Why the Filioqué is Biblical
In the Nicene Creed, we as Anglicans of the Reformation say "I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceedeth from the Father and the Son; Who with the Father and Son together is worshiped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets."
The Eastern Orthodox (together with many "Anglicans") dispute our assertion that the person of the Holy Ghost proceeds from both the Father and the Son (the "Filioqué"). Their reasons have to do with Church history, but if the assertion Biblical, does history trump it? No.
The Bible says that the Holy Spirit is ALWAYS manifested in the Church as grace, mercy and peace. These fruits of the Spirit are ALWAYS represented as sent from both the Father and the Son. The pattern, repeated by three apostles (Paul, Peter and John) is unmistakeable. Read for yourself.
- Romans 1:7
To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
- 1 Corinthians 1:3
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 1:2
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Galatians 1:3
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,
- Ephesians 1:2
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Philippians 1:2
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:1
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:2
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
- 1 Timothy 1:2
To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
- 2 Timothy 1:2
To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Titus 1:4
To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
- Philemon 1:3
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
- 1 Peter 1:2
according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.
- 2 Peter 1:2
May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
- 2 John 1:3
Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father's Son, in truth and love.
To not teach the Trinitarian pattern that the Apostles thought was intrinsic to our knowledge of God is simply heresy, and it doesn't matter what historical circumstances caused the "Filioqué" to be added to the Creed.
It is schismatic to deny the Trinitarian pattern, that Scripture being the Word of God is spoken by the Holy Ghost in both the old and new Covenants, that He represents not only Himself but also the Father and the Son. Furthermore, the Trinitarian pattern is inextricably linked to the Gospel which must be preached, namely of "grace, mercy and peace". To be specific, the Gospel is properly understood as "justification by grace alone" according to the mercy of "substitutionary atonement", the evidence whereof is both peace with God and among the Elect brethren in the Church.