Summary: When referring to the Godhead: Three eternal Persons, equal in nature, submissive in ministry.

A. INTRODUCTION

1. The Trinity. “Go and make disciples of all the nations (ethnic cultures), baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19, NLT). Note name is singular, yet three Persons.

2. Definition. “I am Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, equal in nature, separate in person and submissive in ministry” (ELT). Three eternal Persons, equal in nature, submissive in ministry.

3. Athanasian Creed is oldest doctrinal statement. “We worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in unity, neither confounding the persons, nor dividing the substance.”

a. Don’t mix together persons.

b. Don’t divide His nature.

B. THE FATHER

1. The producing father, the nature of husband. We are born again in His family (John 3:3-7).

2. The providing father. “Abba Father” (Romans 8:14-16).

3. The protective father – earthly fathers. “Know how to give ... how much more shall your Heavenly Father give” (Luke 11:13).

4. The fellowshipping father. “That you may have fellowship … with the Father” (1 John 1:3).

5. The rewarding father. When you are born again into His family. “Then heirs … of God and joint heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17).

C. JESUS – THE MAJESTY OF HIS SALVATION

1. The name Jesus – Yasha means “saved” or Jehovah the Savior.

2. The eternal Jesus. “You are … forever” (Psalm 110:4).

3. He was born as a human baby. “A body You have prepared for Me” (Hebrews 10:5, NLT).

4. Jesus never sinned (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:21; 1 John 3:5).

5. Jesus took away sin (1 Peter 3:18; 1 John 2:1-2).

6. We have new eternal life and eternal privilege in His resurrection (Ephesians 2:4-7).

7. Now we pray through Jesus our intercessor (Hebrews 4:15-16).

D. THE HOLY SPIRIT

1. His coming promised by Jesus (John 7:37-39). His illumination of Scriptures (John 14:26), His conviction of sin (John 16:7-11), His power in evangelism (Acts 1:8; 2:4).

2. His indwelling believers (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), His sealing salvation (Ephesians 1:13), His restraint of sin (2 Thessalonians 2:5-7), His fruit (Galatians 5:22-23), His guarantee of eternal life (Ephesians 1:13-14).

E. HOW SHOULD YOU RESPOND

1. Realize God’s vast eternal plan for your salvation from beginning into eternity.

2. Let your knowledge of God energize your faith to praise and worship Him.

3. Learn as much as you can about God, His many names, and titles, and all He does for you. Father – over 100, Jesus – over 770, Holy Spirit 128.

4. Broaden and deepen your worship. “Take off your shoes, you are standing on holy ground” (Exodus 3:5).

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.

Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.

Video presentations of the PBC are available online at trbc.org/pbc

Television Airing Times for the PBC

Go to hopenow.tv for the current program schedule.