05.32. The great importance of the doctrine of the

The great importance of the doctrine of the
Holy Trinity.

It is a fundamental article, the belief whereof is necessary to salvation. For those that are ’ without God,’ Ephesians 2:12. and ’ have not the Father,’ cannot be saved ; but ’ whoso denieth the son, the same hath not the Father,’ 1 John 2:23. Those that are none of Christ’s cannot be saved : but ’ he that hath not the Spirit, is none of his,’ Romans 8:9. None receive the Spirit but those that know him. John 14:17. This mystery of the Trinity is so interwoven with the whole of religion, that there can neither be any true faith, right worship, or obedience without it. For take away this doctrine, and the object of faith, worship, and obedience is changed ; seeing the object of these declared in the scripture, is the three persons in the Godhead; and the scriptures know no other God. Where is faith, if this be taken away? John 17:3. ’ This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.’ Here it is to be observed, that our Lord does not call the Father only the true God, exclusive of the other persons of the Trinity ; but that he (including the other persons who all subsist in the same one undivided essence) is the only true God, in opposition to idols, falsely called gods. 1 John 2:23. ’ Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father.’ There is no more true worship or fellowship with God in it: ’ For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father,’ Ephesians 2:18. And there is no more obedience without it, John 15:23. ’ He that hateth me,’ says Christ, ’ hateth my Father also,’ John 5:23. ’ He that honoureth not the Son, honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.’ We are debtors to the Spirit, to live after the Spirit, and are bound by baptism to the obedience of the Father, the Son, and the Spirit.