Grace Notes 2025-10-08
I have been writing for the past few weeks about elements that are often missing when we depart from historical, liturgical worship. So far, I have mentioned the reason why there is the reading of Scripture Lessons and the use of Psalms. This week I wish to address the employment of Trinitarian language along with the use of Biblical titles.
Trinitarian language reflects Biblical usage, especially in the New Testament. More than the generic word ‘God’ is used to address the deity. The names Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are used with many other titles in combination with these names.
Consider the Apostolic Greeting that the Apostle Paul uses repeatedly in his letters, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Mention of the Spirit often follows soon after.
And then a whole slew of titles is utilized. Here are just a few for the three Persons of the Holy Trinity: Heavenly Father, Father of Lights, God Almighty, God our Provider, the Christ (Messiah), King of kings, the Lamb (often the Lamb that was slain), the Word, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, I could go on. There are hundreds of titles and terms for God in the Bible.
God has fully revealed Himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is in this name that we are baptized (cf. Mt. 28:19). And it is in contemplating the joint work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit that we best understand our salvation. The Father sends His Son to bear the wrath of God against all sin, and the Holy Spirit testifies to Jesus being the Christ, God’s Son, and He indwells believers making salvation possible.
In liturgical worship not only will you grow accustomed to Biblical titles like the Lord of Sabaoth (hosts), Emmanuel, the Lamb of God who was slain, the Alpha and Omega, and the Good Shepherd; but you will be enriched by their meaning.
Since You Asked
What is an Alb? And why does our Pastor wear one?
Alb (from the Latin “white”): a white ankle-length vestment with sleeves, often gathered at the waist with a cincture, worn by all ranks of ministers, ordained and unordained. The classical tunic became a specific church vestment about the fifth century. One of the functions of an ordained minister in our tradition is for that person to represent Christ to the people. Christ is pictured in the Book of Revelation with a white robe. The white robe is also a symbol of his righteousness. For this reason, the alb is a proper covering for the presiding minister with the function of representing Christ to the people. (from “Manual on the Liturgy” companion to the LBW, from Augsburg Pub.)