One of the most pressing and controversial questions in contemporary theology is whether Jesus Christ is God. For centuries, this topic has fuelled theological debates, shaped doctrinal beliefs, and challenged the faith of millions. For Christians, the deity of Jesus Christ is central to understanding the nature of God, the message of the Gospel, and the foundation of salvation. But scepticism persists, fuelled by misinterpretations of Scripture, cultural perspectives, and theological complexities.
In this detailed exploration, we will present the Biblical evidence affirming Jesus’ divinity, clarify misunderstood passages, and address the significance of this doctrine for faith and practice. The question, “Is Jesus Christ God?” is not just theological—it is personal, practical, and eternal in its implications.
1. Jesus Christ is Explicitly Called God in Scripture
The Bible contains direct affirmations of Jesus Christ’s deity, often using unmistakable language that identifies Him as God. These passages are foundational to understanding His divine nature:
- John 1:1-3:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.”- John’s Gospel opens with an unambiguous declaration of Jesus’ divinity. The “word” (Greek: Logos) is identified as God and as the agent of creation, leaving no room for alternative interpretations.
- John 20:28:
“Thomas said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’”- When the resurrected Jesus appeared to Thomas, the disciple worshipped Him with the declaration, “My Lord and my God.” Jesus did not rebuke Thomas, which would have been necessary if the statement were false. Instead, He affirmed Thomas’ faith, demonstrating that He accepted worship as God.
- Titus 2:13:
“…while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ.”- Paul unequivocally identifies Jesus as “our great God and Saviour,” emphasising both His divinity and His role in salvation.
- Hebrews 1:8:
“But about the Son, He says, ‘Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of Your kingdom.’”- This verse is part of a larger argument affirming Jesus’ superiority to angels. God the Father addresses Jesus as “God,” affirming His eternal reign.
These passages, among others, directly affirm Jesus’ deity, challenging any claim that the Bible does not explicitly teach this doctrine.
2. Jesus Possessing Divine Attributes
Attributes unique to God are ascribed to Jesus throughout Scripture, reinforcing His divine nature. These include:
- Eternality:
Jesus is described as eternal, existing before creation and continuing forever.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End” (Revelation 22:13). - Omniscience:
Jesus demonstrated complete knowledge, an attribute of God:
“Now we can see that You know all things and that You do not even need to have anyone ask You questions” (John 16:30). - Omnipotence:
Jesus declared:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). - Immutability:
Unlike creation, which changes, Jesus remains the same:
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). - Holiness:
Jesus’ sinlessness and purity reflect the holiness of God.
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet He did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15).
These divine attributes are not shared by any created being. They affirm that Jesus is fully God, possessing the same nature as the Father.
3. Jesus Performs Divine Works
Jesus not only possesses divine attributes but also performs works that only God can do. These include:
a) Creation
The Bible credits Jesus as the Creator of all things.
“Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made” (John 1:3).
b) Sustaining the Universe
Jesus actively upholds and sustains all creation.
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word” (Hebrews 1:3).
c) Forgiving Sins
Only God has the authority to forgive sins. Yet Jesus forgives sins, as seen in Luke 5:20-21:
“When Jesus saw their faith, He said, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven.’”
- The Pharisees rightly questioned, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Jesus’ ability to forgive sins demonstrates His divine authority.
d) Resurrection Power
Jesus declared:
“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25).
- He not only raised others from the dead but also rose from the dead Himself, a definitive proof of His deity (Romans 1:4).
e) Judgment
Jesus is entrusted with the role of ultimate judge, a responsibility reserved for God.
“For the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgement to the Son” (John 5:22).
These divine works affirm Jesus’ identity as God, as no created being could perform these actions.
4. Jesus Receives Worship
The worship of anyone other than God is strictly forbidden in Scripture (Exodus 20:3-5). Yet Jesus receives worship multiple times without rebuking the worshippers:
- Matthew 14:33:
“Then those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly You are the Son of God.’” - John 9:38:
“Then the man said, ‘Lord, I believe,’ and he worshipped Him.” - Revelation 5:13-14:
“To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honour and glory and power, for ever and ever!”
Unlike angels and apostles who refused worship (Acts 10:25–26, Revelation 22:8–9), Jesus accepts it, affirming His divinity.
5. Addressing Common Objections
While the evidence for Jesus’ divinity is compelling, certain passages are often misunderstood. Let’s address these:
“The Father is greater than I” (John 14:28)
This statement reflects Jesus’ role in His incarnation. Philippians 2:6–8 explains that Jesus, though equal with God, humbled Himself by taking on human form. His submission does not negate His divinity but highlights His humility.
“Jesus prayed to the Father—how can He be God?”
Jesus’ prayers reflect His dual nature as fully God and fully man. As man, He prayed to the Father, modelling dependence on God for humanity.
“The Trinity is not in the Bible.”
While the word “Trinity” is not explicitly used, the concept is evident in passages like Matthew 28:19, which commands baptism “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
6. The Significance of Jesus’ Divinity
Believing in Jesus’ divinity is essential for understanding the gospel.
- Salvation: Only God could atone for humanity’s sins. Jesus’ divinity ensures the sufficiency of His sacrifice.
- Resurrection: His victory over death affirms His power as God and guarantees eternal life.
- Authority: As God, Jesus has the authority to forgive sins, command obedience, and promise eternal life.
Conclusion: Jesus Christ is God
The Bible provides overwhelming evidence that Jesus Christ is God. His titles, attributes, works, and the worship He receives affirm His deity. Misunderstandings often arise from isolating verses or ignoring the broader context of Scripture.
For Christians, acknowledging Jesus as God is not optional—it is the cornerstone of faith. As Thomas proclaimed after encountering the risen Christ, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28), so must we recognise and worship Jesus as the eternal God who became flesh to save us.
Prayer for Revelation
Lord Jesus, we bow before You as our God and Saviour. Open our eyes to the truth of Your divinity and deepen our faith in Your power and love. Help us to proclaim Your name boldly so that the world may know You as the true God and King. Amen.