The Trinity

The nature and significance of the Trinity as expressed in the Nicene Creed
Creed in Latin means “I believe”
Early Christians had many different ideas about the nature and identity of Jesus.
Early Christian leaders thought it was important that all Christians agreed the same basic beliefs in the early church.
4th Century CE - created the Nicene Creed: Adopted in the city of Nicaea
In some churches the creed is recited as an affirmation of Christian belief in the trinity.

God the Father: “Maker of heaven and earth, all that is seen and unseen.”
God the Son: “For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven.”
God the Holy Spirit: “the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son.”

The nature and significance of the oneness of God
Christians believe in one God - they are a monotheistic religion.
Doctrine of the Trinity: Christian belief that there is one God who has appeared to the world in three ways: Father, Son and
Holy Spirit. However, this does not mean that Christians believe there are three gods. Christians believe that there are
three equal but distinct persons within the Oneness of one God, which is called the Trinity.
Trinity - Tri - unity - meaning three in one.

The nature and significance of each of the Persons individually
God the Father: Created heaven and earth
God the Son: Jesus is the saviour. the promised messiah prophesised in Jewish scripture.
God the Holy Spirit: Invisible spiritual power, which guides, helps and inspires human beings.

Matthew 3:13–17
Three individual parts of the Trinity come together in the act of Jesus’ baptism.

How this is reflected in Christian worship and belief today?

1. Christians identify themselves with the Trinity in their own baptisms, which are done in the name of the Father,
   Son and Holy Spirit.
2. The Nicene Creed is recited as an affirmation of Christian belief in the trinity in many Christian church services.
3. Prayer: When Christians prayer they physically bless/sign and say the words - “In the name of the father, son and holy spirit.”
4. Prayers: Lord’s Prayer - “Our Father”
5. Many different parts of the Bible mentions the three persons of the Trinity.
6. Church hymns - “Holy, Holy, Holy”
   Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!
   God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!
7. Catholic and Orthodox Christians cross themselves when they enter a church by dipping their hand in holy water.
8. Priests begin their sermons “In the name of the Father, and of the Son and the Holy Spirit…”