The NRBC School of Theology: Systematic Theology Course 2

14. OF GOD AND THE HOLY TRINITY 2:3:
The 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith

This course is based on the text, 'The 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith,' with notes by Kevin Matthews. Please feel free to print these notes to allow you to study the text online/offline. This lesson may be used in other study situations if you like (eg. Groups, Bible Studies, etc).

3. In this divine and infinite Being there are three subsistences, the Father, the Word (or Son), and the Holy Spirit (a), of one substance, power, and eternity, each having the whole divine essence, yet the essence undivided (b): the Father is of none, neither begotten nor proceeding; the Son is eternally begotten of the Father (c); the Holy Spirit proceeding from the Father and the Son (d); all infinite, without beginning, therefore but one God, who is not to be divided in nature and being, but distinguished by several peculiar, relative properties and personal relations; which doctrine of the Trinity is the foundation of all our communion with God, and comfortable dependence on Him.

a. 1 Jn 5:7; Mt 28:19; 2 Cor 13:14.
b. Ex 3:14; Jn 14:11; 1 Cor 8:6.
c. Jn 1:14,18.
d. Jn 15:26; Gal 4:6.

The word ‘Trinity’ is not found in the Bible, yet the idea behind the term, that of Tri-unity, is certainly there. This is what is usually understood by the term when used in theology. The term ‘Trinity’ came about in answer to the various heresies that were circulating in the early Church, being first used by Tertullian around 220AD.

14.1 The Unity of God

QUESTION: How many God’s are there? Consider 1 Corinthians 8:4-6.

That there is only one God is the clear declaration of Scripture (Deut 4:5; 1 Kings 8:60; Is 44:6; 45:5,6; Mk 12:29,32; Eph 4:6). Deuteronomy 6:4 says, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one’, emphasising the essential oneness of God. Yet the word translated God (Elohim) is plural.

God is one in His essential Being (Deut 6:4; James 2:19), His Divinity not being divided.

14.2 The Plurality of God

Though God is one, there is more than one who is God. Within God there is a plurality (Gen 1:26,27; 3:22; 11:5-7; Is 6:8).

Though the doctrine of the Trinity was not completely revealed in the Old Testament, there are clear indications of a plurality in God (see also Gen 16:7-13; 18:1-21; 19:1-28; Jud 6:11,12,14,16; 13:3,9,22; Ps 33:4,6; 45:6,7; Pro 8:12-31; Is 7:14; 9:6; 48:16,17; 61:1; 63:9,10; Jer 23:5,6; Mal 3:1). These indicators lay a foundation for the fuller revealing of this truth in the New Testament (progressive revelation; Mk 1:11; Lk 3:22; Jn 3:16; 14:26; 15:26; 16:7; Rom 8:26; Gal 4:4,6; Heb 1:6; 1 Jn 4:9). Therefore, what is obscure about the Trinity in Genesis 1:26,27, is so much clearer by Matthew 28:19.

It is obvious from the Scriptures that there is a plurality within the Godhead.

14.3 Trinity

In the New Testament the doctrine of the Trinity becomes much clearer, with passages like Matthew 28:19, ‘Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit’. This passage clearly emphasises the Tri-unity of God. Scripture speaks of three centres of consciousness within God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Though distinct they are the same God. See also Matthew 3:16,17; 1 Cor 12:4-6; 2 Cor 13:14; 1 Pet 1:2; 1 Jn 5:7.

The use of the word ‘Person’ in defining the Trinity (3 Persons in 1), does not refer to physical bodies like our own, but rather to spiritual Persons of whom we have little understanding. Neither does the term point to individual Persons separated from each other, for each are united as One, though distinct from the other (Mt 3:16; 4:1; Jn 1:18; 3:16; 5:20-22; 14:26; 15:26; 16:13-15).

The tri-personality of God is not an invention of God in answer to the problem of sin in man. His Tri-unity is essential and necessary, being what He is by Being. However, it is certainly true that we learn about the Triune nature of God through His work of Redemption, and to a lesser extent in creation and providence.

All that God is, is the Father; all that God is, is the Son; all that God is, is the Holy Spirit. These are not three God’s, only one, each being God Himself.

QUESTION: Explain why the word 'Trinity' is an acceptable term when used of God?

NOTE: If you wish to email me regarding your answers to this first lesson, please copy and paste them into an email (Attachments will not be opened). I will then get back to you as soon as I can (expect a delay due to various committments).

Links to Online Texts

• 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith
• 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith

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