Where Does the Holy Spirit Come From? Understanding the Divine Source

Have you ever felt that inexplicable nudge, that quiet whisper of guidance in a moment of uncertainty, or that profound sense of peace when all seemed lost? For many, these experiences are tangible encounters with the Holy Spirit, a divine presence that offers comfort, strength, and wisdom. The question, "Where does the Holy Spirit come from?" is one that has resonated through centuries of theological inquiry and personal reflection. It's a question that speaks to the very heart of faith, touching upon the nature of God and our relationship with the divine. I remember a time, not too long ago, when I was grappling with a significant life decision. The options seemed overwhelming, and the path forward was anything but clear. I prayed, I sought counsel, but a persistent feeling of inadequacy lingered. Then, in a quiet moment of contemplation, a sudden clarity descended. It wasn't a booming voice, but a deep, internal knowing, a sense of rightness that settled my spirit. This, I believe, was the Holy Spirit at work, offering a direction that transcended my own limited understanding. This personal experience fuels my own journey to understand the origins and nature of this divine force, a journey I'm eager to share with you.

The Divine Origin of the Holy Spirit: A Trinity of Unity

At its core, the Christian understanding of where the Holy Spirit comes from is rooted in the doctrine of the Trinity. This foundational belief posits that God is one God, existing eternally in three co-equal and co-eternal persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the Holy Spirit does not originate from a separate entity or a secondary source; rather, the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son, and is in essence, God Himself.

This concept of procession is crucial. It’s not about a temporal or sequential origin, as if the Spirit came into being after the Father and the Son. Instead, it describes an eternal relationship within the Godhead. The Father is the unbegotten source, the Son is eternally begotten of the Father, and the Holy Spirit eternally proceeds from the Father and the Son. This procession is not a matter of dependence in power or divinity, but rather a description of the divine relationships and the way God eternally exists and acts.

The Bible itself provides numerous passages that illuminate this divine origin. In the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks to his disciples about the coming of the Spirit. He says, "But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me" (John 15:26 ESV). Here, Jesus explicitly states that he will send the Spirit, and that the Spirit proceeds from the Father. This dual reference – sent by the Son, proceeding from the Father – highlights the Spirit's intimate connection and shared divinity with both.

Furthermore, the Nicene Creed, a foundational statement of Christian belief, articulates this understanding clearly: "And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son." This creedal affirmation, developed through centuries of theological reflection and ecumenical councils, represents a broad consensus within Christianity regarding the origin of the Holy Spirit.

It is important to distinguish this from the idea that the Spirit is merely an emanation or a force. The Holy Spirit is a distinct person within the Godhead, possessing intellect, will, and emotions. He speaks, guides, intercedes, and regenerates. The fact that the Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son underscores His divine nature and His inseparable unity with them. He is not a subordinate deity, but fully God, sharing in the same divine essence as the Father and the Son.

The Eternal Procession: A Mystery of Divine Love

The concept of eternal procession can be challenging for the human mind to fully grasp, as it transcends our earthly experiences of time and causality. However, it’s vital to remember that we are speaking of the eternal, transcendent God. The procession of the Holy Spirit is not an event that happened at a particular point in history; it is an eternal reality within the very being of God.

Think of it less as a "coming from" in a temporal sense and more as a "relation of origin" within the Godhead. The Father is the fount of divinity, from whom all things, including the distinct persons of the Son and the Spirit, eternally derive their being and relational identity. The Son is eternally begotten of the Father, and the Spirit eternally proceeds from the Father and the Son. This doesn't imply a hierarchy of power, but rather a relational order within the divine unity.

This eternal procession is a profound expression of divine love and relationship. Within the Godhead, there is an eternal communion of love between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Spirit’s procession is an outpouring of this divine love, a continuous sharing of the divine essence.

Theologians have used various analogies to try and illuminate this mystery, though no analogy is perfect. Some speak of it like a fountain (the Father) from which a stream (the Son) flows, and from which the waters (the Spirit) eternally arise. Others speak of the mutual love between the Father and the Son as the very ground from which the Spirit proceeds. These are merely attempts to bridge the gap between our finite understanding and the infinite reality of God.

The key takeaway is that the Holy Spirit is not a created being, nor is He a mere attribute or power of God. He is the third person of the eternal Trinity, and His origin is inseparably linked to the Father and the Son, from whom He eternally proceeds. This understanding is fundamental to understanding the Spirit's role in salvation history and in the life of believers.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Salvation History

While the Holy Spirit’s origin is eternal, His active role in creation and human history is profoundly significant. From the very beginning, the Spirit has been intimately involved in God's redemptive plan. Understanding this involvement further illuminates where the Holy Spirit comes from, not just in terms of His divine nature, but in His outward action.

Creation and Sustenance

The very first mention of the Spirit in the Bible is in Genesis 1:2: "The Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters." This imagery suggests a dynamic, active presence at the dawn of creation. The Spirit is not just a passive observer but an active participant, bringing order and life out of chaos. This indicates that the Spirit, as part of the Godhead, has always been involved in the ongoing work of creation and sustenance.

Job 33:4 further emphasizes this: "The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life." This verse clearly attributes the act of creation and the giving of life to the Spirit, underscoring His role as the divine agent of life.

In essence, the Holy Spirit is the divine breath of life. Just as breath sustains physical life, the Holy Spirit sustains all existence. He is the ongoing force that upholds the universe, giving it purpose and vitality. This implies that the Spirit’s power and presence are not limited to specific moments or individuals but are inherent in the fabric of reality itself.

Inspiration of Scripture

The Holy Spirit is also credited with inspiring the Holy Scriptures. The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:16, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." The phrase "breathed out by God" is directly linked to the concept of the Spirit as the divine breath. It was through the Spirit's agency that the human authors of the Bible received and conveyed God's message.

This inspiration means that Scripture is not merely human wisdom or historical record; it is the Word of God, revealed through human vessels. The Holy Spirit guided their minds and wills, ensuring that the message conveyed was true, authoritative, and divinely inspired. This is why the Bible is considered by many to be God’s infallible Word, a living and active guide for faith and life.

The process of inspiration wasn't one of dictation, where authors were passive robots. Instead, the Spirit worked through their personalities, their understanding, and their contexts. This is why the Bible exhibits such rich diversity in its literary styles and historical perspectives, yet remains unified in its overarching message of salvation. The Holy Spirit, therefore, is the ultimate source of the truth contained within the Bible, ensuring its reliability and divine authority.

The Incarnation and Ministry of Jesus Christ

The Holy Spirit played a pivotal role in the very coming of Jesus Christ into the world. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke detail the miraculous conception of Jesus. In Matthew 1:20, an angel tells Joseph, "...that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit." The Holy Spirit’s power overshadowed Mary, enabling the virgin birth and bringing about the Incarnation – God becoming flesh.

This event is crucial because it demonstrates the Spirit's unique role in bringing God into the human realm. Jesus, as fully God and fully human, was also fully empowered by the Holy Spirit throughout His earthly ministry. John the Baptist testified, "I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him" (John 1:32). Jesus Himself declared in the synagogue at Nazareth, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor..." (Luke 4:18).

The Spirit empowered Jesus for His miracles, His teachings, and His ultimate sacrifice. It was through the Spirit that Jesus offered Himself as a spotless sacrifice for the sins of humanity. This demonstrates that the Spirit’s work is not separate from the Son's mission but intimately intertwined with it. The Spirit’s origin from the Father and the Son is reflected in His active participation in the Son’s redemptive work.

Pentecost and the Empowerment of the Church

Perhaps the most dramatic manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s active presence in history is the event of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts Chapter 2. After Jesus' ascension, He promised to send the Holy Spirit to empower His followers. On the day of Pentecost, the Spirit descended upon the disciples in a powerful, tangible way, filling them with divine power and enabling them to speak in other languages.

This event marked the birth of the Christian Church. The Holy Spirit, who originates from the Father and the Son, was poured out upon believers, transforming them from timid followers into bold witnesses. This is why Pentecost is often considered the "birthday of the Church." The Spirit’s coming is not just a personal endowment but a corporate empowerment for mission and ministry.

The outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost was not a one-time event but a new era of divine presence. It signified the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the inauguration of a new covenant, where God’s Spirit would dwell within His people. This ongoing indwelling is a key aspect of the Christian faith, providing believers with assurance, guidance, and the power to live a life pleasing to God.

The significance of Pentecost cannot be overstated. It was the moment when the church, empowered by the Spirit, began its global mission. The ability to speak in tongues symbolized the breaking down of barriers and the universality of the Gospel message. From that day forward, the Holy Spirit became the divine lifeblood of the Church, enabling its growth, its perseverance, and its witness to the world.

The Personal Experience of the Holy Spirit

Beyond the grand sweep of salvation history, the question of where the Holy Spirit comes from also touches upon our personal lives. For believers, the Holy Spirit is not a distant theological concept but a present, active reality. He indwells believers, guides them, comforts them, and transforms them.

Indwelling and Assurance

A crucial aspect of the Holy Spirit’s work is His indwelling presence in the lives of believers. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:19, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own." This verse clearly indicates that believers have received the Holy Spirit from God and that His presence is internal.

This indwelling is a source of profound assurance and security. It signifies that God Himself resides within us, not as a fleeting visitor, but as a permanent resident. This presence guarantees our salvation and assures us of God's unfailing love and commitment. It’s a constant reminder that we are never alone, that we are connected to the very source of divine power and love.

The assurance that comes from the indwelling Spirit is not based on our feelings or our performance, but on God’s faithfulness. Romans 8:16 states, "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." This internal witness of the Spirit is a powerful confirmation of our identity as adopted sons and daughters of God. It’s a deep, settled conviction that transcends doubt and fear.

Guidance and Wisdom

One of the most practical ways the Holy Spirit impacts our lives is through His guidance. Jesus promised that the Spirit would "teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you" (John 14:26). This means the Holy Spirit is our divine tutor, illuminating God's Word and guiding our understanding.

In daily life, this guidance can manifest in various ways: a subtle prompting towards a certain action, a warning against a dangerous path, or a clear direction in making important decisions. It's often described as a "still, small voice" or a deep inner conviction. My own experiences often involve a feeling of peace accompanying a particular decision, or a persistent unease when considering an alternative. This intuitive sense, I believe, is the Spirit at work, leading us in ways that align with God's will.

This guidance isn't always dramatic or instantaneous. Sometimes, it’s a slow unfolding, a gradual shaping of our desires and perspectives to align with God’s. The key is to cultivate a listening heart, to be attentive to the Spirit's promptings through prayer, Scripture, and meditation. The more we tune into His voice, the clearer His guidance becomes.

Empowerment for Service and Transformation

The Holy Spirit also empowers believers to live a life that reflects God's character and to serve Him effectively. This empowerment isn't just for grand gestures; it's for the everyday tasks of living out our faith. The Apostle Paul lists the "fruit of the Spirit" in Galatians 5:22-23 as "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." These qualities are not naturally occurring in our fallen human nature; they are cultivated through the Spirit’s transforming work within us.

The Spirit also empowers believers for service within the church and in the wider world. This can include spiritual gifts, such as teaching, prophecy, healing, or administration, which are given to equip the body of Christ for ministry. As 1 Corinthians 12 explains, these gifts are diverse but all come from the same Spirit and are intended for the common good.

This transformative work is a lifelong process. The Spirit gradually renews our minds and conforms us to the image of Christ. It's about becoming more like Jesus in our thoughts, words, and actions. This transformation is not about earning our salvation but about experiencing the outworking of salvation in our lives, empowered by the very Spirit who authored it.

Comfort and Intercession

In times of sorrow, struggle, or spiritual warfare, the Holy Spirit acts as our Comforter and Intercessor. Jesus promised, "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you" (John 14:18). The Holy Spirit fulfills this promise, providing solace, strength, and a constant reminder of God’s presence.

Romans 8:26-27 speaks of the Spirit's intercessory role: "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God." This means that even when we don't know how to pray, or when our prayers feel inadequate, the Spirit is actively interceding for us, aligning our requests with God's perfect will.

This intercession is a powerful source of hope. It assures us that our deepest needs and unspoken desires are known to God and are being presented to Him by the Spirit. It’s a profound comfort to know that we have a divine advocate on our behalf, who understands our struggles and advocates for us according to God’s perfect plan.

Understanding the Holy Spirit's Origin: Key Distinctions

To further clarify where the Holy Spirit comes from, it’s helpful to address common misconceptions and make important distinctions. The Christian understanding is precise and rooted in Scripture and early church tradition.

Not a Created Being

It is crucial to understand that the Holy Spirit is not a created being. He is not an angel, a human spirit, or any other created entity. The Holy Spirit is fully God, co-equal with the Father and the Son. He has always existed and will always exist. The concept of "coming from" refers to His eternal relational origin within the Godhead, not a temporal creation.

This distinction is fundamental. If the Holy Spirit were created, He would be subordinate to God, and our relationship with Him would be fundamentally different. But because He is God, His presence within us, His guidance, and His power are divine and efficacious. The doctrine of the Trinity is the bedrock upon which this understanding rests. The Spirit's divinity ensures the efficacy of His work in salvation and in our lives.

Not an Impersonal Force

Another common misconception is viewing the Holy Spirit as merely an impersonal force or energy. While the Spirit is undeniably powerful and active, He is also presented in Scripture as a distinct person. He has a mind (Romans 8:27), a will (1 Corinthians 12:11), and He speaks (Acts 13:2). He can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30) and insulted (Hebrews 10:29).

These attributes of personhood are essential to understanding His role. If the Spirit were just a force, His work of regeneration, conviction, and intercession would be mechanistic. But because He is a person, He relates to us, communicates with us, and empowers us in a personal way. This personal nature allows for a genuine relationship with the Holy Spirit, where we can commune with Him, learn from Him, and be led by Him.

Distinction from the Father and the Son

While the Holy Spirit is one in essence with the Father and the Son, there are also distinctions between the persons of the Trinity. The Father is the unbegotten source. The Son is eternally begotten of the Father. The Holy Spirit eternally proceeds from the Father and the Son.

These distinctions are not about division but about relationship and function within the Godhead. The Father sends the Son. The Son obeys the Father. The Father and the Son send the Spirit. The Spirit glorifies the Son and the Father. Each person of the Trinity has a unique role and relationship within the eternal life of God, yet they are united in purpose, will, and essence.

For example, when Jesus ascended to heaven, He promised to send the Spirit. This sending isn't a sign of inferiority but a fulfillment of the Trinitarian relationship. The Spirit's mission is to continue the work of Christ in the world, glorifying Him and drawing people to Him. This interplay of unity and distinction is what makes the Trinity such a profound and awe-inspiring concept.

The "Filioque" Clause

Historically, there has been theological debate regarding the procession of the Holy Spirit, particularly concerning the addition of the phrase "and the Son" (Filioque) to the Nicene Creed in the Western Church. The Eastern Orthodox Church maintains that the Spirit proceeds from the Father alone. The Western Church (Catholic and Protestant) generally affirms that the Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son.

While this is a significant theological discussion, the core understanding remains that the Holy Spirit originates from God. Both traditions affirm the Spirit's divinity and His essential unity with the Father and the Son. The difference lies in the precise articulation of the relational origin within the Godhead. For practical purposes of understanding, the emphasis on the Spirit’s divine origin and His work in believers’ lives is paramount, regardless of the nuances of this debate.

Theological scholarship on the Filioque clause is extensive. Some argue that the addition was a legitimate theological development reflecting the inseparable work of the Son in salvation, while others see it as a departure from the original consensus that could imply subordination or introduce division. However, for the vast majority of believers seeking to understand the Holy Spirit, the primary focus remains on His divine nature and His active role in their faith journey.

Where Does the Holy Spirit Come From? A Concise Answer

To reiterate a clear and concise answer to the question, "Where does the Holy Spirit come from?": The Holy Spirit comes from God the Father and God the Son. He is the third person of the Holy Trinity, eternally co-equal and co-existent with the Father and the Son. He eternally proceeds from both the Father and the Son, sharing in their divine essence and nature. He is not a created being but is fully God.

This is not an arbitrary declaration but a truth derived from numerous biblical passages and affirmed by centuries of Christian theological reflection and ecumenical councils. The Spirit's origin is intrinsically linked to the very being of God, underscoring His divine authority and power in all aspects of creation, salvation, and the lives of believers.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Holy Spirit's Origin

Understanding the Holy Spirit's origin can lead to further questions. Here are some frequently asked questions with detailed, professional answers.

How is the Holy Spirit Distinct from the Father and the Son if They are One God?

This question delves into the heart of the doctrine of the Trinity. While the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one God in essence, they are distinct persons. Think of it like this: the divine essence is indivisible. This one divine essence is shared fully by each person of the Trinity. Therefore, the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God. However, the Father is not the Son, the Son is not the Spirit, and the Spirit is not the Father. Their distinction lies in their relational properties and their roles within the Godhead.

The Father is characterized as the unbegotten source, the one from whom the other persons originate. The Son is characterized as eternally begotten of the Father. The Holy Spirit is characterized as eternally proceeding from the Father and the Son. These are not differences in nature or power, but in origin and relationship. For instance, the Father has no beginning, the Son has a unique begetting from the Father, and the Spirit has a unique procession from the Father and the Son. These distinctions are crucial for understanding how God can be both one and three simultaneously.

Imagine a circle. The entire circle represents the one divine essence. Within that circle, there are three distinct points, each representing a person of the Trinity. Each point has its unique position and relationship to the others, but they all share the same unbroken circumference. This analogy, like all analogies for the Trinity, is imperfect, but it helps illustrate that unity in essence does not negate distinctness in personhood.

The practical implication of this is that when we address God, we can address the Father, the Son, or the Spirit, and we are addressing the one true God. Their individual works often highlight their distinct roles, but their ultimate purpose and power are always unified. The Father plans salvation, the Son accomplishes salvation, and the Spirit applies salvation. This is a perfect example of how their distinctness serves the unified purpose of God’s redemptive work.

Why is the Holy Spirit Described as Proceeding from the Father and the Son?

The description of the Holy Spirit proceeding from the Father and the Son is rooted in biblical language and theological interpretation. John 15:26 is a key passage where Jesus says, "But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me." Here, Jesus states that He will send the Spirit, and that the Spirit proceeds from the Father.

The Western Church's addition of "and the Son" to the Nicene Creed was, in part, an attempt to fully capture the implications of Scripture and the inseparable work of the Son in salvation. If the Spirit is sent by the Son and testifies about the Son, it suggests a deep, intrinsic connection in their origin and mission. The Son’s participation in the sending and the Spirit’s role in applying the Son’s work imply a shared origin and a unity in their divine being.

Theological reasoning suggests that if the Father and the Son are one in essence and purpose, then the Spirit’s procession from both underscores this unity. It highlights that the entire Godhead is involved in the work of redemption and the life of believers. The Spirit’s origin from the Father and the Son is a testament to the harmonious and unified nature of divine action, demonstrating that God’s work is always a Trinitarian work.

Furthermore, this understanding emphasizes the Spirit’s role in glorifying Christ. The Spirit does not draw attention to Himself but points to Jesus. This is consistent with His origin from the Son, indicating that His mission is intrinsically linked to the Son’s. The eternal procession from the Father and the Son, therefore, serves to illustrate the perfect unity of God’s being and the interconnectedness of His redemptive activities. It’s a way of expressing that the Spirit, as God, shares in the divine nature and is intimately involved in the Father’s plan as executed by the Son.

Does the Holy Spirit Have a Beginning?

No, the Holy Spirit does not have a beginning. As part of the eternal Trinity, the Holy Spirit has always existed. The concept of "proceeding" from the Father and the Son refers to an eternal relationship of origin within the Godhead, not a temporal event. God is outside of time and is not subject to the sequential nature of events that we experience.

The eternal procession means that the Holy Spirit has always been, is now, and will always be. He was not created. He did not come into existence at Pentecost or at any other point in history. His existence is as eternal as that of the Father and the Son. The Bible consistently portrays the Spirit as divine and eternal, often using language that implies His timeless nature.

For example, the Spirit is referred to as the "eternal Spirit" in Hebrews 9:14. This designation clearly indicates His lack of a temporal beginning. When we speak of His origin, we are speaking of His relational identity within the Godhead, not a point in time when He first began to exist. This eternal nature is what makes Him God, the one who is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.

This understanding is crucial for differentiating the Spirit from created beings like angels or humans, who clearly have a beginning. The eternal nature of the Holy Spirit is a testament to His full divinity and His active role in God’s eternal plan for salvation. It underscores that His power, His presence, and His indwelling are divine and inexhaustible.

What Does it Mean for the Holy Spirit to "Come From" God?

When we say the Holy Spirit "comes from" God, it signifies His divine origin and His essential unity with God the Father and God the Son. It means He is not a created entity or a lesser being, but is fully God Himself. This "coming from" is not in the sense of being made or generated by an external power, but rather as an eternal outpouring or procession within the very being of God.

The Holy Spirit's origin from God is what gives Him His divine authority, His power, and His capacity to indwell believers, convict the world, and guide the Church. Because He comes from God, His work is God's work, His truth is God's truth, and His presence is God's presence. It means that when we encounter the Holy Spirit, we are encountering God Himself in His active, life-giving, and transforming capacity.

This concept is foundational to Christian faith. It means that the power we experience, the guidance we receive, and the transformation we undergo are not mere psychological phenomena but are the direct work of the Divine. The Holy Spirit’s origin from God ensures that His operations in our lives are imbued with divine power and purpose, leading us into deeper fellowship with God and conformity to the image of Christ.

In essence, the Holy Spirit's origin from God is the ultimate source of His identity, His authority, and His efficacy. It guarantees that He is the divine agent of God’s love, grace, and power in the world and in the lives of believers. His divine source is what makes Him the powerful, transformative force that He is in the life of the Church and in the individual believer.

Conclusion: Embracing the Divine Source

The question, "Where does the Holy Spirit come from?" leads us on a profound theological journey, revealing the deep mysteries of the Godhead. It's a journey that affirms the Holy Spirit as fully God, eternally co-existent and co-equal with the Father and the Son, proceeding from them in an eternal relationship of divine love and unity.

From the dawn of creation to the ongoing work of transformation in believers' lives, the Holy Spirit's presence and power are undeniable. He is the divine breath of life, the inspirer of Scripture, the one who empowered Jesus, and the lifeblood of the Church. For each believer, He is the indwelling presence, the sure guide, the transforming agent, and the eternal Comforter.

Understanding the Holy Spirit's divine origin is not just an intellectual exercise; it’s an invitation to deeper faith and a more profound relationship with God. It means recognizing that the divine power that shaped the cosmos is the same power that dwells within us, guiding us, strengthening us, and conforming us to the image of Christ. Embracing this divine source allows us to live with assurance, hope, and a confident expectation of God's continued work in and through us.

As we reflect on the Spirit's origin, let us also embrace His presence and power in our lives. May we be ever more attuned to His voice, yielding to His guidance, and empowered by His presence to live lives that honor Him and proclaim His magnificent work. The Holy Spirit, who comes from the very heart of God, is with us, for us, and within us, a constant testament to the boundless love and power of the Triune God.