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The Trinity in the Life of the Church Denominational Concerns Open Forum #2
The Trinity in theLife of the Church
Denominational Concerns
Open Forum #2
The Bible is the only infallible rule of faith and practice. The Holy Spirit spoke through its authors and witnesses to us today that it is indeed and in truth the very Word of God, God’s gift to the world and guide for His people.
Essential Tenets 2007
Review: SCRIPTURE AT FPCD
“In order to allow the Scriptures to speak to us clearly and fully, the Reformed approach continues to embrace a variety of models of biblical authority and interpretation, each highlighting values that Presbyterians have historically held to be important.”
The PC(USA) PUP Report 2006
How did we get here?
The inspiration of the Bible by the Holy Spirit and the inerrancy of Scripture as a result of this.
The virgin birth of Christ.The belief that Christ's death was an atonement for sin.
The bodily resurrection of Christ.The historical reality of Christ's miracles.
1910 Five essentials named:
19105 Essentials
OrthodoxLiberal
"Some of us regard the particular theories … as satisfactory explanations of these facts and doctrines. But we are united in believing that these are not the only theories allowed by the Scriptures …and that all who hold to these facts and doctrines, whatever theories they may employ to explain them, are worthy of all confidence and fellowship."
1927 “The Auburn Declaration”
1927“No Essentials”
OrthodoxLiberal
The PCUSA does not take a particular stand on the inspiration or authority of scripture and none of its governing bodies are allowed to do so either.
Today:
Orthodox
Liberal
Why is this important?
God is one in essenceGod is distinct in three persons Father Son Holy Spirit
The Trinity
Genesis 1:1“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
God = “Elohim” (Plural)
Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20
Matthew 28
“Re-Imagining God” Conference
The Trinity in the PC(USA)
“Re-Imagining God” Conference
“The Trinity: God’s Love Overflowing”
The Trinity in the PC(USA)
Rainbow, Ark, DoveSpeaker, Word, BreathCompassionate Mother, Beloved Child, Life-Giving Womb
Sun, Light, Burning Ray
Language for the Trinity:
“Re-Imagining God” Conference
“The Trinity: God’s Love Overflowing”
Interfaith Worship
The Trinity in the PC(USA)
To encourage congregations of these faiths (Islam, Judaism and Christianity) to celebrate religious holidays together, setting aside days of worship during which there can be congregational suppers, and dialogue groups.
218th General Assembly Policy Statement
“Re-Imagining God” Conference
“The Trinity: God’s Love Overflowing”
Interfaith WorshipnFOG
The Trinity in the PC(USA)
God unites persons through baptism regardless of race, ethnicity, age, sex, disability, geography, or theological conviction. There is therefore no place in the life of the Church for discrimination against any person. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) shall guarantee full participation and representation in its worship, governance, and emerging life…
F-2.0104Councils shall be guided by Scripture and the confessions in applying standards to individual candidates.
2011 Form of Governent
Those who are called to office in the church are to lead a life in obedience to Scripture and in conformity to the historic confessional standards of the church.
G-6.106b
Old Form of Government
TodayOrthodox
Liberal
The LORD our God, the LORD is one. The one true God exists in three Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe that each Person of the Trinity is engaged in all that God has done, does now, and will yet do. The LORD our God is the One who is, who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.
FPCD on the Trinity
Jesus Christ is the living Word, the promised Messiah, and the eternal Son of the Father, sent in mission to the earth. Incarnated in the womb of the virgin Mary, He is fully God and fully human, come to reconcile God and humanity.
FPCD on Jesus
FPCD is committed to God as he has revealed himself, holy God three in one, and we will not change our mind
IMPLICATIONS
The PCUSA does not take a particular position on the Trinity and none of its governing bodies are allowed to do so either.
IMPLICATIONS
