The Undivided God: A Journey Through Scripture
An exploration of the unified nature of God as revealed throughout the Old and New Testaments.
1. God's Singular Identity in the Old Testament
1.1 The Shema and the Oneness of God
Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:5
- The foundational declaration of Israel affirms 'The Lord our God, the Lord is one.'
- Isaiah emphasizes God's uniqueness, stating, 'Besides me there is no God.'
1.2 God's Manifestation in Different Roles
Verses: Exodus 3:2; Judges 6:14
- God appeared to Moses in the burning bush, acting as the Angel of the Lord.
- The Angel of the Lord is identified as God, demonstrating His presence and power.
2. The Fullness of God in Jesus Christ
2.1 Jesus as the Embodiment of the Godhead
Verses: Colossians 2:9; John 10:30
- Paul declares that 'in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.'
- Jesus states, 'I and the Father are one,' revealing His divine identity.
2.2 Jesus' Names and Titles Reflecting Divinity
Verses: Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1
- Jesus is prophesied as 'Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.'
- John identifies Jesus as 'the Word,' who was with God and was God.
2.3 The Works of Jesus as Divine Actions
Verses: John 14:9-10; John 5:21
- Jesus states that seeing Him is seeing the Father, because the Father dwells in Him.
- Jesus raises the dead, demonstrating the same life-giving power as the Father.
3. The Holy Spirit: God's Active Presence
3.1 The Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Christ
Verses: Romans 8:9; 2 Corinthians 3:17
- Paul states that if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Him.
- The Lord is the Spirit, indicating the Holy Spirit is the presence of God.
3.2 The Holy Spirit's Role in Salvation
Verses: Acts 2:38; Titus 3:5
- Peter commands baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and the receiving of the Holy Spirit.
- God saves us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
4. Baptism in Jesus' Name
4.1 Apostolic Practice of Baptism
Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 19:5
- Peter commanded believers to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
- Disciples in Ephesus were re-baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
4.2 The Significance of Jesus' Name in Baptism
Verses: Matthew 28:19; Acts 4:12
- The command to baptize 'in the name' implies a singular name, fulfilled in Jesus.
- Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.