I have decided to teach some lessons this year called “Primers”. These lessons are designed to introduce people to some of the more difficult subject areas in Christianity. Probably one of the reasons that they are seldom taught in the church. The major topics will include Theology, Church History, The Bible, and Apologetics.
Well, we had our first class and it was on the Trinity – what a heady subject to start with and to teach in only an hour. I told the class at the beginning that they were going to find themselves being a “heretic” because of the way they most likely viewed and explained the doctrine of the Trinity. I defined a heretic as person that claims to be Christian, but deny some essential aspect that has always defined Christianity both biblically and historically for the last 2000 plus years.
It’s been said, “God writes straight with crooked lines,” meaning God has allowed heresy to arise to help Christians clarify what they believe.[1] That is something that we don’t know for sure, but it often helps to go back in history and look at differing views (heresies) of the Trinity to help clarify the biblical and historical view. The Bible also says that as believers we should put our ego’s and pride aside and be willing to be corrected. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Tim 3:16). Part of discipleship, not only involves growth, but correction and we all need to allow Scripture and others to correct us on our journey.
Well the class ended and I fell that it was a success – not that everyone there had a clear understanding of the Trinity, but by their actual looks of confusion. They left that night wrestling in their minds and hearts who God really is as revealed in His Word. Hopefully, they see that God is much “bigger” then the box we often put Him in. Hopefully, they have a greater awe of God and as they pray and sing praises to His name that they will know Him just a little better than they did before.
“But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me…” (Jer 9:24).
[1] Christian History Magazine-Issue 51: Heresy in the Early Church (Carol Stream, IL: Christianity Today, 1996).
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