We Believe in God, Part 3
GMC Catechism Question & Answer 3
Question and Answer
Question 3. What is the mystery of the Trinity?
Answer: God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, distinct but inseparable, eternally one in essence and power.
Scripture Proofs
· Luke 3:21-22 – 21 When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
· John 15:26 – 26 “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.
· Acts 2:33 – 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.
· Romans 8:9-11 – 9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.
· Galatians 4:4-6 – 4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. e 6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.”
· Ephesians 2:18 – 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
· Titus 3:4-6 – 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,
· Hebrews 9:14 – 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
· 1 Peter 1:2 – 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
Articles of Religion: Article 1
There is but one living and true God, everlasting, without body or parts, of infinite power, wisdom, and good; the maker and preserver of all things, both visible and invisible. And in unity of this Godhead there are three persons, of one substance, power, and eternity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
Confession of Faith: Article 1
We believe in the one true, holy and living God, Eternal Spirit, who is Creator, Sovereign and Preserver of all things visible and invisible. He is infinite in power, wisdom, justice, goodness and love, and rules with gracious regard for the well-being and salvation of men, to the glory of his name. We believe the one God reveals himself as the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, distinct but inseparable, eternally one in essence and power.
The Testimony of Wesleyan Scholars
Those who think Arius and Socinus more rational than St. Paul and St. John, will perhaps say this doxology is contrary to the second dogma of natural religion, which establishes the unity of the Godhead. But if candour and honesty oblige us, either to renounce revelation, or admit that God has revealed his extraordinary essence, eternal and perfect, existing without separation under the distinctions of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; it is evident, we cannot believe the whole Gospel without adoring the holy trinity in unity, as appointed by Jesus Christ and his apostles in the baptismal form.
Moreover, if God has revealed his essence to us by the terms of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the generation and the procession, it is because they are the best that man’s imperfect language can furnish to convey ideas of a mystery altogether Divine. (John William Fletcher)
The idea that the one God meets us in three persons is thought to be among the most opaque and least accessible of all Christian teachings. Yet we must speak of Trinity, as Augustine knew, not because we are able to fathom it with overweening confidence, but because we cannot keep silence on a matter so central to faith (Augustine, On Trin. I.2, 3, NPNF 1 III, p. 18).
In now discussing the mystery of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit, we are now belatedly introducing a new theme into our discussion, for we have already referred frequently to the triune God by speaking of (a) God as Father Almighty, who is the source of life, who makes Himself known in (b) Jesus Christ by the power of (c) the Spirit of God who is present throughout the historical process, working to transform it according to God’s purpose. Thus we are not veering away from previous subjects in dealing now with the triune God, but only seeking to provide increased clarity on how the living God may and must be triune. (Thomas C. Oden)
The perfect revelation of the Divine Name or Essence is that which is given by our Lord Himself in the Baptismal Formula of dedication to God and admission into His kingdom. This final testimony of the Revealer declares that the supreme Object of Christian Faith is one, yet existing in a threefold internal personality. As a testimony, it closes a long series of progressive developments of doctrine, all pointing to a Trinity of personal subsistences in the Godhead; and commences a revelation of God which connects Three Divine Persons with the creation of all things, the redemption of the world, and the administration of grace in the Church. (William Burt Pope)
Insights from Wesleyan Scholars
Fletcher emphasizes that the Trinity is both revealed and mysterious. He defends the biblical basis of the doctrine against rationalist critiques, noting that human language struggles to fully describe God’s eternal nature. God’s essence, revealed through the terms Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is not a contradiction but a divine mystery disclosed for our faith and worship. Fletcher stresses that to embrace the gospel fully, we must adore the triune God, as revealed in Scripture and articulated in the baptismal formula given by Christ.
Oden reflects on the Trinity as a central yet challenging doctrine. Drawing on Augustine’s insights, he acknowledges the limitations of human understanding but insists that silence on this mystery is not an option for Christians. The triune God is experienced as Father, the source of life; Son, revealed in Jesus Christ; and Spirit, working in history to fulfill God’s purposes. Oden argues that the Trinity integrates previous theological themes and offers clarity on God’s nature and activity in creation, redemption, and transformation.
Pope identifies the Trinitarian baptismal formula (Matthew 28:19) as the culmination of progressive revelation. This formula affirms God’s oneness while revealing his threefold internal personality - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Pope notes that the Trinity is not an abstract doctrine but one deeply connected to God’s work in creation, redemption, and grace. He highlights that the Trinity unites all aspects of God’s revelation and invites us to worship him as the supreme Object of Christian faith.
Devotional Exposition
The question “What is the mystery of the Trinity?” invites us into one of the most profound truths of the Christian faith. The catechism answers: “God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, distinct but inseparable, eternally one in essence and power.” While this doctrine stretches the limits of human understanding, it’s essential to our knowledge of God as revealed in Scripture.
A clear biblical picture of the Trinity is found at Jesus’ baptism (Luke 3:21-22). In this moment, the heavens open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father’s voice declares his pleasure in the Son. This scene beautifully illustrates the distinct persons of the Trinity working together in perfect harmony, revealing their unity in purpose and essence.
Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit in John 15:26, describing him as the Advocate who proceeds from the Father and testifies about the Son. This verse highlights the interrelationship within the Trinity, where each person glorifies and serves the others. The Spirit brings us into fellowship with the Father and Son, deepening our understanding of God’s nature and his work in our lives.
The Trinity is not merely a theological concept but a reality we experience in creation, redemption, and sanctification. Galatians 4:4-6 shows how the Father sent the Son to redeem us, and the Spirit enables us to cry, “Abba, Father.” Similarly, Titus 3:4-6 reveals the kindness of God in saving us through the Son and renewing us by the Spirit. Each person of the Trinity is active in bringing us into relationship with God.
The Articles of Religion and Confession of Faith affirm that the Trinity is one in essence but distinct in person. Ephesians 2:18 captures this beautifully: “For through him [Christ] we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.” While we encounter the Father, Son, and Spirit in unique ways, they remain united in their essence and purpose.
The Trinity reminds us that God is beyond human comprehension, yet he graciously reveals himself to us. As Augustine noted, we speak of the Trinity not because we fully understand it but because we cannot remain silent about such a central truth. This doctrine calls us to humble worship, recognizing the majesty and mystery of God.
Key Principles
1. God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, distinct in person but united in nature and purpose (Luke 3:21-22; Matthew 28:19).
2. The Father, Son, and Spirit work together to create, redeem, and sanctify us (Galatians 4:4-6; Titus 3:4-6).
3. Through the Spirit, we’re brought into fellowship with the Father and the Son, experiencing the fullness of God’s love (Ephesians 2:18).
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Luke 3:21-22 illustrate the distinct roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
2. What does John 15:26 teach us about the Spirit’s relationship to the Father and the Son?
3. How does Galatians 4:4-6 demonstrate the cooperative work of the Trinity in our redemption?
4. Reflect on Titus 3:4-6: How do the kindness and mercy of the Trinity assure us of salvation?
5. How does Romans 8:9-11 describe the Spirit’s role in bringing life to believers?
6. What does Ephesians 2:18 reveal about our access to God through the Trinity?
7. How does the Trinity’s unity in Hebrews 9:14 deepen our understanding of worship?
8. In 1 Peter 1:2, how are the Father, Son, and Spirit involved in our salvation?
9. How does understanding the Trinity shape the way we pray and worship?
10. Why is it important to affirm both the unity and distinctiveness of the Trinity?
11. How does the Trinity model perfect love and community for us?
12. How does acknowledging the mystery of the Trinity deepen your faith and humility?
Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection
1. How does the mystery of the Trinity challenge your understanding of God?
2. In what ways have you experienced the Father, Son, and Spirit working in your life?
3. How does the unity and love within the Trinity inspire your relationships with others?
4. How do you respond to the idea that God is beyond full human understanding?
5. What does the doctrine of the Trinity reveal about God’s character and work?
6. How can you grow in worshiping God as Father, Son, and Spirit?
7. In what ways does the Trinity encourage you to trust in God’s plan for your life?
8. How does the Trinity shape your prayer life?
9. How can understanding the Trinity help you share your faith with others?
10. What does it mean to live in relationship with the triune God?
Action Steps
1. Spend time this week meditating on Luke 3:21-22. Consider how the Father, Son, and Spirit are revealed in this passage and how this impacts your worship.
2. Begin each prayer by addressing a different person of the Trinity, thanking the Father for his love, the Son for his redemption, and the Spirit for his guidance.
3. Seek to reflect the relational harmony of the Trinity by fostering love and unity in one of your relationships this week.
Closing Prayer
Holy and Triune God, we stand in awe of your mystery and majesty. You are Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - one God in three persons, united in essence and power. Thank you for revealing yourself to us through your Word and your saving work in creation, redemption, and sanctification.
Help us to grow in our understanding of who you are, even as we humbly accept the limits of our comprehension. Draw us into deeper fellowship with you and teach us to reflect your love and unity in our relationships. We worship you, the one true God, now and forever. Amen.
Thank you for joining me for this study! Please share it with others and subscribe for weekly devotionals and resources. Visit Walking Points for even more materials to grow your faith. May God bless you richly!