Father, Son, and Spirit

The Bible presents a clear yet profound understanding of “the Godhead” that emphasizes both the Father’s supremacy and the distinct roles of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The term “Godhead” refers to Godhood, the divine nature shared by the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Romans 1:20; Colossians 2:9; Acts 17:29). While some theological terms such as “Trinity” have been used historically, what many think of when they hear “Trinity” may not be what the Bible teaches. The best approach is relying on biblical language and authority to understand this topic. This article will emphasize the Father’s unique role as the one God in the ultimate sense while affirming the divinity of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit and their distinct roles in the Father’s plan.

I. The Father is the One God with Supreme Authority

The Bible consistently emphasizes that the Father is the “one God.” He is the only Being with no other being above Him in authority, setting Him apart as the one Supreme God (John 17:3; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:6).

• Deuteronomy 6:4 – “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.” The emphasis in Deuteronomy 6:4 on God being “one” was especially important for Israel, who lived among nations that worshiped many false gods. Some claim that the Hebrew word echad (translated as “one” in Deuteronomy 6:4) describes a “compound unity,” thus implying a “co-equal Trinity.” While echad can describe a unified whole, it can also simply mean “one” in the sense of uniqueness or exclusivity. Context determines its meaning. The context of Deuteronomy 6:4 implies that echad emphasizes there is only one Supreme God, in contrast to the polytheism of surrounding nations (cf. 4:15-40; 5:7-9; 6:14-15; 7:4, 16, 25). Moses’ declaration of God’s oneness highlights the Father’s exclusive position as the Supreme God. Compare 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10: “ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven.”
  
  In the New Testament, Jews referenced God the Father as “the God of our fathers,” the one generally known as God during Old Testament times (Acts 3:13; 5:30; 22:14). This understanding is supported by the fact that Jesus called the Father “the only true God” (John 17:3), and Paul identified the Father as the “one God…above all” even though Paul had just mentioned the one Spirit and one Lord (Ephesians 4:4-6; cf. 1 Corinthians 8:6).
  
  When Jesus was called the “Son of God,” the term “God” clearly referred to the Father, implying that the Jews considered “God” to be the Father (cf. Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 1:1). In Jewish thought, the phrase “Son of God” implied both equality and submission. It implied equality because Jesus shares the same divine nature as the Father, yet “Son” also indicated submission, signifying a lower level of authority than the Father (John 5:18-19).

• John 17:3 – Jesus referred to the Father as “the only true God” separately from Himself: “…that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”
• 1 Corinthians 8:4-6 – When writing about both the Father and Son, Paul said that the one God is the Father: “But to us there is but one God, the Father…and one Lord Jesus Christ…”
• Ephesians 4:6 – Paul affirmed that there is “one God and Father of all, who is above all,” including being above the “one Spirit” and “one Lord” who had just been mentioned.
• 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 – “ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven.”
• 1 Timothy 2:5 – “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”

The Bible repeatedly emphasizes that the Father is the one God in terms of ultimate authority and supremacy. This truth was foundational for Israel in the Old Testament and is reaffirmed in the New Testament.

Some mistakenly portray Jesus and the Holy Spirit as “equal in all aspects” with the Father, yet Scripture consistently reveals the Father’s unique role as the Supreme Being. While Jesus and the Holy Spirit possess the divine nature and fulfill essential roles in God’s plan, the Father remains the ultimate authority. Denying this not only contradicts biblical teaching but also dishonors God the Father. Jesus Himself acknowledged the Father’s supremacy when He said, “My Father is greater than I” (John 14:28), and Paul affirmed, “The head of Christ is God” (1 Corinthians 11:3). Honoring Jesus and the Holy Spirit must never involve diminishing the Father’s supreme role as the One God in the ultimate sense.

II. The Divinity of Jesus Christ

Although the Father is the one God in terms of ultimate authority, the Bible clearly teaches that Jesus possesses divinity:

• Like God the Father, Jesus was called “Yahweh,” which implies eternal nature, self-existence, and divinity. However, this does not make Him the same person as the Father, any more than an earthly father and son sharing the same name are the same being (Isaiah 40:3; John 1:23-29; 8:24, 58). The Father and Son are “one” in the same way Christians are “one”—not being the same person, but united in mindset and nature (John 17:11, 22). When Jesus said, “I and My Father are one” (John 10:30), He emphasized their unity in purpose and nature, not claiming equality in authority and not claiming that they are the same being. John 10:30 should be compared with John 17:22 mentioned above. Note also that while Christians should all be “one,” all Christians do not have the same level of authority (1 Timothy 5:17). Similarly, the Father and Son are “one” in nature and mindset but do not have the same level of authority and are not the same person.
• John 1:1 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
• John 20:28 – Thomas called Jesus “My Lord and my God.”
• Colossians 2:9 – “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.”
• Hebrews 1:8 – The Father called Jesus “God” while also identifying Himself as Jesus’ God (Hebrews 1:9).
• 1 John 1:2 – Jesus is identified as “the eternal life,” affirming His eternal divine nature.

Jesus’ Submission to the Father

Although Jesus is fully divine, the Bible consistently emphasizes His willing submission to the Father’s authority — a role He maintained before He came to earth, throughout His earthly ministry, and will continue to maintain in eternity.

Submission Before His Incarnation

Even before Jesus came to earth, He submitted to the Father’s authority. This submission is evident in both creation and God’s plan of salvation:

• Creation: “God…created all things by Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 3:9; cf. 1 Corinthians 8:6; Hebrews 1:1-2), revealing the Father as the source of creation and Jesus as the agent carrying it out. Similarly, John 4:1-2 shows that Jesus was credited with baptizing, even though those working under His authority did the baptizing. This principle is like Jesus’ role as the agent of the Father’s will.
• Mission and Role: Jesus’ role as the One sent by the Father (John 8:42; 13:16) further demonstrates His willing submission that existed before His earthly mission. Jesus is described as “the Apostle” (meaning “the one sent”) in Hebrews 3:1, further emphasizing His submission to the Father’s will. This role as the “Sent One” aligns with Old Testament references to a divine Messenger — often identified as the pre-incarnate Christ — who carried out the Father’s will (Exodus 3:2; Judges 2:1-4; 1 Corinthians 10:4). In Philippians 2:5-8, Paul wrote that Jesus “thought it not robbery to be equal with God,” but this equality refers to Jesus’ “form” of pre-incarnate glory, not equality in authority. Jesus humbled Himself by leaving the “form” of glory and retaking on the “form” or “fashion” of a human servant, yet He was already subject to the Father before this (John 8:42; Ephesians 3:9; Hebrews 1:1-2; 3:1).

Submission During His Earthly Ministry

While on earth, Jesus repeatedly affirmed His submission to the Father:

• John 4:34 – “Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.”
• John 14:28 – Jesus said, “My Father is greater than I.”
• John 14:31 – Jesus said, “as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do…”
• 2 Corinthians 5:18 – “God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ.”
• See also Luke 22:42; John 5:30; 6:38; 8:29; Hebrews 10:7, etc.

Submission After His Resurrection

• Even after Jesus’ resurrection, He referred to the Father as “My God” (John 20:17), demonstrating His continued submission.
• Although Jesus was given “all authority” (Matthew 28:18), this authority was granted by the Father, which again points to the Father’s ultimate supremacy (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:27).

Submission After His Ascension

• 1 Corinthians 11:3 – “The head of Christ is God.”
• Ephesians 1:3 – “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ…”
• 1 Peter 1:3 – “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ…”
• Hebrews 1:9 – “Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows” (Hebrews 1:9)

Submission At His Return

• Acts 17:31 – “…he [God the Father] will judge the world in righteousness by that man [Jesus] whom he hath ordained…”
• Paul also wrote that “God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ” (Romans 2:16), reinforcing that Jesus’ authority as Judge is an extension of the Father’s will, demonstrating the Father’s ultimate supremacy in all things (John 5:30; Acts 10:42).

Submission After the Judgment

Even after the final fulfillment of God’s plan, Jesus’ submission to the Father will continue. First Corinthians 15:27-28 teaches that after Jesus returns, He will deliver the kingdom to the Father and continue to be subject to the Father.

Although Jesus shares the divine nature with the Father, He has always functioned in willing submission to the Father’s authority. He was subject to the Father in His incarnation, throughout His earthly ministry, and will apparently remain so even in eternity. All of this further demonstrates that the Father is the one God in the ultimate sense, with Jesus fulfilling His divine role in perfect submission to the Father’s will.

III. The Holy Spirit’s Role and Divinity

The Holy Spirit is also revealed to be divine, yet distinct in role and function:

• Acts 5:3-4 – Lying to the Holy Spirit was equated with lying to God.
• Hebrews 9:14 – The Holy Spirit is described as “eternal.”
• Genesis 1:2 – The Spirit participated in creation (cf. Job 26:13).
• 2 Peter 1:20-21 – The Spirit inspired the Scriptures.
• Hebrews 2:3-4 – The Holy Spirit miraculously confirmed the Word while it was being revealed in the first century A.D. (cf. Zechariah 13:1-3; 1 Corinthians 13:8-12; Ephesians 4:7-14).

While the Spirit possesses divinity, the Scriptures consistently show Him acting under the Father’s and Son’s authority. Both Father and Son were said to have “sent” the Spirit (John 14:26; 15:26). Jesus said the Spirit would not speak “on His own authority” but would glorify the Son and reveal the Father’s will through the Word (John 16:13-14; Ephesians 6:17). The Holy Spirit’s role in revealing and confirming the Word until its completion shows His essential part in fulfilling the Father’s plan for man’s salvation.

IV. Unity and Distinctions within the Godhead

The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct in personhood yet united in their divine nature. As already noted, Jesus prayed that His followers “may be one as We are one” (John 17:22), illustrating a unity of purpose, mindset, and nature — not of personhood or being. This distinction of persons is further emphasized by clear examples throughout Scripture: Jesus was not praying to Himself in Heaven while He was on earth (John 17); Jesus was not speaking from Heaven saying how pleased He was with Himself upon His baptism (Matthew 3:17); Jesus did not commend His spirit to Himself (Luke 23:46); Jesus is not sitting on His own right hand (Acts 2:33; Hebrews 12:2); Jesus is not the Mediator between Himself and men (1 Timothy 2:5); and Jesus did not take the book from Himself in Revelation 5:7. Only the Father knew when Jesus would return, and only the Father could grant the request to sit by Jesus’ side (Matthew 20:23; Mark 13:32).

• The Father is the one God in terms of supreme authority.
• The Son is divine yet functions in submission to the Father’s will.
• The Holy Spirit is divine yet works in accordance with the Father and Son (working today through His Sword, the Word of God, Ephesians 6:17).

Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19 reveals the Godhead’s unified role in the salvation of mankind: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” Each is mentioned distinctly, yet the singular term “name” emphasizes their shared authority over mankind and their unified purpose (cf. 2 Corinthians 13:14; Titus 3:4-6; Hebrews 9:14). Although some mistakenly use this passage to promote a doctrine of “co-equal Trinity,” Jesus’ words emphasize their united purpose without claiming identical roles or authority levels. The Father remains supreme, with the Son and Spirit acting in accordance with His will.

Some claim that this teaching dishonors Jesus and the Holy Spirit, but faithfully following what Jesus and the Spirit taught is what truly honors them (Luke 6:46). Just as a wife’s submission to her husband does not make her inferior in nature, Jesus’ and the Holy Spirit’s submission to the Father does not diminish their divine nature or eternal importance (1 Corinthians 11:3). In fact, their willing submission simply reflects the eternal divine order inherent within the Godhead.

V. The Divine Pattern in Key Events

Throughout Scripture, God’s design consistently follows a distinct pattern. The Father is revealed as the Planner, Jesus as the Executor, and the Holy Spirit as the Finisher. This pattern demonstrates the perfect unity and cooperation within the Godhead.

Creation

• God planned: “…God, who created all things by Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 3:9). The Father is identified as the source of the creation plan (cf. Genesis 1:1, 26; Hebrews 1:1-2).
• Jesus executed: “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3; cf. Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:2). Jesus, as the Word, actively carried out the Father’s creative will.
• The Holy Spirit finished: “By his Spirit he hath garnished the heavens” (Job 26:13). The Spirit’s role apparently involved ordering and perfecting what the Father designed and the Son brought into existence (cf. Genesis 1:2).

Revelation (Giving of Scripture)

• God planned: “God… hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son” (Hebrews 1:1-2). The Father is the ultimate source of all revealed truth (1 Corinthians 2:9-13).
• Jesus executed: “For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me” (John 17:8). Jesus delivered the Father’s message in His teachings (cf. John 12:49).
• The Holy Spirit finished: “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth…” (John 16:13). The Spirit miraculously guided the apostles and prophets to give the complete and flawless Word of God (Ephesians 2:20; 3:5; 2 Peter 1:20-21; cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Salvation

• God planned: “God…Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began” (2 Timothy 1:8-9; cf. Romans 8:28-30; Ephesians 3:11; Revelation 13:8).
• Jesus executed: “…Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2). Jesus obediently carried out the Father’s plan of salvation by dying on the cross, and Jesus continually intercedes to the Father on behalf of God’s children (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1-2).
• The Holy Spirit finished: “but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11). The Spirit saves and sanctifies through the Words He has revealed (John 17:17; Ephesians 5:26; Titus 3:5; 1 Corinthians 12:13; 1 Peter 1:2, 22-25).

The Resurrection of Jesus

• God planned: “Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee” (Psalm 2:7), which Paul applies to the resurrection in Acts 13:33-35. Similarly, “For thou wilt not leave my soul in Sheol; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption” (Psalm 16:10) also speaks prophetically of Jesus’ resurrection as part of God’s eternal plan.
• Jesus executed: “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19). Jesus actively participated in raising His own body by His divine power.
• The Holy Spirit finished: “…quickened by the Spirit” (1 Peter 3:18). The Spirit played a role in giving life to Jesus’ resurrected body (Romans 8:11).

The Church

• God planned: “…the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ephesians 3:11; cf. 1:3-4). The Father planned the establishment of the church before the world began.
• Jesus executed: “…upon this rock I will build my church…” (Matthew 16:18). Jesus fulfilled the Father’s plan by establishing His church.
• The Holy Spirit finished: “…one body, and one Spirit…” (Ephesians 4:4). The Spirit guided inspired apostles and prophets to reveal and confirm the doctrine of the church and enabled the spiritual growth of its members through the revealed Word (Ephesians 2:20; 3:5; 4:7-15).

This pattern — the Father planning, the Son executing, and the Holy Spirit finishing — reflects God’s perfect design in creation, revelation, salvation, and the establishment of the church. Each Person of the Godhead fulfilled a distinct role in perfect harmony to accomplish God’s will.

VI. Whom to Address in Worship

The Proper Recipient of Prayer

The New Testament provides clear instructions on prayer. Jesus Himself taught that prayer should be directed to the Father, in the name of Jesus, per the instructions of the Holy Spirit.

• Matthew 6:9 – Jesus said, “In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.” Jesus taught this same basic prayer pattern multiple times (Luke 11:1-2).
• John 16:23 – Jesus said, “In that day you will ask Me nothing. Whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.”
• Romans 15:30 – God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit were all mentioned in this verse, but Paul says that prayers should be addressed to God: “strive together with me in your prayers to God” (See also Ephesians 1:13-17; 3:14-16; 5:18-20; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-5; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; and 1 John 3:21-24).
• Ephesians 5:20 – Paul instructed Christians to give “thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
• Philippians 4:6-7 – Paul instructed, “Let your requests be made known to God,” with the context clearly referring to the Father.
• Revelation 8:3-4 – “the prayers of all saints…ascended up before God.”

While there are accounts of individuals addressing Jesus directly (e.g., Stephen in Acts 7:59), these were unusual, temporary situations and should not override Jesus’ clear instructions about directing prayer to the Father. Stephen’s actions occurred in a unique and miraculous context: his face appeared as an angel, he was miraculously filled with the Holy Spirit, he saw Jesus standing (not sitting) at God’s right hand, and he was the first martyr of Christ’s kingdom (Acts 6:8, 15; 7:55-56). To say this was unusual for Christians is an understatement! Why should this unique event become the pattern for prayer instead of following the plain pattern given repeatedly by Jesus and the inspired New Testament writers?

Chapters near Stephen’s account in Acts 7 record numerous miraculous events: two-way conversations between men and Jesus, the Holy Spirit speaking directly to men, angels speaking to men, the Holy Spirit miraculously falling on men, men miraculously speaking in foreign languages, a woman being raised from the dead, and more. Such events were part of a temporary period in which God’s power was manifested in signs and wonders as His Word was revealed (Mark 16:20; 1 Corinthians 13:8-12; Hebrews 2:3-4). Bible students must learn which parts of the Bible directly apply today and which do not, or we will mistakenly believe in modern-day miracles, the Holy Spirit speaking directly to men today (apart from the Bible), and other errors (2 Timothy 2:15).

Stephen also did not say, “in the name of Jesus” or anything similar (John 16:23). Stephen was speaking to Jesus because He saw Jesus. The fact that Stephen spoke directly to Jesus in this unique, miraculous context no more authorizes us to pray to Jesus than John’s request to an angel in Revelation 10 authorizes us to pray to angels.

In contrast to such unique and temporary events, the Bible’s consistent pattern is addressing the Father in prayer “always for all things” (Ephesians 5:20). Since God the Father is the giver of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17), it makes sense that we would make requests and give thanks in prayer “always” to Him (Ephesians 5:20; Philippians 4:6-7). The fact that Jesus still prays to the Father now that He has returned to Heaven further reinforces that God the Father is ultimately the one who grants requests (answers prayers—Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1; cf. John 14:16).

Jesus Can Be Worshiped in Communion and Singing

During communion, we meditate on Jesus’ body and blood as the perfect sacrifice for our redemption (Matthew 26:28; 1 Peter 1:18-19). Although we thank the Father in prayer before the bread and cup, our thoughts then focus on Jesus as we remember His suffering and the salvation He provided. In this way, Jesus is worshiped in the Lord’s Supper, even though the Father is the one we address in prayer, following the pattern Jesus gave and Paul reiterated (Matthew 26:26-28; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25).

The New Testament authorizes singing as an act of worship to Jesus. In passages describing singing in worship “to the Lord,” Jesus is identified as “the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19-20; Colossians 3:16-17). Of course, God the Father can be addressed in song, as Paul and Silas demonstrated this when they sang praises to God in prison (Acts 16:25).

Although the Holy Spirit is not directly addressed in prayer or singing, His role in revealing the Word is vital to Christian worship. Teaching, preaching, and living by the Word He revealed demonstrates our love and appreciation for Him and His work (Ephesians 4:30).

Conclusion

The Bible clearly teaches that there is one God — the Father — who reigns supreme. Jesus Christ, though divine, submits to the Father’s authority, and the Holy Spirit carries out the will of the Father and the Son. Understanding the Godhead requires careful attention to biblical language and rejecting assumptions based on uninspired traditions. God’s Word must always be the final authority. This understanding is neither “Trinitarian” in the classical sense nor polytheistic, but simply Scriptural. It recognizes one Supreme God — the Father — working through the Son and the Holy Spirit to fulfill His eternal plan.

Sadly, many dishonor the Father by denying Him the unique, supreme role that He, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit affirm. Elevating Jesus or the Holy Spirit to be “equal in all aspects” with the Father contradicts the eternal order revealed in Scripture. Jesus Himself acknowledged the Father’s supremacy when He said, “My Father is greater than I” (John 14:28), and Paul said, “The head of Christ is God” (1 Corinthians 11:3).

By properly exalting the Father as the “One God…above all” (Ephesians 4:6), we show reverence for His eternal position as the Supreme Being, sanctify Him as He intended (Leviticus 10:3), uphold Truth rather than error, and preserve the proper distinctions between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.