InstaStudy

The Nature of God: One Lord, One Spirit, One Savior

This study explores the profound truth of God's singular nature, revealing Him as the one eternal Spirit who manifested Himself in the flesh as Jesus Christ, and who continues to work through His Spirit in the world today.

1. The Singular Identity of God

1.1 God is One

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; Isaiah 44:6
  • The foundational truth of scripture is that there is only one God.
  • This one God is the sole Creator, Redeemer, and King.
  • There is no other God beside Him.

1.2 No Plurality in the Godhead

Verses: Isaiah 45:5; Isaiah 45:21-22; Malachi 2:10
  • Scripture consistently declares God's singular identity, not a plurality of persons.
  • God does not share His glory or identity with another.
  • The concept of multiple divine persons is not found in the Old Testament.

1.3 The Lord is His Name

Verses: Exodus 3:14-15; Psalm 83:18; Isaiah 42:8
  • God revealed Himself by the name YHWH (LORD), signifying His eternal, self-existent nature.
  • This name belongs exclusively to the one true God.
  • His name declares His unique and singular being.

2. God Manifested in Christ

2.1 Jesus is God Incarnate

Verses: John 1:1; John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16; Colossians 2:9
  • The eternal God, who is Spirit, took on human flesh.
  • Jesus is not a separate person from God, but God Himself revealed in humanity.
  • In Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.

2.2 Jesus as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Verses: Isaiah 9:6; John 10:30; John 14:9; John 14:16-18
  • Jesus is the 'Everlasting Father' and 'Mighty God' in human form.
  • He declared, 'I and my Father are one.'
  • He promised to send 'another Comforter,' which is Himself in Spirit form.

2.3 The Name Above All Names

Verses: Philippians 2:9-11; Acts 2:36; Acts 4:12
  • God exalted Jesus and gave Him the name above every name.
  • Jesus is Lord, the very name of God revealed in the New Testament.
  • Salvation is found in no other name than Jesus.

2.4 Jesus as Creator and Redeemer

Verses: Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 1:2-3; Revelation 1:8
  • All things were created by Him and for Him.
  • He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.
  • The same God who created is the one who redeems us through Christ.

3. The Holy Spirit: God's Indwelling Presence

3.1 The Spirit is God Himself

Verses: 2 Corinthians 3:17; Acts 5:3-4; Romans 8:9-11
  • The Lord is that Spirit; where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
  • Lying to the Holy Spirit is lying to God.
  • The Spirit of God dwelling in us is the Spirit of Christ.

3.2 The Spirit as God's Power and Manifestation

Verses: Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:4; John 14:26
  • The Holy Spirit is the power of God given to believers.
  • It is the manifestation of God's presence and activity in the world.
  • The Spirit teaches, guides, and empowers believers.

3.3 The Spirit's Role in Salvation

Verses: John 3:5; Acts 2:38; Titus 3:5
  • Being born of water and the Spirit is essential for entering the kingdom of God.
  • Repentance and baptism in Jesus' name for the remission of sins, and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit.
  • Salvation is by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.

4. Understanding God's Self-Revelation

4.1 Distinguishing Roles from Persons

Verses: Hebrews 1:1-2; John 1:18; John 5:37
  • God has revealed Himself in various ways throughout history.
  • The 'Father' refers to God in His eternal, invisible Spirit nature.
  • The 'Son' refers to God manifested in human flesh, Jesus Christ.

4.2 The 'Son' as a Manifestation, Not a Separate Being

Verses: Luke 1:35; Hebrews 7:3; John 8:58
  • The 'Son' refers to the humanity of God, born of a virgin.
  • Jesus had no earthly father, emphasizing His divine origin.
  • Before Abraham was, 'I AM' (Jesus' declaration of His eternal Godhead).

4.3 The 'Father' and 'Son' Relationship

Verses: John 14:7-11; John 17:21; Colossians 1:15
  • Seeing Jesus is seeing the Father, because they are one.
  • The Father dwells in the Son, and the Son does the Father's works.
  • The 'Son' is the visible image of the invisible God.