Some people will claim Jesus was simply a good guy, a man who should be looked up to, or even a prophet. However, Christians believe that Jesus is far more than those things; we believe that Jesus is God. So, the question is, why do Christians believe Jesus is God? Does the Bible even claim that Jesus is God?
Well, the only way to accurately answer a question about what the Bible says is to read the Bible. So here are a few verses to take a look at:
Matthew 1:23 (NKJV) “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
If you look at the context of this verse you will see it is talking about Mary and her baby, Jesus. Even Jesus’ name, “Immanuel”, is stating that Jesus is God who has come to earth.
Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV) For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
This verse is very straightforward. Another one of the names/titles of Jesus is “Mighty God”.
Titus 2:13-14 (NKJV) looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
This verse clearly calls Jesus both: our Savior and our God
John 20:26-29 (NIV) A week later his disciples were in the house again and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
These verses take place after Jesus died on the cross. He has just risen from the dead. In these verses Thomas calls Jesus God and Jesus doesn’t deny the claim, instead He confirms that it is good for Thomas to believe Jesus is God, and goes on to say, it is even good for people who haven’t seen Jesus to believe He is God.
2 Peter 1:1 (NIV) Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:
In this verse, Jesus is once again referred to as, not only our Savior, but also our God.
These are just a few examples of places where the Bible confirms that Jesus is God, but there are many many more.
There is no doubt that the Bible claims Jesus is God.
This series of blog posts titled, “Holding on to Reason”, is named after Amanda’s favorite C.S. Lewis quote: “Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods.”