Exploring the Trinity in 1 John 5 | A Doctrinal Study on the Oneness & Distinction in the Godhead

In this Sunday School lesson, Brother Thomas Ross examines 1 John 5:6–9, a passage that presents a profound affirmation of the Trinity: “There are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” Through a careful study of related Scriptures, we consider how the oneness of the Father, Son, and Spirit is distinguished from the agreement of the three earthly witnesses: the Spirit, the water, and the blood.

We trace these themes through John 3 and John 19, exploring the meaning of “water” as both a symbol of physical birth and a witness to Christ’s incarnation and death. We also turn to Exodus 3 to understand the significance of God’s self-revealed name, “I AM,” and examine how Jesus applies this name to Himself in John 8:58.

Additional discussion includes the biblical use of the word “person” to describe the distinctions within the Godhead, with Hebrews 1:3 providing key insight into the Son as the express image of the Father’s person.

📖 Topics and Texts Covered:

The Trinity as taught in 1 John 5:6–9

The difference between "are one" and "agree in one"

Christ’s incarnation and atoning death (John 3; John 19)

God's self-existence and the name “I AM” (Exodus 3)

The personhood of the Father and Son (Hebrews 1)

Oneness and threeness within the being of God (John 1)

This lesson aims to deepen the believer’s understanding of the triune nature of God, while encouraging thoughtful worship rooted in Scripture and truth.

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