Westminster Confession of Faith: Chapter 2
As we continue looking at the Westminster Confession of Faith, we dive into Chapter 2. After speaking on Holy Scripture in Chapter 1, we turn the page and zoom in on God and the Holy Trinity. It is a heavy topic, to be sure, but the Westminster Confession of Faith takes this difficult topic and condenses it down for us in a helpful and terse way.
Chapter 2 starts with a profound declaration: "There is but one only living and true God." It's like setting the foundation stone for everything that follows. It emphasizes a core belief: God's unity. There's no multiple-choice here; it's a singular, Almighty God.
We know this to be true, and we also confess in the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds that God exists in triune in nature. The confession immerses us into the triune nature of God to help us grasp this great truth. It describes God as existing eternally as three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This can be mind-boggling for us, but think of it like a multifaceted gem, each aspect revealing a unique facet of God and His work for his covenant people.
First, we've got God the Father. This is the architect, the designer of all creation. He's the mastermind behind the grand blueprint of the universe. Then, there's God the Son, Jesus Christ. He's like the hands-on representative of the Father, bringing the plan into action and rescuing the people of God from their sins. And finally, the Holy Spirit, the Divine Presence that quickens faith in the hearts of God’s people and dwells within them to guide, comfort, and empower them.
Notice that the confession deliberately says these are not three gods but rather three distinct persons within the one Godhead. It's like a harmonious trio working together but still being one.
But let's address the big question: How can one be three and three be one? Well, that's where it gets a bit tricky. It's one of those divine mysteries that might not fully click in our human brains. But think of it as this beautiful dance of love and unity. They're distinct but never divided, working together in perfect harmony.
The confession affirms that these three are equal in power and glory. There's no seniority here; they're all equally divine. It's like having three Olympic gold medalists—different events but the same ultimate recognition.
The confession also deliberately points out that this triune God isn't some distant entity. He's actively involved in our lives. As God’s covenant people, we have a personal relationship with each person of the Trinity. We pray to the Father; the Son is our savior and is interceding at the Father’s right hand for us, and we're guided by the indwelling Holy Spirit.
It's important to grasp this Trinity because it shapes our understanding of God's nature and His interaction with us. It shows us a transcendent and immanent God, beyond our understanding yet intimately involved in our daily lives.
So, in our quick overview of Chapter 2 of the Westminster Confession of Faith, we see a compass pointing us to this awe-inspiring, multifaceted, yet singular God—a God who is beyond our comprehension yet invites us into a relationship with Him. It's the heartbeat of our faith, the core of our understanding of God's divine mystery.
May we humbly worship this Triune God in Spirit and in truth that his holy name might be glorified for who He is and what He has done to make us a people for His own possession.
