God is safe. Across eternity and through time, the Trinity has always been a community of security and sanctuary. This safety is innate to the triune nature of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. From before the dawn of time, within this divine fellowship, the tune of safety was first played, resonating through creation, redemption, and into eternity.
A Foundation in Eternity: To grasp the concept of the Trinity as the ultimate sanctuary of safety, we must journey back to eternity past. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit eternally coexist in perfect unity and love. The Scriptures affirm, “The Lord our God, the Lord is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4, ESV), unveiling a mystery that extends beyond our human comprehension. From this eternal unity, the safety within the Trinity emanates—a safety that transcends time, space, and circumstance.
Biblical Foundations of Triune Safety: The Word of God reveals the Triune relationship as a haven of security. In the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks of the Father’s safekeeping: “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30, ESV). Here, Jesus emphasizes the indivisible nature of their relationship, an unbreakable bond that forms the bedrock of our safety. The Psalms also reflect this idea, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1, ESV). This metaphor echoes the sanctuary of the Triune God—our refuge and fortress.
Church History’s Echoes: Throughout church history, the theology of the Trinity has resonated as a hymn of safety. The Nicene Creed, formulated in 325 AD, proclaimed the Son’s consubstantiality with the Father, securing the foundation of this safe haven against the winds of heresy. The Church Fathers, such as Athanasius and Augustine, wrestled with the complexities of the Triune nature, unwrapping its layers to unveil its essence of safety. Augustine beautifully echoed this, “The Father loves the Son, and the Son loves the Father, and the Holy Ghost is love itself.”
Theological Reflections on Triune Safety: The three divine persons share perfect knowledge, love, and communion, establishing an environment where vulnerability finds refuge and authenticity flourishes. In his work, “Mere Christianity,” C.S. Lewis aptly wrote, “In Christianity, God is not a static thing—not even a person—but a dynamic, pulsating activity, a life, almost a kind of drama. Almost, if you will not think me irreverent, a kind of dance.” This divine dance is marked by safety, for there is no fear of judgment or rejection within the Triune bond.
20 Ways the Triune Relationship is Safe:
- Eternal Unity: Unbreakable communion within the Godhead.
- Mutual Love: Boundless love among the Father, Son, and Spirit.
- Perfect Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding between the divine persons.
- Authenticity: Complete openness without fear of rejection.
- Eternal Security: Assurance of unchanging love.
- Vulnerability: A space for sharing without judgment.
- Divine Fellowship: Unity in purpose and action.
- Constant Presence: Inseparable companionship.
- Mutual Submission: Voluntary yielding in love.
- Harmony of Will: Agreement in intention and action.
- Shared Glory: Mutual exaltation and honor.
- Unconditional Acceptance: Embrace despite imperfections.
- Intimate Communication: Transparency and clear expression.
- Joyful Giving: Outpouring of selfless love.
- Empowerment: Equipping and enabling one another.
- Compassionate Care: Tender consideration and provision.
- Enduring Covenant: An unbreakable promise of fidelity.
- Peaceful Unity: Absence of conflict or discord.
- Identity and Purpose: Fulfillment within divine identity.
- Hopeful Future: Eternity within the safety of the Triune God.
Exploring the How and Why: The safety within the Trinity finds its roots in the very nature of God. As the Father, Son, and Spirit eternally coexist, their love is boundless and unconditional, creating an environment where every divine person is known and accepted. This relational dance lacks any hint of manipulation, deceit, or harm—unveiling the true essence of safety. It’s a safety grounded in love that transforms vulnerability into strength, fear into trust, and uncertainty into eternal assurance.
Why does this matter? It’s crucial because we all seek refuge, intimately acquainted with the discomfort of vulnerability and the absence of safety. Furthermore, the gospel is the proclamation of a secure God who becomes our refuge. Through fellowship with the Father and the Son, facilitated by the Holy Spirit, the gospel extends an invitation to experience the safety of God (1 Jn 1:3). In simpler terms, the gospel beckons us into the very safety that God has always known.