The proof of the ... Trinity of persons in one God

The Belgic Confession of Faith

Article 9: The Proof of the Foregoing Article of the Trinity of Persons in One God

All this we know as well from the testimonies of Holy Writ as from their operations, and chiefly by those we feel in ourselves. The testimonies of the Holy Scriptures that teach us to believe this Holy Trinity are written in many places of the Old Testament, which are not so necessary to enumerate as to choose them out with discretion and judgment.

In Genesis 1:26–27, God says: Let Us make man in our image, according to Our likeness, etc. So God created man in His own image, male and female He created them. And Genesis 3:22, Behold, the man has become like one of Us. From this saying, Let Us make man in our image, it appears that there are more persons than one in the Godhead; and when He says, God created, He signifies the unity. It is true, He does not say how many persons there are, but that which appears to us somewhat obscure in the Old Testament is very plain in the New. For when our Lord was baptized in Jordan, the voice of the Father was heard, saying, This is My beloved Son (Matt. 3:17); the Son was seen in the water, and the Holy Spirit appeared descending like a dove. This form is also instituted by Christ in the baptism of all believers: Make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19). In the Gospel of Luke the angel Gabriel thus addressed Mary, the mother of our Lord: The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore also that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God (Lk. 1:35). Likewise: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all (2 Cor. 13:14). And: There are three that bear witness in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one (1 Jn. 5:7)

In all these places we are fully taught that there are three Persons in one only divine essence. And although this doctrine far surpasses all human understanding, nevertheless we now believe it by means of the Word of God, but expect hereafter to enjoy the perfect knowledge and benefit thereof in heaven.

Moreover, we must observe the particular offices and operations of these three Persons towards us. The Father is called our Creator, by His power; the Son is our Savior and Redeemer, by His blood; the Holy Spirit is our Sanctifier, by His dwelling in our hearts.

This doctrine of the Holy Trinity has always been affirmed and maintained by the true Church since the time of the apostles to this very day against the Jews, Mohammedans, and some false Christians and heretics, as Marcion, Manes, Praxeas, Sabellius, Samosatenus, Arius, and such like, who have been justly condemned by the orthodox fathers. Therefore, in this point, we do willingly receive the three creeds, namely, that of the Apostles, of Nicea, and of Athanasius; likewise that which, conformable thereunto, is agreed upon by the ancient fathers.

Forgive all my sins

Daily Light Devotions - June 7 - Evening

Forgive all my sins.

Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins. 1

"Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. 2

And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven." 3

"I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins. 4

But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins"--he then said to the paralytic--"Rise, pick up your bed and go home." 5

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 6

he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 8

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, 9
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1 Psa 25:18;
2 Isa 1:18;
3 Matt 9:2;
4 Isa 43:25;
5 Matt 9:6;
6 Eph 1:7;
7 Tit 3:5,6;
8 Col 2:13,14;
9 Psa 103:2,3

They ought always to pray and not lose heart

Daily Light Devotions - June 7 - Morning

Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.

And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. 1

And he said to them, "Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; and he will answer from within, 'Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything'? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. 2

praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 3

Then he said, "Let me go, for the day has broken." But Jacob said, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." Then he said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed." 4

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 5

In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. 6
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1 Luke 18:1;
2 Luke 11:5-8;
3 Eph 6:18;
4 Gen 32:26,28;
5 Col 4:2;
6 Luke 6:12

God is one in essence, yet distinguished in three persons

The Belgic Confession of Faith

Article 8: God is One in Essence, Yet Distinguished in Three Persons

According to this truth and this Word of God, we believe in one only God, who is the one single essence, in which are three Persons, really, truly, and eternally distinct according to their incommunicable properties; namely, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Father is the cause, origin, and beginning of all things visible and invisible; the Son is the word, wisdom, and the image of the Father; the Holy Spirit is the eternal power and might, proceeding from the Father and the Son. Nevertheless, God is not by this distinction divided into three, since the Holy Scriptures teach us that the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit have each His personality, distinguished by Their properties; but in such wise that these three Persons are but one only God.

Hence, then, it is evident that the Father is not the Son, nor the Son the Father, and likewise the Holy Spirit is neither the Father nor the Son. Nevertheless, these Persons thus distinguished are not divided, nor intermixed; for the Father has not assumed the flesh, nor has the Holy Spirit, but the Son only. The Father has never been without His Son, or without His Holy Spirit. For They are all three co-eternal and coessential. There is neither first nor last; for They are all three one, in truth, in power, in goodness, and in mercy.

A new and living way

Daily Light Devotions - June 6 - Evening

A new and living way.

by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 1

Then Cain went away from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden. 2

but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. 3

Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 4

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 5

and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 6

By this the Holy Spirit indicates that the way into the holy places is not yet opened as long as the first section is still standing 7

For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 8

And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 9

For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. 10

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. 11
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1 Heb 10:20;
2 Gen 4:16;
3 Isa 59:2;
4 Heb 12:14;
5 John 14:6;
6 2 Tim 1:10;
7 Heb 9:8;
8 Eph 2:14;
9 Matt 27:51;
10 Matt 7:14;
11 Psa 16:11

He will rest in his love

Daily Light Devotions - June 6 - Morning

He will rest in his love.

The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. 1

It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the LORD loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the LORD has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. 2

We love because he first loved us. 3

And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 4

In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 5

but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 6

and behold, a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." 7

For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 8

but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 9
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1 Zep 3:17;
2 Deut 7:7,8;
3 1 John 4:19;
4 Col 1:21,22;
5 1 John 4:10;
6 Rom 5:8;
7 Matt 3:17;
8 John 10:17;
9 Heb 1:2,3

The sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures to be the only rule of faith

The Belgic Confession of Faith

Article 7: The Sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures to be the Only Rule of Faith

We believe that those Holy Scriptures fully contain the will of God, and that whatsoever man ought to believe unto salvation is sufficiently taught therein. For since the whole manner of worship which God requires of us is written in them at large, it is unlawful for any one, though an apostle, to teach otherwise than we are now taught in the Holy Scriptures: but even if we, or an angel from heaven, as the Apostle Paul says (Gal. 1:8). For since it is forbidden to add to or take away anything from the Word of God (Deut. 12:32), it does thereby evidently appear that the doctrine thereof is most perfect and complete in all respects.

Neither may we consider any writings of men, however holy these men may have been, of equal value with those divine Scriptures, nor ought we to consider custom, or the great multitude, or antiquity, or succession of times and persons, or councils, decrees or statutes, as of equal value with the truth of God, since the truth is above all; for all men are of themselves liars, and lighter than vapor (Ps. 62:9). Therefore we reject with all our hearts whatever does not agree with this infallible rule, as the apostles have taught us, saying, Test the spirits, whether they are of God (1 Jn. 4:1). Likewise: If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not
receive him into your house (2 Jn. 1:10).

He knoweth our frame

Daily Light Devotions - June 5 - Evening

He knoweth our frame; ...

For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. 1

then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. 2

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. 3

Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why then are we faithless to one another, profaning the covenant of our fathers? 4

for "'In him we live and move and have our being'; as even some of your own poets have said, "'For we are indeed his offspring.' 5

As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him. 6

Yet he, being compassionate, atoned for their iniquity and did not destroy them; he restrained his anger often and did not stir up all his wrath. He remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that passes and comes not again. 7
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1 Psa 103:14;
2 Gen 2:7;
3 Psa 139:14-16;
4 Mal 2:10;
5 Acts 17:28;
6 Psa 103:13;
7 Psa 78:38,39

We are unprofitable servants

Daily Light Devotions - June 5 - Morning

We are unprofitable servants.

So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'" 1

Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 2

For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? 3

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. 4

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. 5

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. 6

"But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. 7

Enter not into judgment with your servant, for no one living is righteous before you. 8
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1 Luke 17:10;
2 Rom 3:27;
3 1 Cor 4:7;
4 Eph 2:8-10;
5 1 Cor 15:10;
6 Rom 11:36;
7 1 Chron 29:14;
8 Psa 143:2

The difference between the canonical and apocryphal books

The Belgic Confession of Faith

Article 6: The Difference Between the Canonical and Apocryphal Books

We distinguish those sacred books from the apocryphal, viz: the third and fourth books of Esdras, the books of Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Jesus Sirach, Baruch, the Appendix to the book of Esther, the Song of the Three Children in the Furnace, the History of Susannah, of Bell and the
Dragon, the Prayer of Manasseh, and the two books of the Maccabees. All of which the Church may read and take instruction from, so far as they agree with the canonical books; but they are far from having such power and efficacy that we may from their testimony confirm any point
of faith or of the Christian religion; much less may they be used to detract from the authority of the other, that is, the sacred books.

Let us put on the armour of light

Daily Light Devotions - June 4 - Evening

Let us put on the armour of light.

The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. 1

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith-- 2

the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 3

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 4

With the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD I will come; I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone. 5

for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 6
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1 Rom 13:12,14;
2 Phil 3:8,9;
3 Rom 3:22;
4 Isa 61:10;
5 Psa 71:16;
6 Eph 5:8,11,13-15

The glory of this latter house shall be greater

Daily Light Devotions - June 4 - Morning

The glory of this latter house shall be greater.

The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the LORD of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, declares the LORD of hosts.'" 1

For David said, "Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for the LORD must be exceedingly magnificent, of fame and glory throughout all lands. I will therefore make preparation for it." So David provided materials in great quantity before his death. 2

And the priests could not enter the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD filled the LORD's house. 3

Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." But he was speaking about the temple of his body. 4

Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it. 5

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 6

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 7

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" 8

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 9

For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 10

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 11
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1 Hag 2:9;
2 1 Chron 22:5;
3 2 Chron 7:2;
4 John 2:19,21;
5 2 Cor 3:10;
6 John 1:14;
7 Heb 1:1,2;
8 Luke 2:14;
9 Isa 9:6;
10 Eph 2:14;
11 Phil 4:7

Whence the Holy Scriptures derive their dignity and authority

The Belgic Confession of Faith

Article 5: Whence the Holy Scriptures Derive Their Dignity and Authority

We receive all these books, and these only, as holy and canonical, for the regulation, foundation, and confirmation of our faith; believing without any doubt all things contained in them, not so much because the Church receives and approves them as such, but more especially because the Holy Spirit witnesses in our hearts that they are from God, and also because they carry the evidence thereof in themselves. For the very blind are able to perceive that the things foretold in them are being fulfilled.

Walk before me, and be thou perfect

Daily Light Devotions - June 3 - Evening

... Walk before me, and be thou perfect.

When Abram was ninety-nine years old the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless, 1

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 2

Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him. 3

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 4

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 5

When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 6
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1 Gen 17:1;
2 Phil 3:12-14;
3 Gen 5:24;
4 2 Pet 3:18;
5 2 Cor 3:18;
6 John 17:1,15,23

Watch, for ye know neither the day nor the hour

Daily Light Devotions - June 3 - Morning

Watch, for ye know neither the day nor the hour.

Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. 1

"But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man." 2

For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, "There is peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. 3
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1 Matt 25:13;
2 Luke 21:34-36;
3 1 Thess 5:2-6

Canonical books of the Holy Scripture

The Belgic Confession of Faith

Article 4: Canonical Books of the Holy Scripture

We believe that the Holy Scriptures are contained in two books, namely, the Old and the New Testament, which are canonical, against which nothing can be alleged. These are thus named in the Church of God.

The books of the Old Testament are the five books of Moses, to wit: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy; the book of Joshua, Judges, Ruth, the two books of Samuel, the two of the Kings, two books of the Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther; Job, the Psalms, the three books of Solomon, namely, the Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs; the four great prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, (Lamentations), Ezekiel, and Daniel; and the twelve lesser prophets, namely, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.

Those of the New Testament are the four evangelists, to wit: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John; the Acts of the Apostles; the thirteen epistles of the Apostle Paul, namely, one to the Romans, two to the Corinthians, one to the Galatians, one to the Ephesians, one to the Philippians, one to the Colossians, two to the Thessalonians, two to Timothy, one to Titus, one to Philemon; Hebrews; the seven epistles of the other apostles, namely, one of James, two of Peter, three of John, one of Jude; and the Revelation of the Apostle John.

The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance

Daily Light Devotions - June 2 - Evening

The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance ...

The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. 1

and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. 2

So let no one boast in men. For all things are yours, 3

My beloved is mine, and I am his; he grazes among the lilies. 4

For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 5

And the LORD said to Aaron, "You shall have no inheritance in their land, neither shall you have any portion among them. I am your portion and your inheritance among the people of Israel. 6

Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 7

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 8

which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. 9

A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. 10
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1 Psa 16:5;
2 Rom 8:17;
3 1 Cor 3:21;
4 Sol 2:16;
5 Gal 2:20;
6 Num 18:20;
7 Psa 73:25,26;
8 Psa 23:4;
9 2 Tim 1:12;
10 Psa 63:1

It is the LORD's passover

Daily Light Devotions - June 2 - Morning

... It is the LORD's passover.

In this manner you shall eat it: with your belt fastened, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. And you shall eat it in haste. It is the LORD's Passover. 1

Arise and go, for this is no place to rest, because of uncleanness that destroys with a grievous destruction. 2

For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. 3

So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, 4

"Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. 5

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 6

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 7
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1 Exo 12:11;
2 Mic 2:10;
3 Heb 13:14;
4 Heb 4:9;
5 Luke 12:35-37;
6 1 Pet 1:13;
7 Phil 3:13-15