Identifying fake news isn’t easy. Do I like or share a social media post or picture? Or is it fake? One reason Christians celebrate the triune nature of our God is what it means for truth in the world.

In John chapter 16 Jesus taught this to his disciples, describing the work of the three-in-one God: “All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you” (verse 15). 

God the Father makes truth exist. Zebras have stripes. Every morning the sun rises in the east. Baptism creates saving faith. God loves all sinners. These realities “belong to” the Father. That’s real news!

God the Son makes truth work. He takes what the Father gives him and uses it to save sinners with his works of redemption—his living and dying, his rising and ascending, his clothing believers with righteousness and coming at the Last Day. That’s real news!

God the Holy Spirit makes truth known. “He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears . . . because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you” (John 16:13,14). He calls us to faith through the Word of God. He enlightens us to new understanding and appreciation. He draws us closer to Jesus. That’s real news!

Like and share that news.