Jesus of Nazareth: Our Divine Grace from the One True God Through the Holy Ghost.
This study explores the profound identity of Jesus of Nazareth as the full manifestation of the One True God, revealing His divine nature and the boundless grace extended to humanity. We will delve into how the Holy Ghost operates as the very Spirit of this One God, empowering believers and guiding them into truth and salvation.
1. The One True God Revealed in Jesus Christ
1.1 God is One and There is No Other
Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; Isaiah 44:6; Mark 12:29
- The foundational truth of scripture is the singular nature of God.
- There is no God before, after, or beside Him; He is the sole Creator.
- This one God is the eternal, all-powerful, and all-knowing Sovereign.
1.2 Jesus as the Fullness of the Godhead
Verses: Colossians 2:9; John 14:8-9; 2 Corinthians 5:19
- In Jesus Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
- To see Jesus is to see the Father, for He is the visible manifestation of the invisible God.
- God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, demonstrating His presence and power.
1.3 Divine Names and Titles Applied to Jesus
Verses: Isaiah 9:6; John 20:28; Revelation 1:8; Revelation 22:13
- Jesus is called 'Mighty God' and 'Everlasting Father' in prophecy.
- Thomas declared Jesus as 'My Lord and my God,' acknowledging His deity.
- Jesus identifies Himself as the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the Almighty.
2. The Incarnation: God Manifest in Flesh
2.1 The Virgin Birth and Divine Conception
Verses: Luke 1:35; Matthew 1:20-23
- Jesus's conception was by the Holy Ghost, making Him uniquely divine.
- He was born of a virgin, fulfilling prophecy and demonstrating His supernatural origin.
- His name, Immanuel, means 'God with us,' signifying His divine presence among humanity.
2.2 Jesus's Humanity and Divinity United
Verses: John 1:14; Philippians 2:7-8; Hebrews 4:15
- The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, fully God and fully man in one person.
- He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, yet without sin.
- Jesus experienced human temptations and weaknesses, yet remained perfect and holy.
2.3 The Purpose of the Incarnation
Verses: 1 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 2:14-17; 1 John 3:8
- God was manifest in the flesh to redeem humanity from sin and death.
- He came to destroy the works of the devil and deliver us from his power.
- Through His human experience, He became a merciful and faithful high priest, able to sympathize with our weaknesses.
3. The Holy Ghost: The Spirit of the One God
3.1 The Holy Ghost as the Spirit of Jesus
Verses: John 14:16-18; Romans 8:9-11; 2 Corinthians 3:17
- Jesus promised to send 'another Comforter,' who is Himself in Spirit form.
- The Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ are interchangeable, indicating one divine Spirit.
- The Lord is that Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
3.2 The Indwelling of the Holy Ghost
Verses: Acts 2:38-39; Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 Corinthians 6:19
- The Holy Ghost is given to believers as a promise and a seal of salvation.
- It is the earnest of our inheritance, guaranteeing our future redemption and eternal life.
- Our bodies become temples of the Holy Ghost, who dwells within us, making us His dwelling place.
3.3 The Power and Work of the Holy Ghost
Verses: Acts 1:8; Romans 15:13; Galatians 5:22-23
- The Holy Ghost empowers believers for witness, service, and overcoming spiritual challenges.
- He fills us with hope, joy, and peace in believing, transforming our inner being.
- The Spirit produces fruit in our lives, such as love, joy, peace, and self-control, transforming our character.
4. Salvation and Grace Through Jesus Christ
4.1 Repentance and Water Baptism in Jesus' Name
Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; Acts 19:5
- Repentance is a necessary first step for salvation, involving a turning from sin to God.
- Water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ is for the remission of sins, as commanded by the apostles.
- This baptism identifies us with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, signifying a new life.
4.2 Receiving the Holy Ghost
Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6
- The infilling of the Holy Ghost is a distinct experience, empowering believers for spiritual life.
- Speaking in other tongues is the initial evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost, as seen in scripture.
- This experience empowers believers for a victorious Christian life and effective witness.
4.3 Living a Life of Grace and Holiness
Verses: Titus 2:11-12; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:15-16
- God's grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly.
- We are called to pursue peace with all people and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
- As He who called us is holy, so we also should be holy in all our conduct, reflecting His divine nature.