2 Corinthians 13:14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

I probably quote this verse more than any other, though I do expand it slightly, specifying “Father God” and “intimate fellowship.” It is powerful and deeply meaningful. It’s not that these specific qualities are unique to each member of the Trinity, but there is a special operation in each case. Grace is spoken of in relation to Christ because it was His sacrifice that wrought our salvation, which we certainly didn’t deserve. That is the ultimate definition of grace. Love is spoken of with Father God, because He is love, (1 John 4:8) and everything He does is motivated by love, from creation itself to sending His Son to be our Savior. (John 3:16) And it is the Holy Spirit who binds us all together in the fellowship that is beyond words to express. Countless things have been said about the Trinity from the earliest days of the Church. In the Old Testament we have much mention of the Father, and the Spirit is mentioned a few times, but the Son had not yet been manifested, and so appears only prophetically. However, as it says in Hebrews, “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.” (Hebrews 1:1-2) After all, the New Covenant was sealed with His blood. (Luke 22:20) The word, Trinity, never appears in the Bible, but was rather formulated to describe what is manifestly represented by the whole Bible. The whole idea overwhelms human intellect, because God is certainly One, yet He is also manifestly Three. Actually, modern theoretical physics comes close to explaining it, with talk of multiplied dimensions and string theory and the like, but even that can’t do it fully. We may not be able to explain the Trinity, but we can experience it, just as Paul states here.

As I was growing up, the Trinity was simply stated fact, but as my experience of the Holy Spirit has expanded, so has my grasp of the Trinity. I am very grateful for the Spirit as the agent of my intimacy with my Creator and my Savior. When I have tasted such intimacy, the idea of eternity without it is more horrible than all the physical torment we usually ascribe to hell. That’s why I want everyone to have that intimacy, starting right now and continuing throughout eternity. I know from sad experience that sin interrupts that intimacy, and that is the biggest reason to avoid it, and the biggest motivation for repentance. To the degree I walk in that intimacy with the Trinity, others will see the hope that I have and desire it for themselves. (1 Peter 3:15) I may not be gifted as an evangelist, but I desire to serve as “bait” to cause others to desire salvation for themselves.

Father, thank You for this reminder. It seems very appropriate for my 55^th wedding anniversary, since my relationship with my wife has taught me so much about intimacy on so many levels. That seems awkward to talk about, but Paul expressly brought it up in Ephesians 5. Thank You that our marriage has been a demonstration to many of what You intend marriage to be. May it continue to be so, drawing more and more to repentance and faith, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!