InstaStudy

Turning Back to the One True God: The Life-Changing Power of Repentance in Jesus’ Name

A deep-dive Bible study exploring the absolute oneness of God, the essential nature of biblical repentance, and the transformative power of the name of Jesus in the believer's life.

1. The Identity of the One True God

1.1 The Absolute Oneness of God

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; James 2:19
  • God is absolutely and numerically one, with no division of nature or essence.
  • The Old Testament consistently affirms that there is no Savior or God besides the Lord.
  • Acknowledging the singular oneness of God is the foundational starting point of true biblical faith.

1.2 God Manifest in the Flesh

Verses: John 1:1-14; 1 Timothy 3:16; Colossians 2:9
  • Jesus Christ is the one true God of the Old Testament manifested in human flesh.
  • In Jesus dwells all the fullness of the Godhead in a bodily form.
  • To see and know Jesus is to see and know the Father.

2. The Call to True Repentance

2.1 Defining Biblical Repentance

Verses: 2 Corinthians 7:10; Proverbs 28:13; Luke 13:3
  • Repentance is a complete turning away from sin and a total turning toward God.
  • It involves godly sorrow that leads to a change of mind, heart, and direction, rather than mere regret.
  • Without genuine repentance, reconciliation with the one true God is impossible.

2.2 The First Step in the Gospel Response

Verses: Acts 2:38; Mark 1:15; Acts 17:30
  • Repentance is the indispensable first step in responding to the saving message of the Gospel.
  • It prepares the human heart to receive the cleansing power of water baptism and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
  • God commands all people everywhere to repent, making it a universal requirement for salvation.

3. The Power of the Name of Jesus

3.1 The Supreme Name for Salvation

Verses: Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 3:17
  • There is no other name given under heaven by which humanity can be saved except the name of Jesus.
  • The name of Jesus carries the full authority, power, and presence of the Almighty God.
  • Every aspect of the believer's walk, word, and deed should be anchored in the authority of His name.

3.2 Remission of Sins Through His Name

Verses: Luke 24:47; Acts 10:43; Acts 22:16
  • Jesus commanded that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name starting at Jerusalem.
  • Through faith in His name, everyone who believes receives forgiveness and the washing away of sins.
  • Invoking the name of Jesus is the key that unlocks the covenant blessings of the New Birth.

4. Walking in Newness of Life

4.1 Water Baptism in Jesus' Name

Verses: Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:27
  • Water baptism is the spiritual burial of the old, repentant lifestyle.
  • According to apostolic pattern, baptism must be administered by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.
  • By being baptized into Christ, believers put on Christ and are identified with His death and resurrection.

4.2 The Infilling of the Holy Spirit

Verses: Acts 2:4; John 3:5; Romans 8:9
  • The promise of the Holy Spirit is the spiritual resurrection that follows the burial of repentance and baptism.
  • The Holy Spirit provides the divine power necessary to live a holy, transformed life set apart for God.
  • Being born of both water and Spirit is essential for entering the Kingdom of God.