Lord’s Day 8
Q25. Since there is only one God, why do you speak of three: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?
Because God has revealed himself in his Word in such a way that these three distinct persons are the one, true, eternal God.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Deuteronomy 6:4
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD.”
Isaiah 44:6
“Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.”
Isaiah 45:5
“I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me.”
Matthew 3:16–17
“And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Matthew 28:18–19
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
1 John 5:7
“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.”
Modernized Commentary — Zacharias Ursinus (1616)
The Apostles' Creed contains three principal parts: the first treats of God the Father and our creation; the second of God the Son and our redemption; the third of God the Holy Spirit and our sanctification.
Objection.
1. Creation is attributed here to the Father, redemption to the Son, and sanctification to the Holy Spirit. Does this mean the Son and the Holy Spirit played no part in creating heaven and earth? That the Father and the Holy Spirit had no role in redeeming humanity? That the Father and the Son do not sanctify believers?