I have a question in regards to the Trinity. I’m still trying to decide whether I agree with this doctrine. Given that God’s defining characteristics are said to include omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresence, it’s difficult to see how Jesus in His infancy and childhood years could be God (was He aware of His identity as a child?). It almost seems that while the Father and the Holy Spirit were ruling the universe as one God, the Son was taking a break, so to speak, until Jesus matured. I’m sure there’s an explanation to this puzzle, and I would greatly appreciate your input. Thanks and take care!

Thank you for your question. The important thing to note in your study of the Trinity is the fact that Jesus “emptied” Himself of His Godly attributes while He was on this earth. This was necessary in order to become the representative and sacrifice for mankind. This is described in the New Testament book of Philippians chapter 2: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery (wrong) to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” The phrase – “made Himself of no reputation” is in the Greek – “heauton ekenose” which is where the theological term “kenosis” comes from. Kenosis means “emptying” and this word describes what Christ did when he came to the earth. He “emptied” Himself of His divine attributes. However, when He returned to heaven He retained His Godly attributes of omniscience, omnipotence and omnipresence.