Christianity 2b Flashcards
Biblical evidence for the doctrine of the Trinity?
Genesis 1:27 - “Let us make man in our image”; Isaiah 9:6 - prophesying the birth of the Messiah who will be called “Mighty God”; John’s Gospel portrays Jesus as the Word who was with God and was God; Matthew 28 - Great Commission includes baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Significance of Genesis 1:27 for the Trinity?
God’s use of plural language “Let us make man in our image” suggests a plurality within the Godhead, hinting at the Trinity.
Role of Jesus as God in the Trinity?
Described as the Word who was with God and was God, and involved in creation according to John’s Gospel; Philippians 2:10 describes Jesus as God who emptied Himself to become human.
Role of the Holy Spirit as God in the Trinity?
At Jesus’s baptism, all three persons of the Trinity are present - God speaks from heaven, the Spirit descends like a dove, and Jesus is baptized.
Summary of biblical evidence for the Trinity?
Found in plural language used by God in Genesis, prophecies about Jesus in Isaiah, portrayal of Jesus as God in John’s Gospel, and the presence of all three persons at Jesus’s baptism as recorded in Matthew.
Tertullian’s contribution to the doctrine of the Trinity?
Coined the term “Trinity” in the 3rd century.
Formalization of the Trinity in the Nicene Creed?
Declared the Son as “of one substance” with the Father, establishing the co-equality and co-eternality of the Son with the Father.
Basic assertions of the doctrine of the Trinity?
- There is only one God. 2. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are each fully God. 3. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct but not separate; they are co-existent, co-eternal, and co-equal.
Heresies that led to the formalization of the Trinity?
Adoptionism, Sabellianism, Modalism, Arianism.
Main idea of the doctrine of the Trinity?
Most Christians believe in one God existing in three persons: Father, Son (Redeemer), and Holy Spirit (Sustainer).
Defining features of the Trinity?.
. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three distinct Persons. 2. Each Person is fully God. 3. There is only one God; the Trinity does not split God into three parts.
Why does the Christian Church regard the Trinity as a mystery?
The Trinity is seen as the central mystery of Christian faith and life, representing the mystery of God in himself, beyond human understanding or comprehension.
How does the Creed demonstrate its acceptance of monotheism?
The Creed emphasizes belief in one God, the Father almighty, maker of all things visible and invisible, affirming the oneness of God.
What term does the Creed use to express the concept of “of the same substance
The Creed uses the term “homoousios” (Greek) or “consubstantialem” (Latin) to express the idea of being of one substance with the Father.
What heresies does the Creed reject
The Creed rejects various heresies, including Arianism (denying the full divinity of Jesus), Modalism (denying the distinctiveness of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), and Adoptionism (denying the pre-existence of Christ).
