InstaStudy

From Sinai to Salvation: Understanding the Commands and Teachings of the One God in the Old Testament Revealed Through Jesus Christ.

This study explores the consistent nature and plan of the singular God from the giving of the Law at Sinai to the ultimate revelation of His saving grace through Jesus Christ, demonstrating the continuity of His divine purpose and identity.

1. The One God of Israel: Foundation of All Truth

1.1 The Absolute Oneness of God

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; Isaiah 44:6,8
  • The Old Testament unequivocally declares one singular God, the Creator of all.
  • There is no God before Him, neither shall there be any after Him; He is the only Savior.
  • This foundational truth distinguishes the God of Israel from all pagan deities.

1.2 God's Self-Revelation and Titles

Verses: Exodus 3:13-15; Genesis 17:1; Psalm 91:1
  • God revealed Himself through various titles (I AM, El Shaddai, Adonai) that emphasize His singular power and eternal nature.
  • These titles consistently point to one supreme, all-sufficient being.
  • His name 'I AM' signifies His eternal, self-existent nature.

1.3 God's Attributes: Unchanging and Indivisible

Verses: Malachi 3:6; James 1:17; 1 Samuel 15:29
  • God's character (holy, just, loving, merciful) is consistent and does not change.
  • His attributes are inherent to His singular being, not distributed among multiple persons.
  • He is perfect in all His ways, without shadow of turning.

2. The Law, Covenants, and the Need for Redemption

2.1 The Purpose of the Law at Sinai

Verses: Exodus 20:1-17; Romans 3:20; Galatians 3:24
  • The Law revealed God's holiness and His standards for humanity.
  • It exposed sin and demonstrated humanity's inability to perfectly keep God's commands.
  • The Law served as a schoolmaster, pointing to the need for a greater salvation.

2.2 The Old Covenant and Its Limitations

Verses: Hebrews 8:7-9; Hebrews 10:1-4; Jeremiah 31:31-32
  • The sacrifices under the Old Covenant were temporary and could not fully take away sin.
  • It was a covenant based on external rules, not an internal transformation.
  • God promised a new covenant because the old one was insufficient.

2.3 The Prophetic Promise of a Redeemer

Verses: Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6
  • From the beginning, God promised a deliverer who would overcome sin and death.
  • Prophecies foretold a miraculous birth and the divine nature of this coming Savior.
  • He would be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

3. Jesus Christ: The Fullness of the One God Revealed

3.1 God Manifested in Flesh

Verses: John 1:1,14; 1 Timothy 3:16; Colossians 2:9
  • Jesus is not a separate person from God, but the one God Himself revealed in human form.
  • In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
  • He is the visible image of the invisible God, the Father dwelling in Him.

3.2 Jesus as Lord, Savior, and Father

Verses: Isaiah 9:6; John 14:7-9; Philippians 2:9-11
  • The titles of the Old Testament God (Mighty God, Everlasting Father) are applied to Jesus.
  • To see Jesus is to see the Father; He and the Father are one.
  • Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

3.3 The Atoning Work of Christ

Verses: 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 5:8; Hebrews 9:22
  • Jesus, being God in flesh, was the perfect, sinless sacrifice for humanity's sins.
  • His death on the cross provided complete atonement and reconciliation with God.
  • Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins.

4. The New Covenant and the Experience of Salvation

4.1 Repentance and Water Baptism in Jesus' Name

Verses: Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3-4
  • Salvation begins with repentance, turning away from sin and towards God.
  • Water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ is essential for the remission of sins.
  • Baptism symbolizes burial with Christ and resurrection to new life.

4.2 Receiving the Gift of the Holy Spirit

Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46; John 7:38-39
  • The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God Himself, dwelling within believers.
  • The initial evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit is speaking in other tongues.
  • This experience empowers believers to live a holy life and witness for Christ.

4.3 Living a Transformed Life

Verses: Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Peter 1:15-16
  • Salvation leads to a transformed life, marked by obedience and holiness.
  • Believers are called to present their bodies as living sacrifices, renewed in mind.
  • The fruit of the Spirit is evidence of God's presence and work in a believer's life.