Stephen Haskell and the Evolution of the Trinity Doctrine

Stephen Haskell and other early pioneers initially struggled with the term "trinity" because they associated it with specific Catholic dogmas that they believed clouded the true nature of Christ’s sacrifice and the distinct personalities of the GodheadARSH November 10, 1863, page 189.16+2. Over time, however, the understanding within the church evolved through the Spirit of Prophecy to clarify that the Godhead consists of three co-eternal, distinct, and divine personsPH148 5.3.

The Historical Context of Haskell's Views

Stephen Haskell expressed concern that the trinitarian arguments of his day often failed to distinguish between a denial of a "trinity" (as defined by popular creeds) and a denial of Christ's divinityARSH November 10, 1863, page 189.16. He feared that certain trinitarian views actually degraded the atonement by implying that only a human nature died on the cross, rather than the divine Son of GodARSH November 10, 1863, page 189.16+1. In his early writings, he even listed "The Doctrine of the Trinity" as a tract to be kept in stock alongside other erroneous or controversial topics, reflecting the common pioneer pushback against traditional ecclesiastical definitionsGCDB March 6, 1893, page 485.20.

Evolution Toward the Biblical Truth

While Haskell and others like Uriah Smith were cautious of "hair-splitting theories" and human constructions of divine mysteries, the church was led into a fuller light regarding the heavenly trioULe 20.5+1.

• The Three Heavenly Powers: It was eventually made clear that the Godhead was stirred with pity for the human race, and the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit all gave themselves to the plan of redemptionPH148 5.3.

• Christ's Full Divinity: Haskell firmly held to the pre-existence and absolute divinity of Christ, teaching that in Him is life original, unborrowed, and underived5BC 1130.3+2.

• The Personality of the Spirit: Haskell was taught that the Holy Spirit is a distinct agency and the third person of the Godhead, sent by Christ as a token of His inauguration as Priest and KingTT 22.5+1.

The Final Position

By the turn of the century, the "platform of truth" was firmly established to include the personality of the Holy Spirit and the full, eternal divinity of Christ as the second person of the GodheadPH148 5.3. Haskell was encouraged to keep his heart and mind in simplicity and depend fully on God, moving away from the "interminable jargon" and "bitter contention" that characterized early theological disputes9MR 107.2+1. Today, we recognize that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three distinct persons, perfectly united in purpose and counsel to save humanity Genesis 1:26+1.

Relevant Scripture Regarding the Godhead

The following verses highlight the plurality and distinct roles within the divine unity:

• The mandate to baptize: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" Matthew 28:19.

• The plurality at Creation: "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness" Genesis 1:26.

• The eternity of the Word: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" John 1:1.

• The mystery of the Incarnation: "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory" 1 Timothy 3:16.