Bible Study: The One True God - 16 Truths
The second Fundamental Truth states that there is one true God who has revealed Himself as the eternally self-existent "I AM," the Creator of heaven and earth, and the Redeemer of mankind. He exists in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, sharing one essence, power, and glory in perfect, eternal unity.
This deep dive explores the biblical nature of the Trinity and why understanding God as both Creator and Redeemer is essential for your spiritual journey in our modern, digital world.
Who Is the One True God?
In a world filled with countless ideologies, philosophies, and competing spiritual claims, the Bible begins with a singular, grounding truth: "In the beginning God..." (Genesis 1:1). This isn't just an introduction to a story; it is the revelation of the Architect of the universe. Within the 16 Fundamental Truths of the Assemblies of God, Truth #2 anchors our faith in the identity of the One who created us and the One who saves us.
The doctrine of the One True God isn't an abstract academic exercise. It is the foundation of our identity as believers. If God is not who He says He is, our salvation, our purpose, and our future hope would crumble. By declaring Him the "eternally self-existent I AM," we acknowledge that God does not depend on anything for His existence. He is not a product of our imagination or a reaction to our needs; He is the source of all life.
Understanding this truth helps us navigate the big questions of life. When we ask what the meaning of life is, we find the answer in the nature of our Creator. We were made by Him and for Him, designed to reflect the glory of the One who has always been and will always be.
The Mystery of the Trinity: Three in One
One of the most profound aspects of Truth #2 is the revelation of the Trinity. The Bible clearly teaches that "The LORD our God, the LORD is one" (Deuteronomy 6:4). Yet, Scripture also reveals that this one God exists in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. While the word "Trinity" never appears in the Bible, the concept is woven through every page of the New Testament.
We see the Trinity in action at the baptism of Jesus, where the Son is in the water, the Father speaks from heaven, and the Spirit descends like a dove (Matthew 3:16–17). We hear it in the Great Commission, where Jesus commands us to baptize "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). Notice that the "name" is singular, yet the persons are plural. This is the heart of the Christian mystery: a perfect community of love within one Divine Being.
This relational nature of God means that God did not create us because He was lonely. Love has always existed within the Godhead. Because God is inherently relational, we are created as relational beings. Whether we are connecting in person or through our online Christian community, we are reflecting the image of a Triune God who exists in eternal fellowship.
The Father: The Begetter
The Father is the source of all things. In the Trinity, He is often seen as the one who initiates the plan of redemption. He is the one who so loved the world that He gave His only Son (John 3:16). When we pray "Our Father," we are acknowledging our adoption into a family that was established before the world began.
The Son: The Begotten
Jesus Christ is the Word made flesh. He is not a lesser god or a created being; He is fully God and fully man. Through Him, the "One True God" became visible to us. As the Redeemer, He is the only bridge between a holy God and a fallen humanity. You can learn more about how we celebrate this sacrifice in our study on Understanding Communion.
The Holy Spirit: The One Proceeding
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, our Counselor and Comforter. He is the one who convicts the world of sin, empowers the believer, and guides us into all truth. He is not a "force" or an "energy," but a person with whom we can have a deep, transformative relationship.
God as Creator and Redeemer of the World
Truth #2 emphasizes two primary roles of God: Creator and Redeemer. These two roles are the bookends of the human story. As Creator, God has authority over all life. As Redeemer, God shows His mercy toward all who have wandered away. This dual identity ensures that the One who made us is also the One who is powerful enough to save us.
For those feeling lost, anxious, or overwhelmed by the noise of the digital age, this truth offers immense peace. If the One who spoke galaxies into existence is the same One who died to redeem your soul, then your life is held in the most capable hands imaginable. No matter where you are in the world, whether you are scrolling from a quiet room in a busy city or a remote village, the Creator of the stars knows your name and has a plan for your life.
This global perspective is vital. The "One True God" is not a local deity or a cultural artifact. He is the God of every tribe, tongue, and nation. In our Bible Study Club, we see this reality come to life as people from diverse backgrounds gather around the same Word to worship the same God.
Why This Truth Matters Today
In our current cultural climate, the idea of "absolute truth" is often viewed with skepticism. Yet, the doctrine of the One True God provides a firm foundation for our ethics, our hope, and our peace. If God is the self-existent "I AM," then His character is the standard for what is good, true, and beautiful. We don't have to invent our own morality or wonder if God's love will change tomorrow. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
If you are in a season of waiting or struggling to see God's hand in your life, remember that the "I AM" is always at work. As we discuss in our post on what to do when God seems silent, His nature as Redeemer means He is always moving toward restoration, even when we cannot see the full picture.
Join the Journey of Discovery
We are just scratching the surface of the infinite majesty of God. The 16 Fundamental Truths are not meant to be a destination, but a map that points us deeper into the heart of Jesus Christ. We invite you to continue this deep dive with us as we explore each of these core beliefs together.
If you have questions about the nature of God, or if you simply need someone to stand with you in faith, please visit our website. You can join the conversation in our Bible Study Club or submit a request on our Prayer Wall. We believe that no one should have to pursue God alone. You are seen, you are loved, and you are part of a global family.
A Pastoral Prayer for the Reader
Heavenly Father, we thank You for revealing Yourself to us. Thank You that You are not a distant, unreachable God, but a Father who loves us, a Savior who redeemed us, and a Spirit who dwells with us. We ask that You would deepen our understanding of the Trinity and fill us with the peace that comes from knowing the One True God. Strengthen our faith, quiet our anxieties, and lead us into Your perfect truth. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the word "Trinity" in the Bible?
No, the specific word "Trinity" is not found in the biblical text. However, the concept is clearly taught throughout Scripture, showing one God who exists as three co-equal and co-eternal persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is a theological term used to summarize the biblical data about God's nature.
How can God be three and one at the same time?
While this is a divine mystery that surpasses human logic, we understand it as one divine essence shared by three persons. Think of it not as 1+1+1=3, but as 1x1x1=1. They are distinct in their roles and relationships but unified in their nature, purpose, and will.
Why does Truth #2 call God the "I AM"?
This title comes from Exodus 3:14, where God reveals His name to Moses. It signifies that God is self-existent, eternal, and unchanging. He does not rely on anyone else for His being, and He is the same God today as He was in the days of the patriarchs and the early church.
Visit www.boundlessonlinechurch.org to join our Bible Study Club, submit prayer requests, and connect with a global community dedicated to growing closer to Jesus Christ.
Read our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.
Comments