InstaStudy

The Doctrine of the One True God: A Central Message of Reconciliation.

This study explores the foundational truth of God's singular nature and how this understanding is central to His plan of reconciling humanity to Himself. We will examine scriptural declarations of God's oneness, His manifestation in Jesus Christ, and the role of His Spirit in bringing about salvation and restoration.

1. The Absolute Oneness of God

1.1 God is One, Not a Multiplicity of Persons

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; Isaiah 44:6; Mark 12:29
  • There is only one God, eternally existing and indivisible in His essence.
  • He is the sole Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer of all things.
  • The scriptures consistently declare His singular identity and unique sovereignty.

1.2 The Lord is the Only God

Verses: Isaiah 45:5-6; 1 Corinthians 8:4-6; Ephesians 4:4-6
  • There is no God besides Him; all other gods are false or human constructs.
  • This one God is the Father of all, from whom all things come.
  • Our worship and allegiance are due to this one true God alone.

2. God Manifested in Christ

2.1 Jesus is the Fullness of God Incarnate

Verses: Colossians 2:9; John 1:1; John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16
  • In Jesus Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
  • Jesus is God revealed in human flesh, the visible manifestation of the invisible God.
  • He is both fully divine and fully human, bridging the gap between God and man.

2.2 Jesus as the Father Revealed

Verses: Isaiah 9:6; John 14:7-9; John 10:30
  • Jesus is identified as the 'Everlasting Father' in prophecy.
  • To see Jesus is to see the Father; He perfectly represents God's character and will.
  • His declaration 'I and my Father are one' speaks to His singular divine identity.

2.3 The Authority and Name of Jesus

Verses: Matthew 28:18-19; Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9-11
  • All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus.
  • Salvation is found in no other name; it is the only name by which we must be saved.
  • Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God.

3. The Holy Spirit as God's Spirit

3.1 The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God Himself

Verses: John 4:24; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Romans 8:9-11
  • God is Spirit, and the Holy Spirit is the very presence, power, and essence of God.
  • The Lord is that Spirit, indicating the unity of God and His Spirit.
  • The Spirit of Christ dwelling in believers is the Spirit of God Himself.

3.2 The Holy Spirit's Work in Believers

Verses: Acts 1:8; Acts 2:4; Galatians 5:22-23
  • The Holy Spirit empowers believers for witness, service, and spiritual growth.
  • Receiving the Holy Spirit is a transformative experience, often evidenced by speaking in other tongues.
  • The Spirit produces divine fruit in the lives of those who walk in obedience to God.

4. Reconciliation Through the One God

4.1 God Initiates Reconciliation

Verses: 2 Corinthians 5:18-19; Romans 5:10-11
  • God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them.
  • We were reconciled to God through the death of His Son while we were still enemies.
  • This divine initiative restores our broken relationship with the one true God.

4.2 The Message of Reconciliation

Verses: 2 Corinthians 5:20; Ephesians 2:16-18
  • We are ambassadors for Christ, entrusted with the message of reconciliation.
  • Through the cross, God abolished hostility and brought peace between Himself and humanity.
  • Access to the Father is granted through the one Spirit, uniting us in Christ.

4.3 The Goal of Reconciliation

Verses: Colossians 1:20-22; Revelation 21:3-4
  • God's purpose is to present us holy, blameless, and irreproachable before Him.
  • Reconciliation culminates in God dwelling with His people, and He will be their God.
  • A restored and eternal relationship with the one true God is the ultimate outcome.