beings... they are one essence, held in common by Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”
— Kevin DeYoung [35:50]
The Trinity’s Practical Implications and Mysteries
Acknowledging the doctrine's complexity, DeYoung admits that human analogies fall short in fully capturing the nature of the Trinity. He references Gregory of Nazianzus, who eloquently stated:
“No sooner do I conceive of the One than I am illumined by the splendor of the Three. No sooner do I distinguish them than I am carried back to the One.”
— Gregory of Nazianzus (Quoted by Kevin DeYoung [40:00])
DeYoung encourages believers to embrace the mystery of the Trinity, recognizing that while it transcends human understanding, it is essential for a correct grasp of God’s nature and our relationship with Him.
“When we think of him as one, we ought to be pulled along to think of him as three... and to think of him as one essence, three persons.”
— Kevin DeYoung [42:15]
He also touches on the interconnectedness of Trinitarian doctrine with other theological areas, such as Christology, highlighting how the two natures of Christ further illustrate the mystery of God’s being.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
In wrapping up, DeYoung reiterates the significance of the Trinity in Christian faith and theology. He urges listeners to deepen their understanding of this doctrine, as it is central to comprehending who God is and how He interacts with the world.
“The Doctrine of the Trinity... as we think about God as one, we ought to be pulled along to think of God as three... the Doctrine of the Trinity is central to our understanding of God.”
— Kevin DeYoung [45:30]
He also points listeners to further resources, such as his book Daily Doctrine and encourages engagement with the broader theological tradition to appreciate the “riches and the beauty of God's word.”
Final Thoughts
Pastor Kevin DeYoung’s comprehensive exploration of the Trinity provides listeners with a robust framework for understanding one of Christianity’s most profound doctrines. By grounding his discussion in Scripture, historical context, and theological precision, DeYoung makes the complexities of the Trinity accessible and relevant to contemporary believers.
For those seeking to deepen their theological knowledge, this episode serves as an invaluable resource, bridging the gap between ancient doctrine and modern understanding.
Resources Mentioned:
- Daily Doctrine by Kevin DeYoung
- Westminster Confession of Faith
- Works of Francis Stirton and Gregory of Nazianzus
Further Listening: To continue exploring systematic theology and other foundational doctrines, subscribe to Doctrine Matters on Crossway or visit Crossway.org.