Objection · Case 04 · The Trinity
A voice, a dove-like descent, and a man are three phenomena, not three persons. Can’t God manifest in three ways at once, as the sun is seen and felt at the same time?
One objection from the free evidence repository at apologetics.pro.
Response
Grant the point: simultaneous manifestation is not logically impossible, and the baptism alone does not refute modalism. What breaks the modalist reading is the relational language across the Gospels. The Father loves the Son, the Son prays to the Father, the Son sends the Spirit, the Spirit intercedes with the Father. Manifestations do not love, send, or intercede with one another. The baptism is cited as the scene where all three are on stage; the conversation between them is the evidence for distinction.
About this exhibit
This objection is to All three present at once at Jesus’ baptism, Matthew 3:16-17.
At the baptism the Son stands in the water, the Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father speaks from heaven, “This is my beloved Son.” Three are on the scene at the same moment.
Under Claim 06: The New Testament shows Father, Son, and Spirit as distinct from one another, speaking to and sending one another.