InstaStudy

The Path to Eternal Life

A comprehensive study exploring God's divine plan for humanity's redemption and the transformative journey of faith.

1. The Nature of the One True God

1.1 God is One

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; Mark 12:29
  • There is only one God, the Creator of all things.
  • He is the sole sovereign and sustainer of the universe.
  • All other gods are false and powerless idols.

1.2 God Manifested in Christ

Verses: Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1, 14; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16
  • Jesus is God revealed in human flesh, the visible image of the invisible God.
  • The Father dwells fully within the Son, making Jesus the complete manifestation of God.
  • All the attributes and power of God are found in Jesus Christ.

1.3 The Spirit of God

Verses: John 4:24; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Romans 8:9-11
  • God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must do so in spirit and truth.
  • The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of the Lord, the active presence of God.
  • God's Spirit indwells and empowers believers for righteous living and service.

2. The Divine Plan for Salvation

2.1 Repentance from Sin

Verses: Acts 2:38; Luke 13:3; 2 Peter 3:9
  • A sincere change of mind and heart, turning away from sin and towards God.
  • It is the essential first step for the forgiveness of sins.
  • God desires all people to come to repentance and be saved.

2.2 Water Baptism in Jesus' Name

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; Acts 10:48; Acts 19:5; Romans 6:3-4
  • Performed by immersion for the remission of sins and identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.
  • Administered in the name of Jesus Christ, as commanded and practiced by the apostles.
  • It is a vital step of obedience in God's plan of salvation.

2.3 Receiving the Holy Spirit

Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6; John 7:38-39
  • The infilling of God's Spirit, promised to all who believe and obey Him.
  • The initial evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit is speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.
  • Empowers believers for a life of holiness, witness, and spiritual gifts.

3. Living a Transformed Life

3.1 Sanctification and Holiness

Verses: 1 Peter 1:15-16; Hebrews 12:14; 2 Corinthians 7:1
  • A continuous process of being set apart from sin and dedicated to God.
  • Believers are called to pursue holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
  • It involves cleansing from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

3.2 Obedience to God's Word

Verses: John 14:15; James 1:22; Psalm 119:105
  • Demonstrates our love for God and our commitment to His will.
  • God's Word serves as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, guiding our decisions.
  • Hearing and doing the Word leads to spiritual growth and blessings.

3.3 Prayer and Worship

Verses: 1 Thessalonians 5:17; John 4:23-24; Philippians 4:6-7
  • Constant communication with God is essential for spiritual strength and guidance.
  • True worship involves engaging God with our spirit and understanding His truth.
  • Through prayer and supplication, we can cast our anxieties on God and receive His peace.

4. The Church and Its Mission

4.1 The Body of Christ

Verses: Ephesians 4:4-6; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Colossians 1:18
  • There is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God.
  • All believers are united as members of the spiritual body of Christ.
  • Christ is the head of the Church, guiding and directing its purpose.

4.2 Evangelism and Discipleship

Verses: Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8
  • The great commission is to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them.
  • Believers are commanded to preach the gospel to every creature.
  • We are called to be witnesses of Christ's power and salvation to the ends of the earth.

4.3 Fellowship and Service

Verses: Hebrews 10:24-25; Galatians 5:13; Romans 12:4-5
  • Regularly assembling together to encourage one another in faith and love.
  • Serving one another through love, using our spiritual gifts for the common good.
  • As members of one body, we are called to minister to each other's needs and bear one another's burdens.