InstaStudy

Accurate Interpretation of the Entire Four Gospels

This study provides a comprehensive outline for understanding the four Gospels, focusing on the singular identity of God revealed in Jesus Christ, His divine nature and human manifestation, the purpose of His ministry and atonement, the essential experience of the new birth, and the practical application of the Gospel message in daily life. It aims to illuminate the profound truths presented by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John for a deeper spiritual understanding.

1. The Singular Identity of God Revealed in Jesus

1.1 Jesus as the Manifestation of the One God

Verses: John 1:1; John 1:14; Colossians 2:9
  • The Word (Logos) was God and became flesh, dwelling among us.
  • In Jesus, the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily.
  • Jesus is the visible manifestation of the invisible God, making Him known.

1.2 The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as Modes of God's Operation

Verses: Isaiah 9:6; John 14:9; John 14:16-18
  • Jesus is prophetically called 'Everlasting Father' and 'Mighty God'.
  • Seeing Jesus is seeing the Father, as God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself.
  • The Spirit is God's presence, sent by Jesus, who is also the Spirit of truth.

1.3 Jesus' Claims of Oneness with God

Verses: John 10:30; John 8:58; John 14:7-11
  • Jesus declared, 'I and my Father are one,' signifying a singular divine essence.
  • Before Abraham was, Jesus proclaimed 'I AM,' a direct claim to divine identity.
  • To know Jesus is to know the Father; they are inseparable in being and purpose.

2. Jesus' Divine Nature and Human Manifestation

2.1 The Virgin Birth and Incarnation

Verses: Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:35; John 1:14
  • Jesus was born of a virgin, conceived by the Holy Spirit, fulfilling prophecy.
  • He is 'God with us' (Immanuel), demonstrating God's presence among humanity.
  • The divine Word became human flesh, taking on a physical body.

2.2 Jesus' Miracles as Demonstrations of Divine Power

Verses: Mark 4:39; Luke 7:21-22; John 11:43-44
  • Jesus commanded nature, demonstrating His authority over creation.
  • He healed all manner of sickness and cast out demons, showing His power over disease and evil.
  • Raising the dead proved His ultimate power over life and death.

2.3 Jesus' Sinlessness and Perfection

Verses: Hebrews 4:15; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:22
  • He was tempted in every way, yet remained without sin.
  • He knew no sin, becoming sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
  • He committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth, making Him the perfect sacrifice.

3. The Purpose of Jesus' Ministry and Atonement

3.1 Preaching the Kingdom of God

Verses: Mark 1:14-15; Luke 4:43; Matthew 4:17
  • Jesus proclaimed the good news of God's reign and sovereignty.
  • He called people to repent and believe the gospel, initiating a new covenant.
  • The Kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future hope.

3.2 The Sacrifice on the Cross for Atonement

Verses: Isaiah 53:5; Romans 5:8; 1 Peter 3:18
  • He was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities, bearing our sins.
  • God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
  • Christ suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring us to God.

3.3 Resurrection and Exaltation

Verses: Romans 1:4; Acts 2:36; Philippians 2:9-11
  • Jesus was declared to be the Son of God with power by His resurrection from the dead.
  • God made Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.
  • God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow.

4. The New Birth and the Indwelling Spirit

4.1 The Necessity of Water Baptism in Jesus' Name

Verses: John 3:5; Acts 2:38; Acts 19:5
  • One must be born of water and the Spirit to enter the Kingdom of God.
  • Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.
  • Those who heard were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, signifying their identification with Him.

4.2 Receiving the Holy Spirit with the Evidence of Tongues

Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:45-46; Acts 19:6
  • They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
  • The Gentiles also received the gift of the Holy Spirit, for they heard them speaking with tongues and magnifying God.
  • When Paul laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.

4.3 The Spirit as God's Indwelling Presence

Verses: 1 Corinthians 6:19; Romans 8:9; Galatians 2:20
  • Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in us, whom we have from God.
  • If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.
  • It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me through the Spirit.

5. Living Out the Gospel Message

5.1 Discipleship and Following Jesus' Teachings

Verses: Matthew 16:24; John 13:34-35; Luke 6:46
  • Take up your cross and follow Him, denying self and prioritizing Christ.
  • Love one another as He has loved us, demonstrating true discipleship.
  • Why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I say? Obedience is key.

5.2 Evangelism and Spreading the Good News

Verses: Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8
  • Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to observe all things.
  • Preach the gospel to every creature, sharing the message of salvation.
  • You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be witnesses to the ends of the earth.

5.3 Holiness and Sanctification

Verses: 1 Peter 1:15-16; Hebrews 12:14; 2 Corinthians 7:1
  • Be holy in all your conduct, as He who called you is holy.
  • Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
  • Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.