What does the Bible say about Jesus being God?

by | Articles, Jesus and The Holy Spirit

What Does the Bible say about Jesus being God?

Where in the Bible Does it Say Jesus is God?

In Christian theology, the divinity of Jesus Christ stands as one of the most foundational and profound doctrines. Jesus is human but Jesus is also God. The belief that Jesus is God incarnate has far-reaching implications for the Christian faith, shaping the understanding of who Jesus is and what He accomplished.

Biblical Support for the Divinity of Jesus

A. New Testament Passages Affirming Jesus’ Divinity

1. John 1:1-14 – The Word Became Flesh

The Gospel of John opens with a profound declaration: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The Greek term “Theos” (θεός) is used in this passage to refer to Jesus. This choice of terminology signifies His divine nature. It’s important to note that this isn’t a casual or incidental reference; it is a deliberate assertion of Jesus’ divine identity. The Word, who was with God and was God, became flesh in the person of Jesus. The incarnation of the Word is a clear affirmation of Jesus’ divinity.

2. John 8:58 – Before Abraham Was, I Am 

In this passage, Jesus makes a striking statement that transcends time and emphasizes His eternal nature. When the Jews questioned His age, Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” By using the phrase “I am,” He intentionally invokes the divine name of Yahweh from the Old Testament (Exodus 3:14). This declaration asserts not only Jesus’ preexistence but also His identification with the God of Israel.

3. Colossians 1:15-20 – In Christ All Fullness of God

Colossians 1:15-20 offers a comprehensive perspective on the divinity of Jesus. It states that in Christ, all the fullness of God dwells. This means that Jesus is not merely a representation of God or a divine messenger but that the very essence of God resides in Him. This is a profound affirmation of Jesus’ deity, emphasizing that He is fully God.

4. Philippians 2:5-11 – Christ’s Divine Nature

This passage, found in Philippians 2:5-11, provides a remarkable insight into Christ’s divine nature. It describes Christ Jesus as originally existing in the very form and nature of God. Yet, in an act of self-emptying, He took on human form, humbling himself even to the point of death on a cross. After His exaltation, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that He is Lord. This passage underscores both the divinity of Jesus and the profound humility He displayed during His earthly ministry.

5. Titus 2:13 – Our Great God and Savior

In Titus 2:13, the apostle Paul makes an unequivocal statement regarding the divinity of Jesus. He refers to the appearing of “our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” This verse leaves no room for doubt, clearly attributing divinity to Jesus. It emphasizes that Jesus is not only a Savior but also our great God.

6. Hebrews 1 – Christ Superior to Angels

The book of Hebrews, in its entirety, paints a compelling picture of the supremacy and divinity of Christ. In Hebrews 1, Christ is identified as the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature. He is even worshipped by angels, signifying His divine status. This passage further emphasizes that Christ is the divine Son through whom God created the universe, solidifying His divine role in the grand scheme of creation.

7. 1 John 5:20 – He is the True God

In 1 John 5:20, the apostle John delivers a direct and unambiguous affirmation of Jesus’ divinity. He states that Jesus Christ “is the true God and eternal life.” This verse leaves no room for interpretation, making it clear that Jesus is not a mere human or a secondary divine figure. Instead, it asserts that Jesus is the true God, and in Him, we find eternal life. This passage stands as a powerful testament to Jesus’ divine identity and significance in the Christian faith.

These New Testament passages collectively affirm the divinity of Jesus in various ways.

Old Testament Fulfilled: What Does the Bible Say About Jesus Being Equal to God?

In the Greek Old Testament (the Septuagint), the term “Kurios” is frequently used to refer to Yahweh, the Lord God of Israel. For example, in Isaiah 40, a chapter that unmistakably speaks about God’s nature and attributes, the term “Kurios” is used extensively to describe God:

Isaiah 40:1-5 (ESV) – The Greatness of God “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. A voice cries: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord (Kurios); make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.'”

In this passage from Isaiah 40, the emphasis is on the attributes and actions of the one true and only God, who provides comfort, forgiveness, and whose glory shall be revealed. The term “Kurios” is used to refer to God.

This is noteworthy because, in the New Testament, this same title, “Kurios,” is applied to Jesus. One such instance is found in Matthew 3:3, where Isaiah’s prophecy is quoted to announce the coming of Jesus and the need to “prepare the way for the Lord (Kurios).” The unique, one true and only God in Isaiah 40 is now said to be present in Jesus. The seamless transition of this title from God in the Old Testament to Jesus in the New Testament underscores the recognition of Jesus as divine, an understanding deeply rooted in both biblical texts and early Christian faith.

Many such other examples exist as well

  1. Romans 10:9 (ESV) – Confessing Jesus as Lord for Salvation: “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord (Kurios) and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
  2. 1 Corinthians 12:3 (ESV) – The Lordship of Jesus through the Spirit: “Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says ‘Jesus is accursed!’ and no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord (Kurios)’ except in the Holy Spirit.”

These passages demonstrate how the early Christians acknowledged Jesus as “Kurios” (Lord) in a way that affirmed His divinity and authority. Confessing Jesus as “Lord” was a central component of their faith, emphasizing His divine nature.

Actions and Attributes of Jesus Reflecting His Divinity: Does the Bible Say Jesus is Fully God?

  1. Miracles: Demonstrating Divine Power

The New Testament is replete with accounts of Jesus performing miraculous acts, underscoring His divine power. These miracles transcend the boundaries of the natural world, serving as profound evidence of His deity. Some examples include turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11), feeding thousands with just a few loaves and fish (Matthew 14:13-21), and calming a raging storm with a mere command (Mark 4:35-41). These miraculous acts not only revealed His compassion but also showcased His authority over creation.

  1. Forgives Sin: A Divine Prerogative

One of the most compelling indications of Jesus’ divinity is His authority to forgive sins. On multiple occasions, He extends forgiveness to individuals burdened by their transgressions. For instance, in Mark 2:5-12, when a paralyzed man was brought to Him, Jesus declared, “Your sins are forgiven.” This divine prerogative is central to His mission and a clear statement that Jesus is not merely a moral teacher but the ultimate source of redemption and reconciliation with God.

  1. Receives Worship: Reserved for God Alone

The Gospels bear witness to moments when Jesus accepts worship from His followers, a practice reserved for God alone. One such instance occurs in Matthew 14:33 when the disciples, after witnessing Jesus walking on water and calming the storm, “worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.'” In another case, Thomas, upon seeing the resurrected Jesus, exclaims, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). These acts of worship underscore Jesus’ divine status and His rightful place as the object of devotion.

  1. Omniscience: Knowledge Beyond Human Capacity

On several occasions, Jesus displays knowledge beyond human capacity. He perceives people’s thoughts and intentions, knows their personal histories, and predicts future events with remarkable accuracy. His omniscience is evident in His interactions with individuals such as the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:16-18), to whom He revealed the details of her life, and Nathanael, whose amazement stemmed from Jesus’ knowledge of him before their meeting (John 1:47-49). These instances reveal that Jesus possesses divine insight into the hearts and minds of people.

These actions and attributes provide a compelling case for Jesus’ divinity, rooted in the words and deeds recorded in the New Testament. The scriptural citations for each point not only establish Jesus as a remarkable figure but also affirm that He is the incarnate God. These attributes hold profound significance for the Christian faith and the understanding of Jesus as the divine Savior who reconciles humanity with God.

Jesus’ Own Claims: Did Jesus Claim to be God?

  1. John 10:30. One of the most profound statements made by Jesus about His divinity is found in John 10:30, where He declares, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30, NIV). This assertion of oneness with the Father underscores His divine nature, affirming that He shares the same essence as God.
  2. Mark 14:61-62. During His trial, the high priest asks Jesus if He is the Christ, the Son of the Blessed. Jesus responds, saying, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven” (Mark 14:61-62, ESV). This response not only affirms His divinity but also alludes to His future exaltation and return in glory.

It is imperative to analyze the implications of Jesus’ self-proclaimed divinity. These claims are foundational to the Christian understanding of Jesus as God incarnate, and they carry profound theological and soteriological significance.

The Work of Jesus as God

  1. Colossians 1:16-17. “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him, all things hold together” (Colossians 1:16-17, ESV). This passage emphasizes Jesus’ central role in creation, affirming that all of creation finds its origin and sustenance in Him.
  2. John 14:6. Jesus declares in John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6, ESV). This profound statement underlines His exclusive role in providing access to God and eternal life. Jesus is not just a messenger but the very path to salvation and truth.

It is crucial to discuss how these roles demonstrate Jesus’ deity. By acknowledging His involvement in creation and salvation, we recognize His divine authority and unique position within the Christian faith. These passages reveal that Jesus is not merely a human teacher or prophet but the divine source of life, truth, and redemption.

Jesus’ Claim to Divine Names and Attributes

Throughout the Bible, the names of God and His divine attributes are profoundly significant. In the Old Testament, these names and attributes are reserved for the Lord God alone. Yet, in the New Testament, we find that Jesus ascribes these very names and attributes to Himself, solidifying His divinity. Here are a few examples:

  1. The Great “I Am” (Exodus 3:14; John 8:58)

In Exodus 3:14, God reveals His name to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM” (Yahweh), signifying His eternal and unchanging nature. In the New Testament, Jesus employs the same divine name when He says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58, ESV). By using “I am,” Jesus not only claims His preexistence but also equates Himself with the God of the burning bush.

  • Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8; Revelation 22:13)

In the book of Revelation, Jesus refers to Himself as the “Alpha and the Omega,” a title signifying the beginning and the end, which is attributed to God in Revelation 1:8. He repeats this divine title in Revelation 22:13, affirming His eternal and all-encompassing nature.

  • Shepherd (Psalm 23:1; John 10:11)

The imagery of God as a shepherd caring for His people is beautifully portrayed in Psalm 23:1. In the New Testament, Jesus identifies Himself as the “Good Shepherd” who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11, ESV). This not only echoes the divine care symbolized in the Old Testament but also emphasizes His sacrificial role.

  • Light of the World (Psalm 27:1; John 8:12)

In Psalm 27:1, God is declared as the “light” and “salvation” of the psalmist. In the New Testament, Jesus boldly proclaims, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12, ESV). By using this divine attribute, Jesus signifies His role as the source of spiritual illumination and salvation.

  • Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23)

In Isaiah 7:14, the prophecy declares, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel.” In Matthew 1:23, we see the fulfillment of this prophecy as it is applied to Jesus: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God with us’).”

  • Rock of Salvation (Psalm 95:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4)

The psalmist in Psalm 95:1 declares, “Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.” In 1 Corinthians 10:4, the Apostle Paul associates this rock with Christ: “and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ.”

  • King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Deuteronomy 10:17; Revelation 19:16)

In Deuteronomy 10:17, God is described as “the great God, the mighty and awesome God, who shows no partiality and cannot be bribed.” In Revelation 19:16, this title is applied to Jesus as He returns in glory: “On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”

  • Majestic Name (Psalm 8:1; Hebrews 1:4-5)

In Psalm 8:1, the psalmist exclaims, “Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” The writer of Hebrews attributes this verse to Jesus in Hebrews 1:4-5, reinforcing His supreme authority and divine nature.

These instances illustrate that Jesus not only claimed divine names and attributes but also fulfilled them, underscoring His unique identity as both fully God and fully human. His words and actions reveal a profound continuity between the Old Testament’s understanding of God and the revelation of God in Christ in the New Testament.

These examples underscore the remarkable continuity between the Old Testament and the New Testament regarding the identity and attributes of God. By applying these names and attributes to Himself, Jesus not only reveals His divine nature but also fulfills the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament, cementing His role as the divine Savior and Redeemer.

The Title “Son of Man” and Jesus’ Claim to Divinity

One of the significant titles Jesus used to refer to Himself is “Son of Man.” While this title may seem humble or human, it carries profound implications for His divinity. In the Old Testament and Jewish tradition, “Son of Man” had a deeper significance, and when Jesus adopted it, He made a powerful claim to His divine nature.

  1. Daniel’s Son of Man (Daniel 7:13-14): The use of “Son of Man” as a divine title originates from the book of Daniel. In Daniel 7:13-14, the prophet has a vision of “one like a Son of Man” who comes with the clouds of heaven and is presented before the Ancient of Days. He is given dominion, glory, and an everlasting kingdom. This Son of Man is a divine figure, signifying both His humanity and His divine authority.
  2. Jesus’ Use of the Title: Jesus frequently referred to Himself as the “Son of Man” in the New Testament. This title emphasized His humanity, but it also echoed the divine figure in Daniel’s vision. In doing so, Jesus was asserting His divine authority and role as the ultimate judge and ruler.
    • In Matthew 25:31-32: Jesus speaks of the Son of Man coming in his glory with all the angels, and sitting on his glorious throne. He describes how the Son of Man will gather all the nations before Him and separate people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
    • Mark 14:61-62: During His trial, when asked by the high priest if He is the Christ, the Son of the Blessed, Jesus responds, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven” (Mark 14:62, ESV). In this declaration, Jesus alludes to the Danielic vision, asserting His divine identity and His future coming in power.

In embracing the title “Son of Man,” Jesus was not merely identifying with humanity; He was asserting His divinity and authority as the divine figure in Daniel’s vision. This title underscores His role as the one who offers salvation, forgiveness, and eternal kingship—a clear claim to His identity as God incarnate.

The Title “Son of God” and Jesus’ Claim to Divinity

Another significant title attributed to Jesus in the New Testament is “Son of God.” This title carries profound theological implications, as it goes beyond acknowledging Jesus as a mere human or prophet. Instead, it asserts His divine nature and His unique relationship with God.

  1. The Divine Origin (John 5:18): In John 5:18, the religious leaders sought to kill Jesus because, by calling God His Father, He was making Himself equal with God. By referring to God as His Father, Jesus was affirming His divine origin and the special relationship He had with God, a claim to His own divinity.
  2. Unique Sonship (John 3:16): One of the most well-known passages in the Bible, John 3:16, emphasizes the uniqueness of Jesus as the Son of God: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This declaration indicates that Jesus is not just a human being but the one and only Son of God, emphasizing His divine nature.
  3. Divine Authority (John 10:30): In John 10:30, Jesus declares, “I and the Father are one.” By making this statement, Jesus not only claims unity with God but also asserts His divine authority and oneness with the Father. This is a clear affirmation of His divinity.
  4. Forgiver of Sins (Mark 2:5-7): In Mark 2:5-7, Jesus forgives a paralyzed man’s sins, which leads the religious leaders to question His authority to do so. He responds by demonstrating His divine authority, asserting that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins. This demonstrates His divine role as the forgiver of sins, a prerogative reserved for God alone.
  5. Messiah and Son of God (Matthew 16:16): In Matthew 16:16, when asked by Jesus, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter responds, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This confession acknowledges Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of the living God, signifying His divine role in God’s redemptive plan.

The title “Son of God” goes beyond a familial relationship; it signifies Jesus’ divine nature, authority, and unique position as the one and only Son of God. His claims to being one with the Father, forgiving sins, and His identification as the Messiah underscore His divinity and are central to the Christian understanding of Jesus as God incarnate. If you’re eager to delve deeper into the topic of Jesus’ divinity, here are some recommended resources: