What Is the Holy Trinity?

This is one of the most difficult questions people often struggle to understand. Many have tried to explain it in ways our human minds can grasp—three in one, or one in three. I myself used to rely on examples like water as ice, vapor, and liquid, or the sun being light, heat, and fire.

Some refer to the famous hemlock explanation by St. Patrick. These illustrations are helpful up to a point, but none truly explain the full nature of God. That is because we are trying to use limited human logic to comprehend the infinite nature of the Creator.

Over time, I have come to accept that the Holy Trinity is not something we can fully figure out. It is a mystery of God’s nature. But it is not illogical—it is just beyond the full grasp of our understanding.

So here is how I now understand it. The Trinity is not about God existing in three separate parts. It is about one God who chose to reveal Himself in three ways. This is not a later church invention. It is a biblical truth.

In the Old Testament, God remained largely unseen—He spoke through prophets and appeared in cloud and fire (Exodus 3:2; 13:21). Then, in the New Testament, God revealed Himself in the person of Jesus Christ—fully human and fully divine (John 1:14). After Jesus ascended, He sent the Holy Spirit to guide and dwell within believers (John 14:26).

So, the same God revealed Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. One God, not three gods. Why did God choose to do it this way? I do not know. But that is how He chose to make Himself known. And when you accept this simple truth, there is no more confusion.