The Hidden God and the Meaning of the Trinity
- Erkki Viinikainen
- Aug 7
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 26
Trinity Day First Edition
Gospel John 3:1–15 The Hidden God
There was a man among the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish council. He came to Jesus by night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God. No one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a person is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus asked, “How can someone be born when they are old? How can someone enter their mother’s womb a second time and be born?”
Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a person is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from and where it is going. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
“How can all these things be?” Nicodemus asked.
Jesus answered, “Do you not understand this, teacher of Israel? Truly, truly, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. If I tell you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended to heaven except the one who came down from heaven, the Son of Man. As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” (John 3:1–15 First Edition)
The Mystery of God
The worship service is an opportunity to challenge us to reflect on our own faith and relationship with God. This Sunday we will focus on the topic of “the hidden God,” which raises questions: Why is God so hidden that not everyone knows Him? Could God reveal Himself more and answer our prayers for peace and understanding? This article examines the meaning of a hidden God and how the Trinity brings new perspectives to the nature of God.
Many of us have experienced moments when God seems distant. Our prayers are not always answered, and this can lead to a feeling that God is hidden from us. Whether it is a global problem such as war or famine, we can ask why God does not intervene. These questions are important because they help us understand the nature of God, which often exceeds human reason.
For example, when examining major disasters such as the 2004 tsunami, we may feel that God could have prevented the tragedy, but we do not always understand his reasons. However, in the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, we can see that God communicates to us specifically through Jesus, which helps us to offer encouragement in difficult times.
Jesus – God’s Manifestation
In the New Testament, the image of God becomes clearer when the Son of God, Jesus, becomes a man. Jesus not only teaches about God, he lives and influences people’s lives. He brings with him the most important things we need to know about God. Through Jesus, the mystery of God is revealed to us, and constant interaction with Him helps us understand God’s love and mercy. Jesus also gives us an example of how we can be God’s beloved children. Let us remember that Jesus healed the sick, fed five thousand people, and comforted those who were suffering. His revelation of God has been crucial for many who are seeking answers to their doubts.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
Jesus promised his disciples that “You will receive a Helper; I will send him to you from the Father. He, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, will testify about me.” Here we come to the third person of the hidden God: the Holy Spirit. His role is important, as he brings God’s presence to people and helps believers understand God’s love more deeply. The Holy Spirit has been the third person in the Godhead forever. The Father is the creator, the Son is the redeemer, and the Holy Spirit sanctifies our lives. The majority of active Christians believe in the Holy Spirit’s participation in daily life, which shows his importance for us.
Dealing with the mystery in worship
In the Sunday worship service, we connect with God and each other. The mystery God, represented by the Trinity, is at the center of our prayers and songs. In our church, we can ask questions and share doubts, which makes our faith a common journey. We believe that every prayer is significant and can help us get through difficult times. Worship creates a space where we can experience hope and peace together, and every conversation helps us grow in our faith.
Together with God
It is important to remember that God is not only present in great moments, but also in the everyday stages of life. The hidden God is with us in all life events. Our spiritual well-being is based on how we integrate the mystery of God into our everyday lives. We can find strength in prayer and our shared spirituality, for example by focusing on biblical texts and liturgies. When the church gathers together, we can share and recognize God's love in different areas of our lives.
Prayers for peace
In the midst of wars and conflicts, many pray for peace. Questions about the meaning of faith and prayer are indeed topical. Through mystery, we turn our gaze to God's will, even if we do not always receive the answers we hope for. It is important to understand that prayer is a means of seeking connection. It has been observed that many prayer-based communities report finding a sense of peace through prayer, which shows the power of prayer towards the pursuit of peace.
The role of the individual and the community
As believers, we must walk together on God's path. This means supporting each other and sharing questions. Community is an essential part of our faith. Especially when we discuss the hidden God, we can share experiences that enrich our faith. By listening to the experiences of others, we can deepen our understanding. For example, when we spend time together in church, we can share our gratitude for God’s work in our lives and receive inspiration. Collaboration and meaningful conversations keep faith alive and open.
The Joy of Discovering God
The journey to understand the hidden God can bring a sense of happiness and peace. God is the key to life’s most important questions. In prayer and in discussions of our faith, we can find God’s gift: connection, love, and hope. In our church, we have the opportunity to experience the mystery of God. It brings us closer to Him. The mystery is not an obstacle, but a gateway to a deeper understanding and relationship with Him. We have the opportunity to share the journey with others and grow together.
Summary
The mystery of God is a diverse and profound topic that deserves our attention. Through the Trinity, we can open new doors and deepen the roots of our faith. As we study the Bible and work together in Sunday worship, we can open our hearts to the love and hope that God offers.
Together, we will reflect on why God can sometimes be hidden. At the same time, we can recognize that mysteries lead us to a deeper understanding. By encountering the mystery of God, we can find strength and peace in our lives, both personally and as a community.
Let us enjoy exploring the mystery of God and its meaning for each of us. The Trinity is more than a theoretical concept; it is a living truth that enriches our lives in the direction of our Lord, God.


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