The Perplexity of Divisions
The world around us is a complex tapestry woven with divisions. Racial, national, political, and even personal divisions permeate our existence. We are constantly grappling with the war within us, the struggle between our aspirations for good and the sins that so easily ensnare us. However, in the midst of all this complexity, there is a beautiful simplicity – the simplicity of God.
The Doctrine of Divine Simplicity
The doctrine of divine simplicity, a concept that can be elusive, often takes a backseat in theological dialogues. This could be due to the perceived intricacy or difficulty in comprehending it. Nevertheless, this doctrine is of fundamental importance in our understanding and conceptualization of divinity. In its most basic form, divine simplicity asserts the idea that God is not composed of distinct parts, and His existence isn’t confined within the physical and temporal constraints of space and time. God is God — pure and simple.
God’s knowledge and His various attributes are not external facets or additions to His being. Instead, they are the very essence of God Himself. Taking God’s omniscience as an example, it doesn’t stand as an attribute that God possesses. Rather, it is the very core of who He is. God is His knowledge. To articulate it differently, the essence of God is His existence. The essence and existence of God are not separate entities but are one and the same. It is a profound thought that challenges us to reconsider how we perceive and understand the concept of God.
The Unity of God’s Will
The concept of divine simplicity invites us to reconsider and reevaluate our comprehension of God’s will. It’s an intricate subject that prompts us to delve deeper into our understanding of God’s nature and attributes. God’s will, as we come to realize, is not separate or distinct from His essence or His very being. It is, in fact, an integral part of His divine nature.
This realization brings with it a profound truth. God’s will does not shift or alter. It remains constant, steadfast, unchanging, and unyielding. It is incapable of being thwarted or overcome by any force or entity. The will of God stands as an eternal and omnipotent truth, reflecting the essence of God Himself.
There is immense comfort and reassurance to be found in this understanding. If God’s plans for us are deeply and inextricably embedded within His unchanging essence, then no power, no circumstance, no event can defeat us or tear us away from His enduring love. His desire for His chosen ones—that we should remain united with Him and never be separated—is as unwavering, steadfast, and unchanging as God Himself.
Therefore, understanding divine simplicity is not only an intellectual exercise but also a spiritual journey that leads us to a deeper, more enriched comprehension of God’s will and His steadfast love for us.
The Indivisible Trinity
A common misconception that often arises in theological discussions is the notion that the persons of the Trinity – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – might be somehow at odds with each other in the grand scheme of salvation. This understanding, however, could not be further from the truth.
Despite being distinct in their personhood, the Father, Son, and Spirit are united in their divine nature, sharing not only this singular nature but also a singular will and purpose. This profound unity means that there is no discord or disagreement among them.
In the intricate design of salvation, it is not only the Son who is for the elect. The Father and the Spirit are equally invested and involved. The will of the Father, in its absolute love and justice, aligns perfectly with the will of the Son and the Spirit. This harmony and unity of will and purpose results in a beautiful and powerful promise: those whom the Father loves, the Son will surely redeem, without fail, and the Spirit will most certainly indwell, sealing them for eternity.
Thus, the Trinity works in concert, each person playing their distinct yet harmonious part, to bring about the divine plan of salvation.
God is One, and Undivided
Reflecting on the doctrine of divine simplicity offers profound solace, as we navigate the vicissitudes of life, in the constant, unified nature of God. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—though distinct in personhood—are intrinsically one, bound together in their intention and objective. This unity, this indivisible oneness, is a testament to God’s unyielding consistency and unwavering resolve. Because God is one, undivided and unequivocal, we can find tranquility and assurance. We can rest, firmly planted in the understanding that God’s steadfast support is unwaveringly for us, and in the face of that divine backing, nothing—no obstacle or adversity—can truly stand against us.