The phrase “who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified” from the Nicene Creed emphasizes the full divinity and co-equality of the Holy Spirit within the Trinity. It declares that the Spirit, along with the Father and the Son, is worthy of worship and honor, highlighting the unity and interconnectedness of the three divine persons.
Theological Background:
- Co-equal Divinity: This phrase affirms that the Holy Spirit is not subordinate to the Father and the Son, but rather shares in their divine nature and glory. The Spirit is fully God, co-eternal and co-equal with the Father and the Son.
- Worship and Adoration: The statement that the Spirit is “adored and glorified” indicates that the Spirit is a proper object of worship. Christians are to offer praise, honor, and devotion to the Holy Spirit, just as they do to the Father and the Son.
- Trinitarian Unity: This phrase underscores the unity of the Trinity, emphasizing that the three persons are not separate or independent, but rather intimately connected and share in the same divine essence.
- Combating Heresy: This affirmation was crucial in combating early heresies that denied the full divinity of the Holy Spirit, such as Arianism and Pneumatomachianism. It safeguards the orthodox understanding of the Trinity.
Scriptural References:
- Matthew 28:19: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” This verse implies the equality of the three persons in the Trinity, as they are invoked together in baptism.
- 2 Corinthians 13:14: “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” This benediction highlights the shared presence and activity of the three persons in the life of believers.
- Revelation 5:13: “Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!'” While not explicitly mentioning the Spirit, this verse reflects the worship and adoration offered to the Godhead, in which the Spirit fully participates.
Church Councils:
- Council of Nicaea (325 AD): This council laid the foundation for the doctrine of the Trinity, but it did not fully articulate the divinity of the Holy Spirit.
- Council of Constantinople (381 AD): This council expanded the Nicene Creed, explicitly affirming the divinity and co-equality of the Holy Spirit by stating that the Spirit is “adored and glorified” with the Father and the Son.
Summary:
The line “who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified” is a powerful declaration of the Holy Spirit’s full divinity and co-equality within the Trinity. It emphasizes that the Spirit is worthy of worship and honor, just as the Father and the Son are. This teaching is grounded in Scripture and has been affirmed by the Church throughout its history, safeguarding the orthodox understanding of the Trinity and inviting us to offer praise and adoration to the three divine persons.
Reflection
“Who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified.” This powerful affirmation from the Nicene Creed resonates with the majesty and mystery of the Holy Trinity, inviting us to a deeper reverence and intimacy with the God who is three in one.
Imagine a symphony orchestra, each instrument distinct yet harmoniously interwoven, creating a breathtaking masterpiece. The Father is the composer, the Son the conductor, and the Holy Spirit the music itself, flowing through and uniting all. This image, though limited, helps us grasp the profound unity and co-equality within the Trinity, where the Spirit, along with the Father and the Son, is adored and glorified.
Too often, we relegate the Holy Spirit to the background, focusing primarily on the Father and the Son. Yet, the Nicene Creed reminds us that the Spirit is not a junior partner in the Godhead, but a fully divine person, co-eternal and co-equal with the Father and the Son. The Spirit shares in their divine essence, their will, and their glory.
This realization transforms our understanding of worship. We are called to adore and glorify the Holy Spirit, just as we do the Father and the Son. We offer our praise, our thanksgiving, and our love to the Spirit, recognizing the Spirit’s active presence in our lives and in the world.
The Spirit is the Advocate, the Comforter, the one who guides us into all truth. The Spirit empowers us to live as Christ’s disciples, to bear witness to the Gospel, and to build up the Church. The Spirit is the source of all spiritual gifts, equipping us for service and empowering us to live lives of holiness and love.
As we grow in intimacy with the Holy Spirit, we deepen our relationship with the entire Trinity. We begin to see the interconnectedness of the three persons, the dynamic flow of love and life that binds them together. We experience the Spirit’s presence in our prayers, in our relationships, and in the world around us.
Every moment becomes an opportunity to encounter the Trinity in a new way. In the beauty of creation, we see the Spirit’s artistry, weaving together the intricate tapestry of life. In acts of love and service, we participate in the Spirit’s work of compassion and healing. In moments of quiet contemplation, we open ourselves to the Spirit’s gentle whispers, guiding us deeper into the heart of God.
The Nicene Creed invites us to embrace the fullness of our Trinitarian faith, to adore and glorify the Holy Spirit along with the Father and the Son. As we do so, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God’s love, allowing the Spirit to lead us into a deeper intimacy with the Trinity and a fuller experience of life in all its abundance.
Discussion Questions For Prayer and Reflection
Personal Reflection & Understanding:
- Beyond Words: The text describes the Trinity as a “mystery.” How does this concept of mystery challenge or expand your understanding of God? How can we embrace the mystery of the Trinity without fully grasping it?
- Personal Encounter: When have you felt the presence of the Holy Spirit most strongly in your life? How did that experience shape your understanding of the Trinity?
- Shifting Focus: The reflection suggests we often relegate the Holy Spirit to the background. How might actively “adoring and glorifying” the Holy Spirit change your daily life and prayer?
Theological Exploration:
- Co-equal and Distinct: How does the phrase “co-equal and co-eternal” help you understand the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? How can they be distinct persons yet one God?
- The Spirit’s Work: What are some specific ways the Holy Spirit is active in the world today? How can we better recognize and cooperate with the Spirit’s work?
- Spiritual Gifts: The text mentions the Spirit as the source of all spiritual gifts. What gifts has the Spirit given you? How are you using those gifts to serve God and others?
Living the Trinity:
- Trinitarian Relationships: How can our human relationships reflect the love and unity of the Trinity?
- Worship and Adoration: How can we incorporate adoration of the Holy Spirit into our worship, both individually and communally?
- Everyday Encounters: The reflection suggests that every moment can be an opportunity to encounter the Trinity. How can we become more attuned to the presence of the Trinity in our daily lives?
- Transformation and Growth: How can a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit lead to personal transformation and spiritual growth?
These questions are designed to spark thoughtful discussion and encourage readers to move beyond intellectual assent to the doctrine of the Trinity towards a more personal and intimate relationship with each person of the Godhead.
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post