_That these three true witnesses are but one only true God._ Hereupon we confessed: That this must certainly follow, from the fact, that the Son proceeded or came forth from the eternal essence and substance of the Father; and that the Holy Ghost truly proceeds from the Father and Son, and is comprehended together with the Father and the Son in the only, eternal Divine Being.[217]
[217] These things are very difficult to understand, and above human reason; hence they are not to be comprehended by reason, but must reverently be embraced in faith.
Moreover, this is abundantly testified and confirmed by the divine works and attributes, which are ascribed in the holy Scriptures jointly to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, of which no angels in heaven, much less, any other creatures are capable, but which belong and are peculiar to the only God alone; as, the creating, governing, and upholding of heaven and earth with all things visible and invisible; the gracious Gospel sent from heaven; the sending out of the apostles to preach the same among all nations; the raising of man from the dead, and the giving of eternal life; and all divine worship, honor and reverence. Hence they are perfectly one, not only in will, words, and works, but also in essence, and in the eternal and indescribable godhead. Thus also in the divine works, so that whatsoever the Father does, the Son does likewise; and as the Father raises up the dead, even so the Son quickens whom he will; and all this they do in the power and with the cooperation of the Holy Ghost; and hence they can with reason and truth be called the _one God of heaven and earth_. Besides him, there has been no other God, neither shall another be found in all eternity. Hence in the term _one God_, Father, Son and Holy Ghost are comprehended.
On this subject read the prophet Jeremiah: “The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens. He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom.” Jer. 10:11,12; Is. 44:24; Ps. 96:5.
“By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.” Ps. 33:6; Heb. 3:4; Acts 4:24.
“All things were made by him (Christ); and without him was not anything made that was made.” John 1:3 and 5:19.
Concerning this perfect unity read: “My Father, which gave them me (says Christ) is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one.” John 10:29,30.
Christ said to Philip: “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father. Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me?” John 14:9,10; 12:45; 17:21.
How the Holy Ghost is also called God. Read what Peter said to Ananias: “Why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost?” And a little further on: “Thou has not lied unto men, but unto God.” Acts 5:3,4.
“Them that have preached the Gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven.” 1 Pet. 1:12.
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.” 2 Cor. 13:14.
“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one.” 1 John 5:7; Deut. 6:4; Mark 12:29; 1 Cor. 8:6; Gal. 3:20.