The Holy Trinity

There is but one living and true God, the maker and preserver of all things. And in the unity of this Godhead there are three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are one in eternity, deity, and purpose; everlasting, of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness.
(Genesis 1:1-2; Exodus 3:13-15; Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; John 1:1-3; 5:19-23; 8:58; 14:9-11; 15:26; 16:13-15; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

The Son

His Incarnation

God was himself in Jesus Christ to reconcile people to God. Conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, He joined together the deity of God and the humanity of humankind. Jesus of Nazareth was God in flesh, truly God and truly human. He came to save us. For us the Son of God suffered, was crucified, dead and buried. He poured out His life as a blameless sacrifice for our sin and transgressions. We gratefully acknowledge that He is our Savior, the one perfect mediator between God and us.
(Matthew 1:21; 20:28; 26:27-28, Luke 1:35; 19:10, John 1:1, 10, 14; 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, Philippians 2:5-8, Hebrews 2:17; 9:14-15)

His Resurrection and Exaltation

Jesus Christ is risen victorious from the dead. His resurrected body became more glorious, not hindered by ordinary human limitations. Thus He ascended into heaven. There He sits as our exalted Lord at the right hand of God the Father, where He intercedes for us until all His enemies shall be brought into complete subjection. He will return to judge all people. Every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
(Matthew 25:31-32, Luke 24:1-7; 24:39, John 20:19, Acts 1:9-11; 2:24, Romans 8:33-34, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Philippians 2:9-11, Hebrews 1:1-4)

The Holy Spirit

His Person

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. Proceeding from the Father and the Son, He is one with them, the eternal Godhead; equal in deity, majesty, and power. He is God effective in Creation, in life, and in the church. The Incarnation and ministry of Jesus Christ were accomplished by the Holy Spirit. He continues to reveal, interpret, and glorify the Son.
(Matthew 28:19, John 4:24; 14:16-17, 26; 15:26; 16:13-15)

His Work in Salvation

The Holy Spirit is the administrator of the salvation planned by the Father and provided by the Son’s death, Resurrection, and Ascension. He is the effective agent in our conviction, regeneration, sanctification, and glorification. He is our Lord’s ever-present self, indwelling, assuring, and enabling the believer.
(John 16:7-8, Acts 15:8-9, Romans 8:9, 14-16, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 2 Corinthians 3:17-18, Galatians 4:6)

His Relation to the Church

The Holy Spirit is poured out upon the church by the Father and the Son. He is the church’s life and witnessing power. He bestows the love of God and makes real the lordship of Jesus Christ in the believer so that both His gifts of words and service may achieve the common good, and build and increase the church. In relation to the world He is the Spirit of truth, and His instrument is the Word of God.
(Acts 5:3-4, Romans 8:14, 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, 2 Peter 1:21)