SS Outline 12.14.2025

Systematic Theology - Week 11: The Trinity
Berkhof: The Trinity is the one God who exists eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person is fully God and of one essence.
Key Text: 
Matthew 28:19

The Biblical Foundation for the Trinity
A. Unity of God

• Deuteronomy 6:4 affirms the oneness of God in essence.
• 
Isaiah 45:5. The Old Testament rejects polytheism.


B. Three Distinct Persons

• The Baptism of Christ (Matthew 3:16–17).

• The Upper Room (John 14–16).
• Jesus speaks of the Father sending the Spirit.


C. Each Person is Truly God

• Father: Ephesians 1:3-4.
• Son: John 1:1; Colossians 2:9.

• Spirit: Acts 5:3–4.


Theological Summary and Historical Safeguards

• Nicene Creed:
 One essence, three persons.
• Distortions:

  • Modalism (one person wearing three masks).

  • Arianism (Son and Spirit as created beings).

  • Tritheism (three separate gods).