4. WHY JESUS TAUGHT IN PARABLES (continued)

The Work of the Godhead in Salvation

God the Holy Spirit applies salvation to the human heart by converting and transforming the work that was accomplished by God the Son through His life and atoning death. In this way, the plan of redemption is completed in the believer’s experience.

4. What are some of the characteristics of God?

God possesses the following divine attributes:

a. God is:

• Omnipotent – Revelation 19:6; Job 11:7

• Omnipresent – 2 Chronicles 16:9; Zechariah 4:10

• Omniscient – 1 Timothy 1:17; Job 24:1; Job 32:8

• Immutable (unchanging) – Hebrews 6:17

• Eternal – 1 Timothy 1:17; Psalm 90:2; Daniel 7:14; Revelation 11:17

• Love – 1 John 4:8

• Merciful – Exodus 34:6

• Just – Deuteronomy 32:4; Revelation 15:3

• Righteous – Ezra 9:15; Nehemiah 9:7–8

b. The Work of the Son

1. Christ saves from sin – Matthew 1:21

2. He intercedes for us – 1 John 2:1–2

c. The Work of the Holy Spirit

1. He inspires the prophets – 2 Peter 1:21

2. He reproves the world of sin – John 16:8

3. He guides into all truth – John 16:13

4. He brings about the new birth – John 3:3–8

Conclusion (Godhead)

The three divine Persons of the Godhead are one in nature, character, and purpose.

However, God the Son voluntarily submitted Himself to the Father in order to take human nature and accomplish redemption. He has made atonement for our sins and now serves as our representative before God.

When God gave His Son (John 3:16), He gave Him permanently. This divine order will continue until the completion of the plan of salvation (1 Corinthians 15:24–28).

Even though human minds cannot fully comprehend the infinite, Scripture provides sufficient understanding of the Godhead to establish faith and trust in God’s saving plan.

5. Did Christ exist with the Father from eternity?

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” — John 1:1–3, 14

Read also:

• John 1:14

These verses confirm that Christ existed before creation and participated in creation itself. Therefore, He is eternal.

6. Is the Holy Spirit a Person?

Yes. The Holy Spirit is a divine Person, not an impersonal force.

a. He is “another Comforter”

John 14:16–17

b. He possesses personal attributes:

1. Mind – He intercedes (Romans 8:26)

2. Will – He chooses (1 Corinthians 12:11)

3. Emotion – He can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30)

4. Intellect and moral awareness – He can be lied to (Acts 5:3–4)

5. Sensitivity to honor – He can be insulted (Hebrews 10:29)

c. He is linked with the Father and the Son:

• Matthew 28:19

• 2 Corinthians 13:14

7. What is the work of each Person of the Godhead in salvation?

a. The Father

1. He gave His Son – John 3:16

2. He pardons sin – Micah 7:18

b. The Son

1. He saves from sin – Matthew 1:21

2. He intercedes for believers – 1 John 2:1–2

c. The Holy Spirit

1. He inspires prophets – 2 Peter 1:21

2. He convicts the world of sin – John 16:8

3. He guides into truth – John 16:13

4. He produces the new birth – John 3:3–8

Conclusion (Final)

The Godhead works in perfect unity to save humanity:

• The Father planned salvation

• The Son accomplished salvation

• The Holy Spirit applies salvation

Through this divine cooperation, God assures believers of forgiveness, transformation, and eternal life.

Transition to Next Section

WHY JESUS TAUGHT IN PARABLES

Jesus frequently used parables in His teaching ministry. These stories were designed to reveal truth to sincere seekers while concealing it from those who rejected Him.

Parables were a powerful teaching method that made spiritual truths easier to understand and remember.

1. Why did Jesus speak in parables?

“Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.” — Matthew 13:10–13

Note:

Jesus used parables for two main purposes:

• To reveal truth to those willing to learn

• To conceal truth from those who opposed Him

Thus, His teaching both illuminated and tested the heart.

2. Where did Christ get His stories?

Jesus drew His parables from everyday life and nature, such as:

• Tares in a field – Matthew 13:24–30

• Fig tree – Luke 13:6–9

• Lost sheep – Matthew 18:12–14

• Sower – Mark 4:3–9

• Mustard seed – Luke 13:18–19

• Laborers in the vineyard – Matthew 20:1–16

• Ten virgins – Matthew 25:1–13

• House on rock and sand – Luke 6:47–49

3. Did Jesus always teach in parables?

“Without a parable spake He not unto them.” — Matthew 13:34

Jesus often used parables in His public ministry, fulfilling prophecy (Psalm 78:2).

4. What is required to understand truth?

“If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine...” — John 7:17

Principle:

Understanding truth requires:

• A willing heart

• Obedience to God

• Spiritual commitment

“Ye are not of God.” — John 8:47 (principle of rejection of truth)

Conclusion (Parables)

Most parables contain one central truth. Over time, listeners would recall the stories and understand deeper meanings.

Parables:

• Engaged attention

• Encouraged reflection

• Revealed spiritual truth progressively

• Separated the sincere from the resistant