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GOD
I. The Holy Trinity
A/101. There is but one living and true God, the maker and preserver
of all things. And in the unity of this Godhead there are three
persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are
one in eternity, deity, and purpose; everlasting, of infinite power,
wisdom, and goodness.
II. The Son
His Incarnation
A/103. God was himself in Jesus Christ to reconcile people to
God. Conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, He joined
together the deity of God and the humanity of humankind. Jesus of
Nazareth was God in flesh, truly God and truly human. He came to
save us. For us the Son of God suffered, was crucified, dead and
buried. He poured out His life as a blameless sacrifice for our
sin and transgressions. We gratefully acknowledge that He is our
Savior, the one perfect mediator between God and us.
His Resurrection and Exaltation
A/104. Jesus Christ is risen victorious from the dead. His resurrected
body became more glorious, not hindered by ordinary human limitations.
Thus He ascended into heaven. There He sits as our exalted Lord at
the right hand of God the Father, where He intercedes for us until
all His enemies shall be brought into complete subjection. He will
return to judge all people. Every knee will bow and every tongue confess
Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
III. The Holy Spirit
His Person
A/105. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. Proceeding
from the Father and the Son, He is one with them, the eternal Godhead;
equal in deity, majesty, and power. He is God effective in Creation,
in life, and in the church. The Incarnation and ministry of Jesus
Christ were accomplished by the Holy Spirit. He continues to reveal,
interpret, and glorify the Son.
His Work in Salvation
A/106. The Holy Spirit is the administrator of the salvation planned
by the Father and provided by the Son's death, Resurrection, and
Ascension. He is the effective agent in our conviction, regeneration,
sanctification, and glorification. He is our Lord's ever-present
self, indwelling, assuring, and enabling the believer.
His Relation to the Church
A/107. The Holy Spirit is poured out upon the church by the Father
and the Son. He is the church's life and witnessing power. He bestows
the love of God and makes real the lordship of Jesus Christ in the
believer so that both His gifts of words and service may achieve
the common good, and build and increase the church. In relation
to the world He is the Spirit of truth, and His instrument is the
Word of God.
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