InstaStudy

The Heart of the Gospel

A study exploring the profound message of God's love and salvation as revealed in John 3:16 and throughout scripture.

1. God's Unfathomable Love

1.1 The Nature of God's Love

Verses: John 3:16; 1 John 4:8; Romans 5:8
  • God's love is unconditional and originates from His very being.
  • His love is demonstrated through His willingness to provide salvation for humanity.
  • This love is for 'the world,' encompassing all who will believe.

1.2 The One True God

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 44:6; Isaiah 45:5; John 1:1; John 1:14
  • There is only one God, the Creator of all things.
  • This one God is Spirit, infinite and eternal.
  • He is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, not as separate persons, but as different manifestations, roles, or relationships of the one God.

2. The Gift of His Son

2.1 Who is 'The Son'?

Verses: John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16; Colossians 2:9; Isaiah 9:6
  • The 'Son' refers to God Himself, the one Spirit, manifested in human flesh.
  • Jesus is not a second person of a trinity, but the visible manifestation of the invisible God.
  • In Jesus Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.

2.2 God's Sacrifice for Humanity

Verses: John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:19; Hebrews 9:22
  • God, in Christ, reconciled the world unto Himself.
  • The shedding of blood was necessary for the remission of sins.
  • Jesus' death on the cross was the ultimate act of divine love and atonement.

2.3 The Purpose of the Son's Coming

Verses: John 3:17; 1 John 3:8; Luke 19:10
  • Jesus came not to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
  • He came to destroy the works of the devil.
  • His mission was to seek and to save that which was lost.

3. The Path to Eternal Life

3.1 The Necessity of Belief

Verses: John 3:16; Mark 16:16; Hebrews 11:6
  • Eternal life is promised to those who believe in Him.
  • Belief is more than intellectual assent; it is trust and obedience.
  • Without faith, it is impossible to please God.

3.2 Repentance and Water Baptism

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; Acts 19:5; Romans 6:3-4
  • Repentance is a change of mind and heart, turning from sin to God.
  • Water baptism is commanded for the remission of sins, identifying with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.
  • Baptism is to be administered in the name of Jesus Christ, as demonstrated in the book of Acts.

3.3 Receiving the Holy Spirit

Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6; John 14:16-18
  • The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, dwelling within the believer.
  • The initial evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit is speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.
  • The Spirit empowers believers for a life of holiness and service.

4. The Transformation of the Believer

4.1 A New Creation in Christ

Verses: 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 4:22-24
  • Through faith and obedience, believers become new creations, old things pass away.
  • The old self is crucified with Christ, and Christ lives in the believer.
  • Believers are called to put off the old man and put on the new man, created in righteousness.

4.2 Living a Life of Holiness

Verses: 1 Peter 1:15-16; Hebrews 12:14; Romans 12:1-2
  • God calls His people to be holy, even as He is holy.
  • Holiness is essential for seeing the Lord.
  • Believers are to present their bodies as living sacrifices, transformed by the renewing of their minds.

4.3 The Promise of Eternal Life

Verses: John 3:16; John 10:28; Revelation 21:4
  • Those who believe and obey receive the promise of eternal life.
  • Eternal life is not just endless existence, but a quality of life in fellowship with God.
  • In the eternal state, there will be no more sorrow, pain, or death.