Scripture Proof of the Doctrine of the Trinity (Sadler's Church Teacher's Manual)

Scripture Proof of the Doctrine of the Trinity (Sadler's Church Teacher's Manual)

Scripture Proof of the Doctrine of the Trinity is Section XXXII of The Church Teacher's Manual of Christian Instruction, Michael Ferrebee Sadler's 1872 expansion of the Church Catechism in question-and-answer form.

Summary

This longer doctrinal section gathers biblical arguments for the doctrine of the Trinity. Sadler treats the unity of God, the deity of the Son, the deity of the Holy Ghost, and the worship due to the three divine persons.

Sadler's Text

Sadler's catechetical treatment of this topic is anchored in the statement, "First, I learn to believe in God the Father, WHO hath made me, and all the world." He further explains the section by saying, "Because in the same Scriptures which reveal to us that there is but One God, all that can be said of the one true God is said of Three Persons, and not of One only."

Theological Themes

• Trinity
• Scriptural proof
• Divinity of Christ
• Divinity of the Holy Ghost

Scripture References

The following references are representative biblical texts used or implied in this section of Sadler's catechetical exposition:

• Exodus 20:2-3
• John 1:1
• John 20:28
• Romans 9:5
• Titus 2:13
• Matthew 28:19
• 2 Corinthians 13:14

Anglican Context

This section belongs to Sadler's exposition of the baptismal promise to believe the articles of the Christian faith. It is especially connected with the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the use of the creeds in Anglican public worship. Sadler's treatment reflects nineteenth-century Church of England catechesis and should be read as a historical Anglican source alongside current provincial formularies and catechetical resources.

See Also

• The Church Teacher's Manual of Christian Instruction
• Apostles' Creed
• Nicene Creed
• Church Catechism
• Anglican Doctrine