Triune God and Hierarchy
Imagine for a moment that you were a devout believer in Judaism in ancient times. You believed in the God of Abraham and studied the ancient accounts until they were forged in your memory. You believed with all your heart that this God is the only one and true God.
Imagine how you would have felt then, when one day you heard about a man named Jesus of Nazareth. You heard he was performing miracles of healing, turning water into wine, and even raising people from the dead. You hunted for him to see him for yourself, and when you heard him speak you were taken aback with his amazing command of the word, and his prophecies were unlike any other prophecy you had ever heard. Even the wind and the waves obeyed him, so you were told! He was singlehandedly turning life upside down for you and everyone around you. Who is he and how would you process this Jesus? Could it be that he is the long-awaited Messiah spoken of in the Old Testament? If so, is Messiah from God or is he God himself? Questions would flood your heart and mind. How do the one true God and Jesus relate or do they?
Some chose to believe that Jesus was a heretic and ultimately had him crucified on a cross like a criminal. Others like yourself, chose to believe that he was indeed the long-awaited Messiah, but there would still be so many questions to answer.
If that was not confusing enough, now imagine you were in the upper room with the other disciples on the day of Pentecost, waiting for the gift Jesus promised. What might this gift look like? What might you think when suddenly you hear the sound of rushing wind and at the same moment witnessed your friends speaking in languages previously unknown to them—yet they spoke with enough clarity that foreigners who were in attendance that day recognized what they were saying? What might you think when you later learn that 3000 people believed in Jesus on account of this one event on that one day? Who had ever heard of such a thing? Now even more questions would fill your heart and mind. How does this gift, this Holy Spirit relate to God and Jesus?
While your heart warms to testify that this Jesus and Holy Spirit indeed are of God, your mind is whirling around how to make sense of this. You believed there was one God, but how can Jesus and Holy Spirit do what they do without the power of God? This was the situation the early church faced in the early years following Jesus’ ascent. These were confusing times to be sure.
God is no introvert. We know this from all he has included in his word. He is quite comfortable—even pursuant of giving his people insights about who he is—even his inmost thoughts. He speaks of his origins and how he is from everlasting and to everlasting. He speaks of things that have been and things that are yet to come. God reveals his nature and who he is in every chapter of his word, and he speaks of the coming Messiah on every page. Now that Messiah and Holy Spirit have been revealed as prophesied, it is incumbent on us to figure out how this fits with our One God theology. Such was the work of early scholars as they diligently word-smithed what they collectively determined on behalf of the church corporate and left what we now know as the creeds.
Apostles Creed
Jesus had touched and changed the lives of so many people in such astounding ways in his lifetime, the disciples were so overwhelmed with the importance of it, that they could not leave this world without passing on to the next generation the gravity of the gift they had experienced in their association with him. What they passed down was not based on opinion or conjecture, but on the truth of what they had witnessed with their own eyes.
We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us—we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ (1 John 1:1-3).
Though it is called the Apostles Creed, it was not actually written by the apostles themselves but rather was assembled at a later date as a summary of their collective teaching[i]. Evidence of this creed can be seen as early as the second century, but it wasn’t finalized until sometime in the fifth century[ii]. The truths incorporated in this creed were birthed out of the testimonies of Jesus’ own apostles and therefore effectively laid the groundwork—the non-negotiables for the Christian faith for all time[iii]. Below is the Apostles Creed in full:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, the Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and buried; He descended into hell. The third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and (sits) on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen[iv].
For devout Jewish believers who might have had their belief in one God challenged by all that took place during the life of Jesus, this creed essentially identifies God the Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit as God.
What this creed did not deal with is how God the Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit relate with one another. We know that God is Triune, that God the Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit are one, but what was unclear, was knowing if one aspect of Triune God had more power or authority than the other[v]. Was God the Father the leader, with Jesus and Holy Spirit his accomplices? Is there hierarchy or no hierarchy? If mankind has been made in his image, the answer to this question is of vital importance to how women and men are meant to function in relationship. Not having clear answers to these questions left room over time for contention and division to creep in, as it did in the third century.
Nicene Creed
In 318 ADS, an elder named Arius began teaching that God the Father alone was God, and that He was the only uncreated one. Arius was convinced that Jesus could not possibly be God since he was born in the flesh. Jesus lived and died, experienced emotion and pain and had to learn like the rest of humanity. In light of this, Arius could not believe that Jesus could be worshiped in the same way as God.[vi]
This teaching created no small stir among believers. It persisted for years and in so doing, created serious divisions within and among the churches. Leaders of the day had to do something. To settle the matter, Constantine called together the first universally recognized ecumenical council of leaders. They met in Nicaea in 325 AD and the result of their efforts was the creation of the Nicene Creed. In this creed, the council determined that there is no hierarchy in Triune God, and that the equality of God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, should become part of the minimum beliefs of the Christian faith.[vii] The Nicene Creed in full is as follows:
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made. Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets. And I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.[viii]
Though Jesus was born into this world, so was he present at creation, making him from everlasting to everlasting just like the father. John 1:1 says “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.” Who is the Word? The Word is Jesus. He was one with God and was God from the beginning.
In the same way, Holy Spirit was also present at creation as he hovered over the waters. Genesis 1:2 (NIV)says, “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” Holy Spirit also hovered over the virgin Mary when she miraculously, immaculately conceived Jesus. Luke 1:35 (NIV) says, “The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.”
The Father/Son relationship referred to between Jesus and God is not the same parent/child relationship that we know. In the culture of mankind, parents are given responsibility over sons and daughters from birth until they reach maturity, at which time they must hand the reigns of their children’s lives over to them. If we think of Triune God in these terms, the father-son relationship, it is only natural to assume that Father God would have authority over his Son Jesus. In the case of Jesus and Father God however, the circumstances are very different.
When scripture refers to the Father/Son relationship of Triune God as being “of one substance” with one another, it refers to the fact that Father and Son were one in the same—and if one in the same, clearly, they were equal and mutual. One substance speaks of their sameness or oneness. Jesus’ words to Philip in John 14:8-14 help us grasp this oneness …
Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? … Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves.
What cannot be denied in light of this, is that the term “of one substance” as it applies to Triune God and its implications of equality and mutuality, is the same turn of words that Adam used of Eve when she was separated from him. When he said that Eve was now bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh (Genesis 2:23), Adam declared that Eve was “of one substance” with him. What is true for Jesus and God the Father being of one substance, meaning equal and mutual, is also true for females and males since we have been made in his image. Therefore, since Eve and Adam are made in the image of God, they are likewise equal and mutual.
The concept of one substance or oneness is not a common feature in our present-day culture with our penchant for one-upmanship. It behooves women and men alike to meditate on Jesus’ words to Philip to gain understanding. Oneness is another great mystery of the Bible that mankind has yet to unpack fully but is beautifully revealed in how Triune God functions as one in harmony and peace toward the same goal.
When Jesus says he only does what the Father does, he is not operating in obedience to the Father as a son obeys his father; nor as a subordinate, but rather he is operating in oneness. Jesus is saying that he and the Father are one, and as such he does nothing unilaterally. He consults Triune God who is of one mind, heart, and soul.
Without confidence that Jesus is God, united in substance with the Father, we could not be sure that Jesus can speak for God, forgive sins for God, declare righteousness for God, or do anything to make us children of the Father.[ix]
Athanasian Creed
Athanasius was a pastor, preacher, bishop, and theologian in his day. He was known as the great “father of Nicene orthodoxy”; as a defender of the divinity of Jesus and of the belief that the Father and Son were of one substance. In his day, his teachings on this topic were never referred to as the Athanasian Creed, but rather “The Faith of Athanasius”. In time however, his name became attached to this creed, since it stood for the truth he expressed.[x]
References to The Athanasian Creed were first noticed around 502AD by a man named Caesarius of Arles. He felt these teachings were necessary tools to assist clergy and laymen in knowing how to teach and lead their people[xi].
As you might anticipate, the Athanasian Creed builds even further than what the Apostles’ and Nicene Creed statements were regarding Triune God. It does not add new interpretations of the Trinity but expands on the existing interpretations in order to reinforce the concept of the equality of Triune God. It leaves no room for the belief that there is hierarchy within the Godhead. This theme is repeated throughout the creed for emphasis. In 1090AD, Anselm of Canterbury—a great medieval theologian, said he believed that the Athanasian Creed was on par with the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed. He referred to them as a Tria Symbola, or Three Creeds of the Christian faith.[xii]
If Triune God is equal, the implications are that all attributes and characteristics of Triune God are shared equally by all three Persons of the Trinity. Believers then can be certain that there in balance and stability in Triune God and that they can put their complete trust in him.
Martin Luther believed that the Athanasian Creed was “The most important and glorious composition since the days of the apostles.” A great historian known as Philip Schaff said, “This Creed is unsurpassed as a masterpiece of logical clearness, rigor, and precision.”[xiii] Below is a portion of the Creed:
For there is one Person of the Father; another of the Son; and another of the Holy Ghost. But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, is all one; the Glory equal, the Majesty coeternal. Such as the Father is; such is the Son; and such is the Holy Ghost. The Father uncreated; the Son uncreated; and the Holy Ghost uncreated. The Father unlimited; the Son unlimited; and the Holy Ghost unlimited. The Father eternal; the Son eternal; and the Holy Ghost eternal. And yet they are not three eternals; but one eternal.
As also there are not three uncreated; nor three infinities, but one uncreated; and one infinite. So likewise the Father is Almighty; the Son Almighty; and the Holy Ghost Almighty. And yet they are not three Almighties; but one Almighty. So the Father is God; the Son is God; and the Holy Ghost is God. And yet they are not three Gods; but one God. So likewise the Father is Lord; the Son Lord; and the Holy Ghost Lord. And yet not three Lords; but one Lord.
For like as we are compelled by the Christian verity; to acknowledge every Person by himself to be God and Lord; So are we forbidden by the catholic religion; to say, There are three Gods, or three Lords. The Father is made of none; neither created, nor begotten. The Son is of the Father alone; not made, nor created; but begotten. The Holy Ghost is of the Father and of the Son; neither made, nor created, nor begotten; but proceeding. So there is one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, not three Sons; one Holy Ghost, not three Holy Ghosts.
And in this Trinity none is before, or after another; none is greater, or less than another. But the whole three Persons are coeternal, and coequal. So that in all things, as aforesaid; the Unity in Trinity, and the Trinity in Unity, is to be worshipped.[xiv]
The greatness of the Athanasian Creed for believers is in how it articulates how God is Triune, yet one. With this clarity, women and men can discover how they have been created to function individually, yet mutually and equally as one. The Athanasian Creed makes the sameness of women and men crystal clear.[xv]
Summary
What started out as a compilation of the Apostle’s teachings after Jesus’ ascension, has been passed down through likeminded spiritual scholars over the ages, to articulate the characteristics of Triune God as we know them today. Scholars persevered in an effort to close gaps of understanding that might leave room for heresies and flawed interpretations to infiltrate the church.
With each successive creed, the matter of equal value and equal functioning within Triune God got increasingly clearer. The Athanasian Creed leaves no room to entertain any model other than equality and mutuality, since it describes the persons of Triune God as having one substance; being uncreated; holy; coeternal; coequal; unlimited and almighty. We can now know that there is one God and one Lord, in whom there is no evidence of hierarchy. Christians would be wise to ensure their understanding and application of who God is in their lives, lines up with this truth.
Women and men have been made in his image and are also of one substance. They can be sure there is likewise to be equality and mutuality among them. Their oneness should have no evidence of hierarchy, only the desire to be one with one another as he is one. There is much yet for humankind to learn.
[i] Justin S. Holcomb, Know the Creeds and Councils (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2014), 25.
[ii] Ibid., 26.
[iii] Ibid., 26.
[iv] Ibid., 27.
[v] Ibid., 27.
[vi] Ibid., 34.
[vii] Ibid., 34-35.
[viii] Ibid., 35-36.
[ix] Ibid., 39.
[x] Ibid., 63-64.
[xi] Ibid., 64.
[xii] Ibid., 64.
[xiii] Ibid., 64-65.
[xiv] Ibid., 66.
[xv] Ibid., 66.
