Article 8 presents the Trinity. It emphasizes that God is One (Deut. 6:4) while at the same time three in Persons. This doctrine distinguishes Christianity from all other religions. It is the foundation-stone upon which all doctrine rests. One cannot deny the trinity and still be called a Christian or be saved.
Article 9 addresses the question of proof for the Trinity. It quotes from various Old Testament passages to show that already at that time, the truth of Trinity was taught. It indicates further that the New Testament clearly teaches the truth of Trinity. The article continues by pointing out various heretics who denied the Trinity and expresses agreement with the three early Trinitarian Creeds.
QUESTIONS:
1. What is the literal meaning of the word “Trinity”? Is this word found in Scripture?
2. Is the Trinity reflected in any way within creation itself?
3. Explain these heresies which are contrary to the truth of “Trinity”? (see a church history book or dictionary or Bible Encyclopedia).
a. Polytheism
b. Gnosticism
c. Monarchianism
One Person manifesting Himself in various forms
d. Sabellianism
One Person in 3 successive forms
4. Read the Athanasian Creed and its introduction as found in the Acts of Synod, 1984, pages 98 & 101ff.
a. Who wrote this creed, and when was it written?
b. What does it teach? trinity; unity of 2 nations; incarnation;
5. Find texts in Scripture which mention: “Father” and “Son” and “Holy Spirit”.
Father – Matt. 7:11; Son – Ps. 2:7; Heb. 1:3; Spirit – Acts 13:2, John 14:26;
6. What is a “Person”? What is an “Essence”?
7. Which modern sects deny the Trinity?
8. Is belief in the Trinity a matter of “feeling”? (see first sentence in Art. 9).
9. How do Gen. 1:26, 27 and Gen. 3:22 show “Trinity”?
10. What proofs are quoted from the New Testament in Art. 9? Locate the passages quoted.
Mark 1:10, 11; Matt. 28:19, Lev. 1:26-28; II Cor. 13:14; I John 5:7
11. Find out the errors of the heretics listed in the article. (see a church history book).
Marcion (Marcionism) rejected O.T.; Accepted only Paul; Son only in visionary body; Second God created. Manes (Manicheism) x in visionary body; liberates our dark soul. Praxeas: Cross is a theophany – the Father suffered in form of Christ. Sabellius: 3 persons are consecutive manifestations of One God. Samosatenus: Son is mere man who rose to Divine dignity; Spirit is impersonal. Arius: Son is created prior to creation (as: Jehovah Witnesses)
12. Which are the three Trinitarian Creeds listed in Article 9?
Nicean: 325