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Бог толкова възлюби света, част 1 от Gospel Translations Bulgarian By John Piper About The Love of God Part of the series The Gospel of John Translation by Desiring God „Никодим в отговор Му рече: Как може да бъде това? Исус в отговор му каза: Ти си Израилев учител и не знаеш ли това? Истина, истина ти казвам, това, което знаем, говорим и свидетелстваме за това, което сме видели, но не приемате свидетелството ни. И никой не е възлязъл на небето, освен Този, Който е слязъл от небето, тоест, Човешкият Син, Който е на небето. И както Мойсей издигна змията в пустинята, така трябва да бъде издигнат Човешкият Син, та всеки, който вярва в Него, да не погине, но да има вечен живот. Защото Бог толкова възлюби света, че даде Своя Единороден Син, за да не погине нито един, който вярва в Него, но да има вечен живот. Понеже Бог не е пратил Сина в света да съди света, но за да бъде светът спасен чрез Него. Който вярва в Него не е осъден; който не вярва, е вече осъден, защото не е повярвал в името на Единородния Божий Син.“ Ако Бог желае, днес и следващата седмица ще се съсредоточим върху някои от най-известните стихове в Библията, както и върху следващите ги два стиха, които са в тяхна подкрепа и ги поясняват. „Защото Бог толкова възлюби света, че даде Своя Единороден Син, за да не погине нито един, който вярва в него, но да има вечен живот. Понеже Бог не е пратил Сина в света да съди света, но за да бъде светът спасен чрез Него. Който вярва в него не е осъден; който не вярва, е вече осъден, защото не е повярвал в името на Единородния Божий Син.“ Не е трудно да разберем защо 16 стих е един от най-известните, най-често запаметяваните и най-високо ценени в Библията. В него са събрани на едно място най-великите истини. Бог; любов; светът; Божият Син; вяра; смърт завинаги; вечен живот; всеки който – това сте вие или не сте вие. Ето, това са най-славните неща. Има ли нещо по-важно от тях? Какво може да има по-голямо практическо значение за вас в този момент? Съществува ли нещо по-неотложно и важно от това да знаете къде е вашето място в казаното от Бог в този стих? Мисля, че за да разберем написаното в Йоан 3:16, първо трябва да го разгледаме, спирайки се на всички важни думи (с изключение на възлюби) като ги обсъждаме: Бог, свят, даде, Син, вярва, гибел, живот. Ще се опитаме да разберем как те ни засягат и ще продължим напред. Ако Бог пожелае, следващата седмица ще се върнем към началото и ще посветим цялото послание на чудесната дума, която днес подминаваме – възлюби: „Защото Бог толкова възлюби...“ Напрежението в Йоан, глава 3 Ще попитаме: Как в този откъс се проявява Божията любов към нас? Как Неговата любов от стих 16 се свързва с делото на Божия Дух в стих 8? Тук като че ли съществува напрежение. Мнозина го усещат и се опитват да го отстранят като лишават от значение или стих 8, или стих 16. От една страна, в стих 8 се казва, че Божият Дух духа накъдето си иска и съживява когото сам избере. „Вятърът духа където ще и чуваш шума му; но не знаеш от къде иде и къде отива; така е с всеки, който се е родил от Духа.“ Бог е свободен да върши каквото иска. Не ние, а Той има последната, решаваща дума за това кого от духовно разбунтувалите се и мъртви хора ще възкреси за нов живот. Никой от нас не заслужава да бъде съживен и никой друг няма силата да извърши това. Ако някой е спасен, заслугата е на Бога. От друга страна обаче, в Йоан 3:16 се казва: „Защото Бог толкова възлюби света, че даде Своя Единороден Син, за да не погине нито един, който вярва в Него, но да има вечен живот.“ Това със сигурност означава, че Бог обича всички и предлага на всички вечен живот – този живот, който Духът дарява в стих 8. Това ще се опитаме да разберем следващата седмица. Ще споделя с вас, че за това много ми помогна една книга на Дон Карсън – Трудното учение за Божията любов. Не повече от 90 страници, книгата е разбираема и хубава. Надявам се много от вас да я прочетат. Седем внушителни истини в Йоан 3:16 Първо нека да изясним някои славни и възвишени неща в този стих. Седем всеобхватни, важни думи, представляващи седем големи истини – ето това трябва да разберем, за да можем да усетим въздействието от силата и изключителната ценност на този известен стих. Надявам се вие, вярващите от църква Витлеем да разберете колко основополагащ е този стих не само за начинаещите. Това е високо волтова шокова терапия – за личите борби на женените, на неженените и на непълнолетните. Нека сега обърнем внимание на седемте големи думи в стих 16. Бог „Защото Бог толкова възлюби...“ Няма причина да мислим, че Исус има предвид друг Бог, а не Този от Стария Завет. Той е Всемогъщият Създател и Крепител на вселената. Той е личност, не просто някаква сила и това означава, че Той мисли, желае и чувства. Бог обича и мрази. Тъй като е личност, Той има нравственост – отнася се с нас в зависимост от това дали постъпваме добре, зле, грешно или правилно. Именно защото е нравствен, Бог е напълно праведен. Всичко, което прави е правилно. Безкрайното Му достойнство определя кое е правилно. Да постъпваш правилно, това означава да мислиш, чувстваш и действаш в съответствие (в хармония) с безкрайното Му достойнство. Всички сме създадени от Този Господ. Наш висш дълг и основна причина за съществуването ни е да Му благодарим (Римляни 1:21). Всички сме се провалили и сме попаднали под праведното Му неодобрение. Това прави стих 16 от глава 3 на Евангелието на Йоан толкова нужен и скъпоценен. Той ни разкрива начина, по който Бог ни спасява от това състояние. Светът „Защото Бог толкова възлюби света...“ Най-общото значение на тази дума тук е цялото създадено и паднало човечество. „Вас светът не може да мрази, той мрази мен, защото непрекъснато му говоря, че делата му са зли.“ (Йоан 7:7) „...Духа на истината, когото светът не може да приеме, защото не го вижда и не го познава. Но вие го познавате, защото той живее с вас и ще бъде във вас.“ (Йоан 14:17) Ето начина, по който в случая Йоан използва думата свят. Голямото, неизброимо, загиващо множество на падналото човечество се нуждае от спасение. От него са и тези, за които става въпрос във втората част на стиха: „...за да не погине нито един, който вярва в Него.“ Светът е огромен океан от загиващи грешници, от където идва този „нито един, който...“ Даде „Защото Бог толкова възлюби света, че даде...“ Необходимо е да отбележим две неща относно този дар. Първо, това е дар от небето. Второ, Бог не просто изпрати Исус на земята, а Го изпрати да умре. В стих 17 думата „даде“ е заместена с „изпрати.“ „Понеже Бог не е пратил Сина в света, за да съди света, но за да бъде светът спасен чрез Него.“ Така че „даването“ от стих 16 е Божието „изпращане“ на Сина с мисия от небето. В Йоан 10:17,18 виждаме връхната точка на това пратеничество. Исус казва: „Затова ме люби Отец, защото Аз давам живота Си, за да го взема пак. Никой не Ми го отнема, но Аз от Себе Си го давам. Имам право да го дам, и имам право пак да го взема. Тази заповед получих от Отца Си.“ Последното изречение показва, че причината, поради която Бог е изпратил Сина е Той да даде живота Си. „...но Аз от Себе Си го давам....Тази заповед получих от Отца Си.“ В Йоан 3:16 е казано: „Защото Бог толкова възлюби света, че даде...“ и това означава, че дарът от Бога е изпращането на Сина Му на земята с цел да умре. Това е също толкова изумително, дори милион пъти повече, отколкото ако кажехте на сина си: „Има нещо, което бих искал да направиш за мен. Имам врагове, които заслужават да умрат. Искам обаче ти да отидеш и да умреш вместо тях, така че те да имат вечен живот.“ Независимо какво друго знаете за Бога, няма нищо по-важно нещо от това. Син „Защото Бог толкова възлюби света, че даде Своя Единороден Син...“ Мюсюлманите и другите хора се объркват от мисълта, че Бог може да има Син. Затова нека да кажа някои неща, които стават кристално ясни в Евангелието на Йоан, макар и да изглеждат тайнствени. Бог не е имал сексуални взаимоотношения с Мария, за да Му се роди Син. Нека да се върнем към първа глава, където Йоан поставя основата на нашето разбиране за Сина на Бога. Йоан 1:1: „В началото бе Словото; и Словото беше у Бога; и Словото бе Бог.“ На това място Словото е представено пред нас. Казани са три неща за него. Първо - „Словото бе Бог.“ Второ – то беше у Бога и все пак беше отделно от Него. „Словото беше у Бога.“ Трето – по тази причина то винаги е съществувало и никога не е възниквало отделно. „В началото бе словото.“ Сега да погледнем стих 14а: „И Словото стана плът, и живя между нас; и видяхме славата Му, слава като на Единородния от Отца...“ Този стих изяснява три неща. Първо: Словото на Бога, за което се говори в стих 1, е Сина на Бога. „И Словото стана плът...; и видяхме славата Му, слава като на единородния от Отца...“ Второ: Бог, у Когото беше Словото и от Когото беше отделено, е Бог Отец. То е „Единородния от Отца.“ „В началото бе Словото; и Словото беше у Бога.“ Това беше Бог Отец. Трето: Следователно, Исус е Божи Син не защото Отец имаше сексуални отношения с Мария, а защото Синът винаги беше съществувал, без да има начало „...като е сияние на Неговата слава и отпечатък на Неговото същество...“ (Евреи 1:3а). Той е изцяло Бог. Отец също е изцяло Бог. И заедно с Бог Святи Дух Те са един Бог, една Божествена същност. Една същност и три лица във вечно, съвършено и радостно взаимоотношение. Вярва „Защото Бог толкова възлюби света, че даде Своя Единороден Син, за да не погине нито един, който вярва...“ Ето четири неща, отнасящи се до тази вяра. Първо, написаното означава, че не всеки ще се възползва от това, което Исус е дошъл да извърши. Само този, „който вярва в Него“, няма да погине, а ще има вечен живот. Останалите ще загинат и няма да имат вечен живот. Второ, самата дума „вяра“ означава да приемеш нещо за истина; ако става въпрос за личност, ти трябва да вярваш на това, което тази личност казва за себе си и да й се подчиняваш. Трето, Йоан 1:11,12 ни показва, че другата дума, която Йоан има предвид, когато иска да обясни „вярва“ е „приема.“ „У Своите Си дойде, но Своите му не Го приеха. А на онези, които Го приеха, даде право да станат Божии чада, тоест на тези, които вярват в Неговото име.“ Затова, да приемаш Исус и да вярваш в Него е едно и също нещо. Четвърто, ако попитаме: „Като какъв да Го приемем?“, отговорът ще бъде: „Като Този, Който е.“ Например, в Йоан 6:35 Исус казва: „Аз съм хлябът на живота; който дойде при Мене, никак няма да огладнее, и който вярва в Мене, никак няма да ожаднее.“ Ето защо в този случай да вярваме означава да отидем при Него и да Го приемем като храна и питие, които ще задоволят душите ни. Това е една от причините да говоря, че трябва да Го приемем като нашето Съкровище (Матей 13:44). Затова и вярата е нещо, което ни преобразява изцяло. Погине „Защото Бог толкова възлюби света, че даде Своя Единороден Син, за да не погине...“ Какво по-ясно и по-важно от това да видим че да „погине“ е другата, противоположна възможност на „вечен живот“ - „...за да не погине...но да има вечен живот.“ Така че ако загинеш, няма да имаш вечен живот. Съвсем ясно е и това, което описва стих 18 – загиващият е вече осъден. „Който вярва в Него, не е осъден, а който не вярва, е вече осъден...“ Това означава, че присъдата на Божия гняв е върху нас грешниците и остава върху нас. Виждаме това в Йоан 3:36: „Който вярва в Сина, има вечен живот; а който не приема Сина, няма да види живот и Божият гняв остава върху него.“ Така че ние вече сме под осъждение поради греха и неверието си. Да погинеш, означава да останеш завинаги под Божия гняв. Не можете да си представите нищо по-ужасно от това Всемогъщият Бог да застане с праведния Си гняв срещу вас завинаги. Ето това означава да погинеш. Живот „Защото Бог толкова възлюби света, че даде Своя Еднороден Син, за да не погине нито един, който вярва в Него, но да има вечен живот.“ Това не означава просто да съществуваш вечно. Всички ще съществуваме вечно, но не всеки има вечен живот. Това е животът, който получаваме щом се новородим и нашият дух заживее отново. От Йоан 6:63 знаем, че „Духът е Този, Който дава живот.“ А от 1 Йоан 5:11 знаем, че „...този живот е в Божия Син.“ Това е живот за Бога – живот, който може да види и усети (вкуси) Бог като славен Бог и цялото Му творение по начин, който Той е определил да му се наслаждаваме. Това, което се случва с вярата ни е, че с помощта на нейните средства Святият Дух ни обединява с Исус, в Когото е животът. Именно защото това е животът на Божия Син, той трае вечно. „Исус й рече: Аз съм възкресението и животът; който вярва в Мене, ако и да умре, ще живее; и никой, който е жив и вярва в Мене, няма да умре довека...“ (Йоан 11:25,26). Исус дава живот и умира вместо нас В този смисъл, не забравяйте какво разбираме под думата даде: „Защото Бог толкова възлюби света, че даде...“ Това означава даде, за да умре. Ние не загиваме от Божия гняв, защото Исус умря вместо нас под гнева Му. Той беше „Божия Агнец“ - жертвоприношението, което замести нас, Който понесе греха и наказанието ни (Йоан 1:29,36). Ние имаме вечен живот, защото Исус умря вместо нас и защото животът е в Него. Той премахна Божия гняв, който беше огромна пречка и ни даде вечния живот, който ние нямахме. Това твоят живот ли е? И така, остава един въпрос: Живеете ли в прошката, живота и свободата на написаното в Йоан 3:16? Свободни ли сте от страха от смъртта? Чудото да бъдете обичани по този начин изгражда ли вашите взаимоотношения? Не ви питам дали сте съгласни с този стих, а дали живеете по този начин. Такъв ли е животът ви? Всичко, което правите, проникнато ли е от казаното в този стих? Бог да ви благослови с такава вяра. Вярвайте в обещаното от Йоан 3:16. Приемете съкровището Христос и живота.
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Vocabulary The word or term Trinity is not found in the Scriptures. The doctrine of the Trinity is not expounded in one passage in Scripture. Yet one cannot make sense of God as presented in Scripture without a Trinitarian doctrine. The term Trinity was first developed by Tertullian, an early Christian apologist and writer. (Tri + Unity) Mystery, Paradox and Contradiction These three words are often used interchangeably, but ought not be: - Contradiction: Two statements that cannot fit along side one another. One God & Three Gods) - Paradox: A seeming or apparent contradiction that can be solved. - Mystery: A seeming or apparent contradiction that transcends our ability or information. The Trinity) Warfield states, “As the doctrine of the Trinity is indiscoverable by reason, so it is incapable of proof from reason. There are no analogies to it in Nature, not even in the spiritual nature of man, who is made in the image of God” (p. 134-135) We do not hold a rationalistic view that says we only accept that which we fully understand. We are not higher critics. There is One God (Monotheism) Exodus 20:1-3 And God spoke all these words: I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me. (1st Commandment) Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. (Great Shema) Remember the hatred God has for idolatry shown throughout the OT and the intense jealousy he has for his honor. Ephesians 4:4-6 There is … one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 1 Timothy 1:17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. James 2:19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that– and shudder. The Father is God Matthew 6:9 This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name … Matthew 24:36 No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 1 Corinthians 8:6 Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live … 1 Peter 1:1-2 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout … who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father There are numerous places in Scripture where the God of Heaven is described as “The Father.” The Son is God (Jesus Christ) The OT Predictions of a Divine Messiah In Genesis 18, the Angel of the Lord appears to Abraham. At first, in verse three, Abraham calls him Adonai. This is a very polite address. But in verse ten, Abraham uses the most sacred name, Yahweh, in addressing this angel, and he continues to use this name throughout the negotiation portions of Scripture. There are several other times in Scripture where the Angel of the Lord appears. In each of the following cases, he receives and accepts worship that is due for God alone. Psalm 45:6-7 Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy. (Now read Hebrews 1:6-9) Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Jeremiah 23:5-6 “The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD (Yahweh) Our Righteousness.” 1 Corinthians 8:6 Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live Jesus Self-Testimony Jesus claimed to be the OT Messiah to the Samaritan woman. Jesus claimed to be omnipresent. Jesus claimed to be eternal and preexistent. Jesus claimed to be omnipotent. Jesus claimed to be the ruler of angels. (Matt. Jesus claimed to be the great judge. (Matt. Jesus allowed Himself to be called “God.” (John 20:28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”) Jesus claimed to be the forgiver of sins. (Luke 7:48; Matt. Jesus claimed to be Lord of the Sabbath. (Matt. Jesus claimed to be God. Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father …”) Jesus showed his deity. Miracles – (John 6:64, 70-71) (Luke 9:22) (Matt. Jesus had several times claimed divine attributes and powers. Jesus had pronounced the forgiveness of sins to men. “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” The Pharisees put him to death for this claim. (John 10:33; Matt. There is also great meaning to Jesus’ title, “Son of Man.” The New Testament Witness In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. (Compare to Genesis 1:1) Romans 9:5 Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen. 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus … We wait for the blessed hope — the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, Hebrews 1:3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. 2 Peter 1:1. Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: Revelation 5:12-14 In a loud voice they sang: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped. The Spirit is God Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. Matthew 12:32 But anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. John 3:5-7 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ (Now read 1 John 3:9 – No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.) Acts 5:3-4 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.” 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 But God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Ephesians 4:4-6 There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to one hope when you were called– one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. The Distinctions of Persons Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness … Genesis 3:22 And the LORD God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever. Genesis 11:7 Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other. Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God (plural), the LORD is one. Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name (singular) of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit …. 2 Corinthians 13:14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Jude 1:20-21 But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. There is not a confusion or a mixture of the three natures. The Father is not the Son, the Son is not the Holy Ghost, etc … Jesus baptism John 14:16-18 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. God cannot die. Church History and the Trinity: Truth vs. Error Heresies Monarchianism was the sect teaching that Christ was simply a man endowed with the Spirit of God at his baptism. Arius was the famous heretic teaching that Jesus was a created man who became deified. (3rd Century) Macedonianism was the heresy that denied the deity of the Holy Spirit. Socinus lived around 1638 A.D. He taught that Jesus Christ was not preexistent, but was a perfect deified man. Modalism: God is not really one God in three persons, but rather only appears to be in three persons. This view is often illustrated by a God who wears three masks; or water appearing in either the form of ice, liquid or gas. Unitarians took Socinianism to a new level. Many are atheists who simply value the good moral life of the good man, Jesus. Mormonism: They are polytheists. They believe that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are three separate beings. They are largely a renewal of the Arianism of the third century. Council of Nicea (325 A.D.) The issue at this council was whether or not Christ was fully God, or was he a created being. The council answered the major question with the following language, “Jesus is … true God of true God, not made, or one substance with the Father.” Page 846 of the Trinity Hymnal Council of Constantinople (381 A.D.) The issue before this council was whether or not the Holy Spirit was fully God. This council condemned this view and affirmed that the Holy Spirit was indeed “the Lord and life-giver” who is to be “worshiped and glorified together with the Father and the Son.” Athanasian Creed (381-421 AD) Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the catholic faith. Which faith except everyone do keep whole and undefiled, without doubt he shall perish everlastingly. And the catholic faith is this: That we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity, neither confounding the persons, nor dividing the substance. For there is one Person of the Father, another of the Son, and another of the Holy Spirit. But the godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, is all one, the glory equal, the majesty co-eternal. Such as the Father is, such is the Son, and such is the Holy Spirit. The Father uncreated, the Son uncreated, and the Holy Spirit uncreated. The Father incomprehensible, the Son incomprehensible, and the Holy Spirit incomprehensible. The Father eternal, the Son eternal, and the Holy Spirit eternal. And yet they are not three eternals, but one Eternal. As also there are not three incomprehensibles, nor three uncreated, but one Uncreated, and one Incomprehensible. So likewise the Father is Almighty, the Son Almighty, and the Holy Spirit Almighty. And yet they are not three almighties, but one Almighty. So the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God. And yet they are not three gods, but one God. So likewise the Father is Lord, the Son Lord, and the Holy Spirit Lord. And yet not three lords, but one Lord. For as we are compelled by the Christian verity to acknowledge each Person by Himself to be both God and Lord, so we are also forbidden by the catholic religion to say that there are three gods or three lords. The Father is made of none, neither created, nor begotten. The Son is of the Father alone, not made, nor created, but begotten. The Holy Spirit is of the Father, neither made, nor created, nor begotten, but proceeding. So there is one Father, not three fathers; one Son, not three sons; one Holy Spirit, not three holy spirits. And in the Trinity none is before or after another; none is greater or less than another, but all three Persons are co-eternal together and co-equal. So that in all things, as is aforesaid, the Unity in Trinity and the Trinity in Unity is to be worshipped. He therefore that will be saved is must think thus of the Trinity. Furthermore, it is necessary to everlasting salvation that he also believe rightly the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. For the right faith is, that we believe and confess, that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is God and man; God, of the substance of the Father, begotten before the worlds; and man of the substance of his mother, born in the world; perfect God and perfect man, of a rational soul and human flesh subsisting. Equal to the Father, as touching His godhead; and inferior to the Father, as touching His manhood; who, although He is God and man, yet he is not two, but one Christ; one, not by conversion of the godhead into flesh but by taking of the manhood into God; one altogether; not by confusion of substance, but by unity of person. For as the rational soul and flesh is one man, so God and man is one Christ; who suffered for our salvation, descended into hell, rose again the third day from the dead. He ascended into heaven, He sits at the right hand of the Father, God Almighty, from whence He will come to judge the quick and the dead. At His coming all men will rise again with their bodies and shall give account for their own works. And they that have done good shall go into life everlasting; and they that have done evil into everlasting fire. This is the catholic faith, which except a man believe faithfully, he cannot be saved The Economic Trinity Three voluntarily agreed upon roles in the dramatic outworking of salvation. Hebrews 13:20 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. God the Father chooses Accomplished before Creation Son spoke occasionally, Spirit illuminated the Word God the Son purchases Accomplished at Calvary Father guided and judged, Spirit guarded and nourished God the Spirit applies Accomplished on a daily basis Father guides, Son prays, Father Chooses Ephesians 1:3-5 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will. 2 Timothy 1:9-10 Who has saved us and called us to a holy life-not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. Titus 1:1-2 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness- a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time. Son Redeems Hebrews 13:20-21 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. 1 Peter 1:18-20 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Spirit Applies Titus 3:4-7 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 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, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. John 3:8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 16:12-15 I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you. 1 Corinthians 2:11-12 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Galatians 5:22-26 Fruit of the Spirit) Romans 8:15-16 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Same as the NT yet not as full. Here we see the utter necessity of the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit’s work, those the Father chose and those the Son purchased would not believe and repent. The Spirit’s work is essential. John 7:37-39 On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. John 14:16-20 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever — the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Just as the Son was present but not visibly active until a later dispensation, so too the Spirit worked, but waited for a coming day of greater manifestation. Paul puts the work of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit all together in one passage. Ephesians 1:3-6 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will — to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. Ephesians 1:7-13 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment– to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Ephesians 1:13-14 Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession– to the praise of his glory VII. What is the Role of the Holy Spirit? I believe there have been two primary errors in the church regarding the Holy Spirit Many in the church have undervalued the necessity of the Holy Spirit This is especially true in our Presbyterian and Reformed and cerebral churches. Did you know that in the Westminster Confession of Faith, there is not one chapter that treats specifically this topic? We look at the Charismatic movement and we run from it as fast as we can, and sadly, that includes throwing out the baby with the bathwater. If undervaluing was the first error I would mention tonight, what do you think is the next error? Many may so overvaluing, but that is not correct. I do not think we can say men can focus too much on the Holy Spirit, for one cannot focus too much on God. Rather, their next error made by many in the church is the following … Many in the church have understudied the person and work of the Holy Spirit This is the error made passively by many in the Charismatic movement as well as in several other denominations. The Charismatic church is largely a response against “dead orthodoxy.” The Charismatic movement sought out a powerful church. The Charismatic movement sought out a vibrant and alive personal relationship with God. The Charismatic movement then developed a theology and practice around the Holy Spirit. Their focus on the Holy Spirit is great, but their doctrine of the Holy Spirit and His activity is wanting. These charismatic churches will tell you that you must be “baptized in the Spirit.” They will tell you that you have not reached the fuller stages of grace until you “speak in tongues” or have other evidence of being Spirit-filled. However, their experiences and doctrine is relatively new – much of it began on Asuza street in 1906. Therefore, I am seeking to correct both of those errors in our lives, at least for a while. I want you to leave here with a more correct doctrinal understanding of the Holy Spirit. I want you to leave here vitally impressed with the power of the Holy Spirit and your daily need for His assistance in your life. What are the roles or work of the Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit Creates Genesis 1:2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. Luke 1:35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Job 33:4 The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life. Psalm 104:30 When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. The Holy Spirit Teaches Psalm 143:10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Nehemiah 9:20 You gave your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold your manna from their mouths, and you gave them water for their thirst. Isaiah 48:16 Come near me and listen to this: “From the first announcement I have not spoken in secret; at the time it happens, I am there.” And now the Sovereign LORD has sent me, with his Spirit. Proverbs 1:23 Turn at my rebuke; Surely I will pour out my Spirit on you; I will make my words known to you. John 14:26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 16:14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. [Notice how the Spirit glorifies Jesus Christ. He does so through taking the truth of Jesus Christ and declaring it to men.] John 15:26 When the Counselor 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. 1 Corinthians 2:12-14 We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us … The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. Galatians 4:6 Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” 2 Peter 1:21 For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 1 John 2:20, 27 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth … As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit– just as it has taught you, remain in him. Revelation 2:7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. What is our hope and prayer on Sunday morning? 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power. The Holy Spirit Convicts Genesis 6:3 Then the LORD said, “My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days will be a hundred and twenty years.” Psalm 51:10-12 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. John 16:7-8 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: [Keep in mind that conviction and regeneration are two different things] Acts 7:51 You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! By the way, this is the unforgivable sin: “Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin.” He said this because they were saying, “He has an evil spirit.” Hebrews 10:28-29 Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? The Holy Spirit Recreates You could also say the Holy Spirit regenerates. The judges prophesied regarding the wrath and judgment of the Lord. But when they promised restoration and reconciliation with God, they used the phrase “God will no longer hide his face … He will pour out His Spirit.” For example, take Ezekiel 39:29, “I will no longer hide my face from them, for I will pour out my Spirit on the house of Israel, declares the Sovereign LORD.” Ezekiel 37:9 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath (Holy Spirit); prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, that they may live.'” 10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet– a vast army. 11 Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ 12 Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: O my people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. 13 Then you, my people, will know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. 14 I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the LORD have spoken, and I have done it, declares the LORD.'” John 3:6, 8 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit … The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” (Unpredictable) John 6:44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. Acts 15:7-9 After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. Titus 3:5 … 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. The Holy Spirit Comforts You could also say that the Holy Spirit assures. Haggai 2:5 This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear. John 14:16-20 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever — the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. The Greek word used is parakletos. This is one who comforts, one who strengthens, one who is an advocate or a defense attorney, a right-arm aid. Romans 8:16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Assurance may be diminished when the Spirit is grieved.) The Holy Spirit Sanctifies Matthew 3:16-17 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple. Galatians 5:17-25 … The sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Romans 8:9 You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. The Holy Spirit sanctifies our prayers: Romans 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. The Holy Spirit Empowers Luke 4:18-21 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Jesus Christ was given the Spirit “without measure” or “without limit.” Luke 24:49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” Matthew 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Acts 1:5-8 “… for John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 2 Acts 6:3 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them. (Deacons) Acts 20:28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. Acts 10:37-38 You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached–how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, 13 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good … For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body– whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free– and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 1 Corinthians 12:8-10; 1 Corinthians 12:29-30; Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:11 Gifts of the Spirit … active and inactive. The Holy Spirit Resurrects Ephesians 1:13-14 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession– to the praise of his glory. 1 Peter 3:18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, Romans 8:11 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 through his Spirit, who lives in you. VIII. The Names and Titles of God Yahweh (Jehovah) (LORD) (I Am) God’s personal name. (The only name God gives to himself.) God’s memorial name. (To be used throughout the generations.) God’s holy name. (Protected by the 10 Commandments) God’s characteristic name. (Aseity, His being, Self-existent, Non-dependent, Cause) (Humans are human becomings – Transition, Change, Created) Elohim Plural word for the name of God. Ohim (Plural Ending) Shows a fullness to God. Shows unity, yet diversity. Adonai (Lord) (Kurios in NT) The one who is sovereign. The one who reigns over all things. This is the second most frequently used title for Jesus. (First is Christ.) Sometimes confusing in the NT because there are 3 uses for Kurios in the Greek. Sir Formal term. A polite form of address. Title for a wealthy person who is a slave owner. The “Imperial Use” Kurios is the “name that is above every name.” (Not the name Jesus.) The highest title of God. El Shaddai (Overpowerer) The “overpowerer.” (Sproul’s choice) The term El-Shaddai is used more in Job than in any other book. Deals with the omnipotence of God. (All-powerful) (Look below for notes on Omnipotence.) Another interpretation – The “multi-breasted one” The nourishing, caring God. Ascribing feminine attributes for God. Does someone have to believe in the Trinity in order to be saved? What Must Someone Believe in Order to Be Saved? Resource with John Piper Topic: Faith The following is an edited transcript of the audio. What are the most basic things a person needs to believe in order to be saved? Paul says, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” He says, “If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead you will be saved.” So I take texts like that and begin at the core-the death of Jesus. He died for our sins, which means I must believe I am a sinner. A person that doesn’t believe he is a sinner can’t be saved. If there is nothing to forgive, Jesus didn’t do anything for me. If he didn’t do anything for me, I’m not believing him for salvation. If I’m not believing him for salvation, then I’m not saved. So you must believe you are a sinner. You must believe that there is a God who has created the possibility for sin. That is, sin by definition is the falling short of the expectations of your Creator. So there has to be a Creator God out there who has expectations of humans. God expects humans to trust him, love him and live for him. And we fail. Which leads us to the third thing we must believe. Because we fail to trust, love and live for God we are under his holy judgment-his wrath. You’ve got to believe that. If you are a sinner and there is a holy God, and if you are defining sin as a falling short of that God, then in order to understand what he is doing to make things right you must understand that God is angry about sin. He is a good and just judge. So, what has he done to solve the problem of our alienation from him? He has sent his Son into the world. You’ve got to believe in the deity of Jesus. Psalm 49 says that no man can pay a ransom for another man. A few verses later, in verse 15, it says God will pay the ransom. He couldn’t have used John, or Peter or Paul to die for us. He had to have the God-man die for us. So the deity of Jesus is essential. You also must acknowledge what Jesus did. He lived the perfect life. I don’t think you can believe that Jesus sinned and still be saved. Because then the sacrifice made for you was not what God required, and you aren’t believing in what God did for you. So Jesus is the sinless Son of God and he gives himself up to die in my place. This substitutionary dimension of the death of Christ for my sins is necessary. There are lots of ways the Bible talks about this and I think you can be very confused about some of them while still being saved. I don’t want to start listing off all the ways the Bible talks about the atonement and how confused you can be about them while still being saved. Let’s just say that what is required is the core of the gospel-that the remedy is that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who never sinned got in my place and took the wrath of God for me. He died in my place. If he had stayed dead, we would still be in our sins. So you must believe he rose from the dead. So now he has risen from the dead. I am willing to stop there. This is the cluster of essentials for salvation. You might be able to bring to mind some things that are so theologically attached to this cluster that I would say, “OK that has to be included as well.” But if someone asks, “What do I have to believe to be saved?” My answer is, you must believe this cluster of things about yourself, about God, and about the cross. One more thing. I am assuming something because the question was, “What do I have to believe?” But I should make clear that you have to believe something about belief. Meaning, you must believe that belief is required. If you say, “I get all of what was said, but now I’m going to work so that God can make all of this count for me. I’m going to keep the law 85% so that all this redemptive work will count for me,” then you’ve missed it. You’re not saved. For salvation you must believe that instead of working for this salvation, Jesus has already done what needs to be done. We receive it. “As many as received him, who believed in his name, he gave them the right to become the children of God.” So I think sin, God, cross and faith. That is the summary, the core of truth surrounding those four things. Would someone need to believe in the Trinity to be saved? They certainly wouldn’t have to know that word, and they wouldn’t have to be able to articulate it very well. But, what they need to do is not deny essential things about it. So a person may never hear of such a thing as a “trinity” and be saved. But if you asked them, “The Jesus you are believing in, is he divine or is he just a man?” If they said he is not divine, then I think that is a major problem. I don’t think a person has to even hear about the Holy Spirit to be saved. Is that radical? I don’t think so. Now, if you get taught about the Holy Spirit and what he has done for you and then you say, “I don’t think it took the Holy Spirit to save me,” well, then I’m going to question your salvation. But goodness! I just spent five minutes unpacking the gospel and didn’t mention the Holy Spirit at all! And that isn’t because he is not essential. We would never believe without him. But knowing the details about how God caused you to believe is not essential. Yet, denying it once it has been made known to you-that would undermine essential things. John Piper (@JohnPiper) is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. For 33 years, he served as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is author of more than 50 books, including Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist and most recently Why I Love the Apostle Paul: 30 Reasons. DO YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE IN THE TRINITY TO BE A CHRISTIAN? by Matt Slick In one sense you do not have to believe in the Trinity to be a Christian, but in another sense you do. Let me explain. The Bible does not tell us that we must believe in the Trinity in order to become saved; that is, to become a Christian. On the other hand, true Christians will end up believing in the Trinity because it is the proper teaching concerning God’s nature that has been revealed to us in Scripture. So, though someone may not understand the Trinity when he or she becomes a Christian, eventually he will end up believing in it because he’s a Christian. The doctrine of the Trinity is the proper biblical teaching concerning the nature of God. It is one of the defining elements of the Christian faith. The Trinity, like the deity of Christ (John 8:24; John 1:1, 14; Colossians 2:9), Christ’s physical resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:14, 17), and justification by faith alone in Christ alone (Romans 3:28; 4:1-5; 5:1; Galatians 2:21), are among the essential doctrines of the Christian faith. To deny any of these is to deny what makes Christianity Christian. But, I want to make it clear that we believe these things because they are true and because the Holy Spirit who indwells Christians bears witness of truth (John 14:26; 15:26). It is not believing in the Trinity that makes us Christian. Rather, it is being a Christian (and being indwelt by the Holy Spirit) that enables us to believe in the Trinity. So, in one sense it’s not a requirement to affirm the doctrines the Trinity in order to become saved. However, the true Christian will not deny the doctrine of the Trinity because the Holy Spirit will bear witness of truth (John 15:26) in the Trinity as true. This would mean that anyone who claims to be a Christian, but openly and continually rejects the doctrine of the Trinity, is probably not truly saved. Why is the Trinity an Essential Doctrine? Quick thoughts developed on September 10, 2013 Scriptural Doctrine of the Trinity There is one God. (Monotheism) Exodus 20:1-3 And God spoke all these words: I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me. (1st Commandment) Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. (Great Shema) Remember the hatred God has for idolatry shown throughout the OT and the intense jealousy he has for his honor. Ephesians 4:4-6 There is … one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 1 Timothy 1:17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. James 2:19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that– and shudder. The Father is God. Matthew 6:9 This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name … Matthew 24:36 No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 1 Corinthians 8:6 Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live … 1 Peter 1:1-2 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout … who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father … There are numerous places in Scripture where the God of Heaven is described as “The Father.” The Son is God. The OT Predictions of a Divine Messiah In Genesis 18, the Angel of the Lord appears to Abraham. At first, in verse three, Abraham calls him Adonai. This is a very polite address. But in verse ten, Abraham uses the most sacred name, Yahweh, in addressing this angel, and he continues to use this name throughout the negotiation portions of Scripture. There are several other times in Scripture where the Angel of the Lord appears. In each of the following cases, he receives and accepts worship that is due for God alone. Psalm 45:6-7 Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy. (Now read Hebrews 1:6-9) Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Jeremiah 23:5-6 “The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD (Yahweh) Our Righteousness.” 1 Corinthians 8:6 Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live Jesus Self-Testimony Jesus claimed to be the OT Messiah to the Samaritan woman. Jesus claimed to be omnipresent. Jesus claimed to be eternal and preexistent. Jesus claimed to be omnipotent. Jesus claimed to be the ruler of angels. (Matt. Jesus claimed to be the great judge. (Matt. Jesus allowed Himself to be called “God.” (John 20:28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”) Jesus claimed to be the forgiver of sins. (Luke 7:48; Matt. Jesus claimed to be Lord of the Sabbath. (Matt. Jesus claimed to be God. Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father …”) Jesus showed his deity. Miracles – (John 6:64, 70-71) (Luke 9:22) (Matt. Jesus had several times claimed divine attributes and powers. Jesus had pronounced the forgiveness of sins to men. “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” The Pharisees put him to death for this claim. (John 10:33; Matt. There is also great meaning to Jesus’ title, “Son of Man.” The New Testament Witness John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. (Compare to Genesis 1:1) Romans 9:5 Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen. 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus … Titus 2:13 … We wait for the blessed hope — the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, Hebrews 1:3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. 2 Peter 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: Revelation 5:12-14 In a loud voice they sang: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped. The Spirit is God. Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. Matthew 12:32 But anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. John 3:5-7 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ (Now read 1 John 3:9 – No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.) Acts 5:3-4 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.” 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 But God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Ephesians 4:4-6 There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to one hope when you were called– one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. The Father is not the Son or the Spirit; the Son is not the Father or the Spirit; the Spirit is not the Father or the Son. Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness … Genesis 3:22 And the LORD God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever. Genesis 11:7 Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other. Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God (plural), the LORD is one. Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name (singular) of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit …. 2 Corinthians 13:14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Jude 1:20-21 But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. There is not a confusion or a mixture of the three natures. The Father is not the Son, the Son is not the Holy Ghost, etc … Jesus baptism John 14:16-18 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. God cannot die. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit play distinct roles in soteriology. Three voluntarily agreed upon roles in the dramatic outworking of salvation. Hebrews 13:20 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Father Chooses Ephesians 1:3-5 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will. 2 Timothy 1:9-10 Who has saved us and called us to a holy life-not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. Titus 1:1-2 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness- a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time. Son Redeems Hebrews 13:20-21 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. 1 Peter 1:18-20 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Spirit Applies Titus 3:4-7 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 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, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. John 3:8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 16:12-15 I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you. 1 Corinthians 2:11-12 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Galatians 5:22-26 Fruit of the Spirit) Romans 8:15-16 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Same as the NT yet not as full. Here we see the utter necessity of the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit’s work, those the Father chose and those the Son purchased would not believe and repent. The Spirit’s work is essential. John 7:37-39 On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. John 14:16-20 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever — the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Just as the Son was present but not visibly active until a later dispensation, so too the Spirit worked, but waited for a coming day of greater manifestation. Paul puts the work of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit all together in one passage. Ephesians 1:3-6 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will — to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. Ephesians 1:7-13 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment– to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Ephesians 1:13-14 Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession– to the praise of his glory The Fathers, Son and Holy Spirit are equal. Historical Development of the Trinity Old Testament believers had little concept of the Trinity. Jesus’ mother grew in her understanding. Jesus’ brothers grew in their understanding. Jesus’ disciples grew in their understanding. Jesus’ church grew in its understanding. Creeds: Apostles, Nicene, Athanasian, Catholic Writings, Westminster Documents Theological Opposition to the Trinity Not held by Orthodox Judaism Not held by the entire ancient church (Monarchianism, Modalism, Macedonianism, Arianism, Tri-theism) Not held by Islam Not held by Jehovah’s Witnesses Not held by Mormons Not held by Unitarians. Importance of the Trinity The Trinity Proves a Relational God – they enjoyed himself before the Creation of the world – pre-creation agape love The Trinity Proves Submission to Scripture – one must honor God’s revelation more than human ration. The word or term Trinity is not found in the Scriptures. The doctrine of the Trinity is not expounded in one passage in Scripture. Yet one cannot make sense of God as presented in Scripture without a Trinitarian doctrine. The Trinity Proves the Inerrancy and Connection of Old and New Testaments – One God – Praying to Father, Son, Spirit Big Question: Can the substitutionary atonement of Jesus cover one who gets wrong the doctrine of the trinity? Those who deny grace are not saved. Those who deny the deity of Christ are not saved. Those who do not understand the doctrine of the Trinity may be saved. Augustine said that anyone who denies the Trinity loses his salvation but that anyone who tries to understand it loses his mind. Warfield states, “As the doctrine of the Trinity is indiscoverable by reason, so it is incapable of proof from reason. There are no analogies to it in Nature, not even in the spiritual nature of man, who is made in the image of God” (p. 134-135) We are all heretics waiting to uncover ourselves. Those who do not know might be saved The doctrine of the trinity is not the Gospel … Trinity does not save … We are saved by Christ and not by our theology It is not found in the Acts evangelistic sermons Essential for sound doctrine Not essential for grace The Trinitarian God Introductory Thoughts The word or term Trinity is not found in the Scriptures. The doctrine of the Trinity is not expounded in one passage in Scripture. Yet one cannot make sense of God as presented in Scripture without a Trinitarian doctrine. The term Trinity was first developed by Tertullian, an early Christian apologist and writer. (Tri + Unity) Mystery, Paradox and Contradiction: These three words are often used interchangeably, but ought not be Contradiction: Two statements that cannot fit along side one another. One God & Three Gods) Paradox: A seeming or apparent contradiction that can be solved. Mystery: A seeming or apparent contradiction that transcends our ability or information. The Trinity) Warfield states, “As the doctrine of the Trinity is indiscoverable by reason, so it is incapable of proof from reason. There are no analogies to it in Nature, not even in the spiritual nature of man, who is made in the image of God” (p. 134-135) The Necessity of Faith Faith is not the carnal act that you see described on TV – the begging and beseeching God until your will becomes his. Faith is the conviction of things promised. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Before one can have faith, one must have a Word or promise from God in which he is to put his trust. We do not hold a rationalistic view that says we only accept that which we fully understand. We are not higher critics. There is One God (Monotheism) Exodus 20:1-3 And God spoke all these words: I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me. (1st Commandment) Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. (Great Shema) Remember the hatred God has for idolatry shown throughout the OT and the intense jealousy he has for his honor. Ephesians 4:4-6 There is … one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 1 Timothy 1:17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. James 2:19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that– and shudder. The Father is God Matthew 6:9 This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name … Matthew 24:36 No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 1 Corinthians 8:6 Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live … 1 Peter 1:1-2 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout … who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father … There are numerous places in Scripture where the God of Heaven is described as “The Father.” The Son is God (Jesus Christ) The OT Predictions of a Divine Messiah In Genesis 18, the Angel of the Lord appears to Abraham. At first, in verse three, Abraham calls him Adonai. This is a very polite address. But in verse ten, Abraham uses the most sacred name, Yahweh, in addressing this angel, and he continues to use this name throughout the negotiation portions of Scripture. There are several other times in Scripture where the Angel of the Lord appears. In each of the following cases, he receives and accepts worship that is due for God alone. Psalm 45:6-7 Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy. (Now read Hebrews 1:6-9) Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Jeremiah 23:5-6 “The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD (Yahweh) Our Righteousness.” 1 Corinthians 8:6 Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live Jesus Self-Testimony Jesus claimed to be the OT Messiah to the Samaritan woman. Jesus claimed to be omnipresent. Jesus claimed to be eternal and preexistent. Jesus claimed to be omnipotent. Jesus claimed to be the ruler of angels. (Matt. Jesus claimed to be the great judge. (Matt. Jesus allowed Himself to be called “God.” (John 20:28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”) Jesus claimed to be the forgiver of sins. (Luke 7:48; Matt. Jesus claimed to be Lord of the Sabbath. (Matt. Jesus claimed to be God. Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father …”) Jesus showed his deity. Miracles – (John 6:64, 70-71) (Luke 9:22) (Matt. Jesus had several times claimed divine attributes and powers. Jesus had pronounced the forgiveness of sins to men. “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” The Pharisees put him to death for this claim. (John 10:33; Matt. There is also great meaning to Jesus’ title, “Son of Man.” The New Testament Witness John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. (Compare to Genesis 1:1) Romans 9:5 Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen. 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus … Titus 2:13 … We wait for the blessed hope — the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, Hebrews 1:3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. 2 Peter 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: Revelation 5:12-14 In a loud voice they sang: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped. The Spirit is God Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. Matthew 12:32 But anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. John 3:5-7 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ (Now read 1 John 3:9 – No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.) Acts 5:3-4 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.” 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 But God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Ephesians 4:4-6 There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to one hope when you were called– one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. The Distinctions of Persons Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness … Genesis 3:22 And the LORD God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever. Genesis 11:7 Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other. Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God (plural), the LORD is one. Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name (singular) of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit …. 2 Corinthians 13:14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Jude 1:20-21 But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. There is not a confusion or a mixture of the three natures. The Father is not the Son, the Son is not the Holy Ghost, etc … Jesus baptism John 14:16-18 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. God cannot die. Church History and the Trinity: Truth vs. Error Heresies Monarchianism was the sect teaching that Christ was simply a man endowed with the Spirit of God at his baptism. Arius was the famous heretic teaching that Jesus was a created man who became deified. (3rd Century) Macedonianism was the heresy that denied the deity of the Holy Spirit. Socinus lived around 1638 A.D. He taught that Jesus Christ was not preexistent, but was a perfect deified man. Modalism: God is not really one God in three persons, but rather only appears to be in three persons. This view is often illustrated by a God who wears three masks; or water appearing in either the form of ice, liquid or gas. Unitarians took Socinianism to a new level. Many are atheists who simply value the good moral life of the good man, Jesus. Mormonism: They are polytheists. They believe that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are three separate beings. They are largely a renewal of the Arianism of the third century. Council of Nicea (325 A.D.) The issue at this council was whether or not Christ was fully God, or was he a created being. The council answered the major question with the following language, “Jesus is … true God of true God, not made, or one substance with the Father.” Page 846 of the Trinity Hymnal Council of Constantinople (381 A.D.) The issue before this council was whether or not the Holy Spirit was fully God. This council condemned this view and affirmed that the Holy Spirit was indeed “the Lord and life-giver” who is to be “worshiped and glorified together with the Father and the Son.” Athanasian Creed (381-421 AD) Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the catholic faith. Which faith except everyone do keep whole and undefiled, without doubt he shall perish everlastingly. And the catholic faith is this: That we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity, neither confounding the persons, nor dividing the substance. For there is one Person of the Father, another of the Son, and another of the Holy Spirit. But the godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, is all one, the glory equal, the majesty co-eternal. Such as the Father is, such is the Son, and such is the Holy Spirit. The Father uncreated, the Son uncreated, and the Holy Spirit uncreated. The Father incomprehensible, the Son incomprehensible, and the Holy Spirit incomprehensible. The Father eternal, the Son eternal, and the Holy Spirit eternal. And yet they are not three eternals, but one Eternal. As also there are not three incomprehensibles, nor three uncreated, but one Uncreated, and one Incomprehensible. So likewise the Father is Almighty, the Son Almighty, and the Holy Spirit Almighty. And yet they are not three almighties, but one Almighty. So the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God. And yet they are not three gods, but one God. So likewise the Father is Lord, the Son Lord, and the Holy Spirit Lord. And yet not three lords, but one Lord. For as we are compelled by the Christian verity to acknowledge each Person by Himself to be both God and Lord, so we are also forbidden by the catholic religion to say that there are three gods or three lords. The Father is made of none, neither created, nor begotten. The Son is of the Father alone, not made, nor created, but begotten. The Holy Spirit is of the Father, neither made, nor created, nor begotten, but proceeding. So there is one Father, not three fathers; one Son, not three sons; one Holy Spirit, not three holy spirits. And in the Trinity none is before or after another; none is greater or less than another, but all three Persons are co-eternal together and co-equal. So that in all things, as is aforesaid, the Unity in Trinity and the Trinity in Unity is to be worshipped. He therefore that will be saved is must think thus of the Trinity. Furthermore, it is necessary to everlasting salvation that he also believe rightly the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. For the right faith is, that we believe and confess, that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is God and man; God, of the substance of the Father, begotten before the worlds; and man of the substance of his mother, born in the world; perfect God and perfect man, of a rational soul and human flesh subsisting. Equal to the Father, as touching His godhead; and inferior to the Father, as touching His manhood; who, although He is God and man, yet he is not two, but one Christ; one, not by conversion of the godhead into flesh but by taking of the manhood into God; one altogether; not by confusion of substance, but by unity of person. For as the rational soul and flesh is one man, so God and man is one Christ; who suffered for our salvation, descended into hell, rose again the third day from the dead. He ascended into heaven, He sits at the right hand of the Father, God Almighty, from whence He will come to judge the quick and the dead. At His coming all men will rise again with their bodies and shall give account for their own works. And they that have done good shall go into life everlasting; and they that have done evil into everlasting fire. This is the catholic faith, which except a man believe faithfully, he cannot be saved The Economic Trinity Three voluntarily agreed upon roles in the dramatic outworking of salvation. Hebrews 13:20 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Father Chooses Ephesians 1:3-5 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will. 2 Timothy 1:9-10 Who has saved us and called us to a holy life-not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. Titus 1:1-2 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness- a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time. Son Redeems Hebrews 13:20-21 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. 1 Peter 1:18-20 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Spirit Applies Titus 3:4-7 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 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, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. John 3:8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 16:12-15 I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you. 1 Corinthians 2:11-12 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Galatians 5:22-26 Fruit of the Spirit) Romans 8:15-16 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Same as the NT yet not as full. Here we see the utter necessity of the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit’s work, those the Father chose and those the Son purchased would not believe and repent. The Spirit’s work is essential. John 7:37-39 On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. John 14:16-20 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever — the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Just as the Son was present but not visibly active until a later dispensation, so too the Spirit worked, but waited for a coming day of greater manifestation. Paul puts the work of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit all together in one passage. Ephesians 1:3-6 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will — to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. Ephesians 1:7-13 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment– to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Ephesians 1:13-14 Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession– to the praise of his glory