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The Good God: Enjoying Father, Son and Spirit
In The Good God, Michael Reeves writes about growing in our enjoyment of God and seeing how God's triune being makes all his ways beautiful. He sees it as a chance to taste and see that the Lord is good, to have our hearts won and ourselves refreshed.
112 pages, Paperback
Published March 2, 2012
30 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Michael Reeves
76 books574 followersMichael Reeves (PhD, King's College, London) is President and Professor of Theology at Union School of Theology in the UK (www.ust.ac.uk). He is Director of the European Theologians Network, and speaks and teaches regularly worldwide. Previously he has been Head of Theology for the Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship and an associate minister at All Souls Church, Langham Place, London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
January 29, 2024
Fantastic book! Thanks Tom for the recommendation. A short exploration of what God being a trinitarian God actually means and how it affects the way we think about and interact with Him. It genuinely has altered the way I think about God and my understanding of just how good and loving He is. Definitely recommend.
July 11, 2024
I was lent this by a friend at church.
It was a very helpful guide to the trinity - something that is so complexly beautiful.
This book helpfully expressed how only a triune God can be a loving God, how a binity or Unitarian God would be selfish and unable to truly love perfectly and without selfish ambition.
I really liked the illustration on the difference between loving God and being grateful to God. I think quite often it can easy not to be loving towards God but only grateful and I think it was a helpful reminder and illustration.
It was a very helpful guide to the trinity - something that is so complexly beautiful.
This book helpfully expressed how only a triune God can be a loving God, how a binity or Unitarian God would be selfish and unable to truly love perfectly and without selfish ambition.
I really liked the illustration on the difference between loving God and being grateful to God. I think quite often it can easy not to be loving towards God but only grateful and I think it was a helpful reminder and illustration.
April 4, 2020
Le Dieu inconcevable - Et oh combien bon !
Écrit par un docteur de philosophie, à propos d’un sujet - la Trinité - qui dans l’esprit commun est
difficile à articuler, expliquer ou défendre, ce livre pourrait paraître compliqué à aborder de manière
décontractée. Cependant l’auteur réussi le tour de force de nous présenter Dieu d’une manière, si ce
n’est concevable, du moins vraiment éclairante et rafraîchissante. Rempli d’humour, insistant sur
les points importants et s’exprimant en des termes accessibles, ce livre est finalement une lecture
très agréable et qui vient bouleverser notre relation avec Dieu.
Plusieurs citations des pères de l’église ainsi que des grands théologiens de l’histoire chrétienne
apportent des compléments bienvenus pour étoffer le sujet. Cela démontre aussi que l’auteur n’a pas
voulu réinventer la roue, ces considérations sur la divinité s’ancrent dans la compréhension qu’en
ont eu les chrétiens à travers les siècles.
Le but principal de cet petit ouvrage est de nous faire (re)découvrir le Dieu Trinitaire. L’auteur
commence par nous faire comprendre qu’il est essentiel pour un chrétien de savoir qui est le Dieu
qu’il adore et sert. C’est même pour lui une question d’« oxygène vital ». L’auteur insiste
notamment sur le fait que notre Dieu est social, car trin. Depuis toute l’éternité, les trois personnes
de la Trinité vivent ensemble et dépendent les uns des autres. N’étant donc pas un Dieu solitaire, Il
a parfaitement pu manifester toutes ses vertus bien avant de créer toutes choses. Ainsi, les
personnes de la Trinité s’aiment, s’honorent, communiquent, sont dans la joie et vivent en parfaite
harmonie de manière indépendante de toute créature. Depuis toute éternité, le Père aime le Fils, le
Fils aime le Père et cela dans la communion du Saint Esprit. Le fait que Dieu soit un être social et
non pas solitaire, implique qu’Il est tourné vers l’extérieur, et peut « déborder », partager qui Il est
avec qui Il le souhaite. C’est dans sa nature de propager son amour et sa grâce vers l’extérieur.
Reeves décrit également de manière succinctes les grandes erreurs concernant la doctrine de Dieu
commises dans l’histoire, exposant ainsi les écueils du modalisme et du tri-théisme.
Le gros de la structure du livre se base sur la conception habituelle qu’on a des rôles des personnes
de la Trinité. Le Père et la création, le Fils et le salut et le Saint Esprit et la sanctification, mais
cette notion de Trinité débordante, tournée vers l’extérieur, y est développée pour nous montrer
l’unité de l’action de notre Dieu. Détaillons ces trois axes :
C’est parce que Dieu est fondamentalement un Père, c’est-à-dire qui engendre et se plaît à
manifester son amour envers le Fils, que l’acte créateur a véritablement un sens. C’est en parfaite
harmonie avec un Dieu aimant autrui. Ainsi donc, le Père forme le monde par sa Parole et lui donne
vie par son Esprit. Il crée des êtres à sa ressemblance, heureux et libres, fait pour être en
communion avec Lui.
Après la chute et le péché, que Reeves défini comme le fait de détourner son amour de Dieu, ce
dernier à réagit au rejet de l’homme en manifestant son amour à l’extrême. Il l’a fait en envoyant son Fils unique nous récupérer, nous réconcilier avec Lui. Jésus a pris la nature humaine, s’est
humilié, a obéi jusqu’à la mort de la croix pour accomplir le sacrifice parfait. C’est par cette œuvre
que nous sommes adoptés pour être enfants de Dieu et jouir de l’intimité restaurée avec Lui.
L’auteur souligne que si Dieu n’était pas Trinitaire, cette adoption n’aurait aucun sens. Nous
devenons les enfants du Père céleste, pour jouir de la communion qu’Il a avec le Fils et c’est par
l’Esprit que nous pouvons réellement entrer dans cette intimité. Car c’est l’Esprit qui nous ouvre les
yeux sur la véritable nature de la personne du Christ et de la préciosité de sa rédemption.
Venons-en donc à la troisième personne de la Trinité. Si c’est donc Lui qui nous révèle le Fils,
avant cela c’est Lui qui insuffle en nous la vie spirituelle. C’est Lui qui est l’Esprit d’adoption et qui
nous introduit dans la famille céleste. En se donnant lui-même à nous, il remplis notre cœur du
chaud et rayonnant amour de la communion Trinitaire. Nous pourrons ainsi déborder à notre tour et
faire miroiter l’amour divin autour de nous.
J’ai trouvé cette lecture très bienfaisante. Elle nous exhorte à cherche l’intimité d’un Dieu tel qu’il
n’y en a pas d’autres, et à réapprendre à nous émerveiller de qui Il est vraiment. Cela permet aussi
d’aiguiser notre compréhension de sa manière d’agir et de se révéler.
Bien qu’on mette un peu de côté la transcendance, et certains autres attributs de Dieu telles que la
sainteté ou la justice, le point de l’auteur ici est plutôt de nous réapprendre la vraie signification de
l’amour divin, de nos temps très mal compris et utilisé. J’ai beaucoup aimé l’équilibre apporté par
l’explication du mal et de la colère de Dieu à la lumière de cet amour.
Un livre à recommander sans aucun doute, mais surtout à discuter et partager, puisque au final c’est
à cela que tout chrétien est appelé : aimer et faire aimer notre bon Dieu !
Écrit par un docteur de philosophie, à propos d’un sujet - la Trinité - qui dans l’esprit commun est
difficile à articuler, expliquer ou défendre, ce livre pourrait paraître compliqué à aborder de manière
décontractée. Cependant l’auteur réussi le tour de force de nous présenter Dieu d’une manière, si ce
n’est concevable, du moins vraiment éclairante et rafraîchissante. Rempli d’humour, insistant sur
les points importants et s’exprimant en des termes accessibles, ce livre est finalement une lecture
très agréable et qui vient bouleverser notre relation avec Dieu.
Plusieurs citations des pères de l’église ainsi que des grands théologiens de l’histoire chrétienne
apportent des compléments bienvenus pour étoffer le sujet. Cela démontre aussi que l’auteur n’a pas
voulu réinventer la roue, ces considérations sur la divinité s’ancrent dans la compréhension qu’en
ont eu les chrétiens à travers les siècles.
Le but principal de cet petit ouvrage est de nous faire (re)découvrir le Dieu Trinitaire. L’auteur
commence par nous faire comprendre qu’il est essentiel pour un chrétien de savoir qui est le Dieu
qu’il adore et sert. C’est même pour lui une question d’« oxygène vital ». L’auteur insiste
notamment sur le fait que notre Dieu est social, car trin. Depuis toute l’éternité, les trois personnes
de la Trinité vivent ensemble et dépendent les uns des autres. N’étant donc pas un Dieu solitaire, Il
a parfaitement pu manifester toutes ses vertus bien avant de créer toutes choses. Ainsi, les
personnes de la Trinité s’aiment, s’honorent, communiquent, sont dans la joie et vivent en parfaite
harmonie de manière indépendante de toute créature. Depuis toute éternité, le Père aime le Fils, le
Fils aime le Père et cela dans la communion du Saint Esprit. Le fait que Dieu soit un être social et
non pas solitaire, implique qu’Il est tourné vers l’extérieur, et peut « déborder », partager qui Il est
avec qui Il le souhaite. C’est dans sa nature de propager son amour et sa grâce vers l’extérieur.
Reeves décrit également de manière succinctes les grandes erreurs concernant la doctrine de Dieu
commises dans l’histoire, exposant ainsi les écueils du modalisme et du tri-théisme.
Le gros de la structure du livre se base sur la conception habituelle qu’on a des rôles des personnes
de la Trinité. Le Père et la création, le Fils et le salut et le Saint Esprit et la sanctification, mais
cette notion de Trinité débordante, tournée vers l’extérieur, y est développée pour nous montrer
l’unité de l’action de notre Dieu. Détaillons ces trois axes :
C’est parce que Dieu est fondamentalement un Père, c’est-à-dire qui engendre et se plaît à
manifester son amour envers le Fils, que l’acte créateur a véritablement un sens. C’est en parfaite
harmonie avec un Dieu aimant autrui. Ainsi donc, le Père forme le monde par sa Parole et lui donne
vie par son Esprit. Il crée des êtres à sa ressemblance, heureux et libres, fait pour être en
communion avec Lui.
Après la chute et le péché, que Reeves défini comme le fait de détourner son amour de Dieu, ce
dernier à réagit au rejet de l’homme en manifestant son amour à l’extrême. Il l’a fait en envoyant son Fils unique nous récupérer, nous réconcilier avec Lui. Jésus a pris la nature humaine, s’est
humilié, a obéi jusqu’à la mort de la croix pour accomplir le sacrifice parfait. C’est par cette œuvre
que nous sommes adoptés pour être enfants de Dieu et jouir de l’intimité restaurée avec Lui.
L’auteur souligne que si Dieu n’était pas Trinitaire, cette adoption n’aurait aucun sens. Nous
devenons les enfants du Père céleste, pour jouir de la communion qu’Il a avec le Fils et c’est par
l’Esprit que nous pouvons réellement entrer dans cette intimité. Car c’est l’Esprit qui nous ouvre les
yeux sur la véritable nature de la personne du Christ et de la préciosité de sa rédemption.
Venons-en donc à la troisième personne de la Trinité. Si c’est donc Lui qui nous révèle le Fils,
avant cela c’est Lui qui insuffle en nous la vie spirituelle. C’est Lui qui est l’Esprit d’adoption et qui
nous introduit dans la famille céleste. En se donnant lui-même à nous, il remplis notre cœur du
chaud et rayonnant amour de la communion Trinitaire. Nous pourrons ainsi déborder à notre tour et
faire miroiter l’amour divin autour de nous.
J’ai trouvé cette lecture très bienfaisante. Elle nous exhorte à cherche l’intimité d’un Dieu tel qu’il
n’y en a pas d’autres, et à réapprendre à nous émerveiller de qui Il est vraiment. Cela permet aussi
d’aiguiser notre compréhension de sa manière d’agir et de se révéler.
Bien qu’on mette un peu de côté la transcendance, et certains autres attributs de Dieu telles que la
sainteté ou la justice, le point de l’auteur ici est plutôt de nous réapprendre la vraie signification de
l’amour divin, de nos temps très mal compris et utilisé. J’ai beaucoup aimé l’équilibre apporté par
l’explication du mal et de la colère de Dieu à la lumière de cet amour.
Un livre à recommander sans aucun doute, mais surtout à discuter et partager, puisque au final c’est
à cela que tout chrétien est appelé : aimer et faire aimer notre bon Dieu !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2014
I enjoyed this book. Trinity must shape all our theology. Reeves helpfully shows this. I experienced, however, some frustrations.
At times, to be honest, I wasn't sure where I the reader was in his argument. Perhaps, this was my deficiency. On the other hand, there were points when I would have liked a tighter and more disciplined order.
I also found some of the assumptions/presuppositions lacking -- even if I agreed. For example, Reeves juxtaposes a Single-god with the Triune God. I thought this is a good point but then Reeves makes sweeping statements about the single-god without strong support. (I agree with him but wanted weightier support)
I would have benefitted from Reeves showing me that the Johanine material isn't the only source for seeing the intimacy between the Trinity. (Again, I agree with this conclusion but wanted further support)
A minor quibble: which probably is more a reflection of me but I did find some of the informal asides jarring in the midst of deep theology.
Yet, my frustrations aside this is indeed (as another reviewer put it) paradigm shifting. To think and yes, Delight (see Jonathan Edwards),in the Trinity is life-giving! Thank you Mike Reeves.
At times, to be honest, I wasn't sure where I the reader was in his argument. Perhaps, this was my deficiency. On the other hand, there were points when I would have liked a tighter and more disciplined order.
I also found some of the assumptions/presuppositions lacking -- even if I agreed. For example, Reeves juxtaposes a Single-god with the Triune God. I thought this is a good point but then Reeves makes sweeping statements about the single-god without strong support. (I agree with him but wanted weightier support)
I would have benefitted from Reeves showing me that the Johanine material isn't the only source for seeing the intimacy between the Trinity. (Again, I agree with this conclusion but wanted further support)
A minor quibble: which probably is more a reflection of me but I did find some of the informal asides jarring in the midst of deep theology.
Yet, my frustrations aside this is indeed (as another reviewer put it) paradigm shifting. To think and yes, Delight (see Jonathan Edwards),in the Trinity is life-giving! Thank you Mike Reeves.
July 31, 2018
This book definitely helped clarify some confusion I have always had about the Trinity and offered new perspectives around the creation and prayer which had never crossed my mind. It was very repetitive and went in circles drumming the same points throughout the entire book but one thing is for sure, that helps remember what the whole point is, that only a triune God can love, have fellowship, share and spread love, beauty, holiness and glory.
December 27, 2024
I recall someone saying this is the best book on the Trinity. Now I've read it, I agree!
Especially the mindshift at the beginning, rather than thinking of "God" as a concept first and shoving the Trinity in, we should begin with the Trinity. There is no other "god" outside the triune God. The triangle that says "Father is God, Son is God, Spirit is God" although good to combat heresy, gives the sense that there is some ethereal "God" that then fits into the Father/Son/Spirit. But this "Godness" is nowhere in the bible. The bible's God is always the triune God.
He kept coming back to the triune God being unchanging. "If there was once a time the son didn't exist, then there was once a time when the father was not yet a father."
And went through creation / salvation / redemption and how trinity impacts it all.
* "His love for the world is the overflow of his almighty love for his son"
* Without the trinity why would salvation be good? We'd just be better law abiders, but there wouldn't be any love we'd be saved into.
* Desires matter. Spirit redeems us not just our external obedience for Christ, but actual love and joy in him
* God's anger at sin in gen 3 is a new thing, whereas love is eternal. God's glory is his light --> It shines out! It gives.
* Also linked trinity to evangelism (as God sent the son, we are sent, to bring forth more love)
My only complaint is the second half peetered off slightly, some of the puritan quotes were a bit long, (but he did mostly rephrase them well straight after!)
But I still heartily recommend.
Especially the mindshift at the beginning, rather than thinking of "God" as a concept first and shoving the Trinity in, we should begin with the Trinity. There is no other "god" outside the triune God. The triangle that says "Father is God, Son is God, Spirit is God" although good to combat heresy, gives the sense that there is some ethereal "God" that then fits into the Father/Son/Spirit. But this "Godness" is nowhere in the bible. The bible's God is always the triune God.
He kept coming back to the triune God being unchanging. "If there was once a time the son didn't exist, then there was once a time when the father was not yet a father."
And went through creation / salvation / redemption and how trinity impacts it all.
* "His love for the world is the overflow of his almighty love for his son"
* Without the trinity why would salvation be good? We'd just be better law abiders, but there wouldn't be any love we'd be saved into.
* Desires matter. Spirit redeems us not just our external obedience for Christ, but actual love and joy in him
* God's anger at sin in gen 3 is a new thing, whereas love is eternal. God's glory is his light --> It shines out! It gives.
* Also linked trinity to evangelism (as God sent the son, we are sent, to bring forth more love)
My only complaint is the second half peetered off slightly, some of the puritan quotes were a bit long, (but he did mostly rephrase them well straight after!)
But I still heartily recommend.
June 5, 2025
This is a remarkable and moving book, as it brings the necessity and beauty of the doctrine of the Trinity to life. Make no mistake, the Trinity is not some dusty and irrelevant doctrine that we can safely ignore; rather, it describes God as he is, and makes real that most common of throwaway comments: God is love. As Reeves explains, any idea of “God as love” is incoherent if we do not understand him as a trinity: “ 'God is love': those three words could hardly be more bouncy. They seem lively, lovely, and as warming as a crackling fire. But 'God is a Trinity'? No, hardly the same effect: that just sounds cold and stodgy. All quite understandable, but the aim of this book is to stop the madness. Yes, the Trinity can be presented as a fusty and irrelevant dogma, but the truth is that God is love because God is a Trinity. This book, then, will simply be about growing in our enjoyment of God and seeing how God's triune being makes all his ways beautiful…it is only when you grasp what it means for God to be a Trinity that you really sense the beauty, the overflowing kindness, the heart-grabbing loveliness of God.”
Reeves unpacks this idea by examining the importance of understanding God as Trinity at four crucial points: before creation, in creation, in salvation, and in the Christian life.
As regards the first, a common question is, ‘What was God doing before creation?’ Far from being lonely or incomplete, the persons of the Trinity have loved one another from all eternity: “Before he ever created, before he ever ruled the world, before anything else, this God was a Father loving his Son…at bottom, he is not creator, ruler, or even 'God' in some abstract sense: he is the Father, loving and giving life to his Son in the fellowship of the Spirit. A God who is in himself love, who before all things could never be anything but love. Having such a God happily changes everything.”
Moving to consider creation, Reeves explains that, “The very nature of the triune God is to be effusive, ebullient and bountiful; the Father rejoices to have another beside him, and he finds his very self in pouring out his love. Creation is about the spreading, the diffusion, the outward explosion of that love. This God is the very opposite of greedy, hungry, selfish emptiness; in his self-giving, he naturally pours forth life and goodness. He is, then, the source of all that is good, and that means he is not the sort of God who would call people to himself away from happiness in good things. Goodness and ultimate happiness are to be found with him, not apart from him…And not only is God's joyful, abundant, spreading goodness the very reason for creation; the love and goodness of the triune God is the source of all love and goodness…Indeed, in the triune God is the love behind all love, the life behind all life, the music behind all music, the beauty behind all beauty and the joy behind all joy. In other words, in the triune God is a God we can heartily enjoy and enjoy in and through his creation.”
In salvation, “the Father sent his Son to make himself known - meaning, not that he wanted simply to download some information about himself, but that the love the Father eternally had for the Son might be in those who believe in him, and that we might enjoy the Son as the Father always has. Here, then, is a salvation no single-person God could offer even if they wanted to: the Father so delights in his eternal love for the Son that he desires to share it with all who will believe.” However, our problem is that in ourselves we want nothing to do with this, as Reeves explains: “like Adam and Eve, our hearts are turned from the Lord. Naturally, we love and desire other things - ourselves, especially - and not him who is the source of life. That is a real problem, for we are made to follow our hearts, to do what we want. As Adam and Eve followed their hearts' desires when they first sinned, so we continue. 'In his heart a man plans his course' (Proverbs 16:9). But if we do not want - if our hearts do not desire the Lord of life, then we will never choose him, and so we must remain prisoners of death.” This problem showcases the need for the trinitarian work of salvation that is proclaimed in the gospel: “The Spirit is about drawing us into the divine life. The Father has eternally delighted in the Son through the Spirit, and the Son in the Father; the Spirit's work in giving us new life, then, is nothing less than bringing us to share in their mutual delight.”
All of this naturally leads to consideration of the Christian life: “My new life began when the Spirit first opened my eyes and won my heart to Christ. Then, for the first time, I began to enjoy and love Christ as the Father has always done. And through Christ, for the first time, I began to enjoy and love the Father as the Son has always done. That was how it started, and that is how the new life goes on: by revealing the beauty, love, glory and kindness of Christ to me, the Spirit kindles in me an ever deeper and more sincere love for God. And as he stirs me to think ever more on Christ, he makes me more and more God-like: less self-obsessed and more Christ-obsessed…Who could ever prefer the 'cleaner, leaner' idea of a single-person God? For, strip down God and make him lean, and you must strip down his salvation and make it mean. Instead of a life bursting with love, joy and fellowship, all you will be left with is the watery gruel of religion. Instead of a loving Father, a distant potentate; instead of fellowship, contract. No security in the beloved Son, no heart-change, no joy in God could that spirit bring. Far, far from theological clutter, God's being Father, Son and Spirit is just what makes the Christian life beautiful.”
Our response can only be one of praise and worship of such an inestimably good God: “So the glory of God is like radiant light, shining out, enlightening and giving life. And that is what the innermost being and weight of God is like: he is a sun of light, life and warmth, always shining out. As the Father gives out life and being to the Son, as the Father and the Son breathe out the Spirit, so the Spirit breathes out life into the world. The glory of this God is radiant and outgoing. As the sun gives of its own light and heat, so this God glories in giving himself…For his glory is not about taking but giving…This is seen most vividly and beautifully in the person of Jesus, who “is the glory of his Father, shining out from the Father and perfectly enlightening us to see what the Father is really like. And now Jesus himself is to be glorified. That is, we are now going to see his innermost being and weight displayed. What does it look like? A seed, dying to bear fruit. For he was speaking of his death. Astonishingly, the moment when Jesus finally reaches the deepest point of his humiliation, at the cross, is the moment when he is glorified and most clearly seen for who he is. On the cross we see the glorification of the glory of God, the deepest revelation of the very heart of God - and it is all about laying down his own life to give life, to bear fruit…Here is a glory no other God would want. Other gods need worship and service and sustenance. But this God needs nothing. He has life in himself - and so much so that he is brimming over. His glory is inestimably good, overflowing, self-giving.”
This really is a wonderful little book, and should be a shot in the arm of the faith of any Christian believer, to wonder at and take confidence in the unique goodness and beauty of the God we worship. And as he concludes, the stakes are high: “What is your Christian life like? What is the shape of your gospel, your faith? In the end, it will all depend on what you think God is like. Who God is drives everything. So, what is the human problem? Is it merely that we have strayed from a moral code? Or is it something worse: that we have strayed from him? What is salvation? Is it merely that we are brought back as law-abiding citizens? Or is it something better: that we are brought back as beloved children? What is the Christian life about? Mere behaviour? Or something deeper: enjoying God? And then there's what our churches are like, our marriages, our relationships, our mission: all are moulded in the deepest way by what we think of God.”
Reeves unpacks this idea by examining the importance of understanding God as Trinity at four crucial points: before creation, in creation, in salvation, and in the Christian life.
As regards the first, a common question is, ‘What was God doing before creation?’ Far from being lonely or incomplete, the persons of the Trinity have loved one another from all eternity: “Before he ever created, before he ever ruled the world, before anything else, this God was a Father loving his Son…at bottom, he is not creator, ruler, or even 'God' in some abstract sense: he is the Father, loving and giving life to his Son in the fellowship of the Spirit. A God who is in himself love, who before all things could never be anything but love. Having such a God happily changes everything.”
Moving to consider creation, Reeves explains that, “The very nature of the triune God is to be effusive, ebullient and bountiful; the Father rejoices to have another beside him, and he finds his very self in pouring out his love. Creation is about the spreading, the diffusion, the outward explosion of that love. This God is the very opposite of greedy, hungry, selfish emptiness; in his self-giving, he naturally pours forth life and goodness. He is, then, the source of all that is good, and that means he is not the sort of God who would call people to himself away from happiness in good things. Goodness and ultimate happiness are to be found with him, not apart from him…And not only is God's joyful, abundant, spreading goodness the very reason for creation; the love and goodness of the triune God is the source of all love and goodness…Indeed, in the triune God is the love behind all love, the life behind all life, the music behind all music, the beauty behind all beauty and the joy behind all joy. In other words, in the triune God is a God we can heartily enjoy and enjoy in and through his creation.”
In salvation, “the Father sent his Son to make himself known - meaning, not that he wanted simply to download some information about himself, but that the love the Father eternally had for the Son might be in those who believe in him, and that we might enjoy the Son as the Father always has. Here, then, is a salvation no single-person God could offer even if they wanted to: the Father so delights in his eternal love for the Son that he desires to share it with all who will believe.” However, our problem is that in ourselves we want nothing to do with this, as Reeves explains: “like Adam and Eve, our hearts are turned from the Lord. Naturally, we love and desire other things - ourselves, especially - and not him who is the source of life. That is a real problem, for we are made to follow our hearts, to do what we want. As Adam and Eve followed their hearts' desires when they first sinned, so we continue. 'In his heart a man plans his course' (Proverbs 16:9). But if we do not want - if our hearts do not desire the Lord of life, then we will never choose him, and so we must remain prisoners of death.” This problem showcases the need for the trinitarian work of salvation that is proclaimed in the gospel: “The Spirit is about drawing us into the divine life. The Father has eternally delighted in the Son through the Spirit, and the Son in the Father; the Spirit's work in giving us new life, then, is nothing less than bringing us to share in their mutual delight.”
All of this naturally leads to consideration of the Christian life: “My new life began when the Spirit first opened my eyes and won my heart to Christ. Then, for the first time, I began to enjoy and love Christ as the Father has always done. And through Christ, for the first time, I began to enjoy and love the Father as the Son has always done. That was how it started, and that is how the new life goes on: by revealing the beauty, love, glory and kindness of Christ to me, the Spirit kindles in me an ever deeper and more sincere love for God. And as he stirs me to think ever more on Christ, he makes me more and more God-like: less self-obsessed and more Christ-obsessed…Who could ever prefer the 'cleaner, leaner' idea of a single-person God? For, strip down God and make him lean, and you must strip down his salvation and make it mean. Instead of a life bursting with love, joy and fellowship, all you will be left with is the watery gruel of religion. Instead of a loving Father, a distant potentate; instead of fellowship, contract. No security in the beloved Son, no heart-change, no joy in God could that spirit bring. Far, far from theological clutter, God's being Father, Son and Spirit is just what makes the Christian life beautiful.”
Our response can only be one of praise and worship of such an inestimably good God: “So the glory of God is like radiant light, shining out, enlightening and giving life. And that is what the innermost being and weight of God is like: he is a sun of light, life and warmth, always shining out. As the Father gives out life and being to the Son, as the Father and the Son breathe out the Spirit, so the Spirit breathes out life into the world. The glory of this God is radiant and outgoing. As the sun gives of its own light and heat, so this God glories in giving himself…For his glory is not about taking but giving…This is seen most vividly and beautifully in the person of Jesus, who “is the glory of his Father, shining out from the Father and perfectly enlightening us to see what the Father is really like. And now Jesus himself is to be glorified. That is, we are now going to see his innermost being and weight displayed. What does it look like? A seed, dying to bear fruit. For he was speaking of his death. Astonishingly, the moment when Jesus finally reaches the deepest point of his humiliation, at the cross, is the moment when he is glorified and most clearly seen for who he is. On the cross we see the glorification of the glory of God, the deepest revelation of the very heart of God - and it is all about laying down his own life to give life, to bear fruit…Here is a glory no other God would want. Other gods need worship and service and sustenance. But this God needs nothing. He has life in himself - and so much so that he is brimming over. His glory is inestimably good, overflowing, self-giving.”
This really is a wonderful little book, and should be a shot in the arm of the faith of any Christian believer, to wonder at and take confidence in the unique goodness and beauty of the God we worship. And as he concludes, the stakes are high: “What is your Christian life like? What is the shape of your gospel, your faith? In the end, it will all depend on what you think God is like. Who God is drives everything. So, what is the human problem? Is it merely that we have strayed from a moral code? Or is it something worse: that we have strayed from him? What is salvation? Is it merely that we are brought back as law-abiding citizens? Or is it something better: that we are brought back as beloved children? What is the Christian life about? Mere behaviour? Or something deeper: enjoying God? And then there's what our churches are like, our marriages, our relationships, our mission: all are moulded in the deepest way by what we think of God.”
January 8, 2026
Completely refreshed the way I view God as Father, Son, and Spirit.
October 8, 2024
Don't read this. There's better books about the Godhead
March 24, 2025
Great read, really educational on the trinity
November 5, 2019
is 6 stars a thing?
Do you ever feel distant from God? Do you ever feel like you don't really know who he is or what he's like and either way what knowledge you do have doesn't really help you feel like he's there?
This book is not an easy read. But it's not a hard one either. It's just that it offers up such clear and mind bending truths that it takes time to consider each heading, to weigh it and test it.
And each heading doesn't bring judgement or a list of to-dos and changes, what it brings is the lightest burden of all, the truth of the Trinity, the Christian God-head.
What does it mean that Christians worship Father, Son and Spirit? It means that we worship an eternally outgoing, loving, relational God.
If you were going to read the bible plus one other book, this would be the book I would suggest.
Understand how the Trinity works, what kind of God that leaves us with, understand what holiness, judgement and glory (complicated christianese words) are actually like through scripture clearly explained.
Personally, I found it rejuvenating for my relationship with God by reminding me who the God I worship really is, not some distant and far away arbitrary ruler but a close and personal God, who gives up himself, reaching out to me so that I might be close to him.
God is good.
Do you ever feel distant from God? Do you ever feel like you don't really know who he is or what he's like and either way what knowledge you do have doesn't really help you feel like he's there?
This book is not an easy read. But it's not a hard one either. It's just that it offers up such clear and mind bending truths that it takes time to consider each heading, to weigh it and test it.
And each heading doesn't bring judgement or a list of to-dos and changes, what it brings is the lightest burden of all, the truth of the Trinity, the Christian God-head.
What does it mean that Christians worship Father, Son and Spirit? It means that we worship an eternally outgoing, loving, relational God.
If you were going to read the bible plus one other book, this would be the book I would suggest.
Understand how the Trinity works, what kind of God that leaves us with, understand what holiness, judgement and glory (complicated christianese words) are actually like through scripture clearly explained.
Personally, I found it rejuvenating for my relationship with God by reminding me who the God I worship really is, not some distant and far away arbitrary ruler but a close and personal God, who gives up himself, reaching out to me so that I might be close to him.
God is good.
August 24, 2017
Mmmmm this book is the garlic in my garlic bread. Delicious!
Milke Reeves is SO HELPFUL in exploring the sometimes confusing doctrine of the Trinity. He explains and shows how the triune nature of the Father, Son and Spirit are not only essential for God to be truly God but also how they are perfectly good and beautiful beyond compare.
Interspersed with interesting boxes about related Christian history, and littered throughout with friendly humour, this book feels like a most enjoyable sermon/lecture by the coolest and best of teachers.
Before I read this, I reckon I was very hazy on trinitarian theology. Now however, I think I have been shown how marvellous and good our truine God of the bible is and, I see and appreciate such a doctrine much more than before, and I may have even learnt a couple of things along the way.
This book has expanded my view of God and is therefore oh so highly recommended.
Milke Reeves is SO HELPFUL in exploring the sometimes confusing doctrine of the Trinity. He explains and shows how the triune nature of the Father, Son and Spirit are not only essential for God to be truly God but also how they are perfectly good and beautiful beyond compare.
Interspersed with interesting boxes about related Christian history, and littered throughout with friendly humour, this book feels like a most enjoyable sermon/lecture by the coolest and best of teachers.
Before I read this, I reckon I was very hazy on trinitarian theology. Now however, I think I have been shown how marvellous and good our truine God of the bible is and, I see and appreciate such a doctrine much more than before, and I may have even learnt a couple of things along the way.
This book has expanded my view of God and is therefore oh so highly recommended.
April 1, 2014
It's not many books that can take a subject as complex as the Trinity and present it in a way that is clear and easy enough to understand, yet Mike Reeves manages this. Having had the privilege of hearing him speak live, I can tell he is a very gifted man. I thought this was an excellent book. It made me reconsider parts of my faith I thought I knew well and made me even more amazed by the God I worship! Very grateful to one of my friends for recommending this, now I do the same :)
April 11, 2013
You can read my review here:
http://mydigitalseminary.com/the-good...
http://mydigitalseminary.com/the-good...
May 9, 2021
An incredibly accessible introduction and explanation of one of the essential, if not a tad complex, features of Christianity. Reeves style is warm and welcoming.
Rec. to every Christian.
Rec. to every Christian.
March 27, 2022
Recommended by a friend, this is a very good little read for those who, like me, struggle with the concept of the Trinity.
March 12, 2024
Second read. My favorite book of all (my) times!
It is breath-taking and breath-giving, for it reveals our God in his very essence. So close, so dear.
Thank you Mr. Reeves.
It is breath-taking and breath-giving, for it reveals our God in his very essence. So close, so dear.
Thank you Mr. Reeves.
May 24, 2025
Really enjoyed this one as a follow up to Darrell Johnson's Experiencing the Trinity.
I like that Reeves drives the point that it's not helpful to talk about God in vague terms, and assume we all mean the same thing. The kind of God (or god) we're talking about makes a huge difference.
What I appreciate most about Reeve's approach is that he constantly draws out the difference between the tri-personal God (Trinity) versus "single person gods" (or unitarian). So many of the things that people get put off about God (in general) come from these single person concept of God.
But when you start with Jesus and look to the God that he reveals, then you see this awesome, beautiful interpersonal Father-Son-Spirit. Only this God is intrinsically outward looking in love, and is motivated by a love that is not self serving but other focused.
I like that Reeves drives the point that it's not helpful to talk about God in vague terms, and assume we all mean the same thing. The kind of God (or god) we're talking about makes a huge difference.
What I appreciate most about Reeve's approach is that he constantly draws out the difference between the tri-personal God (Trinity) versus "single person gods" (or unitarian). So many of the things that people get put off about God (in general) come from these single person concept of God.
But when you start with Jesus and look to the God that he reveals, then you see this awesome, beautiful interpersonal Father-Son-Spirit. Only this God is intrinsically outward looking in love, and is motivated by a love that is not self serving but other focused.
July 27, 2024
I really enjoyed this book as it reminded me how vitally important it is to look at God, Son, and Holy Spirit as triune and not as just one God or separate beings. However, I did find parts of this book difficult to understand, so I am going to do a in depth study of this book.
February 12, 2025
Michael Reeves is the reason why I am reading Owen on Communion with the Triune God.
January 29, 2014
After seeing that Andrew Wilson called this book 'the best Christian book on anything I have ever read', I couldn't resist reading it. I wasn't disappointed!
Mike Reeves writes intelligently with a refreshing, joyful and humorous tone. It's accessible and easy to read, but it will challenge your thinking - in a very good way. He starts off by talking about how we often think wrongly about the Trinity, as some kind of maths problem or an unknown mystery. He invites the reader to the consider that the Trinity is not only of first importance in Christianity, but it is also essential in how we talk and think about God.
Digging into Scripture and spanning millennia of Christian theologians and writings, he shows us that God is essentially love. If the Son is the full revelation of God, then God is essentially Father. This is the premise that catapults us into considering how that affects the way we see creation, redemption, and the Christian life. Rather than a single-person God who either will selfishly love themselves or depend on their creation in order to be loving, the Trinitarian God creates out of an overflow of love that is entirely characteristic of Him. In the Son, we are not just saved by being forgiven, pitied, treated as a law-abiding citizen even though we break the law, and kept at a distance. More than that, we share in the love between the Father and Son and in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. And if the Spirit causes us to see and love God, then the whole Christian life is about just that: seeing and loving the Trinitarian God.
As you read through it, questions may come to mind such as 'What about God's wrath?' and 'What about God's holiness?'. Hold on! Mike Reeves does address those questions towards the end of the book and in a very refreshing and insightful way. Furthermore, he argues, how we see God's holiness or wrath depends on which god we are talking about. Thus, the Trinity should shape how we see all of His attributes too.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. It's easy to read, doesn't take long, will help new Christians and challenge old Christians, and answers many questions of people who aren't Christians. It's a book I'm probably going to keep going back to; there was no way I wanted to put it down once I was finished!
Mike Reeves writes intelligently with a refreshing, joyful and humorous tone. It's accessible and easy to read, but it will challenge your thinking - in a very good way. He starts off by talking about how we often think wrongly about the Trinity, as some kind of maths problem or an unknown mystery. He invites the reader to the consider that the Trinity is not only of first importance in Christianity, but it is also essential in how we talk and think about God.
Digging into Scripture and spanning millennia of Christian theologians and writings, he shows us that God is essentially love. If the Son is the full revelation of God, then God is essentially Father. This is the premise that catapults us into considering how that affects the way we see creation, redemption, and the Christian life. Rather than a single-person God who either will selfishly love themselves or depend on their creation in order to be loving, the Trinitarian God creates out of an overflow of love that is entirely characteristic of Him. In the Son, we are not just saved by being forgiven, pitied, treated as a law-abiding citizen even though we break the law, and kept at a distance. More than that, we share in the love between the Father and Son and in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. And if the Spirit causes us to see and love God, then the whole Christian life is about just that: seeing and loving the Trinitarian God.
As you read through it, questions may come to mind such as 'What about God's wrath?' and 'What about God's holiness?'. Hold on! Mike Reeves does address those questions towards the end of the book and in a very refreshing and insightful way. Furthermore, he argues, how we see God's holiness or wrath depends on which god we are talking about. Thus, the Trinity should shape how we see all of His attributes too.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. It's easy to read, doesn't take long, will help new Christians and challenge old Christians, and answers many questions of people who aren't Christians. It's a book I'm probably going to keep going back to; there was no way I wanted to put it down once I was finished!
June 10, 2016
I read this book over Christmas and I'm not entirely sure why it's taken me so long to review it but it has, hopefully it's worth the wait. The Good God has garnered rich reviews from all over the place and so in coming late to the party I wonder what I can add.
So let's start with some basic positives. It's short. It's easy to read. It's about God. Three excellent plus points right there. The whole thrust of the book is why our view of the Trinity matters, really matters and how if we get it wrong our relationship with God suffers. Reeves looks at with regard to Creation, Salvation and the Christian Life.
I particularly appreciated the chapter on salvation and found it sharpened my thinking, clarifying and putting pieces together. It really blessed me, it helped me and stirred me. It fuelled worship in my head and heart.
This is all well and good but I've been thinking about why Reeves' book has appealed to so many people and I think I have the answer: adjectives.
Let me give you some examples of what I mean:
What Reeves could have written: "Not only is God's goodness the very reason for creation...."
What he actually wrote was: "Not only is God's joyful, abundant, spreading goodness the very reason for creation...." (p44).
These adjectives are sprinkled throughout the book like hundreds of thousands on a bowl of ice cream - God doesn't just love but loves warmly, delightfully, joyfully with a twinkle in His eye and a spring in His step. God's goodness doesn't just go out to us but is yeasty and spreading. The response is lively, throbbing, pulsing, beating, and embracing. It's like reading a book on doctrine in the style of the Amplified Version of the Bible or The Message.
The result is telling because it surely is right that God is attractive, that words like goodness and kindness and love should stay dead on the page and still in our hearts but that they should come alive in us as we think of who God is and what He has done. But this style of writing about God is actually not as common as it should be, which is good for the sales of The Good God because it is exuberant, cheeky, and rambunctious in its use of language.
I highly recommend The Good God as a book for anyone to help them not simply understand God but to know God, to enjoy knowing God, to delight in enjoying knowing God. Well you get the point....
So let's start with some basic positives. It's short. It's easy to read. It's about God. Three excellent plus points right there. The whole thrust of the book is why our view of the Trinity matters, really matters and how if we get it wrong our relationship with God suffers. Reeves looks at with regard to Creation, Salvation and the Christian Life.
I particularly appreciated the chapter on salvation and found it sharpened my thinking, clarifying and putting pieces together. It really blessed me, it helped me and stirred me. It fuelled worship in my head and heart.
This is all well and good but I've been thinking about why Reeves' book has appealed to so many people and I think I have the answer: adjectives.
Let me give you some examples of what I mean:
What Reeves could have written: "Not only is God's goodness the very reason for creation...."
What he actually wrote was: "Not only is God's joyful, abundant, spreading goodness the very reason for creation...." (p44).
These adjectives are sprinkled throughout the book like hundreds of thousands on a bowl of ice cream - God doesn't just love but loves warmly, delightfully, joyfully with a twinkle in His eye and a spring in His step. God's goodness doesn't just go out to us but is yeasty and spreading. The response is lively, throbbing, pulsing, beating, and embracing. It's like reading a book on doctrine in the style of the Amplified Version of the Bible or The Message.
The result is telling because it surely is right that God is attractive, that words like goodness and kindness and love should stay dead on the page and still in our hearts but that they should come alive in us as we think of who God is and what He has done. But this style of writing about God is actually not as common as it should be, which is good for the sales of The Good God because it is exuberant, cheeky, and rambunctious in its use of language.
I highly recommend The Good God as a book for anyone to help them not simply understand God but to know God, to enjoy knowing God, to delight in enjoying knowing God. Well you get the point....
December 12, 2025
I found this book extremely helpful for explaining the importance of the Trinity to the Christian faith. I have learnt things and definitely plan on reading this again, as I'm sure there is more I haven't yet absorbed from this first read.
I took notes while reading, of some of the main things which stood out to me, so I'll put them below.
My notes:
* To know and grow to enjoy God is what we are saved for.
* Because the Christian God is Triune, the Trinity is the governing centre of all Christian belief, the truth that shapes and beautifies all others.
* John 17:24 'Father, you loved me before the creation of the world.' Before all else, God was a Father loving his Son.
* If God's identity is (first and foremost) to be the 'Creator' or 'Ruler', then he needs a creation in order to be who he is. (This point is explaining the flaw in only viewing God as Creator)
* God is Father
* The Father is the Lover, the Son is the Beloved
* The Father makes known his love by giving his Spirit. Matthew 3:16-17
* Underneath/before everything there is the Father, eternally loving his Son.
* God 'seeking himself' means seeking 'himself diffused and expressed'. Aka, having himself, his life, and his goodness shared.
* By graciously giving his creatures the room to exist, the triune God allows them the freedom to turn away without himself being the author of evil.
* The problem in Genesis was not the act of eating the fruit, but the inward change of where love was directed. Instead of love for God, Eve was overcome by a love to deepen her own wisdom.
* We depend entirely on the Spirit for life.
* 'By my own reason or strength I cannot believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to him. But the Holy Spirit has called me through the gospel.' - Martin Luther
* In giving us life, the Spirit comes in to be with us and remain with us. Having once given life, then, he does not move on; he stays to make that life blossom and grow.
* Mercy is the outworking in fallen time and history of the action of a God for whom love for the other is central to his being.
* God's wrath is the proof of his love, that he really cares.
I took notes while reading, of some of the main things which stood out to me, so I'll put them below.
My notes:
* To know and grow to enjoy God is what we are saved for.
* Because the Christian God is Triune, the Trinity is the governing centre of all Christian belief, the truth that shapes and beautifies all others.
* John 17:24 'Father, you loved me before the creation of the world.' Before all else, God was a Father loving his Son.
* If God's identity is (first and foremost) to be the 'Creator' or 'Ruler', then he needs a creation in order to be who he is. (This point is explaining the flaw in only viewing God as Creator)
* God is Father
* The Father is the Lover, the Son is the Beloved
* The Father makes known his love by giving his Spirit. Matthew 3:16-17
* Underneath/before everything there is the Father, eternally loving his Son.
* God 'seeking himself' means seeking 'himself diffused and expressed'. Aka, having himself, his life, and his goodness shared.
* By graciously giving his creatures the room to exist, the triune God allows them the freedom to turn away without himself being the author of evil.
* The problem in Genesis was not the act of eating the fruit, but the inward change of where love was directed. Instead of love for God, Eve was overcome by a love to deepen her own wisdom.
* We depend entirely on the Spirit for life.
* 'By my own reason or strength I cannot believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to him. But the Holy Spirit has called me through the gospel.' - Martin Luther
* In giving us life, the Spirit comes in to be with us and remain with us. Having once given life, then, he does not move on; he stays to make that life blossom and grow.
* Mercy is the outworking in fallen time and history of the action of a God for whom love for the other is central to his being.
* God's wrath is the proof of his love, that he really cares.
February 7, 2017
The trinity, if I'm honest, is a concept of Christianity which causes a niggling discomfort. It isn't a new or Old Testament terminology, so maybe it's just a type of sophistry to explain away bible passages that would otherwise contradict themselves. And while various analogies can rationalize three in one, the actual reality of the three persons - what are they and why only three - is difficult. Maybe the simpler unitary concept in of the Jehovah's Witnesses and Islam is also the better one? Not all the church came up with after the first century was necessarily an improvement....
This volume is not long, or particularly heavy, but provides a compelling account of the Christian concept of the trinity. Not that its all easy to 'get'. But what Reeves does well is to present cogent arguments for the trinitarian view. Much of this stems from the relational picture of God the bible gives. For example if God is love, he must have been more than one person before creation, else whom could he love? Indeed, what point would a lone God have for creation unless he was in need of love and therefore not self sufficient. These arguments are lined up against the Christian view of God as self sacrificing, giving, and good, and contrasted with other theologies. And while many of the arguments are not new, having been put forward by numerous Christian thinkers for many centuries, the simple, modern take makes them fresh and readable.
Did it dispel my underlying doubts? Not completely, but the questions I have are different, so something has shifted. The book came with the recommendation from a bible scholar that its the best book on the trinity (he) has read. Despite the simplicity and succintity, I can understand why.
This volume is not long, or particularly heavy, but provides a compelling account of the Christian concept of the trinity. Not that its all easy to 'get'. But what Reeves does well is to present cogent arguments for the trinitarian view. Much of this stems from the relational picture of God the bible gives. For example if God is love, he must have been more than one person before creation, else whom could he love? Indeed, what point would a lone God have for creation unless he was in need of love and therefore not self sufficient. These arguments are lined up against the Christian view of God as self sacrificing, giving, and good, and contrasted with other theologies. And while many of the arguments are not new, having been put forward by numerous Christian thinkers for many centuries, the simple, modern take makes them fresh and readable.
Did it dispel my underlying doubts? Not completely, but the questions I have are different, so something has shifted. The book came with the recommendation from a bible scholar that its the best book on the trinity (he) has read. Despite the simplicity and succintity, I can understand why.
November 20, 2013
I read the beginning half a long time before finishing it and took a long time to come to the end. The time-scale gives an indication as to my enjoyment as opposed to the length, sadly.
This was written in the same way that Mike Reeves speaks. Mike is one of the best speakers around (listen to some of his talks here if you haven't already!) so you would be forgiven for assuming that was a good thing. Unfortunately it's exactly how he talks - down to the letter. Having listened to everything I can find by Mike, there was virtually nothing new here for me.
Obviously it was all very good, mind. If the audio gets taken down from the internet then this book will become much more valuable to me, but for now I would just prefer to listen to the talks.
My rating is generous because it is a great book - just not for someone who has listened to a lot of Mike Reeves! IF you haven't, then get this book.
This was written in the same way that Mike Reeves speaks. Mike is one of the best speakers around (listen to some of his talks here if you haven't already!) so you would be forgiven for assuming that was a good thing. Unfortunately it's exactly how he talks - down to the letter. Having listened to everything I can find by Mike, there was virtually nothing new here for me.
Obviously it was all very good, mind. If the audio gets taken down from the internet then this book will become much more valuable to me, but for now I would just prefer to listen to the talks.
My rating is generous because it is a great book - just not for someone who has listened to a lot of Mike Reeves! IF you haven't, then get this book.
March 31, 2015
Really helpful. I read this on recommendation from friends in church, after having listened to some talks given by the author and others on the doctrine of the trinity. It was good to focus on this doctrine in an accessible form and to begin to deepen my understanding, even though it has become part of the fabric of my life, since first hearing it affirmed in my childhood (during primary school assemblies and through Christmas carols in secondary school), and subsequently since becoming a Christian in early adulthood.
There is much that I had taken for granted, some aspects I had grappled with (all too briefly), but this was a good way to focus my attention. I loved the discussion where it was suggested that musical harmony, is a reflection of our Triune God. I highly recommend this book as a good read for Christians wanting to deepen their understanding of trinity.
There is much that I had taken for granted, some aspects I had grappled with (all too briefly), but this was a good way to focus my attention. I loved the discussion where it was suggested that musical harmony, is a reflection of our Triune God. I highly recommend this book as a good read for Christians wanting to deepen their understanding of trinity.
August 13, 2018
Very repetitive at times. It is very accessible, concise and its pages are brimming with great enthusiasm for Gods true nature. Reeves passion for helping people grasp the significance of Trinity serves to awaken the affections for God's glory.
Whilst acknowledging that this is not a fully comprehensive academic treatment of the Trinity, I didn't feel he explained the distinctions between God's 'being' and his persons very well. Especially considering how many people conflate their own individual personhood with the sum total of their being in the West. However, It did become clear that he locates God's being in the divine relationally that exists between the three persons. Despite a few niggles at some shortcomings I really did enjoy this book and it certainly achieves its agenda to help us delight in Trinity.
Whilst acknowledging that this is not a fully comprehensive academic treatment of the Trinity, I didn't feel he explained the distinctions between God's 'being' and his persons very well. Especially considering how many people conflate their own individual personhood with the sum total of their being in the West. However, It did become clear that he locates God's being in the divine relationally that exists between the three persons. Despite a few niggles at some shortcomings I really did enjoy this book and it certainly achieves its agenda to help us delight in Trinity.
July 15, 2013
Why is God a Father and not a boss? Why are we a part of a family and not a business? Then this book is for you. Truly heart warming and engaging look at what makes the Trinity matter so much. If you have not already had the opportunity to hear him at a UCCF event then listen here)(http://www.theologynetwork.org/christ...).
A very readable book that puts this well within your grasp, yet at the same time does not insult your intelligence. Well written with bits of church of history interwoven that actually gets you really excited and rejoicing in the gospel that has been preserved by many faithful people through the ages. I say again REJOICE!
A very readable book that puts this well within your grasp, yet at the same time does not insult your intelligence. Well written with bits of church of history interwoven that actually gets you really excited and rejoicing in the gospel that has been preserved by many faithful people through the ages. I say again REJOICE!
September 4, 2017
This is the best book on the Trinity I've ever read. Not long ago, I was discussing the nature of God with some fellas. I observed that God can be eternally loving because his triune nature. Blank stares. It feels good to have my observation confirmed in Reeves' book. Stick that in your eye, aforementioned fellas! Now I need to find a good book on humility...
Notes:
1. The trinity is the governing center of all Christian belief. (xiv)
2. Richard of saint-victor originated the relationship apologetic for the Trinity (14)
3. Equality among sexes is, even if there are subordinate rolls, grounded in the trinity (37)
4. How, though, does the spirit Enlighten us to know the love of God? Quite simply, by opening our eyes to see the glory of Christ. (72)
Notes:
1. The trinity is the governing center of all Christian belief. (xiv)
2. Richard of saint-victor originated the relationship apologetic for the Trinity (14)
3. Equality among sexes is, even if there are subordinate rolls, grounded in the trinity (37)
4. How, though, does the spirit Enlighten us to know the love of God? Quite simply, by opening our eyes to see the glory of Christ. (72)
March 21, 2012
This is an excellent little book. With only about 117 pages to read (excluding the endnotes, contents page, title pages, etc), it packs a solid punch against non/anti-Trinitarianism and it is easy to read. The greatest thing about this book is that it shows in great detail why a Trinity is a true loving, caring God, and why a single-person god simply cannot be a loving god and would be a selfish tyrant.
This is especially a good book for those who say: "So what if the Bible teaches the Trinity. It can't be that important!"
This little book explains why believing in the Trinity is so important!
This is especially a good book for those who say: "So what if the Bible teaches the Trinity. It can't be that important!"
This little book explains why believing in the Trinity is so important!
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