InstaStudy

The Relationship Between Eternal Life and God's Manifestations

This Bible study explores the singular nature of God and His various manifestations as Father, Son, and Spirit, and how believers enter into and maintain a relationship with Him to experience eternal life.

1. The Singular Nature of God

1.1 God is One

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10-11; Isaiah 44:6
  • There is only one true God, the Creator of all.
  • He is the first and the last, and beside Him there is no God.
  • This singular God is the source of all existence and power.

1.2 The Father: God as Creator and Source

Verses: Malachi 2:10; Ephesians 4:6; 1 Corinthians 8:6
  • The term 'Father' refers to God's role as the transcendent, eternal Spirit, the originator of all things.
  • He is the one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
  • This is God in His relationship as the ultimate source and authority.

1.3 The Spirit: God's Indwelling Presence and Power

Verses: John 4:24; Acts 2:4; Romans 8:9
  • God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.
  • The Spirit is God's active presence, power, and mind, working in the world and in believers.
  • It is the same one God manifesting Himself to indwell and empower His people.

2. Jesus Christ: The Manifestation of God in Flesh

2.1 Jesus is God Incarnate

Verses: Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1, 14; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16
  • Jesus is not a separate entity from God, but God Himself revealed in human form.
  • In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
  • He is the 'Mighty God' and 'Everlasting Father' prophesied in the Old Testament.

2.2 Jesus as the Son: God's Redemptive Role

Verses: John 3:16; Hebrews 1:1-3; Romans 5:8
  • The 'Son' refers to God's manifestation in humanity, born of a virgin, to accomplish salvation.
  • This is God condescending to take on flesh, to suffer and die for humanity's redemption.
  • The Son is the human aspect of the one God, through whom reconciliation is made possible.

2.3 Jesus as the Father: The Everlasting Father

Verses: John 14:7-9; Isaiah 9:6
  • When you have seen Jesus, you have seen the Father, because Jesus is the Father revealed.
  • He is the 'Everlasting Father' who came to dwell among us.
  • The Father and Jesus are one and the same divine being, differing only in their roles or manifestations.

2.4 Jesus as the Spirit: The Life-Giving Spirit

Verses: 2 Corinthians 3:17; John 14:16-18; Romans 8:9-11
  • The Lord is that Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
  • Jesus promised to send 'another Comforter,' which is Himself returning in Spirit form.
  • The Spirit of God dwelling in believers is the Spirit of Christ, the same one God.

3. Eternal Life Through Knowing the One God

3.1 Eternal Life Defined

Verses: John 17:3; 1 John 5:11-12
  • Eternal life is knowing the one true God, and Jesus Christ whom He has sent.
  • It is not merely endless existence, but a quality of life found in relationship with Him.
  • This life is in His Son, and whoever has the Son has life.

3.2 Salvation is in Jesus' Name

Verses: Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9-11; Romans 10:9-10
  • There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
  • Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
  • Confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection leads to salvation.

3.3 The New Birth: Water and Spirit

Verses: John 3:5; Acts 2:38
  • To enter the kingdom of God, one must be born of water and the Spirit.
  • This new birth involves repentance, water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, and receiving the Holy Spirit.
  • These are essential components for receiving eternal life and entering into God's covenant.

4. The Believer's Relationship with the One God

4.1 Repentance and Baptism in Jesus' Name

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; Acts 19:5
  • Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to God.
  • Water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ is for the remission of sins.
  • This act identifies the believer with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.

4.2 Receiving the Gift of the Holy Spirit

Verses: Acts 2:4; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6
  • The initial evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit is speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance.
  • This is the promise of the Father, poured out on all who believe.
  • The Spirit empowers believers for service and spiritual living.

4.3 Walking in the Spirit

Verses: Galatians 5:16; Romans 8:1-2, 13-14
  • To walk in the Spirit means to live according to God's divine nature and guidance.
  • This leads to freedom from the law of sin and death.
  • Those led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.

4.4 Living a Holy Life

Verses: 1 Peter 1:15-16; Hebrews 12:14; 2 Corinthians 7:1
  • As He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.
  • Holiness is essential for seeing the Lord and maintaining a close relationship with Him.
  • This involves cleansing ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.