Trinitarian theology

175 trinitarian theologyTheology is important to us because it provides a framework for our faith. However, there are many theological currents, even within the Christian community. A feature that applies to the WKG / GCI as a denomination is our commitment to what can be described as "trinitarian theology". Although the Trinity doctrine has been widely acknowledged in church history, some have referred to it as the "forgotten doctrine" because it can be so often overlooked. Nevertheless, we believe in the WKG / GCI that the reality, ie the reality and meaning of the Trinity changes everything.

The Bible teaches that our salvation depends on the Trinity. Doctrine shows us how each person of Godhead plays an essential role in our Christian life. God the Father adopted us as his "most dearly beloved children" (Ephesians 5,1). This is why, God the Son, Jesus Christ, did the work that was necessary for our salvation. We rest in His grace (Ephesians 1,3-7), have confidence in our salvation because God the Holy Spirit dwells in us as the seal of our inheritance (Ephesians 1,13-14). Each Trinity person plays a unique role in welcoming us into God's family.

Although we worship God in three divine persons, the Trinity doctrine can sometimes feel as if it is very difficult to practice in practice. But if our understanding and practice of the central teachings are the same, there is great potential to transform our daily lives. I see it this way: The Trinity teaching reminds us that we can not do anything to earn our place at the Lord's table God has already invited us and completed the necessary work to make room for us at the table. Thanks to the salvation of Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we can come before the Father, bound in the love of the Triune God. This love is open to all who believe, free of charge, because of the eternal, unchanging relationship of the Trinity. This certainly does not mean that we have no chance to participate in this relationship. Living in Christ means that God's love enables us to care for those who live around us. The love of the Trinity overflows us to enclose us in them; and through us she reaches others. God does not need us to accomplish His work, but He invites us as His family to join Him. We are authorized to love because His Spirit is in us. When I realize that his spirit lives in me, my mind feels relieved. The trinitarian, relationship-oriented God wants to set us free to have valuable and meaningful relationships with Him and other people.

Let me give you an example from my own life. As a preacher, I can catch myself "doing what I do" for God. Recently I met with a group of people. I was so focused on my own agenda that I did not realize who else was in the room with me. As I realized how I cared to accomplish the tasks for God, I took a moment to laugh at myself and to celebrate that God is with us and leads and guides us. We need not be afraid of making mistakes when we know that God has everything under control. We can serve Him joyfully. It changes our daily experiences when we remember that there is nothing that God can not correct. Our Christian calling is not a heavy burden, but a wonderful gift. Since the Holy Spirit lives in us, we are free to participate in his work without having to worry.

Perhaps you know that a motto in the WKG / GCI is: "You are included!" But do you know what that means for me personally? It means we try to love each other as the Trinity loves - to care for one another - in a way that honors our differences, even when we come together. The Trinity is a perfect model for Holy Love. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit enjoy perfect unity while clearly being different divine Persons. As Athanasius said: "Unity in Trinity, Trinity in Unity". The love that is expressed in the Trinity teaches us the importance of loving relationships within God's Kingdom.

The trinitarian understanding defines the life of our faith community. Here at the WKG / GCI she motivates us to rethink how we can take care of each other. We want to love those around us, not because we want to earn something, but because our God is a God of community and love. God's Spirit of love guides us to love others, even when it is not easy. We know that his spirit lives not only in us but also in our brothers and sisters. That is why we do not only meet on Sundays for church services - we also have meals together and are in joyful anticipation of what God will bring about in our lives. That is why we offer help to those in need in our neighborhood and around the world; it is why we pray for the sick and the infirm. It's because of love and our belief in the Trinity.

When we mourn or celebrate together, we try to love one another as the Triune loves God. When we live out the Trinitarian understanding every day, we enthusiastically accept our calling: "To be the abundance of Him who fills everything." (Ephesians 1,22-23). Your generous, selfless prayers and financial support are a vital part of this sharing community that is shaped by Trinitarian understanding. We are overwhelmed by the love of the Father through the redemption of the Son, the presence of the Holy Spirit and sustained by care for his body.

From a meal prepared for a sick friend to the joy of a family member's accomplishment, to a donation that helps the church to continue working; all of this allows us to proclaim the good news of the gospel.

In the love of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,

Joseph Tkach

President
GRACE COMMUNION INTERNATIONAL


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