Affirmation and Inoculation: The Trinity

1/26/2025

Paraclete

Watch the first 3 minutes of the video.

Conclusion: The Holy Spirit is the Paraclete, the one who comes alongside us. He is a person.

John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7

Introduction

Key Terms:

  • Affirmation: to agree with the major points
  • Inoculation: correct teaching now that protects from false teaching in the future

What is a Statement of Faith?

A creed (from Latin "credo": "I believe")

Belief vs. Faith

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

- Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)

Key words across translations:

  • ASSURANCE, CONVICTION
  • CERTAINTY, PROOF
  • SUBSTANCE, EVIDENCE

Our Goal

To know what we believe and why we believe it

but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect

- 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)

Defining what we believe

EFCA Statement of Faith, Article I: God

"We believe in one God, Creator of all things, holy, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in a loving unity of three equally divine Persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Having limitless knowledge and sovereign power, God has graciously purposed from eternity to redeem a people for Himself and to make all things new for His own glory."

Trinity

Definition:

Three persons, one essence

"One God"

Deuteronomy 6:4

Three Equally Divine Persons

Use the verses on your bookmark to discuss the following points about the persons of the Trinity:

To view the bookmark in a new tab, click here.

  • Deity
  • Persona (attributes, mind, will, distinctness)
  • Role in creation
  • Equal divinity
  • Eternal existence

Where in the Bible do we see God as both three and one?

Matthew 28:19, etc.

Why It Matters

For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.

- Ephesians 2:18

Practical Applications:

  • "Loving unity" - harmony and love
  • Spirit: presence, guidance, comfort, understanding Scripture
  • Wisdom for everyday challenges

Hebrews 4:15-16