Essential Doctrine: The Father & The Son
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
The doctrine of the Trinity is foundational to Christian theology,
affirming that God exists as three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—who are
co-equal and co-eternal, yet distinct in their roles and relationships. Within
the framework of the economic Trinity, we explore how each person of the
Trinity interacts with creation and humanity, particularly focusing on the
roles of God the Father and God the Son in redemptive history.
1. Understanding the Economic Trinity
1. Understanding the Economic Trinity
The term economic Trinity refers to the way God has revealed
Himself and works within the world, especially in the salvation of humankind.
This stands in contrast to the immanent Trinity, which speaks to the
internal relationships and eternal existence of the three persons apart from
creation. The economic Trinity helps us grasp the distinct roles and functions
within God's plan of redemption.
2. The Role of God the Father
2. The Role of God the Father
God the Father holds a preeminent role in the divine economy as the initiator and sovereign architect of creation, redemption, and consummation.
A. Creator and Sovereign
A. Creator and Sovereign
Scripture testifies that the Father is the source of all creation (Genesis 1:1; 1 Corinthians 8:6). He decreed the universe into existence and upholds it by His providence.
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
The Father establishes divine purpose and governance over history (Ephesians 1:11), directing all things according to His will.
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,
B. The Author of Salvation
B. The Author of Salvation
The Father initiates the plan of salvation by sending the Son into the world (John 3:16). Salvation originates in His love and grace.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
He elects and predestines believers according to His divine will (Ephesians 1:4-5), ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled.
even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,
C. The Giver of the Kingdom
C. The Giver of the Kingdom
In redemptive history, the Father grants authority and dominion to the Son (Psalm 2:7-8; Matthew 28:18).
I will tell of the decree:
The Lord said to me, “You are my Son;
today I have begotten you.
Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Ultimately, the Father will restore all things under the reign of Christ and bring everything to completion (1 Corinthians 15:24-28).
Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.
3. The Role of God the Son
3. The Role of God the Son
The Son, Jesus Christ, executes the Father's will by accomplishing redemption through His incarnation, life, death, and resurrection.
A. The Incarnation and Mediator
A. The Incarnation and Mediator
Jesus, as the eternal Word (John 1:1), took on human flesh to reveal God to humanity (John 1:14).
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
He mediates between God and mankind (1 Timothy 2:5), serving as the perfect representative of both parties.
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
B. The Redeemer and Savior
B. The Redeemer and Savior
Through His atoning work on the cross, Jesus secures salvation for humanity (Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:12).
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,
he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.
His obedience to the Father, even to the point of death, fulfills the divine plan (Philippians 2:8).
And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
C. The Risen Lord and Intercessor
C. The Risen Lord and Intercessor
Following His resurrection, Jesus ascended to the Father's right hand, where He intercedes for believers
(Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25).
Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
He reigns as King and High Priest, ensuring the application of salvation to His people (Hebrews 4:14-16).
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
4. The Relationship Between the Father and the Son in the Economic Trinity
4. The Relationship Between the Father and the Son in the Economic Trinity
The Father and the Son operate in perfect harmony within the divine mission, characterized by love, submission, and unity.
A. The Father's Authority and the Son's Submission
A. The Father's Authority and the Son's Submission
While co-equal in nature, the Son submits to the Father's will in the work of redemption (John 5:19, 30).
So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.
“I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.
This submission does not denote inferiority but reflects the order within the Trinity.
B. Mutual Glorification
B. Mutual Glorification
The Son glorifies the Father through His obedience and redemptive work (John 17:4).
I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.
In turn, the Father glorifies the Son, granting Him authority and honor (Philippians 2:9-11).
Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
C. The Sending and the Sent
C. The Sending and the Sent
The Father sends the Son into the world (John 20:21), underscoring the distinct roles in salvation history.
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”
The Son accomplishes the mission given to Him and ultimately returns authority to the Father (1 Corinthians 15:28).
When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.
5. Practical Implications of the Economic Trinity
5. Practical Implications of the Economic Trinity
Understanding the roles of the Father and the Son has significant theological and practical implications for believers today.
A. Assurance of Salvation
A. Assurance of Salvation
The Father's sovereign plan and the Son's perfect work provide confidence in our salvation (John 10:28-29).
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.
B. Model of Obedience and Humility
B. Model of Obedience and Humility
Christ's submission to the Father serves as an example for believers to follow (Philippians 2:5-8).
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
C. Worship and Prayer
C. Worship and Prayer
Recognizing the distinct roles of the Father and the Son informs how we worship and pray, addressing the Father through the Son by the Spirit (Ephesians 2:18).
For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
Conclusion
The economic Trinity reveals the distinct yet harmonious roles of God the
Father and God the Son in the work of creation, redemption, and restoration.
The Father initiates and directs, while the Son accomplishes and fulfills.
Together, their work displays the unity and glory of God in the unfolding of
His divine purposes. As we grasp these roles, we are drawn into deeper worship,
trust, and obedience in our walk with the Triune God.
