Is Jesus God?
Some question whether Jesus is fully God. They base their belief on Arius, a 4th century Alexandrian priest, who is the founder of the heresy known as Arianism. Arius’ teachings about the nature of the Godhead emphasized God the Father’s uniqueness and Christ’s subordination under the Father. He taught that before making anything else, God created a son who was neither equal to, nor co-eternal with, the Father. According to Arianism, Jesus Christ is a supernatural creature, but He is neither fully human nor fully divine.
However, this concept is totally contrary to the teachings of the Bible in which Jesus is revealed as the Eternal Creator and not a created being. The apostle John wrote, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:1–4).
In eternity past, there was no point before which the Word was not. The Bible declares about Jesus, “Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting” (Micah 5:2). Jesus proclaimed Himself “the beginning and the end” (Revelation 22:13). He is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8). The Word (Son of God) was “with God” in the eternity past, but He became “flesh” so that He can be with us. He was Immanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).
Bible comparison between the Father and the Son
As we compare Scripture definitions for God the Father with the Bible record of Jesus, we see the characteristics of Jehovah are also ascribed to Jesus. Note these powerful examples:
- God the Father is self-existent (Psalm 90:2). Jesus is self-existent (John 1:1–4; 14:6).
- God the Father is eternal (Deuteronomy 33:27). Jesus is eternal (Revelation 1:8).
- God the Father has life (Job 33:4). Jesus has life (1 John 5:11, 12, 20).
- God the Father is all powerful (Jeremiah 10:12-13). Jesus is all powerful (Revelation 1:8).
- God the Father is the Creator (Genesis 1:1). Jesus is the Creator (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16).
- God the Father forgives sin (Isaiah 43:25). Jesus forgives sin (Luke 5:20, 21).
- God the Father accepts worship (Matthew 14:33). Jesus accepts worship (John 20:26–29; Hebrews 1:6).
- God the Father knows the thoughts of men (1 Kings 8:39). Jesus knows the thoughts of men (John 2:25; John 1:48).
- God the Father is Omnipresent (Jeremiah 23:24). Jesus is Omnipresent (Matthew 28:20; Acts 18:10).
- God the Father resurrects people (1 Corinthians 8:6). Jesus resurrects people (John 10:18; John 11:25).
- God the Father even calls Jesus God (Hebrews 1:8).
Conclusion
Therefore, by considering the primary definitions of God, and seeing that Jesus fits every one of those definitions, obviously, Jesus must be God the Son.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
