Renewing Your Mind Podcast Summary
Episode: One in Essence, Three in Person
Host/Author: Ligonier Ministries
Release Date: August 6, 2025

Introduction

In the final installment of R.C. Sproul's enlightening series, "The Mystery of the Trinity," featured on the Renewing Your Mind podcast, Sproul delves deep into the intricate doctrine of the Trinity. Titled "One in Essence, Three in Person," this episode aims to clarify the foundational Christian belief in the Trinity by exploring historical, linguistic, and philosophical dimensions.

Understanding the Trinity: One Essence, Three Persons

R.C. Sproul opens the discussion by addressing a common formulation of the Trinity: "one in essence, three in person." This encapsulates the belief that while God is singular in His divine nature (essence), He exists eternally in three distinct persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

R.C. Sproul [02:10]:
"When we speak of the Trinity, we often say that God is one in essence and three in person. But what do we mean by these terms?"

Historical and Linguistic Foundations

Sproul traces the historical usage of critical terms that articulate the Trinity, emphasizing the evolution of the concept of "person" within theological discourse.

The Term "Person" in Early Church History

• Tertullian's Contribution:
  Sproul highlights how Tertullian, a foundational theologian, introduced the Latin term "Persona" to describe the Trinity. Originating from legal and theatrical contexts, "Persona" initially referred to an individual's rights and possessions or the masks actors wore to denote different characters in a play.

R.C. Sproul [07:45]:
"In Elizabethan English, if you called a girl cute, you insulted her, because 'cute' meant bowlegged... similarly, 'Persona' conveyed specific roles or rights that differed significantly from modern interpretations."

• Evolution to "Hypostasis" and "Subsistence":
  As theology progressed, "Persona" evolved into "Hypostasis" (Greek) and "Subsistence" (Latin), terms that better captured the distinct yet unified nature of the Trinity without implying separate essences.

R.C. Sproul [15:30]:
"Hypostatic union refers to the union of divine and human natures in Christ, but within the Trinity, it helps us understand how three persons can share one essence without division."

Philosophical Underpinnings: Essence, Existence, and Subsistence

Sproul delves into Greek philosophy to elucidate the concepts essential for understanding the Trinity.

Essence (Ousios):

Refers to the fundamental nature or "stuff" of something. In theological terms, it denotes the divine nature shared by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Existence:

Describes the state of being or standing out from something. Sproul emphasizes that in human terms, existence implies a position between being and non-being.

R.C. Sproul [20:15]:
"To exist means to stand out of something—a position between pure being and pure non-being."

Subsistence (Hypostasis):

Represents the underlying reality or "standing under" that differentiates the persons within the Trinity while maintaining one essence.

Applying Philosophy to the Trinity

Sproul masterfully bridges philosophical concepts with theological doctrine to explain how the Trinity maintains unity and distinction.

• One Essence:
  God’s singular divine nature is indivisible and unique.

• Three Subsistences/Persons:
  The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct in personhood but fully share the one divine essence.

R.C. Sproul [22:05]:
"There are three subsistences, that is, three personae, that stand under the essence. They're part of the essence; they are all of the same essence."

Distinctions Without Division

A critical takeaway from Sproul’s lecture is the nuanced distinction within God's nature that avoids any fragmentation of the divine essence.

R.C. Sproul [23:00]:
"The distinctions within the Godhead are sub distinctions within the essence, sub points within the singular being of God."

This ensures that while the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct persons, they do not compromise the unity of God's divine essence.

Conclusion: The Importance of Correct Doctrine

Sproul concludes by emphasizing that understanding the Trinity accurately is vital for a correct perception of God. Misunderstanding or misarticulating the Trinity risks distorting the core of Christian faith.

Nathan W. Bingham [23:58]:
"The doctrine of the Trinity is not merely academic. This study was produced to help you understand the God we love and worship better."

Key Insights and Takeaways

• Historical Context Matters: Understanding the historical development of theological terms enhances comprehension of complex doctrines like the Trinity.

• Philosophical Concepts are Foundational: Grasping philosophical distinctions between essence, existence, and subsistence is crucial for theological clarity.

• Unity and Distinction Coexist: The Trinity embodies both the unity of one divine essence and the distinct personhood of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

• Language Evolves, But Doctrine Remains: While linguistic nuances change over time, the essential truths of the Trinity remain steadfast.

Final Thoughts

R.C. Sproul's profound exploration in "One in Essence, Three in Person" provides listeners with a robust framework to understand the mysterious yet fundamental Christian doctrine of the Trinity. By intertwining historical, linguistic, and philosophical threads, Sproul affirms the intricate balance of unity and distinction that characterizes the Triune God.

For those seeking to deepen their theological understanding, this episode serves as an essential guide to one of Christianity's most profound mysteries.

Note: To access the full series, including this episode, and gain additional resources such as study guides and DVDs, visit renewingyourmind.org or contact 800.435.4343 before the offer expires at midnight.