In mainstream evangelical Christian theology, Jesus is affirmed as truly God, a belief rooted in the New Testament scriptures. The doctrine of the Trinity is central, positing one God in three persons: Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit. This perspective is anchored in passages like John 1:1, 14, which states, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." This identifies Jesus (the Word made flesh) as God. Additionally, in John 10:30, Jesus declares, "I and the Father are one," further asserting his divine nature.
The concept of Jesus as God is also supported by his attributes and actions, such as his authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:5-7) and his performing of miracles. The resurrection is seen as the ultimate affirmation of his divinity (Romans 1:4). Evangelicals hold that Jesus's divine nature is essential for the efficacy of his atonement for humanity's sins, as only God incarnate could bridge the gap between God and humankind. This belief is foundational to evangelical Christianity's understanding of salvation and the identity of Jesus as both fully God and fully man.
The question of whether Jesus was truly God is one of the most profound and debated topics in Christian theology. For Christians, the divinity of Jesus is a central tenet that underpins the very foundation of the faith. The belief that Jesus is both fully God and fully man is not just a theological assertion but a revelation that has profound implications for understanding salvation, the nature of God, and the purpose of Jesus’ life and ministry. In this article, we will explore the biblical basis for Jesus’ divinity, His dual nature as both God and man, and the significance of these beliefs for the Christian faith.
The Gospel of John opens with a powerful declaration of Jesus’ divine nature. John 1:1-3 (NIV) states:
"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."
This passage affirms that Jesus, referred to as the "Word," existed from the beginning with God and was indeed God Himself. Further in John 1:14 (NIV), it says:
"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
This scripture encapsulates the mystery of the incarnation—God becoming man in the person of Jesus Christ.
Jesus made several statements about Himself that indicate His divine identity. In John 10:30 (NIV), Jesus declares:
"I and the Father are one."
The reaction of the Jewish leaders to this statement, which they considered blasphemous, indicates that they understood it as a claim to divinity. Similarly, in John 8:58 (NIV), Jesus states:
"Very truly I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am!"
Here, Jesus uses the divine name "I AM," echoing God’s self-identification in Exodus 3:14, underscoring His eternal existence and divine nature.
Throughout the New Testament, Jesus receives worship, which is due to God alone. After His resurrection, Thomas the Apostle addresses Jesus as "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28, NIV). Jesus does not rebuke Thomas, indicating the appropriateness of the worship.
Moreover, Jesus is given titles that signify His divine status, such as "Immanuel," meaning "God with us" (Matthew 1:23, NIV), and "Mighty God" in the prophecy of Isaiah 9:6 (NIV).
The doctrine of the incarnation holds that Jesus is both fully divine and fully human. This is expressed in Philippians 2:6-7 (NIV), which describes Jesus:
"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness."
This passage highlights Jesus’ humility in becoming human while retaining His divine nature.
Jesus’ humanity is essential for His role as the mediator between God and humanity. Hebrews 4:15 (NIV) states:
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin."
Jesus’ experience of human life and His sinless nature qualify Him uniquely to represent humanity before God.
The divinity of Jesus is crucial for the effectiveness of His sacrificial death. As God, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross has infinite value, sufficient to atone for the sins of the whole world. Romans 5:8 (NIV) affirms:
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Without Jesus’ divine nature, His death would be insufficient to provide salvation.
Belief in Jesus as God assures believers of eternal life. In John 14:6 (NIV), Jesus says:
"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Jesus’ divine authority guarantees the promises He makes, including the promise of eternal life to those who believe in Him.
Understanding Jesus as both God and man is not merely a theological exercise but a truth that transforms lives. It calls believers to worship Him as Lord and Savior, recognizing His authority and grace. This belief invites Christians to deepen their relationship with God, knowing that through Jesus, they have direct access to the Father.
In summary, the divinity of Jesus is a cornerstone of Christian faith, affirmed by scripture and essential for understanding the nature of God’s redemption plan. Jesus, as God incarnate, bridges the gap between humanity and God, offering salvation and eternal life to all who believe. Embracing this truth inspires both worship and a life committed to following Him.