Unit 2&3 Flashcards
Doctrine 2
We believe that there is only one God, who is infinitely perfect, the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of all things, and who is the only proper object of religious worship.
Doctrine 3
We believe that there are three persons in the Godhead- the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, undivided in essence and coequal in power and glory.
Monotheism
The doctrine that there is only one God.
Christian Monotheism
Affirming the oneness of God. One God, eternal, supreme, and personal. Revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Creation ex nihilo
Created everything out of nothing.
Hesed
Steadfast faithfulness to His Covenant.
Creatio Continua
The continual creation of God in our world.
Perichoresis
Individuality and mutual sharing in the life of two other persons. As in the Trinity.
5 characteristics of God+scripture
God is Holy (Isaiah 6:3, Revelation 4:8) //To acknowledge the holiness of God is to become aware of his utter goodness and purity// God is jealous (Exodus 20:2-6, Deuteronomy 4:24) //a consequence of His love is the desire that we love Him in return with single hearted devotion// God is faithful (Deuteronomy 32:4, 1 Corinth 1:9) //However much or however often we may fail Him God remains unswerving in His love and commitment// God is merciful (psalm 51)//He shows mercy to all and delights in pardoning those who return to Him// God is true (1 John 5:20, Revelation 3:7) //God is always consistent with His character of love and righteousness. He is the source of ultimate truth and justice//
Describe how God is perfect in
Holiness, Wisdom, Power, and Love
God’s holiness is His divine quality that differentiates God from us. Because of His holiness we are brought to a sense of awe by our awareness of unworthiness in the presence of divine holiness.
In His wisdom God is actively involved with His creation and the fulfillment of His purposes. God knows all things and walks with us. God’s wisdom is tireless. In wisdom He gave His people the Law so we could live in right relationship with Him. The teachings of Jesus express God’s wisdom.
The cross reveals the deepest dimensions of God’s power in Jesus’ apparent weakness which disarms the powers of darkness and wins is our Salvation. The power of God is a remedy for our weakness.
God’s love cannot be defined as passing emotions or indulgence in cheap or vague worship. In His love He continues to be faithful to us and to lead us towards holiness. His love is what defines his holiness, wisdom, and power.
Be familiar with the diagram expressing truths of the Trinity
The diagram is an upside down triangle with 4 circles. One circle “God” is at the center, three circles are in the three corners “The Father, The Son, The Holy Spirit”.
There are connectors from God to each aspect of His character stating that God IS Father, Son, Holy Spirit.
Connecting the outer three circles of the triangle are statements of what these aspect are NOT. The Father is not The Son, The Son is not The Holy Spirit, The Holy Spirit is not The Father.
Three attributes of God’s power+scripture reference.
Omnipotence: Genesis 17:1 “I am the Almighty God; walk before me and be blameless”
Omniscience: God is all knowing Hebrews 4:13, Psalm 147:5) “and there is no creature hidden from His sight”
Omnipresence: Jeremiah 23:23 “Am I a God near at hand, says the Lord, and not a God far off?”
Discuss the attributes of God in terms of His Divine personhood.
God is Spirit: he is not limited by time and space.
God is eternal
God is self-existent
God is unchanging: the immutability of God
What is the SHEMA?
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
The Jewish proclamation to love and obey one God.
Attributes of God’s nature+scripture
God is Holy- Joshua 24:19 “for He is a Holy God, He is a jealous God…”
God is love- Hesed: his steadfast faithfulness to His Covenant Hosea 3:1, Agape: His loving gift of Jesus as an atoning sacrifice 1 John 4:10
