3.5 Trinity in the Nicene Creed and Genesis

The Trinity in the Nicene Creed and Genesis 1

The Role of the Trinity in Creation

• Genesis 1:1-3 reveals how all three Persons of the Trinity were involved in the creation of the universe:

  • God the Father is referred to as the creator of the heavens and the earth. “In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth"

  • The Holy Spirit is symbolised by the "wind from God" or "breath" sweeping over the waters.

  • God the Son is understood as the Word of God, through whom the universe was created. “Then God said”

The Trinity in the Nicene Creed:

The Nicene Creed’s Teaching on the Trinity

God the Father

• Creator of all things: God the Father is the source and creator of the universe.

• Quote: “I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth.”

God the Son

• Eternal: Like the Father, God the Son has existed for all eternity.

• Conceived by the Holy Spirit: The Son took on human form as Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary.

• Suffering and death: Jesus suffered, died, and rose from the dead to save humanity from sin.

• Resurrection: Jesus did not become God at the resurrection – He had always been God but limited himself to human nature during His life on earth.

• Quote:

  • "...the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages."

  • "...consubstantial with the Father."

  • "For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day."

God the Holy Spirit

• Gives life: The Holy Spirit is the giver of life and unites the Father and the Son in love.

• Inspiration: The Holy Spirit inspires and guides people to understand God's will.

• Equal in power: The Holy Spirit is equal in majesty and power to the Father and the Son.

• Quote:

  • "I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life."

  • "...who proceeds from the Father and the Son."

  • "...who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified."