January 06, 2011
by Michael J. Svigel
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You can easily zip through 1 Peter 1:2 and miss the Trinity in the work of salvation. Many Christians forget—or at least fail to appreciate—the fact that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work together in perfect harmony to secure our eternal destiny. One author writes, “Each person of the Godhead plays a distinct role: the Father chooses, the Son redeems, and the Spirit sanctifies.”¹
We must recognize that although the Triune persons affect distinct aspects of our salvation, the work is done in complete unity. At the same time, we must be careful not to confuse the persons of the Trinity in ways that imply that they are the same person with different names. For example, Christians who thank God the Father for dying on the cross are carelessly attributing the work of the Son to the Father. We must follow the New Testament example, understanding that Father, Son, and Spirit, though eternally united, are also distinct in their works.
Michael J. Svigel received his master of theology in New Testament and doctor of philosophy in Theological Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS). He currently serves as associate professor of Theological Studies at DTS, teaching Theology and Church History. Prior to accepting his position at the seminary in 2007, he worked as a writer in the Creative Ministries Department at Insight for Living Ministries. Mike and his wife, Stephanie, are parents of three children.
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