InstaStudy

Understanding the Nature of God

A study exploring the profound truth of who God is, His singular identity, and His various manifestations throughout scripture.

1. The Singularity of God

1.1 One God, One Lord

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; Mark 12:29
  • Scripture consistently declares there is only one true God.
  • This one God is the sole Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer.
  • There is no plurality or division within the Godhead.

1.2 No God Beside Him

Verses: Isaiah 45:5-6; Isaiah 45:21-22; Joel 2:27
  • God explicitly states there is no other God.
  • He alone is the Savior and righteous one.
  • All worship and allegiance belong to this one God.

1.3 The Great I AM

Verses: Exodus 3:14; John 8:58; John 10:30
  • God's self-revelation as 'I AM' signifies His eternal, self-existent nature.
  • Jesus's use of 'I AM' statements identifies Him with the one God of the Old Testament.
  • This points to the singular identity of God manifested in Christ.

2. God Manifested as Father

2.1 The Eternal Spirit

Verses: John 4:24; 1 Timothy 1:17; Luke 24:39
  • God, in His essence, is an invisible, eternal Spirit.
  • He is immortal, invisible, and the only wise God.
  • As Spirit, He does not have a physical body.

2.2 Creator and Sustainer

Verses: Genesis 1:1; Nehemiah 9:6; Colossians 1:16-17
  • The one God is the ultimate source and creator of all things.
  • He sustains the universe by His power.
  • He is the Father of creation and humanity.

2.3 The Father of the Son

Verses: Isaiah 9:6; John 14:9; Colossians 2:9
  • 'Father' refers to God's role as the source and origin of the divine nature in Christ.
  • Jesus declared, 'He who has seen Me has seen the Father.'
  • The fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily in Christ.

3. God Manifested as Son (Jesus Christ)

3.1 God Incarnate

Verses: John 1:1; John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16
  • The eternal God (the Word) became flesh and dwelt among us.
  • Jesus is not a separate divine person, but God Himself veiled in human form.
  • God was manifested in the flesh for our salvation.

3.2 Deity and Humanity United

Verses: Philippians 2:6-8; Colossians 1:19; Hebrews 1:3
  • Jesus possessed both full deity and full humanity.
  • He emptied Himself of divine prerogatives, taking the form of a servant.
  • He is the express image of God's person.

3.3 The Name Above All Names

Verses: Philippians 2:9-11; Acts 4:12; Colossians 3:17
  • God has highly exalted Jesus and given Him the name above every name.
  • Salvation is found in no other name than Jesus Christ.
  • All things are to be done in the name of the Lord Jesus.

4. God Manifested as Holy Spirit

4.1 The Spirit of God

Verses: Genesis 1:2; Psalm 139:7-8; Romans 8:9-11
  • The Holy Spirit is not a separate person, but the active presence and power of the one God.
  • God's Spirit is omnipresent, filling all things.
  • The Spirit of God is the Spirit of Christ dwelling within believers.

4.2 Indwelling and Empowerment

Verses: Acts 1:8; Acts 2:4; Ephesians 1:13-14
  • The Holy Spirit empowers believers for witness and service.
  • Receiving the Holy Spirit is a distinct experience, often evidenced by speaking in tongues.
  • The Spirit is the seal and guarantee of our inheritance.

4.3 Guide and Comforter

Verses: John 14:16-18; John 16:13; Romans 8:26
  • The Spirit guides believers into all truth.
  • He acts as our Comforter and Helper.
  • The Spirit intercedes for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.