The doctrine of the Trinity is a fundamental aspect of Christian belief, affirming that God exists as magnificent and Triune, being one in essence and three in persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Belgic Confession, particularly Article 9, encourages us to embrace this profound truth, drawing support from Scripture and our personal experiences. If you do not worship the Trinity on Sunday mornings, whom are you worshipping? A distorted view of the Trinity must be corrected by those who identify as Christian.
Scriptural Foundations
Our belief in the Trinity is grounded in the revelation of the Bible. While the term “Trinity” may not be explicitly stated, the essence of this concept permeates its pages. The Belgic Confession highlights various scriptures that affirm this doctrine, recognizing that the testimonies are both numerous and compelling.
For instance, we encounter in Genesis 1:26, “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.’” The use of “us” in this passage invites us to ponder the complexity of God’s nature, resonating deeply with the idea of the Trinity.
New Testament Clarity
The New Testament brings further clarity to the concept of the Trinity. A striking moment occurs during Jesus’s baptism, as depicted in Matthew 3:16-17. In this scene, we witness the Father’s voice affirming the Son while the Holy Spirit descends upon them. This powerful depiction underscores the simultaneous existence and distinct identities of all three persons, dispelling the error of modalism—the belief that God manifests in different forms at different times.
Modalism has been firmly rejected by ecumenical creeds, such as the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed, which have guided the faithful in clearly affirming the distinct persons of the Trinity throughout history.
Additional Scriptural Affirmations
The New Testament further solidifies our faith in the Trinity. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 calls us to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, underscoring their unity and equality. Furthermore, in 2 Corinthians 13:14, Paul speaks of “the grace of the Lord Jesus, the love of the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit”—placing these three persons on equal footing.
The Belgic Confession also references 1 John 5:7, which declares that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit bear witness in heaven, affirming their oneness. Though this verse appears in the King James Version and the New King James Version but is absent in many contemporary translations due to the oldest, most reliable manuscripts, it does not diminish the belief in the Trinity, as countless other passages resonate with this truth.
Conclusion
The doctrine of the Trinity is the foundation of our Christian faith, embraced wholeheartedly by early Christians. By exploring the scriptural basis and personal experiences that inform our belief in the Trinity, we can deepen our relationship with God and marvel at the richness of His nature. As we delve into these teachings, may we continually grow in our faith and understanding of this profound mystery.
Debbie Swindell 