--- title: "Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity | Westminster Confession of Faith" description: "Westminster Confession of Faith, chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity 1. There is but one only, living, and true God: who is infinite in being and perfection, a most pure spirit, invisible, witho" canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-2-god-and-of-the-holy-trinity/" source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=19" --- # Chapter 2: Of God, and of the Holy Trinity | Westminster Confession of Faith 1. There is but one only, living, and true God: who is infinite in being and perfection, a most pure spirit, invisible, without body, parts, or passions, immutable, immense, eternal, incomprehensible, almighty, most wise, most holy, most free, most absolute, working all things according to the counsel of His own immutable and most righteous will, for His own glory; most loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him; and withal, most just and terrible in His judgments, hating all sin, and who will by no means clear the guilty. Scripture proofs: Deut. 6:4, 1 Cor. 8:4, 6; 1 Thess. 1:9; Jer. 10:10; Job 11:7-9; Job 26:14; John 4:24; 1 Tim. 1:17; Deut. 4:15-16; John 4:24 with Luke 24:39; Acts 14:11, 15; Jas. 1:17; Mal. 3:6; 1 Kings 8:27; Jer. 23: 23-24; Ps. 90:2; 1 Tim. 1:17; Ps. 145:3; Gen. 17:1; Rev. 4:8; Rom. 16:27; Isa. 6: 3; Rev. 4:8; Ps. 115:3; Ex. 3:14; Eph. 1: 11; Prov. 16:4; Rom. 11:36; 1 John 4:8, 16; Ex. 34:6-7; Heb. 11:6; Neh. 9:32-33; Ps. 5:5-6; Nah. 1:2-3; Ex. 34:7. 2. God hath all life, glory, goodness, blessedness, in and of Himself; and is alone in and unto Himself all-sufficient, not standing in need of any creatures which He hath made, nor deriving any glory from them, but only manifesting His own glory in, by, unto, and upon them: He is the alone fountain of all being, of whom, through whom, and to whom are all things; and hath most sovereign dominion over them, to do by them, for them, or upon them whatsoever Himself pleaseth. In His sight all things are open and manifest; His knowledge is infinite, infallible, and independent upon the creature, so as nothing is to Him contingent, or uncertain. He is most holy in all His counsels, in all His works, and in all His commands. To Him is due from angels and men, and every other creature, whatsoever worship, service or obedience He is pleased to require of them. Scripture proofs: John 5:26; Acts 7:2; Ps. 119:68; 1 Tim. 6:15; Rom. 9:5; Acts 17:24-25; Job 22: 2-3; Rom. 11:36; Rev. 4:11; 1 Tim. 6: 15; Dan. 4:25, 35; Heb. 4:13; Rom. 11: 33-34; Ps. 147:5; Acts 15:18; Ezek. 11:5; Ps. 145:17; Rom. 7:12; Rev. 5:12-14. 3. In the unity of the Godhead there be three persons, of one substance, power, and eternity; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. The Father is of none, neither begotten, nor proceeding: the Son is eternally begotten of the Father: the Holy Ghost eternally proceeding from the Father and the Son. Scripture proofs: 1 John 5:7; Matt. 3:16-17; Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; John 1:14, 18; John 15: 26; Gal. 4:6. ## For kids — a study explanation (ages 10–13) These explanations are separate from the official text above. Words to knowTrinityThe one God who is three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.EternalWithout beginning or end.Begotten and proceedingWords for the Son’s and Spirit’s eternal relationships within God; they do not mean being created or starting to exist. ### WCF 2.1 · There is one living God There is only one true God. He is Spirit, without a body or parts, and never changes. He has no beginning or end, knows perfectly, and can do all his holy will. We cannot fully understand him. His love and mercy are perfect, and he is never controlled by changing creaturely moods. He forgives sin, judges justly, and never treats evil as harmless. Explore the ScripturesDeuteronomy 6:4; 1 Corinthians 8:4; 1 Thessalonians 1:9. Talk about itWhy is it comforting that God never changes? [Read original paragraph 1 →](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-2-god-and-of-the-holy-trinity/#paragraph-1) ### WCF 2.2 · God does not need us God has life, goodness, and joy in himself. He did not create because he lacked something. Everything depends on him, but he depends on nothing he made. He knows everything perfectly, including our thoughts. All he does is holy. We owe him the worship and obedience he requires. Explore the ScripturesJohn 5:26; Acts 7:2; Psalm 119:68. Talk about itWho depends on whom: God on us, or us on God? [Read original paragraph 2 →](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-2-god-and-of-the-holy-trinity/#paragraph-2) ### WCF 2.3 · Father, Son, and Holy Spirit The one God is three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each is fully God, with the same divine nature, power, and eternity. They are not three gods. The Son is eternally begotten of the Father; the Spirit eternally proceeds from the Father and Son. These relationships have no beginning and do not mean anyone was created. Explore the ScripturesMatthew 3:16–17; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14. Talk about itHow can we confess one God while naming three persons? [Read original paragraph 3 →](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-2-god-and-of-the-holy-trinity/#paragraph-3) ### Discuss and remember Read the chapter together, then choose a question to talk about. - How is the living God different from things people make or imagine? - What does it mean to worship the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as one God? #### Scripture to remember Deuteronomy 6:4 [Read the memory passage in our Bible reader →](https://ctkrp.org/bible/?q=Deuteronomy%206%3A4) Read the passage in context. Explain it in your own words, then practice one short phrase at a time. Review it together during the week. #### Put it into practice Name one truth about God from this chapter and thank Him for it in prayer. [Find help for family worship](https://ctkrp.org/family-worship/) Original source: [2026 RPCNA Constitution](https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=19) ## Related reading - [What does “Reformed” mean?](https://ctkrp.org/learn/what-is-reformed/) - [Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 4: What is God?](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-4-what-is-god/) - [Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 7: What is God?](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-7-what-is-god/) - [Find teaching on god](https://ctkrp.org/sermons/?q=God) - [Read RP Testimony chapter 2](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-2-god-and-of-the-holy-trinity/) - [Chapter 1](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-1-holy-scripture/) - [Chapter 3](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-3-gods-eternal-decree/) Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-2-god-and-of-the-holy-trinity/