Week #4: Subordinationism

Theology Thursdays

Jun 27

Blog Series Intention Recap

Water in three forms? A four-leaf clover? A mystery? The Trinity defies easy explanation, but its beauty is no less real. This four-week series explores the doctrine of the Trinity and reveals how a greater appreciation of the Trinity sheds light on what we understand about the Father’s love, the Son’s gift of salvation, and the Spirit’s invitation to community.

This post is part of the series “Trinity.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.

Let’s jump into Week #4:

Subordinationism is a theological belief that suggests the Son and the Holy Spirit are subordinate to the Father in the Trinity.

Why it matters:

Subordinationism claims the Son and the Holy Spirit are lesser than the Father.
This view is considered incorrect by Christianity.
The Bible teaches that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are co-equal.
Understanding subordinationism helps us appreciate the true nature of the Trinity.

Go Deeper

In Christianity, the Trinity is a central belief that describes God as three persons in one: the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit. Each person is fully God and equal in power, glory, and eternity. However, some early Christians believed in subordinationism, the idea that the Son and the Holy Spirit are subordinate to the Father. This blog post will explore what subordinationism is, why it is considered incorrect, and what the Bible says about the Trinity.

What is Subordinationism?

Subordinationism is a belief that within the Trinity, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are not equal to the Father. Instead, it suggests they are lesser in status or authority. This idea emerged in the early centuries of Christianity as people tried to understand the relationship between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Some thought that since Jesus came to Earth and the Holy Spirit was sent by the Father, they must be lower in rank.

Why Subordinationism considered a Heresy?

Subordinationism is not accepted by mainstream Christianity because it goes against the core teaching of the Trinity. The doctrine of the Trinity states that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are co-equal and co-eternal. This means they are all equally God, without any hierarchy within their relationship. The belief in their equality is essential because it preserves the unity and the divinity of each person in the Trinity.

The Bible provides many verses that support the equality of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Here are a few key examples:

John 1:1: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This verse shows that Jesus (the Word) is fully God, just as the Father is.
Matthew 28:19: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." This verse puts the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit on the same level, indicating their equality.
2 Corinthians 13:14: "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." Here, the three persons of the Trinity are mentioned together, showing their equal importance.

These verses, among others, emphasize that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are equally divine and should be worshipped and honored as such.

The Importance of Rejecting Subordinationism

Rejecting subordinationism is crucial for maintaining a correct understanding of the Trinity. Believing that the Son and the Holy Spirit are lesser than the Father can lead to misunderstandings about God's nature and how we relate to Him. It can also impact how we view Jesus' role in salvation and the Holy Spirit's work in our lives.

By affirming the equality of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we uphold the true nature of God as revealed in the Bible. This helps us appreciate the unity and diversity within the Trinity and strengthens our faith in the God who is three in one.

Historical Context of Subordinationism

To understand subordinationism better, it's helpful to look at its historical context. In the early centuries of Christianity, there were many debates about the nature of God and Jesus. Some early church leaders, like Arius, taught that Jesus was created by the Father and therefore not equal to Him. This view, known as Arianism, was a form of subordinationism.

The early church recognized the danger of this teaching and addressed it at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. The council affirmed that Jesus is "begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father." This declaration was a crucial step in defining the doctrine of the Trinity and rejecting subordinationism.

The Trinity in Christian Life and Worship

Even today, understanding and rejecting subordinationism is important for Christians. Some groups may still hold views that resemble subordinationism, which can lead to confusion about the nature of God. By studying the Bible and church history, we can better understand why the Trinity is essential to our faith and how to explain it clearly to others.

The doctrine of the Trinity has a deep impact on Christian life and worship. Recognizing the equality of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit helps us appreciate their distinct roles and how they work together in our lives. For example:

In Prayer: We can pray to the Father, through the Son, and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Each person of the Trinity plays a part in our communication with God.
In Salvation: The Father planned our salvation, the Son accomplished it through His death and resurrection, and the Holy Spirit applies it to our lives by transforming our hearts.
In Worship: We worship the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit equally, giving glory to the triune God who is worthy of our praise.

How to Explain the Trinity to Others

Explaining the Trinity can be challenging, especially because it is a divine mystery that goes beyond our full understanding. However, there are some helpful ways to describe it:

Use Analogies: While no analogy is perfect, some can help people grasp the concept. For example, the Trinity can be compared to the sun, which has light, heat, and the sun itself—three distinct aspects, but one sun. But acknowledge no analogy can do everything and help people to understand the need to deal with analogies on a case by case basis.
Emphasize Unity and Distinction: Make it clear that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct persons, yet they are one God. They share the same divine essence but have different roles.
Point to Scripture: Use Bible verses to highlight the Trinity, such as those mentioned earlier. Show how the Bible presents the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as co-equal and co-eternal.

How does this help me understand “Trinity?”

Subordinationism is a theological belief that suggests the Son and the Holy Spirit are subordinate to the Father in the Trinity. However, this view is not accepted by mainstream Christianity because it goes against the core teaching of the Trinity. The Bible teaches that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are co-equal and co-eternal. Understanding and rejecting subordinationism helps us appreciate the true nature of the Trinity and strengthens our faith. By affirming the equality of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we uphold the true nature of God as revealed in the Bible and grow in our relationship with Him.

Understanding subordinationism and the true nature of the Trinity is vital for Christians. By recognizing the co-equality of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we uphold the core teachings of our faith and ensure our worship and understanding of God are correct. This knowledge helps us grow closer to God, appreciate His work in our lives, and effectively share our faith with others. Through prayer, Bible study, and worship, we can deepen our relationship with the triune God and live out our faith with confidence and clarity.