A. The proof of the trinity is found primarily in Scripture.
1. We may notice here that there is no one definite text in Scripture which teaches the doctrine of the trinity. This doctrine is not literally defined in any one text, for Scripture is not a Dogmatics. But it is rather basic to all of the Bible, and presupposed in every text. Scripture cannot be understood at all except on the basis of this doctrine. Nevertheless, there are many texts which prove this fundamental doctrine.
2. In the Old Testament.
a. The two texts referred to are Genesis 1:26, 27 and Genesis 3:22.
b. These texts are conclusive proof for God speaks of Himself as “us”. “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness,” and “Behold the man is become as one of us”. These texts prove that there is more than one person in the Godhead, but that they nevertheless constitute a unity.
c. But, as this article observes, “It is true he doth not say how many persons there are, but that, which appears to us somewhat obscure in the Old Testament is very plain in the New.” This is also to be expected.
3. In the New Testament.
a. Matthew 3:16, 17. This passage speaks of the baptism of Jesus and mentions Jesus as the Son of God, the Spirit descending in the form of a dove, and the voice from heaven identifying itself as a person.
b. Matthew 28:19. The baptism form speaks definitely of all three persons.
c. Luke 1:35. The angel speaks to Mary of the Holy Ghost that shall come upon her, of the power of the Most High that shall overshadow her, and of the child that shall consequently be born which shall be the Son of God.
d. II Corinthians 13:14. In this closing benediction of the Apostle Paul, all three persons are definitely mentioned.
e. I John 5:7. In this passage the three persons are mentioned as distinct persons and their essential unity is emphasized.
B. The Confession also cites as proof of the trinity that it can be known “from their operations, and chiefly by those we feel in ourselves.”
1. This evidently refers to the fact that there is proof of the trinity in the works of God outside Himself. This is further explained later in the article: “Moreover, we must observe the particular offices and operations of these three persons towards us. The Father is called our Creator, by his power; the Son is our Savior and Redeemer, by his blood; the Holy Ghost is our Sanctifier, by his dwelling in our hearts.”
2. We must remember, however, that these works of God which are referred to in this article are not the works of individual persons, but of the triune God. Creation is not the work of the Father, but of the triune God-of the Father, through the Son and in the Spirit. So it is also with the works of redemption and sanctification.
C. The Conclusion.
1. “This doctrine of the Holy Trinity, hath always been defended and maintained by the true Church, since the time of the apostles, to this very day…”
2. It has been defended against:
a. Marcion-who rejected the whole O.T. and its God and denied the real incarnation.
b. Manes– who founded Manichaeism which taught that God was one Person but coeternal with matter which was inherently evil.
c. Praxeas and Sabellius also lived in the early church and were the founders of Sabellianism, for which heresy confer notes on last article.
d. Both Jews and Mohammedans are Unitarians.
3. This doctrine of the trinity, as the article observes can never be fully comprehended in this life, but we must expect that it surpasses all human understanding, “Nevertheless, we now believe it… but expect hereafter to enjoy the perfect knowledge and benefit thereof in Heaven.”