The Singular Nature of God and His Manifestations
An exegetical Bible study outline.
1. The Foundational Truth of One God
1.1 The Oneness of God in the Old Testament
Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:5
- The Old Testament consistently affirms that God is one.
- Deuteronomy 6:4 is a foundational declaration of God's singularity.
1.2 The Holiness of God's Singular Name
Verses: Psalm 86:10; Exodus 3:15
- God's name is holy and singular, representing His unique identity.
- Psalm 86:10 emphasizes that God alone is great and performs wondrous deeds.
2. Jesus: God Manifest in Flesh
2.1 Jesus' Declaration of Unity with the Father
Verses: John 10:30; John 14:9
- Jesus identified Himself as one with the Father.
- John 10:30 is a clear statement of unity between Jesus and the Father.
2.2 Jesus as the Manifestation of God
Verses: Colossians 1:15; 1 Timothy 3:16
- Jesus is the visible manifestation of the invisible God.
- Colossians 1:15 describes Jesus as the image of the invisible God.
2.3 The Fullness of the Godhead in Jesus
Verses: Colossians 2:9
- All the fullness of the Godhead dwells in Jesus.
- Colossians 2:9 affirms the complete divine nature of Jesus.
3. The Holy Spirit: The Manifestation of God's Power
3.1 The Holy Spirit as the Spirit of God
Verses: Romans 8:9; 2 Corinthians 3:17
- The Holy Spirit is not a separate person, but the Spirit of God.
- Romans 8:9 states that if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Him.
3.2 The Holy Spirit: God's Power and Presence
Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:38
- The Holy Spirit is the power and presence of God in believers.
- Acts 2:4 describes the infilling of the Holy Spirit as an experience of divine power.
4. The Significance of Water Baptism
4.1 Baptism in Jesus' Name
Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 19:5
- Water baptism is to be administered in the name of Jesus Christ.
- Acts 2:38 commands baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.
4.2 Apostolic Practice
Verses: Matthew 28:19; Acts 10:48
- Baptism in Jesus' name is a fulfillment of the Great Commission.
- It aligns with the apostolic practice recorded in the Book of Acts.
5. The Experience of Receiving the Holy Spirit
5.1 The Promise of the Holy Spirit
Verses: Acts 1:5; Acts 19:6
- Receiving the Holy Spirit is a distinct experience, often accompanied by speaking in tongues.
- Acts 19:6 describes believers receiving the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues.
5.2 Speaking in Tongues
Verses: 1 Corinthians 14:4; Acts 2:4
- Speaking in tongues is a sign of the Spirit's infilling and a means of personal edification.
- 1 Corinthians 14:4 states that one who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves.