Explain the difference between the immanent and the economic Trinity. Include examples to support your response.\
The correct answer and explanation is :
The immanent Trinity and the economic Trinity are two key theological concepts that describe different aspects of the Christian understanding of God as three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Immanent Trinity
The immanent Trinity refers to God as He exists in Himself, apart from creation and human history. It describes the eternal relationship between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This perspective focuses on God’s inner life—how the three persons relate to one another independently of their actions in the world. For example, theologians speak of the Father eternally begetting the Son and the Holy Spirit proceeding from the Father and the Son. These relationships exist outside of time and creation.
Economic Trinity
The economic Trinity, on the other hand, refers to God’s actions in history and how He interacts with the world, particularly in salvation. It describes how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit reveal themselves through their roles in creation, redemption, and sanctification. For instance:
- The Father sends the Son into the world (John 3:16).
- The Son becomes incarnate, dies on the cross, and rises again for humanity’s salvation.
- The Holy Spirit is sent by the Father and the Son to empower believers (John 14:26).
Key Difference and Unity
While these distinctions help us understand God’s nature, they are not separate realities. The economic Trinity reveals the immanent Trinity. That is, God’s actions in history reflect His eternal nature.
Example
An analogy is an author and a book: the author (God in Himself) exists independently of the story, but his character is revealed through the way he writes (God’s actions in history).
