InstaStudy

Unveiling the Mysteries of God's Nature and Plan

This study explores profound truths about the identity of God, the person of Jesus Christ, and the work of the Holy Spirit, seeking to understand the scriptures in their full context regarding the divine nature and salvation.

1. The Indivisible Unity of God

1.1 God's Singular Identity

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10; Isaiah 44:6
  • Scripture consistently declares God to be one, not a plurality of persons.
  • There is no God beside Him, nor was there any before Him.
  • This oneness is foundational to all understanding of the divine.

1.2 The Lord is One

Verses: Mark 12:29; James 2:19; 1 Corinthians 8:6
  • The declaration 'The Lord our God is one Lord' emphasizes His unique and singular being.
  • This unity is not merely a unity of purpose or agreement, but of essence.
  • God's nature is indivisible and absolute.

1.3 No Other God

Verses: Isaiah 45:5; Isaiah 45:21-22; John 17:3
  • The Bible repeatedly affirms that there is only one true God.
  • Any concept of multiple divine persons diminishes this core truth.
  • All power and authority reside in this one God.

2. Understanding God's Manifestations

2.1 God as Father: The Spirit and Creator

Verses: John 4:24; Malachi 2:10; Ephesians 4:6
  • 'Father' refers to God's role as the eternal Spirit, the source of all creation.
  • He is the invisible, all-encompassing Spirit who fills all things.
  • This is God in His transcendent, pre-incarnate state.

2.2 God as Son: The Incarnation of God

Verses: John 1:14; Colossians 1:15; 1 Timothy 3:16
  • 'Son' refers to God manifest in flesh, Jesus Christ.
  • This is God's human manifestation, born of a virgin.
  • The Son is the visible image of the invisible God.

2.3 God as Holy Spirit: His Active Presence

Verses: Acts 2:4; John 14:16-18; Romans 8:9
  • 'Holy Spirit' refers to God's active, indwelling presence and power.
  • It is the Spirit of God Himself, not a separate person.
  • The Holy Spirit empowers believers and guides them into truth.

2.4 The 'Three' are One God

Verses: 1 John 5:7; Isaiah 9:6; John 10:30
  • The terms Father, Son, and Holy Spirit describe different roles or relationships of the one God.
  • They are not three distinct persons, but three ways God reveals Himself.
  • All three aspects are fully and completely the one God.

3. Jesus Christ: The Fullness of the Godhead Bodily

3.1 Jesus's Divine Nature

Verses: Colossians 2:9; John 20:28; Titus 2:13
  • Jesus is not merely a prophet or a created being, but God Himself.
  • He possesses all the attributes of deity.
  • In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead.

3.2 Jesus's Human Nature

Verses: Philippians 2:7-8; Hebrews 4:15; Luke 2:52
  • Jesus was truly human, experiencing hunger, thirst, and temptation.
  • He was born of a woman and grew in wisdom and stature.
  • This human nature allowed Him to die for our sins.

3.3 The Father Dwelling in the Son

Verses: John 14:9-10; 2 Corinthians 5:19; John 10:38
  • The Father (the Spirit) was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself.
  • Jesus declared, 'He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.'
  • The Father and the Son are not two separate beings, but the one God in two manifestations.

3.4 Jesus as the 'Everlasting Father' and 'Mighty God'

Verses: Isaiah 9:6; Revelation 1:8; Revelation 22:13
  • Prophetic scriptures identify Jesus with titles belonging to the one God.
  • He is the Creator and Sustainer, the Alpha and Omega.
  • This confirms His singular divine identity.

4. The Essential Plan of Salvation

4.1 The Significance of the Name of Jesus

Verses: Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 3:17
  • Salvation, healing, and authority are found in the name of Jesus.
  • It is the only name given among men by which we must be saved.
  • Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

4.2 Water Baptism in Jesus' Name

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; Acts 19:5
  • Water baptism is commanded for the remission of sins.
  • It is to be administered in the name of Jesus Christ, as practiced by the apostles.
  • This identifies the believer with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.

4.3 The Baptism of the Holy Spirit

Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6
  • Receiving the Holy Spirit is a distinct and essential experience for believers.
  • The initial evidence of receiving the Spirit is speaking in other tongues.
  • This empowers believers for service and a transformed life.