Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Nov/93

Contributor - John H. Muller

Title - Trinitarian Faith

Topic - Belgic Confession

Articles 8 and 9 of our BELGIC CONFESSION deal with the doctrine of the Trinity. Eight defines the doctrine, and nine brings in the Scriptural witness to this truth.

"We believe in one God, Who is one single essence, in who there are three persons, really, truly, and eternally distinct according to their incommunicable properties namely, Father, Son and Holy Spirit."

This is an attempt to state one of the most difficult and mysterious doctrines of our Christian faith. Some people don't believe it. Others dismiss it as unimportant. But that is no reason to overlook it, or cast it aside. It is actually very crucial and basic to our faith. This theological statement about God was formed because of the rise of heresy in the church. About 300 A.D. Arius said that Christ was God, but that He was created and had a beginning. Such downgrading of Christ was serious and could have relegated Christianity to a legend. The church then found it necessary to define the doctrine of God clearly, so that all might see the difference between truth and error.

Although the idea behind the doctrine of the Trinity is very Biblical, the word itself is not found in the Bible. It was first used by Tertullian around 180 A.D. Later Calvin stated that it was absolutely necessary to use the term "Trinity." Discussions about the Bible and theology are only possible if one seeks to correlate several Biblical facts: first, that God is one; second, that God has revealed Himself in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit; and third, that each of these persons has certain qualities and characteristics.

"The Father is the cause, origin and beginning of all things, visible and invisible." The Father is the creator of all things. He is behind all things that exist.

"The Son is the word, wisdom, and image of the Father." This is why our Lord could say, "He that has seen me has seen the Father." He was "the express image of His person." In Him dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily."

"The Holy Spirit is the eternal power and might, proceeding from the Father and the Son." His power was manifest at Pentecost, and continues to be seen in His work as the Comforter and Inspirer.

The three Persons are distinct, but they are not separated. Each Person has His own properties and qualities. Hence God always remains one God. He is not divided.

Article 9 gives Biblical grounds for this doctrine. It quotes the Genesis 1:26-27 passage when God speaks of the time of Jesus' baptism when the Father spoke, the Son was present, and the Holy Spirit appeared in the form (shape) of a dove. It also refers to the baptismal formula which appears in Matthew 28:19. 'Me next reference is to Luke 1:35 when the angel spoke to Mary. All three Persons of the Trinity are mentioned here, as also in the apostolic benediction in 11 Corinthians 13:14. The CONFESSION goes on to say that "although this doctrine surpasses human understanding, we nevertheless believe it now, through the Word."

The Word of God gives an external witness to the doctrine of the Trinity. The CONFESSION also states that "we feel (it) in ourselves." This means that external witness of the Word is also impressed upon us by the internal witness of the Holy Spirit. Combining the two makes true faith.

The operations of the Trinity follow: "The Father is called our Creator by His power; the Son is our Saviour and Redeemer by His blood; the Holy Spirit is our Sanctifier by His dwelling in our hearts."

It is not possible to confine the work of salvation to Christ alone. Scripture is clear that our salvation relates to the Father and the Spirit as well as the Son. So also we can say that creation is a work of Christ as well as of the Father. John 1:3 says that "All things were made by Him (the Son) and without Him was not anything made that was made." Hence "it is possible and correct to speak about offices and operations of the person of the Trinity." (Osterhaven)

It is often explained by means of analogies. For instance, the illustration of water, steam and ice being of the same substance, but possessing different properties in their manifestations. Similarly, one man can appear as a father, a church elder, and shop foreman and yet be the same person. Many other "proofs" have been advanced, but they all fall short of the great spiritual truth of the Trinity.

The Apostles, Nicean, and Athanasian Creeds are also referred to by the CONFESSION as teaching the Trinity. "It has always been defended and maintained by the true church since the times of the apostles." All the major branches of Christendom accept this doctrine. It is heretical groups like the Jehovah's Witnesses which deny it. As R.C.A. members we gladly confess the Trinity, and sing frequently: "Holy, Holy, Holy, Merciful and Mighty, God in three Persons, blessed Trinity.

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