Sunday, April 29, 2018


The Divinity of Jesus Christ


The purpose of this article is to prove to doubters with scripture that the Bible clearly and abundantly relates to us that Jesus Christ is God Himself in the form of a man, and not a created being of any type.

Some religious cults deny the divinity of Jesus Christ. Others say he is divine, but make the false claim that he was once a mortal being who became "a god". Some who say they are Christians deny the divinity of Jesus Christ! Atheists typically deny that the Bible relates that Jesus of Nazareth is God for the same reason as those who call themselves Christians and do the same. I believe I can explain the reasons for these false beliefs about Jesus Christ. It is essentially because of the evil of human pride.

In the case of those who say they are Christians, and those who belong to some religious cults, the reason is that they do not wish to see themselves as worthy of punishment for their sin. It is a very personal thing that God would enter his creation in the form of a human being and endure punishment in our place for our sin. If Jesus were only human being and not divine, then it is easier for prideful people to accept that Jesus paid the price for their sin. But if God himself has done it, then God the severity of the punishment becomes adhorent to some, and to reduce the severity of their own guilt in the eyes of God, they attempt to eliminate the divinity of Jesus Christ and reduce him to a mere man.

In the case of religious cults, the reason is also based upon pride, but the denial of the divinity of Christ is based upon a false belief that they themselves will one day be elevated to becoming a god, by God himself.

In the case of atheists, since atheists deny the moral authority of God altogether, it follows that they will deny the divinity of Jesus Christ. However, atheists typically deny his divinity also because they know that if the Old Testament relates that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, then the Bible shows that it possesses supernaturally provided foreknowledge, and such evidence is destructive to atheism. Moreover, atheists too deny the fact that the Bible relates the divinity of Christ because they, like those in relious cults, cannot stomach the idea of their guilt being so severe that God himself would find it necessary to become flesh and pay the price for their sin.

One argument for the divinity of Christ which destroys the validity of all mythologies (religions) past or present, except Christianity itself, is something I formulated and call "The Argument from God's Character for the Divinity of Jesus Christ". I will not provide that argument here, but perhaps in a future post.

Christology reveals the divinity of Christ, and that His divinity is central and critical to the theology of both the Old and New Testaments. Christ's divinity is the theme of the entire Bible from Genesis through Revelation. Apart from the divinity of Jesus Christ, both the Old and New Testaments would not make sense, and would reduced from theology to mere philosophy.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Firstborn does not mean "first created". The Greek word for "firstborn" is prototokos, while the word for "first created" is protoktisis.


The Bible Verifies the Divinity of Jesus Christ


1. Jesus is the Creator: Throughout the Old Testament it is stated that God created all things by His Word.

 

John 1[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.[2] The same was in the beginning with God.[3]All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Colossians 1[16] For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:[17] And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Hebrews 1[1] God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,[2] Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;[3] Who being the brightness of his glory, and he express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, <b>sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

1 Corinthians 8[6] But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and <b>one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

John 1[10] He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not..

Ephesians 3[9] And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ;

2. Jesus is the Son in the Godhead (Trinity) -- the Light of the World:

 

2 Samuel 7[12] And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.[13] He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.[14] I will be his father, and he shall be my son God says He the offpsring of King David will be His Son who will procceed out of God and will rule the kingdom of heaven.

These statements are mirrored in Psalms 45:6 and Hebrews 1:8 where the Father declares the Son will sit in the throne of God and rule the kingdom of heaven.

Genesis 1[1] In the beginning God (Father) created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God (Holy Spirit) moved upon the face of the waters. 3 And God said, Let there be light (Jesus Christ - Son): and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

John 9[5] As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

John 1:9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.[10] He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

John 3[19] And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

John 12:14that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.[45] And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.[46] I AM come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

John 9[3] Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.[4] I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.[5] As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

1 Timothy 6[15] Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;[16] Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

Romans 1[20] For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead [theote¯s]; so that they are without excuse:

theote¯s: divinity (abstractly): - godhead


3. Jesus has the glory of God - God will not share his glory with another:

 

Isaiah 42[8] I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.

Isaiah 48[11] For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another.


4. The Apostles said Jesus has the glory of God:

 

John 1[14] And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten), full of grace and truth.

2Peter 1[17] For he received from God the Father honour and glory

1 Timothy 3[16] And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God [theotes] was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

theote¯s</b>: divinity (abstractly): - godhead

Hebrews 1[1] God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,[2] Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;[3] Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

Revelation 1[5] And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten (prototokos)of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,[6] And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.[7] Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.[8] I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.


5. Jesus said He had the glory of God before He made the world:

 

John 17[5] And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.


6. Jesus said He will return with the glory of God:

 

Matthew 25[31] When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:[32] And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:

Matthew 5[31] When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

Matthew 16[27] For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Matthew 24[30] And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

Mark 8[38] Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

Mark 13[26] And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.

Luke 9[26] For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.

Luke 21[27] And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

Revelation 1[5] And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,[6] And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.[7] Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.[8] I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.


7. Jesus said He will sit upon the throne of God:

 

Matthew 5[31] When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

Luke 1[32] He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

Hebrews 1[8] But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.

Acts 2[30] Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;

Hebrews 4[14] Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.[15] For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.[16] Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Revelation 3[2]1 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

Revealtion 4[8] And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.[9] And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,[10] The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,[11] Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Revelation 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

Revelation 7[9] After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;[10] And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.[11] And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,[15] Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.[17] For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

Revelation 12[5] And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and <b>her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.


8. The Apostles said Jesus is God in human form:

 

Phillipians 2[5] Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:[6] Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:[7] But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:[8] And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

John 3:13 / John 5:27 No (mortal) man has gone up to heaven, yet Jesus Christ (the Son of Man) is in heaven:John3[13] And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. The Son of Man has all power to execute judgement, because He is God: John5[27] And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.[28] Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,[29] And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

1 John 5[7] For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

John 1[14] And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten), full of grace and truth.

John 20[27] Then saith he to Thomas, reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.[28] And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.[29] Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

1 Timothy 3[16] And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God [theote¯s] was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

theote¯s: divinity (abstractly): - godhead

Collosians 2[8] Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.[9] For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead [theote¯s] bodily.

theote¯s</b>: divinity (abstractly): - godhead

Revelation 22[1] And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

To come in God's name is to have equal authority with God.

9. Jesus said that He is God:

 

John 1[28] And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.[29] My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.[30] I and my Father are one.[31] Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.[32] Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?[33] The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.

John 8[23] And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I AM from above: ye are of this world; I AM not of this world.[24] I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I AM [he], ye shall die in your sins.[25] Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning.[26] I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.[27] They understood not that he spake to them of the Father. Exodus3[14] And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AMhath sent me unto you.

John12[44] Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.[45] And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.

Matthew 26[63] But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.[64] Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.[65] Then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, He hath spoken blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? behold, now ye have heard his blasphemy.
[66] What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.

John 5[37] And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.[38] And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.[39] Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.[40] And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.[41] I receive not honour from men.[42] But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.[43] I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

To come in God's name is to have equal authority with God, thus to be God

John 6[39] And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.[40] And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.[41] The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.[42] And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?[43] Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves.[44] No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Christ will raise the dead because is is God and has power over life and death.


10. The Old Testament says Jesus is God

 

John 5 [39] Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.


Zechariah 12[10] And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and <b>they shall look upon me whom they have pierced</b>, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.

Firstborn does not mean "first created". The Greek word for firstborn is prototokos, while the word for "first created" is protoktisis. In this passage, God states He is the one who is (was) pierced on the corss where others will look upon Him. He states also that He the Son, and the Firstborn (mirrored in the New Testament)

Isaiah 43[10] Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.

Isaiah 45[20] Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save. Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.

Proverbs 30[4] Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?

Psalms 45[1] My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.[2] Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.[3] Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty.[4] And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.[5] Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; whereby the people fall under thee.[6] Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. The psalm is addressed to the king, but this king is the Son of God, whom in verse 6 it refers to as God. This is mirrored in Hebrews 1:8–9 Where God the Father says to God the Son, "[8] But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.[9] Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

Psalms 110[1] The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. Matthew 22:[41]While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, [42]Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David. [43]He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, [44]The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? [45]If David then call him Lord, how is he his son? [46]And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions. King David is the speaker and the “Lord” is the Messiah. In Matthew 22:41–46 Jesus stumped the Pharasees by asking how the Messiah could be both David’s son and yet David’s Lord. The answer is that the Messiah is not merely human, but divine. The Paharasees were unable to respond, since doing so would require them to acknowledge that the Messiah is not only the Son of God, but also God in human form.

712 B.C: Isaiah 48[13] Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned the heavens: when I call unto them, they stand up together.

712 B.C: Isaiah 7[14] Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Immanuel means "God with us".

712 B.C: Isaiah 9[6] For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father (awb), The Prince of Peace.

awb: A primitive word; father in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application: - chief, (fore-) father ([-less]), X patrimony, principal. Compare names in “Abi-”.

712 B.C: Isaiah 8[8] And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach even to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel.

Immanuel means "God with us".

712 B.C: Isaiah 7[14] Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Immanuel means "God with us".


Comentary on Psalms 110:1

 

Psalms 110:1 King David is the speaker and the “Lord” is the Messiah. "The LORD said unto my Lord" is translated from "Yehovah (hath) said/saith Adoni-" which literally means the LORD GOD saith unto Lord Ruler/King (God  Almighty/Father said to God Ruler/King). This is a reference to LORD GOD speaking to the Lord Son of God, the ruler of King David. David had no earthly ruler. His Lord is the Messiah. It is a conversation between Father and Son in the Godhead -- both of whom are God. Since God is sovereign and will not share His glory with any other, no being is allowed to sit beside Him to rule. To do so would be to have equal authority with God.

In Matthew 22:41–46 Jesus stumped the Pharasees by asking how the Messiah could be both David’s son and yet David’s Lord. The answer is that the Messiah is not merely human, but divine. The Paharasees were unable to respond, since doing so would require them to acknowledge that the Messiah is not only the Son of God, but also God in human form: [41]While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, [42]Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David. [43]He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, [44]The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? [45]If David then call him Lord, how is he his son? [46]And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.