One God in three coequal persons; Nicene Creed; foundational Christian doctrine
The Church of the Brethren affirms classical Trinitarian doctrine: God exists eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three coequal and coeternal persons in one divine being. This is the doctrine affirmed in the Nicene Creed and foundational to Christian orthodoxy.
The Trinity is central to the Church of the Brethren's understanding of the Godhead, Christology, soteriology, and ecclesiology. The doctrine emerged from reflection on Scripture and the early church's experience of God. It represents the conviction that God is both singular (one God) and tripersonal (three distinct persons).
The Church of the Brethren affirm the filioque clause (the Spirit proceeds from both Father and Son) and do not engage in elaborate metaphysical speculation about the Trinity. Rather, the Trinity shapes prayer, worship, and mission. The three persons work in concert for human salvation and the consummation of God's Kingdom.
Key Distinctions
- Persons ontology:
- three distinct coequal persons, one divine substance
- Spirit procession:
- from Father and Son (filioque)
- Creed stance:
- Nicene Creed affirmed as authoritative
Scripture References
Sources
- Nicene Creed (325 AD; affirmed by the denomination)
- Church of the Brethren Church Manual and doctrinal materials
- Church of the Brethren Annual Conference Doctrinal Statements