The doctrine of "The Trinity" is defined in the Quicunque Vult (Q.V.), or the Creed of St. Athanasius. The doctrine was originally drafted at the council of Nicaea in 325AD and elaborated into its final form somewhat later (c. 450 - 500AD). "The Trinity" comprises "God The Father, God The Son and God The Holy Ghost" (or Holy Spirit) and is generally accepted by most of the main churches and sects of Christianity.
The Q.V. can be shown to be contrary to Scripture. For example, vs. 25 - 26 read: -
But all three Persons are co-eternal together: and co-equal.
The Old Testament teaches (although Jews and Muslims deny this) that God would have a son. This son would reign in Zion, overthrow his enemies and extend his dominion world-wide: -
"Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession" (Psa. 2: 6 - 8)
Christians believe that Jesus of Nazareth is this promised son, the Jewish Messiah, and await the time of His return when He will rule the world in righteousness (Jer. 23: 5 - 6). But the Bible teaches that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is not co-equal with God the Father: -
1. During his ministry Christ said: - "…my Father is greater than I" (Jn. 14: 28).
2. Since his resurrection; Christ is at the right hand of God, and yet Paul affirms: - "…the head of Christ is God" (1 Cor.11:3).
3. Finally: - "Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet... when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all" (1Cor. 15: 24 - 25, 28).
The Doctrine of The Trinity is nowhere taught in either the Old or New testament Scriptures and is anathema to Jews and Muslims. The three brief passages quoted above from the New Testament show that it should be no part of the Christian belief either.
The Q.V. continues: -
"So that in all things, as is aforesaid, the Unity in Trinity and the Trinity in
Unity is to be worshipped.
He therefore that will be saved must thus think of the Trinity".
As Paul testifies: - "…without controversy great is the mystery of godliness…" (1 Tim. 3: 16) but it is not "incomprehensible" as the Q.V. claims. However, the understanding of the "mystery of Godliness" is not helped by this false teaching and the fear it is meant to instil in any who dare oppose it: -
"Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the Catholic Faith.
Which Faith except everyone do keep whole and undefiled, without doubt he shall perish everlastingly.
And the Catholic Faith is this:
That we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity, neither confounding the Persons, nor dividing the Substance." (Q.V. lines 1 to 4).
The very practice of priest-craft, as mediation, is contrary to New Testament teaching: -
"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Tim. 2 : 5).
©2001 M.A.C.
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