InstaStudy

A Great Mystery: Unveiling the Nature of God

This study explores the profound mystery of God's nature as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, examining His singularity, His manifestation in Jesus Christ, and His active presence through the Spirit, leading to a deeper understanding of the One True God.

1. The Singularity of God

1.1 One God, One Lord

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; Mark 12:29; 1 Timothy 2:5
  • Scripture consistently declares there is only one God.
  • This one God is the sole creator and redeemer.
  • There is no other God beside Him.

1.2 No Division in Deity

Verses: Malachi 2:10; James 2:19; 1 Corinthians 8:4-6
  • God's nature is indivisible and singular.
  • The concept of multiple 'persons' within the Godhead is not explicitly taught.
  • All divine attributes belong to this one, singular God.

2. God Manifest in Flesh: Jesus Christ

2.1 Jesus is God Incarnate

Verses: John 1:1; John 1:14; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6
  • The fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily in Jesus Christ.
  • Jesus is not merely a prophet or a created being, but God Himself revealed in human form.
  • He is the 'Mighty God' and 'Everlasting Father' in human flesh.

2.2 The Father and the Son

Verses: John 10:30; John 14:7-9; John 12:45
  • Jesus declared, 'I and my Father are one.'
  • To see Jesus is to see the Father.
  • The 'Father' refers to the eternal Spirit of God, and the 'Son' refers to that Spirit manifest in humanity.

2.3 Jesus as Lord and Savior

Verses: Acts 2:36; Philippians 2:9-11; Romans 10:9
  • God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ.
  • Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
  • Salvation comes through confessing Jesus as Lord.

3. The Spirit of God: His Active Presence

3.1 The Holy Spirit is God's Spirit

Verses: Acts 5:3-4; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Romans 8:9-11
  • Lying to the Holy Spirit is lying to God.
  • The Lord is the Spirit.
  • The Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ are interchangeable.

3.2 The Spirit's Indwelling and Empowerment

Verses: Acts 1:8; Acts 2:4; John 14:16-18
  • The Holy Spirit empowers believers for witness and service.
  • Receiving the Holy Spirit is a distinct experience, often accompanied by speaking in tongues.
  • Jesus promised to send 'another Comforter,' which is His own Spirit returning to dwell within believers.

4. Understanding God's Titles: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

4.1 'Father' - God in His Relationship to Creation

Verses: Isaiah 63:16; Malachi 2:10; Ephesians 4:6
  • 'Father' describes God as the source, creator, and sustainer of all things.
  • It speaks of His eternal, unbegotten nature.
  • He is the Father of spirits and the Father of humanity.

4.2 'Son' - God in His Redemptive Manifestation

Verses: Hebrews 1:1-3; Luke 1:35; John 3:16
  • 'Son' refers to God's manifestation in human flesh for the purpose of redemption.
  • The Son was begotten in time, not eternally.
  • It highlights God's condescension to humanity to save us.

4.3 'Holy Spirit' - God in His Omnipresent Activity

Verses: Psalm 139:7-8; John 4:24; Luke 24:49
  • 'Holy Spirit' describes God's active, omnipresent, and empowering presence.
  • It is the Spirit of the one God, working in and through believers.
  • It is the power from on high that Jesus promised.

5. Responding to the One True God

5.1 The New Birth Experience

Verses: Acts 2:38; John 3:5; Acts 19:1-6
  • Repentance, water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, and receiving the Holy Spirit are essential for salvation.
  • Water baptism in Jesus' name signifies identification with His death, burial, and resurrection.
  • The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live a new life.

5.2 Worshiping the One God

Verses: John 4:23-24; Revelation 4:8-11; Philippians 2:9-11
  • True worship is directed to the one God, who is Spirit.
  • All glory and honor belong to Him alone.
  • We worship Jesus as the manifestation of the one God.