The Trinity: The Foundation of Communion with God
In the words of renowned Puritan theologian John Owen, the doctrine of the Trinity is the most glorious mystery revealed through Jesus Christ. This profound truth is not merely a concept to be grasped intellectually, but a revelation that enables us to place our trust in God, obey Him, and live in communion with Him.
Experiencing the Trinity
Owen emphasizes that the Trinity is not just a doctrine to be believed, but also experienced by the believer. To know God is to have fellowship with each person in the Godhead, which far surpasses mere intellectual understanding. This fellowship allows us to comprehend the Trinity in a way that penetrates the depths of our soul.
The Temptation of Evangelicalism
Today, evangelicalism faces the opposite temptation. We often seek to experience God without truly knowing Him as He has revealed Himself. We tend to bypass knowing God in order to directly experience Him, neglecting the importance of proper knowledge and doctrine.
A Balance of Knowledge and Experience
Owen counters this contemporary spirituality by emphasizing the need for both knowledge and experience. We cannot fully experience God unless we have a proper understanding of who He is and what He has done. Both extremes must be avoided: mere cognitive knowledge and zeal without knowledge. Our heartfelt affections must be grounded in right doctrine, lest we create a deity after our own imagination.
The Importance of Doctrine
Our worship of God must be rooted in truth, rather than personal preference or imagination. The Trinity is the foundation of all our communion with God, and comfortable dependence upon Him. To neglect this doctrine is to risk misunderstanding God altogether.
Insights from John Owen
This article is adapted from “Owen on the Christian Life: Living for the Glory of God in Christ” by Matthew Barrett and Michael A. G. Haykin. The book offers insights into John Owen’s spiritual life, pastoral ministry, and historical context, providing a deeper understanding of his views on the Christian life and the importance of the Trinity.
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