This is simply some research I have done
regarding the deity of Jesus Christ. There seems to be some confusion
surrounding this fact. Since there is only one true God, then
how can Jesus be on the same level or have the same title as the
Father? How can Jesus and the Father be the same person? How can
one person be three persons? I am hoping that my research of the
Bible will clarify this subject. I will use only the King James
Version, since it is the only Bible version most people
can accept.
Table of Contents
There is no doubt that Jesus and the Father are beings that exhibit their personal
existence. The Father works, communicates, and shows emotion. For instance:
| Matt 3:17 | And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. |
Jesus Christ is definitely a person because he existed here on earth. And Jesus is the
Son of God. But is Jesus also God? Matt 3:17 records the Father talking about Jesus,
therefore, they are obviously not the same person. This fact is also recorded in the
following Scriptures:
| John 14:28 | Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. |
| John 5:30 | I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. |
| John 12:49-50 |
49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the
Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should
speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak. |
| Matt 26:39 | And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. |
These scriptures not only show the Father and the Son as being two different persons,
but describe the Father as being greater than the Son. In fact, Jesus can only do the
will of the Father. Can Jesus be the true God when the Father is greater than he? Does
this automatically disqualify Jesus as Almighty God? In any case, this shows that Jesus
is not the same person as the father.
In the Bible, names were more than just names, but they also meant something about the
person who had the name. For instance, Methuselah means, "His death shall bring", and
Methuselah's death brought the Flood. It is the same with God.
When God identifies Himself in the Bible, He will use a very distinct name that not
only identifies Himself, but also describes who He is. And God will choose titles and
names for Himself which no other being can claim. This helps prevent confusion
about who God is and to whom we are talking. Can Jesus claim the same name for
Himself that God does? Only if He is of that same single nature as God.
When God declares himself in the Bible, he often uses titles that describe his
sovereignty and deity. For instance:
| Rev 1:8 | I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. |
| Rev 21:6-7 |
6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and
the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life
freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. |
| Isaiah 41:4 | Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he. |
| Isaiah 44:6 | Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. |
| Isaiah 48:12 | Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last. |
In these verses, God Almighty declares that he is the Alpha and the Omega, the first
and the last, the beginning and the end. Thus, God indicates his eternal nature. There
is no doubt the person described in these verses is God. Moreover, the Lord says in
Isaiah 44:6 that He is the first and last and there is NO other God, but Him. Since there
is only one true God then there can be NO other Alpha and Omega. However, the next few
verses describes Jesus Christ as having the same eternal names of God.
| Rev 2:8 | And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; |
| Rev 1:10-19 |
10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great
voice, as of a trumpet, 11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. 12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. 14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters. 16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two edgedsword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. 17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. 19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; |
If these past verses do not speak of Jesus Christ, then when did God die? Also:
| Rev 22:12-16 |
12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with
me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. 14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. 15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. 16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. |
Are not these passages of Scripture spoken by Jesus? It appears so. In fact, it seems
quite evident that Jesus Christ is the Alpha and Omega, the first and last, the beginning
and the end. This, according to Isaiah, is exclusive to God. Therefore, Jesus must be
eternally equal or have the same eternal nature as God.
Another example, demonstrating the names of God, comes from Exodus.
| Exodus 3:14 | And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. |
This is the name of God by which God himself wished to be known. Moses said, I know
that YOU ARE, but he pushed for another name. However, God wanted to be know as the
descriptive and almighty name 'I AM'. However, when Jesus was talking to the Pharisees,
he used the same name of God.
| John 8:58-59 |
58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before
Abraham was, I am. 59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by. |
Jesus said he was the I am. Did Jesus not realize that 'I AM' is the name of Almighty
God and accidentally use the name loosely? It appears that the Pharisees didn't think so.
In fact, they wanted to stone Jesus on the spot just for saying that he is was "
I am". Where the Pharisees mistaken?
Another passage which I believe states the deity of Jesus Christ is Isaiah 9:6:
| Isaiah 9:6 | For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. |
This passage ascribes many awesome names to the coming Messiah, which is non-other than
Jesus Christ. However, these names are also a good description of who God is. Therefore,
I will take each attribute and show how they also relate to Almighty God.
| Isa 28:29 | This also cometh forth from the LORD of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working. |
| Deut 10:17 | For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: |
| Ne 9:32 | Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day. |
| Ps 24:8 | Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. |
| Ps 50:1 | The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof. |
| Ps 147:5 | Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite. |
| Isa 10:20-21 |
20 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel,
and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him
that smote them; but shall stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. 21 The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God. |
| Isa 60:16 | Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob. |
| Matt 26:64 | Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. |
I do not believe that the Son is the Father, for they are different persons. However, it
is reasonable to understand this phrase as "Father of Eternity" describing
Christ as creator of time. I also believe this speaks of God.
| Ps 90:2-4 |
2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth
and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. 3 Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye children of men. 4 For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night. |
| Isa 40:28 | Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. |
| Mic 5:5 | And this man shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land: and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men. |
| Acts 5:30-31 |
30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. |
If there is only one true God, then there exists exclusive characteristics and actions of
God that no other being possesses or is capable of having. The Bible records and explains
many examples of this:
The bible is very clear on the subject of who to worship. For Instance:
| Exodus 20:3 | Thou shalt have no other gods before me. |
| Exodus 34:14 | For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God: |
| Deut 8:19 | And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish. |
| Ps 99:5 | Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy. |
| Ps 99:9 | Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy. |
In these scriptures, God is very explicit on the subject of worship. He is a jealous God that will not stand for the worship of any other god. He is the only one worthy of worship. Even Jesus, in the next example, expressed the same point of view.
| Luke 4:8 | And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. |
However, in the following passage, the three wise men are shown seeking the newborn Jesus
so that they may worship him.
| Matt 2:2 | Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. |
More examples:
| Matt 9:18 | While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live. |
| Matt 14:33 | Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. |
| Matt 15:25 | Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. |
| Matt 28:9 | And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. |
| Matt 28:16-19 |
16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus
had appointed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: |
| Luke 24:50-53 |
50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and
blessed them. 51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: 53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen. |
Thomas is also recorded worshiping Jesus and declaring him to be Lord:
| John 20:28-29 |
28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. |
Was Thomas mistaken when he worshipped Jesus? John was incorrect when he worshiped the angel in Rev 22:9 and the angel rebuked him. Jesus, however, didn't rebuke Thomas for his worship but blessed that truth. Moreover, there is no record of Jesus rebuking anyone for worshiping him.
| Rev 22:9 | Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. |
| Heb 1:6 | And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. |
It appears that it is right for human and angelic beings to worship Jesus Christ. In fact,
the Father commands it. Since we are to worship the one and only true God, then Jesus must
be God. Otherwise, we end up worshiping two Gods(gods) or incorrectly worshiping Jesus
who is not God.
Another exclusive right of God is the forgiveness of sins. When we sin, we not only sin against our neighbor, but also against God. All sins are against God and He is the only person who is able to forgive us. Examples:
| Joshua 24:19 | And Joshua said unto the people, Ye cannot serve the LORD: for he is an holy God; he is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins. |
| 2 Chr 7:14 | If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. |
| Ps 79:9 | Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake. |
| Isa 43:25 | I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. |
| Jer 31:34 | And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. |
Yet when Christ was on this earth, he forgave the sins of several people. For instance:
| Mark 2:5-12 |
5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy,
Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. 6 But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, 7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? 8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? 9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? 10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) 11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. 12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion. |
More examples:
| Luke 7:47-50 |
47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are
forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth
little. 48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. 49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? 50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace. |
| John 8:7-11 |
7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them,
He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at
her. 8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. |
In these last examples, Jesus forgave sins and proclaimed that he had the power to forgive sins. Moreover, the Pharisees are witness to the fact that only God can forgive sins. In addition, listen to what John the Baptist said:
| John 1:29 | The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. |
John didn't say, "Lamb of God, which Almighty God will use to take away the sins of the world." It appears that Jesus possessed the power to take away sins, which only God has the power to do.
Since Jesus posses the power to forgive sins, then Jesus must in fact be God. The only other solution is God changed his mind about being the only one who can forgive sins. However, another characteristic of God is that he doesn't change:
| Mal 3:6 | For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. |
Earlier, I pointed out that Jesus and the Father are different persons and the fact that the Father is greater than the Son. I have also shown that Jesus posses many characteristics and titles of God. However, what specific examples are recorded in the Bible that align Jesus directly with the Father and with God? First, lets look at examples that show him to be the Son of God.
| Matt 16:15-17 |
15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. |
| Matt 17:5 | While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. |
| Mark 14:61-64 |
61 But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked
him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? 62 And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. 63 Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses? 64 Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye? And they all condemned him to be guilty of death. |
Even the demon-possessed man of Gardarenes proclaimed Jesus to be the Son of God.
| Matt 8:29 | And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? |
There is no doubt that Jesus was the Son of God. But is the Son of God also God? The
Jews believed so and in John 10:33 they wanted to stone Jesus for claiming to be God.
However, they may have been wrong, so lets look at some other scriptures.
God, in Isaiah, made this statement stating God's singularity:
| Isaiah 46:5 | To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like? |
However, Jesus many times compared and likened himself to God the Father. Here are some examples:
| Luke 10:22 | All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him. |
| John 8:19-20 |
19 Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye
neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.
20 These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come. |
| John 8:42 | Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. |
| John 10:15 | As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. |
| John 16:27-28 |
27 For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have
loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. 28 I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. |
| 1 John 2:22-23 |
22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist,
that denieth the Father and the Son. 23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: [but] he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. |
In these past examples Jesus equates himself to the Father. Jesus shows that whatever the Father feels or experiences, He himself feels and visa-versa. Also, whatever experiences we have with Jesus we also have with the Father. If Jesus is not God, then how can he truly reflect him? Here are some other examples:
| John 5:19-26 |
19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily,
I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for
what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. 20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. 21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. 22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: 23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. 24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. 25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. 26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; |
| John 10:25-39 |
25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not:
the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. 26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and my Father are one. 31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? 33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. 34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? 35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; 36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? 37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. 38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. 39 Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand, |
| John 14:5-12 |
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we
know the way? 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. 8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? 10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. 12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. |
Jesus himself goes to great effort to present himself to be the same as God. If Jesus was not God, then a lot of what he teaches is very misleading. But if you accept what Jesus teaches as the simple truth, then Jesus is God the Son, not God the Father, but wholly God. In these past scriptures, Jesus describes his deity to us along with his own personage. Lets look at how Jesus also isolates himself when he refers to God in the third person. Example:
| John 20:17 | Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. |
Why didn't Jesus just say, "ascended to our Father; and our God"? This is
because Jesus Christ is God and not merely a man, thus creating a distinction. God
is Father to both Christ and this believer, but in a different sense. Even the mighty
angel in Rev 22:9 told John he is only a fellow servant of God. But Jesus, being
different, gave no such indications regarding himself.
Could it be that God has changed? Could it be that we no longer have just one God to
worship and follow? Could it be that God has created for us another god named Jesus
because He couldn't deal with us himself? God is everlasting and unchanging. Jesus
Christ is everlasting and unchanging. For example:
| Ps 102:26-27 |
26 They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old
like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: 27 But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. |
| Eccles 3:14-15 |
14 I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put
to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him. 15 That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past. |
| James 1:17 | Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. |
| Heb 13:8 | Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. |
God has never changed and never will change. And if Jesus is not God, then what was Jesus making himself out to be? What was Jesus really saying? I believe Jesus said he was God. There really is no simpler answer to his claims.
There are several passages of scripture that speak specifically about the deity of
Christ and his position as the Lord God.
| Heb 1:1-14 |
1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the
fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; 4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. 5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? 6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. 7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. 8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. 9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. 10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: 11 They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; 12 And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. 13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? |
This last passage in Hebrews describes the Son as eternal, creator, firstbegotten, and inheritor of all things. First- begotten means that he receives the firstborn inheritance or blessing of the Father.
| John 1:1-18 |
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. 15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. 16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. 18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. |
Therefore, there can be no doubt of the deity of Jesus Christ. John said, "The Word was God." This statement, coupled with John 1:14, leaves no question to the deity of Christ. However, there is some question that this passage was incorrectly interpreted. Some people have interpreted John 1:1 as "The Word was a god". If this is true then the rest of the Bible is wrong. First of all, this interpretation would give us a polytheistic religion, and God has said that there is only one true God. Now if Jesus is not God, then why does God command us to worship him? How is it that Jesus can forgive sins? Also, the Lord says that He is the only God and knows of no other (Is 44:8). Does this mean that the Father doesn't know Jesus?
John also wrote that Jesus is the Light of the world for all men that come into the world. However, God indicates himself as the light of the world.
| Isaiah 60:19 | The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. |
| 1 John 1:5 | This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. |
John uses the proper noun "Light" in John 1:9. However, Isaiah and 1 John use
lower case "light". But, I still believe that there is a connection. God is
light and that light has a name. The lights name is Jesus or Light. In other words, that
everlasting light is The Light, Jesus Christ. John gives us a great illustration of the
make-up and nature of God.
| Col 1:15-20 |
15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. |
This passage describes Jesus as being everything. It also shows the Son doing all these things on his own accord as if he were God himself. This is because Jesus is God.
| Deut 32:6 | Do ye thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? is not he thy father that hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee? |
| Job 38:4 | Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. |
| Is 43:1 | But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. |
| Is 43:15 | I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King. |
| Is 44:24 | Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself; |
| Is 45:12 | I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded. |
| Is 45:18 | For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else. |
| Mal 2:10 | Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers? |
| Heb 3:4 | For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. |
These passages make no distinction between designer, builder, maker, etc. But He that
created and formed all things is God. Since Jesus is described in Col 1:16 as creator
of heaven and earth and everything within, then Jesus must be non-other than God Himself.
| Phil 2:5-11 |
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. |
This passage leaves no doubt as to the supremacy of Jesus Christ. In fact, it takes no
imagination to see that Jesus is on the same level as God. And as we have shown
before, God doesn't change.
| 1 Tim 6:14-16 |
14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the
appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: 15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. |
Jesus Christ is King of kings, and Lord of lords. He is not appointed King by the
Almighty God. However, no one has seen God or can see God as stated in John 1:18. But
Jesus is shown above as having this same unapproachable quality in 1 Tim. If Jesus is
not God, then how can this be explained?
| Matt 1:23 | Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. |
| Matt 28:19-20 |
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. |
If the Father is the highest authority, then why do we need to teach and baptize in the authority of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost together? Why wasn't it written, "baptize in the name of God. I believe this passage was written this way to give us a clearer picture and understanding of the triune nature of God.
Here are some other examples:
| Col 2:8-10 |
8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the
tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: |
This passage shows that Christ was fully God as a man. And that He is the head of all power. If Jesus is not God, then does this mean He has power over Almighty God? Or does it mean He is Almighty God? More examples:
| Titus 2:11-15 |
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. |
Verse 13 could be written, "Our great God and Savior Jesus Christ", especially in light of verse 11. The same thing could be said in 2 Peter:
| 2 Pet 1:1 | Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: |
In this last example, Paul states that Christ, who is over all, is God blessed forever:
| Romans 9:5 | Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. |
These last examples show that the deity Jesus Christ can be found both in verse in context. There is no need to rely on abstract verses with questionable translations, nor do we need to rely on doctrines built by speculation of non-related Scriptures. The deity of Jesus Christ is a consistent theme throughout all levels of Scripture.
In this report, I have tried to show beyond doubt the deity of Jesus Christ. I believe that much of the Bible speaks of Christ's deity, and I have tried to show a few examples. In fact, I cannot see how anybody could come to any other conclusion other than Jesus Christ is God.
It is not an option to believe in God however we feel most comfortable. God requires us to worship Him in truth.
| John 4:23-24 |
23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true
worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such
to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. |
These next passages tell us that only God can save us. If Jesus is not God, then He cannot save us and we have no salvation. But the Bible is clear that Jesus is God and Savior.
| Is 43:11 | I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. |
| Is 45:21-22 |
21 Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who
hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the
LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside
me. 22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. |
| Luke 2:11 | For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. |
The Bible also states that God is the One who will redeem us. Again, if Christ is not God, then he is not our redeemer. But, according to the Bible, He is.
| Hos 13:14 | I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes. |
| Matt 20:28 | Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. |
Therefore, if you don't believe that Jesus Christ is God, then you believe in a different Jesus. And a different Jesus cannot save you. For there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)
So in closing, I hope this page helps you know God in some way. For it is difficult to have a personnal relationship with someone you really don't know. Therefore, my hope is that this page will help readers to understand who Jesus Christ is.
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