26 denominationalism, social class, or sexual orientation. One’s source of identity and significance is rooted socially either in individualism or the group, both of which are forms of social idolatry. Western culture tends to worship at the altar of individualism, with the accompanying collapse of community resulting in detachment and isolation. Eastern culture tends to worship at the altar of the group, with the accompanying devaluation of individuals who are expendable for the collective cause (the suicide of terrorists illustrates the point). The resolution to the individual vs. group dilemma (the problem of the one and the many) is found in the Triune God of the Bible, the one God who is three persons. Redeemed sinners find their meaning and significance in their union with and right standing before God (the vertical relationship). Then those same individuals can give themselves in ministry to their fellow human beings (the horizontal relationship) without demanding that society provide for them their identity and significance in life. The child of God is liberated from the idolatry of individualism and group association to serve the true and living God. The redeemed do not have to worship society or secure its acceptance and approval in order to live significant, worthwhile lives. “We do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Cor. 4:18). The problem of the one and the many may be rephrased in terms of the question, “Which is more important (ultimate), unity or plurality?” Which is more important, God the Father or the Trinity? Both coexist equally in the Triune God. So in human relationships, which is more important: the family or its members? the church or its members? the university or its students? the United States of America or its citizens? Within the Trinity, value and worth are based upon essence, that is, the identity of each person of the Godhead. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are each equally God with all of the same attributes and nature. But each member of the Godhead performs a different function in God’s redemption of sinners. Paul informs us in Ephesians 1:3–14 that the Father planned redemption (3–6), the Son accomplished redemption (7), and the Holy Spirit applies redemption (13–14). The significance of each member of the Godhead is based upon and rooted in essence (who He is), not upon their function (what He does).
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