One God eternally existing in three co-equal, co-eternal persons
The EFCA Statement of Faith (2008) affirms that 'God, the one living and true God, is holy love and all perfecting. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, perfectly one and infinitely personal, existing eternally and simultaneously as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.' This Trinitarian confession is foundational to the entire EFCA theological framework and is explicitly non-negotiable.
The EFCA Statement of Faith describes Father, Son, and Spirit as 'three coequal and coeternal persons.' This language guards against any subordinationist reading that would make the Son or Spirit lesser divinities. The EFCA's Trinitarian theology is fully aligned with the Nicene Creed and the classical ecumenical tradition of orthodox Christianity.
All EFCA churches and ministers are required to affirm the EFCA Statement of Faith. The Trinity is the first and foundational article of that statement, establishing the identity of the God who saves, sanctifies, and sends the church. The EFCA's ministry of church planting and evangelism is understood as participation in the missionary life of the triune God.
Key Distinctions
- Persons ontology:
- three coequal persons, one divine substance
- Spirit procession:
- from Father and Son (filioque)
- Creed stance:
- EFCA Statement of Faith affirms classical Trinity; Scripture as supreme authority
Scripture References
Sources
- EFCA Statement of Faith (2008), Article 1: God