I am continuing my discussion on how to answer the person who asks, “If the Trinity is such an important doctrine, why isn’t it taught in the Old Testament?”
Here is another passage where one person is called “God” and is distinguished from another person who is also called “God.” We read Psalm 45:6-7 “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom. 7 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of joy above Your fellows.” This king is called God and his throne will last “forever and ever.” Then the psalmist says to the king, “Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of joy above Your fellows.” Two separate and distinct persons are called God (Elohim); one in verse 6 and a second one in verse 7. Previously, I presented multiple passages showing the Bible teaches there is only one God (minimum 28 verses). Based on this fact we can conclude we are looking at two persons and not two gods. In the New Testament, the author of Hebrews applies this passage to Jesus Christ: Hebrews 1:8-9 “But about the Son he says, ‘Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.’” In verse 8 Jesus is called God and in verse 9 we see where God (the Father) has set him above all.
I have given three examples (two in part 9) where the Old Testament indirectly points to the doctrine of the Trinity. Remember one of the main reasons we don’t see a more developed presentation of the Triune God is the second person of the Trinity has not come to earth as Jesus. Once we have the New Covenant, ushered in by Jesus and launched at Pentecost with the power of the Holy Spirit, we see the scriptures directly teaching all three foundational truths of the Trinity; 1) only one God, 2) subsisting in 3 persons, and 3) each person is God.
The Bible teaches progressive truth. Over time we see certain key realities being more fully revealed. The Trinity is one of those doctrines progressively revealed and only hinted at through the Old Testament. The doctrine of salvation is another progressive truth. The Apostle Paul writes, Romans 16:25-27 “Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, 26 but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith; 27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen.” Paul speaks of revealing a mystery that was kept secret long ago. This mystery is Jesus came to earth to die on a cross and pay the penalty for sins for both Jews and gentiles. When Abraham believed God (Genesis 15:6) he became a follower of God, even though he didn’t know by who or how his sins would be paid. The full payment for the sins of the Old Testament saints wouldn’t be revealed until the time of Jesus. It was a progressive revelation. They were still saved by grace through faith but would never see the fulfillment of God’s promise of full forgiveness. Yet, they experienced the atoning sacrifice of Jesus. The New Testament reveals additional mysteries that were kept secret in the past.
