Sabbath School - Meat In Due Season Advanced Commentary - SS-Q4-L11 - The Father, the Son, and the Spirit

Sabbath School - Meat In Due Season Advanced Commentary

Sabbath Afternoon - December 7, 2024

Scripture Reading for the Week:
John 14:10; John 14:24; Genesis 3:7-9; John 16:27-28; John 16:7-11; John 17:1-26.

Thought for Meditation:

Christ has made baptism the sign of entrance to His spiritual kingdom. He has made this a positive condition with which all must comply who wish to be acknowledged as under the authority of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Before man can find a home in the church, before passing the threshold of God's spiritual kingdom, he is to receive the impress of the divine name, "The Lord Our Righteousness." Jeremiah 23:6. {CCh 295.2}

Baptism is a most solemn renunciation of the world. Those who are baptized in the threefold name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, at the very entrance of their Christian life declare publicly that they have forsaken the service of Satan and have become members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. They have obeyed the command: "Come out from among them, and be ye separate, . . . and touch not the unclean thing." And to them is fulfilled the promise: "I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." 2 Corinthians 6:17, 18. {CCh 295.3}

Memory Text:

“ ‘The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you’ ” (John 14:26).

"This week's Sabbath School lesson will help deepen our understanding of the unique and intimate relationship between Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit, and its significance in our salvation, while reflecting on Jesus’ intercession and role in drawing us closer to God."

Study Outline:

Jesus and the Father

Sunday - December 8, 2024

The Heavenly Father - Who is the Father?

Genesis 1:1; John 3:16-17; 5:22, 30; 6:32, 45, 57; 10:30, 37, 38; 14:10, 24; 15:16; 16:23

Understanding the nature and role of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Monday - December 9, 2024

Jesus and the Father - What is the Relationship between Jesus and the Father?

Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 3:7-9; John 1:14-18, 1-2; 5:16-18; 6:69; 9:4; 10:10; 10:30; 16:5; 17:25; 20:28; Philippians 2:7.

Exploring the unity and divine relationship between Jesus and the Father.

Tuesday - December 10, 2024

Knowing the Son Is Knowing the Father - How to Know the Father?

John 1:18; 5:30, 36-38; 6:40, 44; 7:16; 8:38; 14:10, 23; 15:1, 9-10; 16:27-28; 17:3.

Learning how knowing Jesus leads to knowing the Father.

Jesus and the Spirit

Wednesday - December 11, 2024

The Holy Spirit - Who is the Spirit?

John 1:10-13; 3:5-8; 6:63; 14:26; 15:26; 16:7-11.

Recognizing the transformative role of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus and Us

Thursday - December 12, 2024

The Prayer of Jesus - What request did Jesus make for us?

John 17:1-26; John 17:1-26.

Reflecting on Jesus' heartfelt prayer for believers and its implications for our faith journey.

Friday - December 13, 2024

Insights and Further Study

From the Pen of Inspiration

Points to Ponder Upon

Jesus and the Father

Sunday - December 8, 2024

The Heavenly Father - Who is the Father?

Genesis 1:1; John 3:16-17; 5:22, 30; 6:32, 45, 57; 10:30, 37, 38; 14:10, 24; 15:16; 16:23

“I came from the Father and I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.” (John 16:28)

Understanding the nature and role of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Ellen G. White (EGW) Writings

On the Nature and Role of the Father

"God is love." "His nature, His law, is love. It ever has been; it ever will be. 'The high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity,' whose 'ways are everlasting,' changeth not. With Him 'is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.' Every manifestation of creative power is an expression of infinite love." (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 33)

"The Father loves us, not because of the great propitiation, but He provided the propitiation because He loves us. Christ was the medium through which He could pour out His infinite love upon a fallen world." (Steps to Christ, p. 13)

On John 3:16-17

"The plan for our redemption was not an afterthought, a plan formulated after the fall of Adam. It was a revelation of 'the mystery which hath been kept in silence through times eternal.' It was an unfolding of the principles that from eternal ages have been the foundation of God's throne." (The Desire of Ages, p. 22)

On the Unity of the Father and Son (John 10:30, 37-38)

"From eternity, there was a complete unity between the Father and the Son. They were two, yet little short of being identical; two in individuality, yet one in spirit, and heart, and character." (Youth's Instructor, December 16, 1897)

On the Role of the Father in Redemption

"The Father was not indifferent to the woes of His Son. He suffered with the Son. In the agony of Gethsemane, the death of Calvary, the heart of Infinite Love paid the price of our redemption." (The Desire of Ages, p. 762)

Shepherd's Rod (SRod) Insights

On Genesis 1:1 and the Role of the Father as Creator

"God, the Father, the Source of all life and light, is the Originator of the plan of salvation, as well as of the creation of the universe. 'In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.' (Gen. 1:1). The work of creation was a cooperative act of the Godhead, with the Father as the Supreme Author." (SRod, Vol. 2, p. 72)

On the Love of the Father (John 3:16)

"The love of God, revealed in the gift of His Son, shows that the Father's character is one of sacrificial love, far beyond the comprehension of human minds. Through this revelation, He draws the world to Himself." (SRod, Vol. 1, p. 47)

On the Unity of the Godhead

"The unity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is the greatest mystery to the finite mind. This unity in counsel and purpose explains why the Scripture declares, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord.' (Deut. 6:4)." (SRod, Vol. 1, p. 124)

On the Father’s Role in Judgment (John 5:22, 30)

"The Father is the Supreme Judge, and through Christ, He executes judgment. Christ's submission to the Father in all things is a revelation of divine order and unity." (SRod, Vol. 2, p. 185)

Consider the Following

❖ Who is the Father?

— From eternity, the three Persons of the Godhead have been united. Together they created all that exists (Gen. 1:1-2; Jn. 1:1-3).

— After sin entered, they decided to take on different roles to redeem us. The “Son” humbled himself and submitted to the “Father” (Phil. 2:5-8). What role did the Father take on?

(1) He sent the Son to die for us (Jn. 3:16; 6:57)

(2) He assumes the role of Judge, and delegates it to the Son (Jn. 5:22)

(3) He directed the ministry of Jesus (Jn. 6:32; 14:10, 24)

(4) He is ultimately responsible for our teaching (Jn. 6:45)

(5) He receives our prayers and answers them (Jn. 16:23)

Monday - December 9, 2024

Jesus and the Father - What is the Relationship between Jesus and the Father?

Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 3:7-9; John 1:14-18, 1-2; 5:16-18; 6:69; 9:4; 10:10; 10:30; 16:5; 17:25; 20:28; Philippians 2:7.

“I and the Father are one” (John 10:30)

Exploring the unity and divine relationship between Jesus and the Father.

Ellen G. White (EGW) Writings

On the Unity of Jesus and the Father (John 10:30)

“Jesus said, ‘I and My Father are one.’ The words of Christ were full of deep meaning as He put forth the claim that He and the Father were of one substance, possessing the same attributes.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 483)

“The unity that exists between Christ and His disciples does not destroy the personality of either. They are one in purpose, in mind, in character, but not in person. It is thus that God and Christ are one.” (8T, p. 269)

On the Pre-Existence of Christ (Genesis 1:26-27; John 1:1-2)

“The Father wrought by His Son in the creation of all heavenly beings. ‘By Him were all things created, that are in heaven…visible and invisible.’ (Col. 1:16).” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 34)

“Christ was God essentially, and in the highest sense. He was with God from all eternity, God over all, blessed forevermore.” (The SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, p. 1126)

On Jesus as the Revelation of the Father (John 1:14-18; 14:9)

“Christ came to the world to reveal the character of the Father and to redeem the fallen race. The world’s Redeemer possessed the power to draw men to Himself, to present to their minds a more perfect knowledge of God.” (The Youth’s Instructor, September 22, 1898)

“Christ was the express image of His Father’s person and the effulgence of His glory.” (The Signs of the Times, January 20, 1890)

On Jesus' Submission to the Father (Philippians 2:7; John 5:16-18)

“Though He was the Son of God, yet He humbled Himself, taking the nature of man, that He might meet man where he was, and through His poverty might be made rich.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 334)

“Christ glorified not Himself in being made High Priest, but He was exalted by the Father’s appointment.” (The Great Controversy, p. 415)

On Christ’s Work on Earth as the Father’s Agent (John 9:4; 10:10)

“The life of Christ was a life charged with a divine message of the love of God, and He longed earnestly to impart this love to others in rich measure.” (Steps to Christ, p. 78)

“He who had been in the presence of the Father from the beginning, He who was the express image of the invisible God, was alone able to reveal the character of the Deity to mankind.” (The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 3, p. 11)

Shepherd's Rod (SRod) Insights

On the Father and Son in Creation (Genesis 1:26-27)

“The words, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness,’ reveal the co-working of the Father and the Son from eternity. This divine counsel was the manifestation of their unity in all things.” (SRod, Vol. 2, p. 90)

On the Unity of Purpose Between Jesus and the Father (John 10:30)

“Christ’s statement, ‘I and the Father are one,’ conveys not only the unity of purpose but also the perfect harmony in the divine government, which the Son upholds as the visible agent of the invisible God.” (SRod, Vol. 1, p. 123)

On the Revelation of the Father Through Jesus (John 1:14-18)

“No one has seen the Father but through the Son, we behold the character of God, for He is the express image and personification of the Father's divine love and justice.” (SRod, Vol. 2, p. 104)

On Christ's Humility and Submission to the Father (Philippians 2:7)

“The Son of God veiled His glory and emptied Himself to take humanity’s form, not to exalt self but to demonstrate the spirit of obedience and humility that would glorify the Father.” (SRod, Vol. 2, p. 150)

On Christ as the Mediator of the Father’s Will (John 9:4; 5:16-18)

“The works of Christ were the works of His Father, and His mission was to accomplish what had been purposed in the divine counsels of heaven since the foundation of the world.” (SRod, Vol. 1, p. 56)

Consider the Following

❖ What is the relationship between Jesus and the Father?

— God has been misunderstood and rejected throughout history. But the time came when He decided to become man and live among us (Jn. 1:14). He wanted to offer us salvation, even if we did not accept it (Jn. 1:10-12).

— Jesus made it clear that He was equal with God (John 10:30), although He was temporarily subject as Son to the Father. His life was a reflection of the Father (John 14:9). With every step He took, He was doing the will of His Father (John 5:30).

— How would following Christ's example of not doing our own will but the wise will of our heavenly Father impact our daily lives?

Tuesday - December 10, 2024

Knowing the Son Is Knowing the Father - How to Know the Father?

John 1:18; 5:30, 36-38; 6:40, 44; 7:16; 8:38; 14:10, 23; 15:1, 9-10; 16:27-28; 17:3.

“No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known” (John 1:18)

Learning how knowing Jesus leads to knowing the Father.

Ellen G. White (EGW) Writings

On Christ as the Revelation of the Father (John 1:18)

“All that man needs to know or can know of God has been revealed in the life and character of His Son. 'No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.'” (Steps to Christ, p. 11)

“In Christ is life, original, unborrowed, underived. 'He that hath the Son hath life.' The divinity of Christ is the assurance of eternal life to the believer.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 530)

On Christ’s Mission to Reveal the Father (John 14:10, 23)

“By coming to dwell with us, Jesus was to reveal God both to men and to angels. He was the Word of God—God’s thought made audible.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 19)

“Christ came to teach human beings what God desires them to know. In the heavens above, in the earth, in the broad waters of the ocean, we see the handiwork of God. All created things testify to His power, His wisdom, His love. But not from the stars or the ocean or the cataract can we learn of the personality of God as it was revealed in Christ.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 8, p. 265)

On the Unity Between Christ and the Father (John 17:3)

“Christ was one with the Father, yet He was willing to step down from the exaltation of one who was equal with God. That He might accomplish His purpose of love for the fallen race, He became bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 19)

“To know God is to love Him; His character must be manifested in contrast to the character of Satan.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 22)

On Seeing the Father Through the Son (John 6:40; 7:16)

“Through Christ, the Son of God, the Father is revealed to humanity. The mind can grasp and understand more of the character of God by contemplating the life and work of Christ.” (Counsels for the Church, p. 77)

Shepherd's Rod (SRod) Insights

On Christ as the Visible Image of the Father (John 1:18; 8:38)

“The Son, being the express image of the Father, came to demonstrate the divine will and character in human terms, thus revealing the Father’s love and justice.” (SRod, Vol. 1, p. 126)

On Christ’s Work as a Witness of the Father (John 5:36-38)

“The works of Christ testify of the Father, for they were done not of His own initiative but by the command and will of God. To know the Father, one must study the mission and character of the Son.” (SRod, Vol. 2, p. 109)

On Knowing God Through Christ (John 17:3; 14:10, 23)

“To know God is eternal life, and this knowledge is made possible only through the revelation of His Son, who brings divine truths into our finite understanding.” (SRod, Vol. 1, p. 84)

“Jesus exemplified the Father’s love and truth, making it clear that by knowing Him, we become acquainted with the heart of God.” (SRod, Vol. 2, p. 112)

On Belief as the Path to Knowing the Father (John 6:40, 44)

“The drawing power of the Father is through the Son, who leads us to understand the mercy and grace of the divine plan.” (SRod, Vol. 2, p. 91)

Key Themes and Application

Christ as God’s Revelation: Jesus makes the invisible God known to humanity through His life, works, and teachings.

Unity of Purpose: The unity between the Father and the Son demonstrates the harmony of divine character and purpose.

Eternal Life Through Knowledge: Knowing the Father and the Son leads to eternal life, as Jesus’ life unveils the character and love of God.

The Draw of Divine Love: Belief in Christ as the Son of God allows believers to experience the Father’s transformative love and redemption.

Consider the Following

❖ How to know the Father?

— Knowing the Father is synonymous with eternal life (Jn. 17:3). And the only way to know the Father is to know Jesus, who is the one who has revealed him to us (Jn. 1:18; 8:19; 14:7).

— Jesus was the Father's representative on Earth. He did the Father's will (Jn. 5:30; 6:38). He was sent by Him to save us, and to become the means by which we are resurrected and receive eternal life (Jn. 6:40).

— What relationship existed between Jesus and the Father?

(1) All his teachings came from the Father

(2) Everything he said he heard from the Father

(3) Believing in Him is the same as believing in the Father

(4) His miraculous works came from the Father

(5) He was closely linked to the Father

Jesus and the Spirit

Wednesday - December 11, 2024

The Holy Spirit - Who is the Spirit?

John 1:10-13; 3:5-8; 6:63; 14:26; 15:26; 16:7-11.

“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me” (John 15:26)

Recognizing the transformative role of the Holy Spirit.

Ellen G. White Writings

The Holy Spirit’s Transformative Work

“The Spirit was to be given as a regenerating agent, and without this, the sacrifice of Christ would have been of no avail. The power of evil had been strengthening for centuries, and the submission of men to this satanic captivity was amazing. Sin could be resisted and overcome only through the mighty agency of the Third Person of the Godhead, who would come with no modified energy, but in the fullness of divine power. It is the Spirit that makes effectual what has been wrought out by the world’s Redeemer.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 671)

The Spirit as the Teacher of Truth

“The Comforter is called ‘the Spirit of truth.’ His work is to define and maintain the truth. He first dwells in the heart as the Spirit of truth and thus becomes the Comforter. There is comfort and peace in the truth, but no real peace or comfort can be found in falsehood.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 671)

The Role of the Spirit in Regeneration

“It is through the Spirit that Christ dwells in us; and the Spirit of God, received into the heart by faith, is the beginning of the life eternal.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 388)

Testifying of Christ

“The Holy Spirit comes to the world as Christ’s representative. He is not only the faithful and true witness of Christ’s Word but the effectual teacher of truth, bringing to mind all that Christ taught.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 669)

Shepherd’s Rod Literature

The Spirit as the Truth Giver

“The Spirit is the interpreter of truth and the revealer of all mysteries. Without His guidance, the study of the Word of God becomes fruitless.” (Tract No. 6, p. 17)

Transformative Power of the Spirit

“Only through the power of the Spirit can the heart of man be changed, and this change is the evidence of God’s saving grace.” (Tract No. 1, p. 46)

The Spirit of Truth Sent by Christ

“The Spirit of truth, sent by Christ, is the divine agent in man’s regeneration and his ultimate sanctification. His work is to prepare a people to stand in the Day of the Lord.” (Symbolic Code, Vol. 1, No. 3)

Scriptural Context from John

John 3:5-8: The necessity of being "born of water and the Spirit."

EGW: “This new birth is the result of the divine Spirit working upon the heart. It is brought about by beholding the love of Christ, which transforms the soul.” (Steps to Christ, p. 68)

John 14:26: The Spirit teaches and reminds us of Christ's words.

EGW: “Through the ministry of the Spirit, truth is planted in the heart and quickened into life.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 54)

John 15:26: The Spirit testifies of Christ.

SRod: “This work of testifying of Christ through the Spirit is the evidence of divine truth working in the lives of those who hear it.” (Tract No. 2, p. 38)

Consider the Following

❖ Who is the Spirit?

— John introduces the Holy Spirit by showing us one of his most prominent works: the regeneration of our being (Jn. 3:5-6; 1:12-13; 6:63a).

— But that is not His only function. Jesus spoke at length of the work of the Spirit in His final discourse. And when He did so, He did not speak of Him as a power or a force. He is our Advocate, One equal to Jesus Himself, that is, a divine Person (John 14:16).

— What is the role of the Holy Spirit?

(1) He teaches us (Jn. 14:26)

(2) Bears witness to Jesus (Jn. 15:26)

(3) Convicts of sin, of righteousness and of judgment (Jn. 16:8-11)

(4) He guides us to the truth (Jn. 16:13)

(5) Glorify Jesus (Jn. 16:14)

Jesus and Us

Thursday - December 12, 2024

The Prayer of Jesus - What request did Jesus make for us?

John 17:1-26; John 17:1-26.

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message” (John 17:20)

Reflecting on Jesus' heartfelt prayer for believers and its implications for our faith journey.

Ellen G. White Writings

Jesus Prays for Unity

“Christ prayed for a unity among His disciples that would be like the unity existing between the Father and the Son. This unity is the most convincing proof to the world of the divine mission of Christ. But it can be secured only through the union of the believer with Christ, and in God.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 671)

“Through the unity of His followers, the world is to behold the power of redeeming love. The unity that exists between Christ and His disciples is to be the evidence that God sent His Son for the salvation of sinners.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 8, p. 243)

Sanctification Through Truth

“Sanctification is not the work of a moment, an hour, or a day, but of a lifetime. It is the result of constantly dying to sin and constantly living for Christ. Jesus prayed for His disciples, ‘Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth.’” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 560)

Preservation from Evil

“Jesus does not ask that we may be taken out of the world, but that we may be kept from its evil. He desires us to represent Him in character, as He represented the Father.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 668)

His Intercessory Work Continues

“In His intercession as our great High Priest, Christ uses the same arguments that He used in His prayer on the Mount of Olives. His presentation is based upon His sacrifice for us.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 156)

Shepherd's Rod Literature

Unity of Believers as a Testimony

“The prayer for unity among His followers is not merely for their sakes but for the entire world, that they may witness the transforming power of the gospel.” (Symbolic Code, Vol. 2, No. 6)

Preservation of the Church Through Divine Truth

“The preservation of God’s church hinges upon their sanctification through His truth. Truth is the safeguard against deception.” (Tract No. 3, p. 45)

Jesus’ Role as Intercessor

“Christ’s prayer is the example of His ongoing work in the heavenly courts. As High Priest, He continually presents His merits on behalf of the faithful, securing their victory over sin.” (Tract No. 1, p. 58)

Scriptural Reflections

Key Requests in John 17:

Glorification of the Son (vv. 1-5):

“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you” (John 17:1).

EGW: “The glorification of the Son is the crowning act of redemption’s story, achieved at the cross and revealed through the resurrection.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 661)

Protection of Believers (vv. 6-12):

“Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name” (John 17:11).

SRod: “The seal of divine protection is given to those who walk in obedience to the Word.” (Tract No. 8, p. 22)

Sanctification Through the Word (vv. 13-19):

“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17).

EGW: “Sanctification is the process by which the believer is prepared to meet God, made possible only through the indwelling Word and Spirit.” (Steps to Christ, p. 50)

Unity Among Believers (vv. 20-23):

“That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you” (John 17:21).

SRod: “True unity is not of human origin but is wrought by the Spirit of God through the transformative power of truth.” (Symbolic Code, Vol. 3, No. 4)

Eternal Communion with Christ (vv. 24-26):

“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am” (John 17:24).

EGW: “The culmination of Christ’s prayer is the assurance of eternal communion between the Redeemer and the redeemed.” (The Great Controversy, p. 677)

Consider the Following

❖ What request did Jesus make for us?

— In the prayer with which he concluded his discourse (John 17), Jesus stated that:

(1) He had received power from the Father to give eternal life (v. 2-3)

(2) He had finished the work that was entrusted to him (v. 4)

(3) He was pre-existent, and would regain his first glory with the Father (v. 5)

(4) He had made the Father known to his disciples (v. 6-8)

— Then He began to pray for His disciples, and He also included all of us who have come to know Him and believe in Him (John 17:9, 20). He asked:

(1) For our protection from the harassment of the world

(2) For our unity among ourselves and with God

(3) For our sanctification

(4) Because we are a testimony of God's love before the world

(5) May we come to be with Him

(6) So that the love of God may dwell in us

— How can you better reflect in your own life the love of God, a love like that between Jesus and the Father?

Friday - December 13, 2024

Additional Insights and Further Study

Ellen G. White Writings with regards to Trinity or Godhead: Its relationship, role, and unity.

Unity and Distinct Roles in the Godhead

The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as One in Purpose

“There are three living persons of the heavenly trio; in the name of these three great powers—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—those who receive Christ by living faith are baptized, and these powers will cooperate with the obedient subjects of heaven in their efforts to live the new life in Christ.” (Evangelism, p. 615)

Christ’s Eternal Divinity

“The Lord Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, existed from eternity, a distinct person, yet one with the Father. He was the surpassing glory of heaven. He was the Commander of the heavenly intelligences, and the adoring homage of the angels was received by Him as His right. This was no robbery of God.” (The Signs of the Times, April 26, 1899)

The Holy Spirit’s Role in the Godhead

“The Holy Spirit is Christ’s representative, but divested of the personality of humanity and independent thereof. Cumbered with humanity, Christ could not be in every place personally. Therefore, it was for their interest that He should go to the Father, and send the Spirit to be His successor on earth.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 669)

Relational Unity and Cooperation

Jesus’ Relationship with the Father

“From eternity there was a complete unity between the Father and the Son. They were two, yet little short of being identical; two in individuality, yet one in spirit, and heart, and character.” (Youth’s Instructor, December 16, 1897)

Equality and Submission

“The Father and the Son are equal in power and authority, yet there is a voluntary submission of the Son to the will of the Father, showing the perfect harmony that exists between them.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 679)

The Interdependence of the Godhead

“In Christ is life, original, unborrowed, underived. ‘He that hath the Son hath life.’ The divinity of Christ is the believer’s assurance of eternal life.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 530)

Shepherd's Rod Literature

The Trinity Explained

Godhead as Coeternal and Coequal

“The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are the threefold expression of divinity. Each Person of the Godhead shares fully in the attributes of God—eternal, all-knowing, and omnipotent—yet they operate in distinct roles to accomplish the work of redemption.” (Tract No. 2, p. 37)

Distinct Yet Unified

“While each Person of the Godhead is distinct, their unity is perfect. The Father initiates, the Son accomplishes, and the Spirit applies the work of salvation, each working in harmony for the plan of redemption.” (Tract No. 4, p. 29)

Relationship of the Persons of the Godhead

Father and Son

“The Father gave His Son to die for mankind, revealing not only the Son’s love but also the Father’s infinite love for sinners.” (Symbolic Code, Vol. 1, No. 3)

Holy Spirit’s Role

“The Holy Spirit, as the Third Person of the Godhead, is the Executor of divine will on earth, preparing God’s people for the final restoration.” (Tract No. 3, p. 42)

The Oneness of Their Mission

“The Godhead operates as one in restoring humanity. The Father decrees, the Son mediates, and the Spirit seals the redeemed.” (Symbolic Code, Vol. 1, No. 8)

Key Reflections on the Trinity from Scripture

Genesis 1:26 - “Let us make man in our image.”

EGW: “The plural pronoun here indicates the cooperative work of the Godhead in creation. Father, Son, and Spirit were united in purpose.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 45)

Matthew 28:19 - “Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”

SRod: “The inclusion of all three in the baptismal commission highlights the full involvement of the Godhead in the salvation of humanity.” (Tract No. 9, p. 23)

John 14:16-17 - “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate.”

EGW: “The Spirit of truth was sent to continue the work that Christ began, comforting, teaching, and leading into all truth.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 671)

From the Pen of Inspiration

“The Father cannot be described by the things of earth. The Father is all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and is invisible to mortal sight.”

“The Son is all the fullness of the Godhead manifested. The Word of God declares Him to be “the express image of His person.” Hebrews 1:3. […]

The Comforter that Christ promised to send after He ascended to heaven, is the Spirit in all the fullness of the Godhead, making manifest the power of divine grace to all who receive and believe in Christ as a personal Saviour. There are three living persons of the heavenly trio; in the name of these three great powers—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—those who receive Christ by living faith are baptized, and these powers will co-operate with the obedient subjects of heaven in their efforts to live.” EGW (Evangelism, pg. 461.4)

Questions to Ponder Upon

What do Jesus’ statements in John 10:30, 37-38 indicate about the Father’s relationship with the Son?
What does Genesis 1:26-27 suggest about the collaborative nature of the Godhead in creation?
In what ways do Jesus’ teachings (John 10:30; 16:5; 17:25) demonstrate the perfect harmony between Him and the Father?
Why is Jesus the only way to truly know the Father (John 1:18; 14:10, 23)?
In what ways can we experience the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives?
What does Jesus’ prayer for unity (John 17:20-23) teach us about the importance of oneness among believers?
How does Jesus’ intercession for His disciples (John 17:9-19) demonstrate His concern for their preservation and sanctification?

https://bit.ly/SS-Q4-L11

https://online.fliphtml5.com/nhmzi/ytic/

https://3angelscry.org/pdf-ss-q4-l11-the-father-the-son-and-the-spirit/

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