Chapter 2, paragraph 1 of the Westminster Confession of Faith describes who God is and emphasizes His unique attributes. It teaches that there is only one true and living God who is infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth. God is self-existent, meaning He depends on no one for His existence, and He is the source of all life and everything that exists.
The paragraph highlights that God is beyond human comprehension, perfect in every way, and completely independent of His creation. While He is exalted above all, He is also deeply involved in His creation, sustaining everything by His power and directing all things according to His will. Importantly, God deserves all worship, love, obedience, and praise because of His glorious and holy nature.
Historically, this statement reflects the Reformation’s emphasis on the sovereignty and majesty of God. During this time, the Reformers wanted to return to the biblical understanding of God, rejecting human-centered theology that diminished God’s transcendence and independence. It was also a response to challenges from atheism, idolatry, and philosophies that misunderstood or distorted God’s nature.
Key biblical references include:
- Deuteronomy 6:4: “The Lord our God, the Lord is one,” affirming God’s uniqueness.
- Exodus 3:14: God declares Himself as “I AM,” emphasizing His self-existence.
- Psalm 90:2: God is eternal, existing from everlasting to everlasting.
- 1 Timothy 1:17: God is described as the eternal, immortal, invisible King.
- Acts 17:24-25: God is not served by human hands as though He needed anything, because He is the giver of life and breath to all.
In summary, this paragraph teaches that God is the one, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable Creator who deserves all worship and obedience. He is entirely independent and self-sufficient, yet He is actively involved in His creation. This statement reflects the Reformers’ commitment to a biblical view of God’s majesty and sovereignty, countering misunderstandings and affirming that God alone is worthy of glory.
Chapter 2, paragraph 2 of the Westminster Confession of Faith expands on God’s nature, focusing on His self-sufficiency, sovereignty, and how He relates to His creation. It teaches that God is entirely self-sufficient, not needing anything outside of Himself for His existence, glory, or happiness. Instead, He is the source of all life, goodness, and blessings, and everything depends on Him for existence and purpose.
This paragraph also emphasizes God’s absolute sovereignty. He rules over all things, directing everything according to His will, for His glory. Yet, in His greatness, God interacts with His creation, knowing and caring for every detail. He does not rely on His creation to fulfill any needs because He is completely satisfied in Himself, but He graciously allows His creatures to enjoy Him and His blessings.
Additionally, the paragraph describes how God’s glory is His ultimate goal in all that He does, and all creation exists to glorify Him. At the same time, He is good and caring, showing kindness to His creation.
Historically, this statement reflects the Protestant Reformation’s emphasis on God’s sovereignty and the rejection of human-centered theology that suggested God could be dependent on or influenced by humanity. It also counters ideas from other religious traditions and philosophies that viewed God as limited or in need of creation to complete His purposes.
Key biblical references include:
- Job 22:2-3: God is not benefited or diminished by human actions, affirming His self-sufficiency.
- Psalm 50:10-12: God owns everything and needs nothing from creation.
- Romans 11:36: All things are from Him, through Him, and for Him, showing His sovereignty.
- Acts 17:24-28: God gives life and breath to everything and is not dependent on anything.
- Psalm 145:9: The Lord is good to all and shows His care for His creation.
In summary, this paragraph teaches that God is entirely self-sufficient and sovereign, depending on nothing outside of Himself. He governs all things according to His will for His glory, while graciously caring for His creation. This statement reinforces the Reformation’s focus on God’s majesty and independence, challenging any view that diminishes His greatness or suggests He relies on creation for His purposes.
Chapter 2, paragraph 3 of the Westminster Confession of Faith focuses on the doctrine of the Trinity, affirming that the one true God exists in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three persons are distinct but share the same divine essence, meaning they are fully and equally God. They are co-eternal and co-equal, without division in nature, being, or glory. Each person of the Trinity has unique roles, yet they work in perfect unity.
The Father is neither begotten nor proceeding, the Son is eternally begotten of the Father, and the Holy Spirit eternally proceeds from the Father and the Son. While the Confession doesn’t explain the mystery of how these relationships work, it emphasizes that this is what Scripture teaches, and believers must accept it by faith.
Historically, this statement reflects the church’s defense of the doctrine of the Trinity against heresies like Arianism, which denied the full divinity of Christ, and modalism, which denied the distinct persons of the Trinity. The Reformers reaffirmed the Nicene and Athanasian creeds, maintaining the orthodox teaching of the Trinity as foundational to the Christian faith.
Key biblical references include:
- Matthew 28:19: Jesus commands baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, affirming the three persons of the Trinity.
- John 1:1-3: The Son (the Word) is eternal and fully God, yet distinct from the Father.
- John 14:26: The Holy Spirit, sent by the Father in Jesus’ name, acts as a distinct person.
- 2 Corinthians 13:14: Paul references the grace of Jesus, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, showing the distinct roles of the Trinity.
In summary, this paragraph teaches that the one true God exists in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—who are distinct but share the same divine essence, working together in perfect unity. This doctrine is central to the Christian faith and reflects the church’s historical defense of the Trinity against heretical teachings. The Confession emphasizes that while the Trinity is a divine mystery, it is clearly revealed in Scripture and essential to understanding God’s nature and work.
Covenant Presbyterian Church 