In Article 10, we are shown that Jesus is true and eternal God. This can be seen from four things: (1) His Names show Him to be God; (2) His works show this;
John 5:25
(3) His attributes show this; (4) the honor accorded Him shows it.Many in past years, and still today, deny Christ’s Divinity. Ebionites, Jews who claimed to be Christian, in the early New Testament age, denied His Virgin Birth. Gnosticism also denied the Virgin Birth; claimed that Jesus was also a sinner, though more religious than others, that “Christ” joined this human body at baptism and left at the time of the cross to become pure spirit. Socinians, of the time of the Reformation, denied Christ’s eternal existence. Today, Jehovah Witnesses, Unitarians, and others also deny His Deity.
Article 11 speaks of the procession of the Holy Spirit. It shows His Godhead by (1) His Names and attributes; (2) His operations; (3) the honor due Him.
In 381 the Council of Constantinople asserted the Spirit’s divinity against those who denied this. In 1054 there was a split between the Eastern (Orthodox) branch and Western (Roman Catholic) branch of the church because the latter continued to teach the double procession of the Spirit from Father and Son (filioque).
Why called “Word”?
QUESTIONS (write out answers):
1. Why should heretics want to deny the Deity of Jesus?
2. Prove from Scripture that Jesus was indeed born of the Virgin Mary.
Is. 7:14; Matt. 1:23;
3. Why is the Virgin Birth absolutely necessary for our Savior?
4. Explain the names: Jesus and Christ. How do these show His Deity?
5. Why is Christ’s Deity necessary for our salvation?
6. Find the quotes from Micah and from “the apostle” (“He hath neither beginning….”).
Micah 5:2; Heb. 7:3; (cf. Is. 9:6)
7. Why is it necessary to believe the “double procession” of the Spirit?
John 15:26 – from Father; filioque; Gal. 4:6 – Spirit of Son;
8. Prove from Scripture the Deity of the Spirit (find help in the “Essentials” book).
I Cor. 12:11 – Divide to everyone severally as He will
9. What is the “unpardonable sin”?
Matt. 12:31-32
Divine Works
Lu. 7:48-49 forgives sin
Jn. 5:20, 21 quickens the dead
Jn. 10:30 declares He is One with Father
Jn. 20:28 worshipped as God
Acts 19:5 Baptized in His name
Spirit of the Son
Jn. 7:39 He was not yet
Acts 2:33 Christ recieves promise of the Spirit