Is Jesus God?

A Scriptural Examination

The divinity of Jesus Christ is a foundational truth of Christianity, clearly supported by Scripture. While some argue that Jesus never explicitly claimed to be God, His words, actions, and the reactions of those around Him reveal the undeniable truth—Jesus is God in the flesh. By examining His statements, His miracles, and the identity of His church, we see overwhelming evidence of His divine nature.

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Jesus’ "I AM" Statements: A Direct Claim to Divinity

One of Jesus’ most striking declarations of His divinity is found in John 8:58, where He states:

“Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”

This is a direct reference to Exodus 3:14, where God revealed His name to Moses:

“I AM WHO I AM.”

The Jewish leaders immediately understood Jesus’ claim and attempted to stone Him (John 8:59). If He had simply been stating that He existed before Abraham, their reaction would not have been so extreme.

Similarly, in John 10:30, Jesus boldly proclaims:

“I and My Father are one.”

Again, the Jews sought to stone Him, saying:

“Because You, being a Man, make Yourself God.” (John 10:33)

If the Jews had misunderstood Him, this would have been the perfect opportunity for Jesus to correct them. Instead, He affirms His unity with the Father.

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Jesus Has the Authority to Forgive Sins—Something Only God Can Do

In Matthew 9:1-8, Jesus forgives the sins of a paralytic before healing him. The scribes immediately object, thinking:

“This Man blasphemes!” because only God can forgive sins.

Jesus, knowing their thoughts, asks:

“Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’?”

To prove His authority, He heals the man, demonstrating that His power to forgive sins is real.

If Jesus were merely a prophet or a teacher, why would He claim the authority to forgive sins—something only God can do?

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The Word Became Flesh: The Incarnation of God

The Bible explicitly states that Jesus is God who took on flesh:

John 1:1 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
John 1:14 – “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”

These passages confirm that Jesus, the Word, is God and that He took on human form.

Paul reinforces this truth:

Philippians 2:6-8 – Jesus, “being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God.”
Colossians 2:9 – “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.”

These verses describe Jesus as both fully divine and fully human, revealing His unique nature.

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Jesus and the Father Are One: The Identity of the Church

The identity of the church further proves Jesus’ divine nature. Throughout the New Testament, the church is referred to as:

• The church of God (1 Corinthians 1:2, Acts 20:28).

• The church of Christ (Romans 16:16).

If Jesus and God were separate in nature, then Scripture would present two distinct churches—one belonging to Christ and one to God. However, Scripture teaches:

Ephesians 4:4-6 – “There is one body and one Spirit … one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all.”

The church belongs to both Christ and God because they are one in nature and will.

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Jesus Receives Worship as God

Throughout Scripture, worship is reserved for God alone. Yet, Jesus is repeatedly worshiped:

• John 20:28 – Thomas calls Him “My Lord and my God!” Jesus does not rebuke him.

• Matthew 28:9, 17 – After His resurrection, His disciples worship Him.

• Revelation 5:12-14 – Jesus is worshiped in heaven alongside the Father.

If Jesus were not God, accepting worship would be blasphemous.

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The Bible Clearly Teaches That Jesus Is God

Scripture leaves no doubt that Jesus is God in the flesh:

1. His "I AM" statements confirm His divine identity.

2. He forgives sins, demonstrating the authority only God possesses.

3. He is called the Word, who became flesh, explicitly described as God.

4. The church belongs to both God and Christ, proving their unity in nature.

5. He receives worship, something reserved for God alone.

Jesus’ claim to divinity does not undermine His role as Savior—it magnifies it. Only God could take on flesh, live a sinless life, and offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. His resurrection is the final proof of His divine power, as Romans 1:4 declares:

“[He] was declared to be the Son of God with power … by the resurrection from the dead.”

Anyone who denies Jesus’ divinity must wrestle with the overwhelming biblical evidence. The question remains:

Will you believe in Him as God, or reject the truth as the Jews did?

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