WLC 9

Q9. How many persons are there in the Godhead?

There be three persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one true, eternal God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory; although distinguished by their personal properties.

Proof texts

• 1 John 5:7 — [7] For there are three that testify:
• Matt. 3:16-17 — [16] And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; [17] and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
• Matt. 28:19 — [19] Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
• 2 Cor. 13:14 — [14] The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
• John 10:30 — [30] I and the Father are one.”

For discussion

1. The Assembly cited 1 John 5:7 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
2. 5 passages are cited here. Which does the most work, and is anything claimed that the proofs do not obviously carry?
3. WSC Q4 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
4. WSC Q5 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?

Read alongside

WSC Q4 · WSC Q5 · WCF 2.1 · WCF 2.2 · HC Q8 · BC 2.1 · BC 2.2 · BC 2.3 · BC 2.4 · 1689 2.1 · 1689 2.2 · 1689 2.3