The Trinity, the Virgin Birth, and Everything Else

The Trinity, the Virgin Birth, and Everything Else

Luke, 1:26-38

            What do you have to believe to be a Christian?  Different denominations have different answers to that question, of course, with each one touting its dogmatically doctrinal take on the issue.  Some are very simple; some more complex.  Each of us subscribes to that set of principles which best fits our spiritual outlook.  But, at the root, what is absolutely necessary to believe in order to call oneself a Christian?

            Do I have to believe in the Trinity?  Good question!  You won’t find the doctrine of the Trinity stated as such in the Bible.  In John 14:15-17, Jesus promises to send a Helper (Comforter in some translations) who will be the “Spirit of truth,” but doesn’t mention the Holy Spirit by name.  Paul speaks of the Holy Spirit frequently. I believe it is on these references, more than any other Scripture, that the doctrine of the Trinity is based. 

            I know some very sincere Christians who have trouble with the doctrine of the Trinity.  They don’t deny the divinity of Christ, but aren’t sure the Holy Spirit is a third, separate person in the Godhead.  I believe their doubts center on the fact that Jesus doesn’t use Trinitarian language.  He says, “I and my Father are one,” but doesn’t include the Holy Spirit.

            So—do I have to believe in the Trinity to be a Christian?  As far as I’m concerned, no; but you may see it differently.  This doesn’t mean that I don’t believe in the Trinity, only that I don’t believe it’s essential.

            Do I have to believe in the virgin birth?  Matthew and Luke focus on Mary’s virginity in their birth accounts.  They speak of the Holy Spirit as the One who causes her to be with child.  In order for Jesus to be both truly and properly human and truly and properly God, he would have had to have been born of a human woman; but was it necessary for her to be a virgin?  What’s difference does it make? 

From our vantage point, when DNA tests can accurately determine paternity, perhaps not much.  In the first century, the only way a man could be sure he was the father of a child was if he knew absolutely that the mother was a virgin.  This was essential in the matter of inheritance.  If it could be proved that a woman could have had a child by another man, the paternity of any of her children would be in doubt, and who inherited what became an issue

            So—how important is Mary’s virginity to the Christian belief system?  It could be very important in proving that Jesus was really the Son of God.  But is it essential?  As far as I’m concerned, probably not; but you may see it differently.

            What do I have to believe?  The church of which I am a member has a very simple confession of faith.  Every Sunday we say:  “I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, and I confess him as my Lord and Savior.”  We also ask each prospective member to make this confession.  Say you believe, and you’re in.  No further questions asked.

            While that may not be enough for some people, it’s enough for me.  Jesus Christ is exactly who he said he was—the Son of God.  I accept that unquestioningly.  I also acknowledge that Jesus Christ is my Savior—that by his life, death and resurrection I have been reconciled with God.  Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life.  I give him my complete allegiance.  I serve God through Jesus’ two commands:  Love God, and love neighbor. 

I believe that as long as I fulfill these requirements, I can consider myself Jesus’ faithful servant, and be in a right relationship with God.  Everything else is secondary.