[Glossary] Ideas versus Words

1. (Clark 1993, 10-11): "This short address [1 Peter:1-2], by declaring that Father, Son, and Holy Spirit act unitedly in the salvation of men, substantiates the doctrine of the Trinity and rules out all forms of unitarianism. From a crabbedly literal viewpoint, the Trinity and the Nicene phrase, 'of the same essence' are, as the Arians insisted in their struggle against Athanasius, not mentioned in the Bible. And for that matter neither is the Holy Ghost called a person. But the important point is not the presence or absence of certain words; the important point is the presence or absence of certain ideas. Wolves in sheep's clothing sometimes disguise themselves in a surface loyalty to Scriptural wording in order to deny Scriptural teaching. There is no mention of vicarious or substitutionary atonement -- atonement, yes; substitution, no. Therefore they argue, let us not insist that Christ took our place and suffered in our stead. These words do not occur in Scripture. Correct; but Peter soon emphasizes the ideas and doctrines. And in these first two verses the Trinity is taught. Unless the three Persons are substantially equal in power and glory, how could we account for their conjunction, cooperation, and relationship as taken for granted throughout the New Testament? A mere man and God Almighty could not be so linked. And so it may be said, as others have said before, that God the Father plans salvation, God the Son merits salvation, and God the Spirit applies salvation. Grace unto you and peace be multiplied."

The important point is not the presence or absence of certain words; the important point is the presence or absence of certain ideas.


Reference:

Clark, Gordon H. 1993. New Heavens, New Earth: A Commentary on First and Second Peter. Jefferson, Maryland: The Trinity Foundation.

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