One God in Three Persons

Read the text

Matthew 28:16–20

Read the primary passage aloud twice. On the first reading, listen for the burden of the text. On the second, mark repeated words, contrasts, commands, promises, causes, and conclusions.

• Matthew 3:13–17
• John 1:1–18
• Acts 5:1–4

Language desk

Words that clarify—not words that perform.

Confirm each gloss by its use in this context. A lexicon offers possibilities; the sentence, paragraph, author, and canon determine what a word is doing here.

Form the doctrine

The theological claim

There is one God; Father, Son, and Spirit are each fully God and personally distinct.

Defense drill

Say it under pressure.

Use the baptism of Jesus and the baptismal name to defeat modalism cleanly.

• State the opposing claim in a form its adherent could recognize.
• Open the controlling passage and establish the immediate context.
• Make one clear argument before adding supporting texts.
• Ask a diagnostic question, listen to the answer, and return to Christ and the gospel.

Wednesday assignment

Carry the truth into the week.

Deliver the three propositions of Trinitarian doctrine without using an analogy.