On Trinity Sunday, we make special note of the work of all three persons of the Trinity who procure and assure our salvation. A good supplemental reading to the readings for the day is to be found in St. Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians, verses 3–11 of the first chapter. Paul explains how the Father chose us in eternity and predestined us for salvation. The work of redemption was accomplished through the shedding of blood—the blood of the Son of God, who assumed flesh, that He might redeem us. The Holy Spirit has brought us the Word of truth, the Gospel of our salvation, that we might trust in the merits of Christ. Blessed be the Holy Trinity and the undivided Unity. Let us give glory to Him because He has shown his mercy to us. (From Sunday’s Introit)
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly
than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him
be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever
and ever. Amen. (
When Isaiah
“saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high
and lifted up,” he cried out and confessed that he was “a man of unclean
lips.” If even the holy angels cover their faces in the presence of “the King, the Lord of hosts,” how can
sinful humans stand before Him (Isaiah 6:1–5)? Yet, the glory of the Lord is
saving grace, and with “a burning coal”
from the altar the angel touched Isaiah’s lips, removing his guilt (Isaiah
6:6–7). Likewise, from the altar of Christ’s cross, by the ministry of the
Gospel, “the whole earth is full of his
glory” (Isaiah 6:3). For He was crucified, died and was buried, “according to the definite plan and
foreknowledge of God,” and God “raised
him up, losing the pangs of death” (Acts 2:23–24). He “received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit” (Acts
2:33), and He rises up the fallen world by pouring out His life-giving Spirit
upon sinners through His earthly Means of Grace. To give this saving gift, God
sent His Son into the world, “that
whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John
3:16–17).
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