Lesson 8 Flashcards
Why is the Holy Trinity the supreme object of the Christian’s trust and devotion?
The Holy Trinity is the Chrstian’s trust and devotion because God has revealed Himself as Triune. Thus, we can trust who God has revealed himself to be and be fully devoted to Him.
How is the Christian to understand the one name and nature of God in light of the Trinity?
“The name” into which we are baptized (Matt 28:19) is one name.
The singular name and nature of God belongs to the three persons of the Trinity (Matt 28:19).
The Father is the one true God: Matt 28:19; 1Cor 8:6, Eph 4:4-6
WLC 11: Q. How doth it appear that the Son and the Holy Ghost are God equal with the Father? A. The scriptures manifest that the Son and the Holy Ghost are God equal with the Father, ascribing unto them such names, attributes, works, and worship, as are proper to God only.
iii. The Son is the one true God. “Jesus is Lord”: Rom 10:9
The Spirit is the one true God
o The Spirit is called “Lord” and “God”: 2 Cor 3:17
How do the personal names of God “signify procession?”
Relations of Origin
- The Father is from no one.
- The Father is eternally father to the Son, who is eternally begotten of the Father.
- The Spirit eternally proceeds from the Father and the Son.
What does the Old Testament provide for understanding the Trinity?
Bavinck speaks of an “inexplicit indication” of YHWH’s triune identity in the Old Testament, and this is perhaps the best way of characterizing the way in which the Old Testament bears witness to God’s triune name.
A triune principle of action of God’s creative and re-creative work through his Word and Spirit (Gen 1; 1:26: “Let us Make”)
- What does it mean for God to exist in three “persons?”
God exists as one God in 3 persons, The Father, The Son, The Holy Spirit. They are the same in substance, equal in power and glory.
Though we may derive the term person from ordinary human discourse, the supreme meaning of that term derives from God, the most perfect being. Therefore, it is appropriate to apply the term “person” to God, provided that we apply it to Him in a divine and not a creaturely way.
- How does the Trinity affect the Christian’s communion with God?
Althought the tree persons act inseparably in the gracious work of restoring us to communion with God, we nevertheless enjoy communion with each person distinctly in accordance with the ways in which each person distinctly shines forth in this gracious work. We have communion with the Father in love, communion with the Son in grace, and communion with the Holy Spirit in consolation.
