Is Jesus God?

1. Summary of the Question

The question, “Is Jesus God?” addresses a fundamental issue of Christian theology and doctrine. The identity of Jesus Christ as God is central to Christian belief, affecting our understanding of salvation, the nature of God, and the message of the Gospel. This answer will examine the biblical evidence for the divinity of Jesus, the historical and cultural context, how this understanding aligns with biblical teachings, and how it impacts Christian living.

2. Context and Background

Understanding the question of whether Jesus is God requires a look at the historical, cultural, and literary context of the Bible. Jesus was born into a Jewish context that held a strict monotheistic belief: “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one!” (Deuteronomy 6:4, NASB 2020). This belief in one God set the stage for the revelation of Jesus Christ, who claimed equality with God and whose followers declared His divinity.

The early Christian church was born out of this Jewish monotheistic context and affirmed the divinity of Jesus while also maintaining a monotheistic faith. This understanding was articulated in various creeds, such as the Nicene Creed, which affirmed that Jesus is “God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God.” The New Testament writings, especially the Gospels and epistles, provide the foundation for this belief by affirming both the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ.

3. Biblical Foundation (NASB 2020)

Several key scriptures in the NASB 2020 translation affirm that Jesus is indeed God:

• John 1:1, 14 (NASB 2020): “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. … And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
  These verses clearly state that Jesus (the Word) was both with God and was God. His incarnation (“became flesh”) reveals the divine glory in human form.
• John 10:30 (NASB 2020): “I and the Father are one.”
  Jesus claims unity with the Father, asserting His equality with God. This statement led to attempts to stone Him because His listeners understood it as a claim to divinity (John 10:31-33).
• Colossians 2:9 (NASB 2020): “For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form.”
  This verse affirms that Jesus is fully divine, with all the fullness of God dwelling in Him in human form.
• Hebrews 1:3 (NASB 2020): “And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power.”
  Jesus is described as the exact representation of God’s nature, not a lesser being but fully sharing in God’s divine essence.
• Philippians 2:5-6 (NASB 2020): “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped.”
  Jesus existed in the form of God and had equality with God. His choice to humble Himself and become human shows His divine nature and His willingness to serve.
• Titus 2:13 (NASB 2020): “Looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus.”
  Paul explicitly calls Jesus “our great God and Savior,” affirming His divine status.

These verses collectively affirm that Jesus Christ is indeed God, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

4. Addressing Other Perspectives

There are various interpretations of who Jesus is outside of orthodox Christian belief:

1. Islam: Views Jesus (Isa) as a prophet and a great teacher but denies His divinity and crucifixion. Muslims regard Jesus as a servant of God but not God Himself.
2. Jehovah’s Witnesses: Believe Jesus is the Son of God but not God Almighty. They teach that Jesus was created by God and is distinct from Jehovah, whom they see as the only true God.
3. Liberal Theologians: Some may see Jesus as a moral teacher or revolutionary leader, denying His divinity and supernatural works, viewing them as myths developed by early Christians.
4. Other Religious Views: Various religions may regard Jesus as an enlightened teacher, a god among many, or a spiritual guide, but not the unique incarnation of the one true God.

The biblical perspective maintains that Jesus is fully God and fully human, the second Person of the Trinity, distinct yet equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. This view aligns with Scripture’s consistent revelation of Jesus as divine and as the Savior of humanity.

5. Clarifying Misunderstandings

A common misconception is that Jesus never directly claimed to be God. However, Jesus’ statements like “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30) and “before Abraham was born, I am” (John 8:58) were understood by His contemporaries as claims to divinity, which is why they accused Him of blasphemy.

Another misunderstanding is that the concept of Jesus as God was a later development imposed by church councils. However, the earliest New Testament writings, such as the letters of Paul and the Gospel of John, clearly affirm Jesus’ divine nature. The councils of Nicaea and Chalcedon only formalized what was already widely believed by early Christians based on apostolic teaching.

6. Practical Application and Relevance

Understanding that Jesus is God has profound implications for Christian living:

• Worship and Devotion: If Jesus is God, He deserves our worship, honor, and adoration. Christians are called to worship Jesus as Lord and Savior, just as they worship the Father and the Holy Spirit (Revelation 5:12-14).
• Trust in Salvation: The divinity of Jesus assures believers that their salvation is complete and secure. As God, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross has infinite value and power to atone for the sins of humanity (Hebrews 10:12-14).
• Living in Obedience: Recognizing Jesus as God calls for a life of obedience to His teachings and commands. Following Jesus means submitting to His lordship and aligning our lives with His will (John 14:15).

Practical reflections for Christians include:

• Deepen Knowledge of Christ: Study the Bible to understand more deeply who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him as God and Savior.
• Reflect Jesus’ Love and Truth: Live in a way that reflects Jesus’ love, grace, and truth to others, pointing them to His divine nature and saving work.
• Stand Firm in Faith: In a pluralistic world with varying beliefs about Jesus, hold firmly to the biblical revelation of Jesus as God and engage in conversations with love, grace, and clarity.

7. Encouragement and Conclusion

The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus Christ is God, the eternal Word made flesh, the Savior, and Redeemer of the world. Understanding Jesus as God is essential for understanding the fullness of His work, His teachings, and His call to follow Him. Believers are encouraged to worship Jesus as Lord, grow in their knowledge and relationship with Him, and live lives that reflect His divine love, truth, and holiness. As we embrace the truth of Jesus’ divinity, we align ourselves with God’s heart, loving what He loves, and walking in the fullness of His grace and truth.