The Christian doctrine of the Trinity states that God is One God who exists in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit (see Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; etc.). Throughout the history of the church, many have used various analogies to help our finite minds understand this paradoxical reality. In one sense, the fact that the concept of the Trinity can be initially difficult for many to comprehend may actually help to strengthen one’s confidence in God’s existence.
For if we could understand everything about God perfectly right away, then that could take away from the mystery, awe, and excitement of the journey of getting to know Him at a deeper level over time. Just as in a new marriage the husband and wife won’t immediately understand everything about each other right away, part of the mystery and joy of marriage is increasing in mutual understanding of each other over time.
This article shall use an analogy of the Trinity based upon Satan’s counterfeit version described in the book of Revelation chapter 13. Satan is a created being who lives in perpetual rebellion against God. He does nothing original, but can only counterfeit anything that God does. The following three tables highlight some parallel differences between the characteristics of the members of the Trinity and the characteristics of Satan’s counterfeit version described in the Book of Revelation and elsewhere:
| God the Father | The Dragon (Satan) (Revelation 12:9) |
| Gives His power, throne, and authority to the Son (Matthew 28:18; Revelation 3:21). | Gives his power, throne, and great authority to the beast (Revelation 13:2). |
| Receives worship for giving all authority to His Son (Philippians 2:9-11). | Receives worship for giving his authority to the beast (Revelation 13:4). |
| Gives life and breath and everything else to mankind through His Spirit (Job 33:4; Acts 17:25). | Gives breath to the image of the [first] beast through the second beast (Revelation 13:15). |
| God the Son (Jesus Christ) | The [First] Beast (“the Antichrist”) |
| Died and rose from the dead (Romans 8:34; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4). | Seemed to have a mortal wound but was healed (Revelation 13:3a,12,14). |
| Shall be worshiped by every tribe and people [group] and language and nation (Revelation 5:9; 7:9). | Shall be worshiped by every tribe and people and language and nation (Revelation 13:7-8). |
| Marveled by those who follow Him (John 5:20; 2 Thessalonians 1:9-10). | Marveled by the whole earth as they followed the beast (Revelation 13:3b). |
| God the Holy Spirit | The Second Beast (“the False Prophet”) |
| Exercises Jesus’ authority on His behalf through His servants who obey Him (John 16:7; Acts 5:32). He testifies about Jesus and glorifies Him (John 15:26; 16:14). | Exercises all the authority of the first beast on its behalf and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast (Revelation 13:12). |
| Performs signs and wonders, even baptizing believers in Jesus with fire in front of people (Matthew 3:11; Acts 2:3-4, 18-19; Romans 15:19). | Performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people (Revelation 13:13). |
| Marks believers in Jesus as a seal guaranteeing their inheritance so that they can receive what God has freely given them (Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 Corinthians 2:12). | Causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that they can engage in the exchange of resources (Revelation 13:16-17). |
Are you anxious or worried about the seeming uncertainty of the future?
For more information on knowing God personally or having a relationship with Him, see “Which Fiery Furnace Will You Choose?”
