The Holy, Unified, and Mission-Driven Church
A comprehensive Bible study on the Church's calling to maintain holiness, stand unified in the truth of the one true God, and actively proclaim the saving name of Jesus Christ until His glorious return.
1. The Revelation of the One True God
1.1 Absolute Monotheism in Scripture
Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; Mark 12:29
- God is absolutely one, with no division of persons in His essential being.
- The Old Testament consistently affirms that there is no Savior besides Yahweh.
- Jesus confirmed the Shema as the first and greatest commandment.
1.2 The Fullness of God in Jesus Christ
Verses: Colossians 2:9; John 14:9; 1 Timothy 3:16
- Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God, containing the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
- To see Jesus is to see the Father, as He is the Father manifested in the flesh.
- The name of Jesus is the supreme name revealed for salvation and worship.
2. The Gospel of Salvation in Jesus' Name
2.1 The Apostolic Pattern of the New Birth
Verses: John 3:5; Acts 2:38; Titus 3:5
- Salvation requires a complete spiritual rebirth of both water and Spirit.
- The Apostle Peter laid down the foundational plan of salvation on the Day of Pentecost.
- Repentance is the essential first step of turning away from sin toward God.
2.2 Water Baptism in the Name of Jesus
Verses: Acts 8:16; Acts 19:5; Romans 6:3-4
- The early church consistently baptized converts in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.
- Baptism in Jesus' name applies the singular name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost as commanded in Matthew 28:19.
- Water baptism represents burial with Christ and the washing away of sins.
2.3 The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46; Romans 8:9
- The infilling of the Holy Spirit is promised to all believers as an essential part of the New Covenant.
- Speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance is the initial physical evidence of this baptism.
- The Holy Spirit provides the internal power needed to live a victorious Christian life.
3. The Mandate of Holiness and Separation
3.1 Pursuing Inward and Outward Holiness
Verses: 1 Peter 1:15-16; Hebrews 12:14; 2 Corinthians 7:1
- Believers are commanded to be holy in all aspects of conduct, reflecting God's own holiness.
- Holiness is essential for spiritual sight, as scripture states that without it, no one will see the Lord.
- True sanctification involves cleansing ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit.
3.2 Separation from the World
Verses: 2 Corinthians 6:17; Romans 12:1-2; James 4:4
- The Church is called to come out from the world and be distinct in lifestyle, values, and devotion.
- Believers must resist conforming to the patterns of this world, being transformed by the renewing of their minds.
- Friendship with the world's corrupt systems constitutes spiritual unfaithfulness to God.
4. Unity, Mission, and the Blessed Hope
4.1 Unity in the Truth of the Spirit
Verses: Ephesians 4:3-6; John 17:21-23; Philippians 2:2
- The Church must strive to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
- True biblical unity is grounded in the shared confession of one Lord, one faith, and one baptism.
- Unity among believers serves as a powerful witness to the world of Christ's sending authority.
4.2 Active Proclamation of the Gospel
Verses: Luke 24:47; Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15-16
- The Church is commissioned to preach repentance and remission of sins in Jesus' name to all nations.
- The Holy Spirit empowers believers to be active witnesses from local communities to the ends of the earth.
- Proclaiming the gospel is an urgent task that must be pursued continuously.
4.3 Watching and Preparing for His Return
Verses: Titus 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 2 Peter 3:11-12
- The Church eagerly anticipates the blessed hope of the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
- Believers must live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age while waiting for His return.
- The expectation of Christ's imminent return motivates holy living and urgent evangelism.