Perichoresis

I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth.

John 14:16-17 (NCV)

Perichoresis is the word the early church fathers used to describe the eternal and loving oneness of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The word means “circle dance” or “dance around together.” This dance represents the perfect and reciprocal relationship and union within the Godhead, where each person encircles the other two. All are co-eternal, co-equal, and co-existing, while also working as one in love.

The Apostle John describes this unparalleled and unique dynamic of the Trinity in the following way: the Son glorifies the Father (John 17:4), the Father glorifies the Son (John 17:5), and the Holy Spirit glorifies the Son (John 16:14).

This eternal circle dance of love is not exclusive but is ever-inclusive and inviting.

Our salvation is the Triune God's revelation of Himself to us and His eternal life of love for us. We have been chosen, adopted, and incorporated into God’s wondrous love story of salvation. God the Father, the ultimate source of divine love (1 John 4:8, 16), sent His only Begotten Son, the perfect image and likeness of divine love, to reach out to a broken and darkened world. The Holy Spirit was sent to glorify the Son, which He does by dwelling within us, guiding our walk, and producing the fruits of divine love.

When we gather as the people of God, we affirm our belief in and experience with the Trinity, both doctrinally and practically. We become the living expression and continuation of this Trinitarian love for one another and all others. This is why Jesus made love the greatest commandment for His followers (John 13:35). The world is waiting for us to manifest this truth in real and tangible ways.

By Pastor Richard Tan, Australia

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