How Does Trinitarian Theology Shape Christian Worship?
Trinitarian theology shapes corporate worship by identifying the three persons as one. Matthew 28:19 says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” In this, it is not only mentioning the three persons but in the word “name” it is suggesting their oneness. One example could be when the worship leader is opening the service with a prayer.
“Heavenly Father, thank you because we are able to gather as one body. I pray that as we have this time together, we are able to acknowledge that your presence is here. Holy Spirit continue to move in a powerful way. We leave all these things in your hands. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.”
Another example could be a song that mentions the Trinity, like “This I believe (The Creed)” by Hillsong Worship. The lyrics to the chorus go like this
I believe in God our Father
I believe in Christ the Son
I believe in the Holy Spirit
Our God is three in one
I believe in the resurrection
That we will rise again
For I believe in the name of Jesus
Another important aspect to be mindful of is that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are inseparable but distinct. Meaning that they each play a significant role and is shown throughout the scriptures. Ephesians 1:4, 7, 13–14 mention the Father’s plan for salvation, Christ dying to accomplish it, and the Spirit being a seal to protect believers until the day of redemption. This is the beautiful thing about the three persons, they all have a special purpose yet work together. Moreover, this is why Christianity is distinct from other religions because it worships one God, which brings me to monotheism. Without it would be tritheism, which is the belief that the three persons of the Trinity are three distinct gods. Deuteronomy 4:39 says, “Know therefore today, and lay it to your heart, that the Lord is God in heaven above and on earth beneath; there is no other.” In other words, God demonstrated who he was to Israel by speaking audibly to them and even saw his holy fire and benefited from his divine choice. Moreover, no one else could have done this other than Him and proves that he is the only ruler of this world.
