InstaStudy

Understanding the Nature of God

This study explores the profound nature of God, revealing His absolute unity and His multifaceted manifestation throughout scripture. We will examine how God, who is one, has revealed Himself to humanity.

1. The Absolute Unity of God

1.1 One God, One Lord

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; Mark 12:29
  • God is numerically one, a singular divine being.
  • There is no other God beside Him; He is the sole Creator and Redeemer.
  • The foundational truth of scripture is the oneness of God.

1.2 No Plurality in the Godhead

Verses: Isaiah 44:6; Isaiah 45:5; John 17:3
  • God is not a committee or a trinity of persons, but a singular, indivisible Spirit.
  • He is the only true God, and there is none like Him.
  • The Father is the one God, the ultimate source of all things.

1.3 Understanding the 'Us' in Genesis

Verses: Genesis 1:26; Genesis 11:7; Isaiah 6:8
  • The plural pronouns used by God can be understood as God speaking to His heavenly court or using a majestic plural.
  • These instances do not indicate multiple persons within the Godhead.
  • God's singular nature is consistently affirmed throughout scripture, even in these passages.

2. Jesus Christ: God Manifested in Flesh

2.1 Jesus is God Incarnate

Verses: John 1:1; John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16
  • The Word, who was God, became flesh and dwelt among us.
  • God Himself came to earth in human form as Jesus Christ.
  • Jesus is the visible manifestation of the invisible God.

2.2 The Father and the Son are One

Verses: John 10:30; John 14:9; Colossians 2:9
  • Jesus declared His absolute unity with the Father.
  • To see Jesus is to see the Father, as He is the full revelation of God.
  • All the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily in Christ.

2.3 Jesus' Deity and Humanity

Verses: Philippians 2:6-8; Hebrews 4:15; Romans 1:3-4
  • Jesus was fully God, yet He took on the form of a servant, becoming fully human.
  • He experienced human limitations and temptations, yet remained without sin.
  • His divine nature was always present, even in His human experience.

2.4 Jesus as Creator and Sustainer

Verses: Colossians 1:16-17; John 1:3; Hebrews 1:2-3
  • All things were created by Him and for Him, demonstrating His divine power.
  • He is the active agent through whom all creation came into being.
  • He upholds all things by the word of His power, sustaining the universe.

3. The Holy Spirit: God's Active Presence

3.1 The Holy Spirit is God Himself

Verses: Acts 5:3-4; 2 Corinthians 3:17; John 4:24
  • Lying to the Holy Spirit is considered lying to God.
  • The Lord is that Spirit, indicating the Spirit's divine identity.
  • God is Spirit, and the Holy Spirit is the very essence of God's being.

3.2 The Spirit of Christ

Verses: Romans 8:9-10; Galatians 4:6; Philippians 1:19
  • The Holy Spirit is identified as the Spirit of Jesus, or Christ in us.
  • Christ dwells in believers through His Spirit, making Him ever-present.
  • The Spirit is not a separate person, but God's indwelling presence and power.

3.3 Manifestations of the Spirit

Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
  • The Holy Spirit empowers believers for service and witness.
  • He bestows spiritual gifts for the edification of the church.
  • The outpouring of the Spirit is the fulfillment of God's promise to His people.

4. God's Redemptive Plan and Titles

4.1 God as Savior

Verses: Isaiah 43:11; Hosea 13:4; Titus 2:13
  • Scripture declares that there is no Savior besides God Himself.
  • Jesus Christ is revealed as our great God and Savior.
  • God's ultimate purpose is to save humanity, and He accomplished this through Christ.

4.2 The Significance of God's Names

Verses: Exodus 3:14; Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:23
  • God's names reveal His character, power, and relationship with humanity.
  • Jesus embodies all the divine names and titles, such as 'Mighty God' and 'Everlasting Father'.
  • He is the 'I AM' of the Old Testament, present and active in the New.

4.3 The Name of Jesus

Verses: Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 3:17
  • Salvation is found in no other name given among men.
  • At the name of Jesus, every knee will bow, acknowledging His supreme authority.
  • Believers are called to do all things in the name of Jesus, recognizing His power and presence.