There is no uniform teaching about the Trinity in the Bible

 

Nowhere in the Bible are the terms “Trinity”, “GOD the Son”, “GOD-man” or “eternal Son” used

 

The Old Testament prophesied the Messiah as a human ruler sent by GOD (Yahweh)

Gen 3,15 / Gen 12,3 / Gen 18,18 / Gen 22,18 / Gen 49,10 / Dt 18,15 / 2nd Sam 7,12 f. / Isa 11,1 / Jer 30,21 / Dan 7,13 u.v.m.

 

None of the apostles proclaimed Jesus as “incarnate GOD”

Acts 2,14-35 / Acts 3,12-26 / Acts 4,9-12 / Acts 7,51 f. / Acts 26,1-29 / Acts 9,22 / Acts 10,34-43 / Acts 17,19-31

 

The New Testament confirms that Jesus is a human being

Joh 8,40 / Acts 2,22 / Acts 17,31 / Rom 5,15 / 1st Cor 15,21 / 1st Tim 2,5 / Heb 2,17

 

Jesus is like Adam = image of GOD (not GOD himself)

Gen 1,27 / 1st Cor 15,45 / Rom 5,14 / Col 1,15 / Heb 1,3

 

Jesus has a GOD (the Father) whom he serves

Mt 27,46 / Joh 20,17 / Eph 1,17 / 1st Pet 1,3 / Rev 1,5 f. / Rev 3,2 + 12

 

Jesus calls his Father the only true GOD

Lk 10,21 / Joh 5,44 / Joh 17,3

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Jesus is part of GOD's (new / second) creation

Col 1,15 + 18 / Heb 2,11 / Rev 1,5

 

The Bible teaches that GOD the Father and Jesus are two different beings

Lk 2,52 / Lk 22,42 / Joh 8,40 / Joh 14,1 / 1st Cor 1,3 / Rev 7,9 f. / Rev 22,1-3

 

GOD the Father is greater / more powerful than Jesus

Joh 10,29 / Joh 14,28 / 1st Cor 3,23 / 1st Cor 11,3 / 1st Cor 15,24 / Heb 7,25 / Rev 1,1 / Rev 14,14 f.

 

Jesus is the Son of Man / the last Adam / the servant of GOD / the anointed one of GOD / the mediator between GOD and men

Isa 42,1 / Dan 7,13 f. / Lk 19,10 / Joh 5,27 / Acts 3,13 / 1st Tim 2,5

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In both the Old and New Testaments, the Messiah is portrayed as a man or human being who comes and acts in the name of the LORD, his GOD. Not a single apostle referred to Jesus as "GOD" in their sermons. Nowhere is Jesus equated with GOD. Instead, GOD and Jesus are consistently separated and distinguished from one another. Yet, Jesus is always subordinate to GOD, the Father. None of the apostles spoke of a "Trinity of GOD" or of a "preexistence" or "incarnation" of Jesus, or even hinted at such a thing. Likewise, no person's salvation is tied to the belief that Jesus is GOD. Nor does any of the apostles mention a physical appearance of the Son in the Old Testament. All statements in which the word "GOD" appears refer exclusively to the Father; never to Jesus, who is referred to with the title (our) "Lord." "Lord" and "GOD" are not synonyms. All quotations that are cited as proof of the divinity of Jesus and his alleged pre-existence can be understood and interpreted (in context) in a non-trinitarian way.

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A careful and unbiased study of the Bible refutes the teachings of the Trinity of GOD and the deity of Jesus. The Holy Scriptures teach that there is ONE GOD who is the Creator of all things and the Father of Jesus and all people. Jesus is presented in the Bible as the human Son of God, whom GOD sent into the world to bring salvation to lost humanity. He is the key figure and linchpin in GOD's plan of salvation for fallen humanity. Jesus was begotten, anointed, sent, taught, appointed, empowered, resurrected, exalted, and glorified by GOD. There is neither a biblically sound basis nor a need to think of Jesus as GOD or GOD in the sense of a Trinity. There is a wealth of evidence that contradicts the traditional church interpretation of the Bible.

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The term Trinity was first mentioned in the second century AD. It gradually developed over many centuries under the influence of Greek mythology and philosophy and continues to shape the image of GOD held by many believers to this day. It is essentially based on incorrect interpretations and biased readings of individual statements in Holy Scripture. Neither the prophets nor the apostles claimed that the Messiah was GOD. Jesus himself never revealed himself as GOD. Likewise, the New Testament does not contain a derivation of the Trinity from the Old Testament, as is the case with many other topics (e.g., the suffering and resurrection of the Messiah, among others). The Trinity is not a fundamental teaching of the Bible and therefore not decisive for a Christian's faith—neither for their relationship with GOD nor for their recognition as a Christian, and certainly not for their salvation. Therefore, there is no justification for demanding that anyone confess this dogma. The frequent explanation of Trinitarians that the Bible merely hints at such a fundamental truth is unconvincing.

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​​​​​​The biblical creed, binding for all Christians, is that Jesus is the Christ (i.e., the anointed one of GOD) and the Son of GOD (i.e., the ruler appointed by GOD). At no point does Scripture require confessing Jesus as GOD. It is about believing that Jesus is the Savior sent by GOD the Father, who died for the sins of humanity and was raised from the dead. This is the gospel. Associated with this is the call to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, to turn away from sin, and to live a holy life in accordance with GOD's will. This is the true knowledge of GOD. This is the basis for fellowship with GOD and for fellowship among Christians. In this way, a person proves himself to be a disciple of Jesus and a child of GOD. At the same time, this must be the foundation for the unity of the Church, which all Christians should strive for.

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Christians believe that the Bible is GOD's Word and that GOD's Word is truth. On the other hand, there are many different denominations around the world today, each advocating different doctrines, and almost all of them claiming to proclaim the truth. Very few of these denominations allow their beliefs—especially the dogma of the Trinity and the deity of Jesus—to be questioned or doubted. Since the Councils of Nicaea, Chalcedon, and Constantinople, Trinitarians have claimed sovereignty over the interpretation of the Bible. But the assumption that the majority is right and can determine what is truth or heresy is fundamentally wrong. From Noah to Israel to Jesus and beyond, the Bible testifies that it was always a minority, not the majority, who stood for the truth, and that this was always opposed by the masses. This should give every believer serious food for thought. The first Christians, who were also considered a minority, were persecuted, killed, and denounced as a sect. This continues to this day for all those who do not follow the religious mainstream.

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We would like to encourage you, dear reader, to have the courage to critically examine your biblical beliefs and the teachings of your church, and not to hold back on questions that arise during your Bible study. We believe that every Christian should fundamentally be able to engage with controversial topics objectively and literalistically, and to examine them impartially. Furthermore, everyone should only believe and confess what does not contradict their knowledge of the truth and their conscience. At the same time, no religious community should close itself off to dialogue, but should address questions and doubts raised by others instead of—as is often the case—pressuring the person or questioning their faith as a whole.

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