Early in the morning our song shall rist to Thee.
Holy, Holy, Holy, Merciful and Mighty!
God in Three Persons, blessed Trinity!
In those concluding words of that majestic hymn of praise, “God in Three Persons, blessed Trinity,” we find the summation of one of the historic doctrines of the Christian faith. Down through the centuries, believers in Christ have steadfastly maintained that there is but one God, and that He exists eternally in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
“The doctrine of the Trinity is not a truth of natural theology, but of revelation. Strong says: ‘Reason shows us the Unity of God; only revelation shows us the Trinity of God.’” – Thiessen, Lectures in Systematic Theology pg 135.
This lesson will continue our study on the nature of our great God. We will be focusing particularly upon the triune nature of God and the roles which the individual persons of the Godhead play in the work of redemption. The portion underlined in Article III, Section B comprise the doctrine we will be considering.
Article III: DECLARATION OF FAITH
Section B. The True God: We believe that there is one and only one living and true God. (Deut. 6:4; Jer. 10:10) He is infinite, intelligent, perfect in spirit, and a personal being. He is the creator, preserver, and supreme ruler of the universe, (1 Kings 8:27; Acts 17:24 – 28, Psalm 139:1 – 6; John 4:24; Heb. 3:4; Romans 1:20) inexpressibly glorious in holiness (Exodus 15:11; Isa. 6:3; 1 Peter 1:5, 16; Rev. 4:6, 8) and all other perfections (love, power, righteousness, truth, etc.). He is worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love (Mark 12:30; Matt. 10:37; Jer. 2:12, 13). That in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons; The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 12:4 – 6; 1 John 5:7); equal in every Divine perfection (John 10:30; 14:23; 17:5, 10; Acts 5:2 – 4; 1 Cor. 2:10, 11; Phil. 2:5, 6) and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption (Eph. 2:18; Rev. 1:4, 5).
1. The Scriptures declare that God is one God. Scripture also reveals to us “three eternal distinctions in the one divine essence, known respectively as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” How do the following verses teach that there are three persons?
a. Matthew 28:19
b. 1 Corinthians 12:4 – 6
c. 2 Corinthians 13:14
d. 1 Peter 1:2
2. What does 1 John 5:7 declare about the three distinct persons? (Note John 1:1, 14 for the identity of the Word)
3. How do we know that the Father is God? See John 6:27 & 1 Pet. 1:2.
4. In discussing the equality of the persons, the questions primarily revolve around the Son and the Spirit. How do the following verses teach that Jesus is God?
a. John 10:30
b. John 17:5, 10
c. Philippians 2:5-6
d. Hebrews 1:3 – 8
5. How do the following passages teach that the Spirit is God?
a. Acts 5:2-4
b. 1 Corinthians 2:10 – 11
c. 1 Corinthians 6:19
6. Which person of the Godhead planned the events related to our redemption? See Isaiah 53:10; John 6:38, 39; and Acts 2:23.
7. Which person of the Godhead executed the plan for our redemption? See 1 Peter 3:18 and Ephesians 1:7; 2:18.
8. Which person of the Godhead was involved “behind the scenes”? See Romans 8:11
9. Which person of the Godhead regenerates and energizes those who believe? See Titus 3:5 and Acts 1:8.
A helpful summary of the tripersonality of God can also be found in the Athanasian Creed. Formed early in the existence of the church, it contains a statement which still stands as a guide for believers today. It reads: “So the Father is God; the Son is God; and the Holy Spirit is God. And yet there are not three gods, but one God… Neither confounding the persons nor dividing the substance.”
“We must admit, of course, that the full concept of the trinity is difficult to understand. Many efforts have been made to explain it over the years, but it continues to defy human comprehension. The Christian, however, does not let his inability to fathom it cause him to doubt it. He is well aware that some aspects of divine truth are beyond him (especially those which relate to the nature of God). He therefore continues to worship God the Father as his Heavenly Father, God the Son as his Redeemer, and God the Holy Spirit as his Comforter and Guide – not because he’s capable of completely understanding such truths, but simply because he’s willing to accept what the Bible says about them. You see, those who look to the Scriptures for instruction do have good reason for their belief in the trinity. It is not based upon mere superstition nor speculation, but upon sound biblical evidence.” R. W. DeHaan “How to Know God” 1981 Radio Bible Class.
Have you put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ as your Redeemer from sin? Do you know God as your personal Heavenly Father? Does the Holy Spirit bear witness with your spirit that you are saved? Consider John 3:16 and Acts 16:31.
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