“From Him and through Him and to Him are all things.
To Him be the glory for ever. Amen.”
— Romans 11 : 36 (NRSV)
1 Introduction
Every divine action described in Scripture reveals a Trinitarian pattern.
God never works in isolation: the Father initiates, the Son accomplishes, and the Spirit completes.
This harmony—sometimes called the divine economy (oikonomia Theou)—shows how one essence expresses itself through three relational Persons.
From the first moment of creation to the final renewal of heaven and earth, Father, Son, and Spirit act in perfect unity of purpose and distinctness of function.
2 Biblical Overview
- Creation: “In the beginning God created … and the Spirit of God was hovering …” (Genesis 1 : 1-2).
The Father wills, the Word speaks, and the Spirit gives life. - Redemption: “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son” (John 3 : 16); “Christ … offered Himself through the eternal Spirit” (Hebrews 9 : 14).
- Restoration: “He who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new’” (Revelation 21 : 5).
Thus Scripture presents one continuous divine act unfolding through time.
3 The Cooperative Pattern
| Stage of Divine Work | Father – Source and Planner | Son – Word and Mediator | Holy Spirit – Presence and Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creation | Originates the design and purpose (Gen 1 : 1; Isa 45 : 12). | Executes creation: “All things came through Him” (John 1 : 3). | Animates and sustains life (Gen 1 : 2; Job 33 : 4). |
| Revelation | Sends prophets; speaks His will (Heb 1 : 1). | Is the living Word revealing the Father (John 1 : 18). | Inspires Scripture and illuminates minds (2 Pet 1 : 21). |
| Incarnation | Chooses the time and place; sends the Son (Gal 4 : 4). | Takes flesh as Jesus Christ (John 1 : 14). | Overshadows Mary, empowering conception (Luke 1 : 35). |
| Salvation | Plans redemption out of love (Eph 1 : 3-6). | Dies and rises to reconcile humanity (Rom 5 : 8). | Applies salvation to hearts through new birth (John 3 : 5). |
| Sanctification | Disciplines and guides His children (Heb 12 : 6-10). | Intercedes as High Priest (Heb 7 : 25). | Purifies, strengthens, and produces spiritual fruit (Gal 5 : 22-23). |
| Mission of the Church | Sends labourers (Matt 9 : 38). | Commissions disciples (Matt 28 : 18-20). | Empowers witness and gives gifts (Acts 1 : 8; 1 Cor 12 : 4-11). |
| Restoration | Judges and renews creation (Rev 21 : 5-7). | Reigns as King of kings (Rev 19 : 16). | Renews the earth and glorifies believers (Rom 8 : 11). |
This table demonstrates the unity of purpose and complementary operation of the triune God through every age.
4 Creation: The Father’s Word and the Spirit’s Breath
In Genesis 1, creation unfolds through divine speech: “And God said…”—the Father’s will expressed as the Word (the Son) and animated by the Spirit.
The Hebrew term ruach denotes both breath and wind: life proceeds from God’s own vitality (Psalm 33 : 6).
Thus, the universe is not self-generated but a Trinitarian event—a cosmos born from divine communication and sustained by divine presence.
5 Salvation: The Cross as Trinitarian Act
Redemption is likewise Trinitarian:
- The Father loves and sends.
- The Son offers Himself in obedience.
- The Spirit empowers the sacrifice and later applies its benefits.
“How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience…” (Heb 9 : 14).
At the cross, divine love, obedience, and power meet. Salvation is not a transaction between separate beings but the self-giving of one triune God.
6 Sanctification and Daily Life
The Father’s goal is that His children reflect His holiness (1 Peter 1 : 15-16).
The Son provides the model and merit for holiness (John 13 : 15).
The Spirit indwells believers, transforming their inner nature (2 Cor 3 : 18).
Sanctification, therefore, is living participation in the life of the Trinity—the believer becoming what divine love already intended.
7 Restoration and Eschatology
The Bible closes where it began—with God dwelling among His people.
- The Father sits enthroned as Alpha and Omega (Rev 21 : 6).
- The Son, the Lamb, shares the throne (Rev 22 : 3).
- The Spirit invites creation to renewal: “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come’” (Rev 22 : 17).
Here the Trinity completes the cycle of divine activity: creation’s source becomes creation’s home. The redeemed cosmos is a reflection of eternal Trinitarian harmony.
8 Linguistic and Theological Insight
The New Testament frequently uses prepositions to mark each Person’s contribution:
| Greek Phrase | Translation | Implication |
|---|---|---|
| ἐξ οὗ (ek hou) – “from whom” | Refers to the Father as source | 1 Cor 8 : 6 |
| δι’ οὗ (di’ hou) – “through whom” | Points to the Son as mediator | 1 Cor 8 : 6 |
| ἐν ᾧ (en hō) – “in whom” / “by whom” | Indicates the Spirit as operative power | Eph 2 : 18 |
These grammatical distinctions mirror theological reality: one divine action flowing from, through, and in the triune Persons.
9 Analogy: Symphony of Divine Action
A helpful analogy is that of a symphony:
- The Father composes the score.
- The Son, the conductor, interprets and embodies it.
- The Spirit animates the orchestra, bringing the music to life.
The melody of redemption resounds through creation; the harmony of Father, Son, and Spirit sustains its beauty.
10 Practical Application
- Confidence in Prayer – We address the Father, trusting the Son’s intercession and the Spirit’s guidance (Rom 8 : 26-27).
- Holistic Faith – Recognising all three Persons prevents imbalance or neglect.
- Mission and Service – Every Christian vocation mirrors the Trinity’s cooperative purpose: sent by the Father, empowered by the Spirit, bearing witness to the Son.
- Hope for the Future – The same triune power that created and redeemed will also restore and glorify.
11 Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Economy of Salvation (oikonomia sōtērias) | The ordered cooperation of Father, Son, and Spirit in human redemption. |
| Perichōrēsis | Mutual indwelling; the way each divine Person exists in the others without confusion. |
| Eschatology | Study of final things—resurrection, judgement, new creation. |
| Sanctification | The Spirit’s ongoing work of making believers holy. |
| Consummation | Completion of God’s plan in the renewed creation. |
12 Reflection Questions
- How does seeing divine cooperation in every stage of history deepen your understanding of God’s unity?
- What practical difference does the Spirit’s ongoing work make to daily Christian living?
- In what ways does the future restoration reveal the character of the triune God?
13 Conclusion
The Bible’s story begins, continues, and ends with Trinitarian activity.
The Father conceives all things, the Son enacts the Father’s will, and the Spirit perfects and preserves the result.
Creation, salvation, and restoration are therefore one continuous act of divine love.
Understanding this pattern transforms worship and daily life: believers realise they are not distant spectators but participants in the ongoing work of the triune God—called, redeemed, and renewed by the same eternal power that once said, “Let there be light.”
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” — 2 Corinthians 13 : 14
References
Athanasius (1980) Orations against the Arians. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
Barth, K. (1958) Church Dogmatics III/1: The Doctrine of Creation. Edinburgh: T & T Clark.
Fee, G.D. (1994) God’s Empowering Presence: The Holy Spirit in the Letters of Paul. Peabody: Hendrickson.
Holy Bible (NRSV 1989; KJV 1611).
Torrance, T.F. (1992) The Trinitarian Faith. Edinburgh: T & T Clark.