InstaStudy

The Faith Once Delivered: Understanding Apostolic Truth

An exploration of the foundational truths and practices of the early church, as revealed in scripture, that constitute the faith originally entrusted to the saints.

1. The Nature of the One True God

1.1 God is One

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; Isaiah 44:6; Mark 12:29
  • Scripture consistently declares there is only one God.
  • This one God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things.
  • There is no God beside Him.

1.2 Jesus is God Manifest in Flesh

Verses: Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1; John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16; Colossians 2:9
  • Jesus is the one God revealing Himself to humanity.
  • In Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
  • He is both fully God and fully man.

1.3 The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are Manifestations of the One God

Verses: John 14:9; John 14:16-18; 2 Corinthians 3:17
  • 'Father' refers to God's relationship as Creator and Originator.
  • 'Son' refers to God incarnate, His human manifestation.
  • 'Holy Ghost' refers to God's Spirit in action, indwelling believers.

2. The Plan of Salvation: Repentance and Water Baptism

2.1 The Necessity of Repentance

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; Luke 13:3
  • Repentance is a change of mind leading to a change of life, turning from sin to God.
  • It is the initial step in receiving God's grace and forgiveness.
  • Without repentance, there can be no remission of sins.

2.2 Water Baptism in Jesus' Name

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; Acts 10:48; Acts 19:5; Colossians 3:17
  • Water baptism is for the remission of sins and is an essential part of salvation.
  • It is to be administered by immersion.
  • The apostles consistently baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

2.3 The Significance of Baptism

Verses: Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:27; 1 Peter 3:21
  • Baptism symbolizes burial with Christ and resurrection to new life.
  • It is an act of obedience and identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.
  • Through baptism, believers put on Christ.

3. The Promise of the Spirit: The Baptism of the Holy Ghost

3.1 The Promise to All Believers

Verses: Acts 2:38-39; Joel 2:28-29; John 7:38-39
  • The Holy Ghost is a gift promised to all who repent and are baptized.
  • It is the indwelling presence of God in the believer.
  • This promise extends to all generations.

3.2 The Initial Evidence of Speaking in Tongues

Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6
  • The initial, outward sign of receiving the Holy Ghost is speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.
  • This evidence was consistently present in the early church.
  • It is a supernatural manifestation of the Spirit's indwelling.

3.3 The Purpose and Power of the Holy Ghost

Verses: Acts 1:8; John 14:26; Romans 8:26
  • The Holy Ghost empowers believers for witness and service.
  • It guides, teaches, and comforts believers.
  • It enables believers to live a holy and victorious life.

4. Living the Apostolic Life: Holiness and Discipleship

4.1 Separation from the World

Verses: 2 Corinthians 6:17; Romans 12:2; 1 John 2:15-17
  • Believers are called to be distinct from the world's values and practices.
  • Holiness is not just an outward appearance but an inward transformation.
  • Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.

4.2 Practical Holiness and Righteous Living

Verses: 1 Peter 1:15-16; Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 4:22-24
  • Holiness involves living a life free from sin and dedicated to God.
  • It encompasses thoughts, words, and actions.
  • Without holiness, no one will see the Lord.

4.3 Continued Growth and Discipleship

Verses: 2 Peter 3:18; Philippians 2:12; Matthew 28:19-20
  • Believers are called to continually grow in grace and knowledge of Christ.
  • Discipleship involves learning and obeying all that Christ commanded.
  • This includes prayer, scripture study, fellowship, and evangelism.