Is Jesus God? Biblical & Historical Evidence

Is Jesus God? This question has been a central debate in Christian theology for centuries. The belief in Jesus’ divinity is a fundamental doctrine in Christianity, supported by various biblical passages. For instance, John 1:1 states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

Similarly, after Jesus’ resurrection, the apostle Thomas addressed Him as “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28), directly affirming His divine nature. Early Christian leaders also referred to Jesus as “our God and Savior” (2 Peter 1:1), further solidifying this belief.

Additionally, historical and archaeological findings, such as the 1,800-year-old Megiddo Mosaic inscribed with “God Jesus Christ,” provide evidence that early Christians recognized and worshipped Jesus as divine. These scriptural and historical references collectively reinforce the Christian belief that Jesus is not only the Son of God but also fully God Himself.

How Is Jesus God in Christianity?

In Christianity, Jesus is believed to be God in human form, a central doctrine based on biblical teachings and early Christian belief. The Bible affirms Jesus’ divinity through God the Father’s testimony, where He declares Jesus as His beloved Son (Matthew 3:17). Jesus Himself claimed to be God, notably in John 8:58, where He stated, “Before Abraham was, I AM,” directly referencing God’s name in Exodus 3:14.

His disciples and apostles also recognized His divine nature Thomas addressed Him as “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28), and Paul described Him as “our great God and Savior” (Titus 2:13). Moreover, Jesus demonstrated divine authority through miracles, such as forgiving sins (Mark 2:5-7), controlling nature (Mark 4:39), and raising the dead (John 11:43-44).

Historical evidence, including early Christian writings and archaeological discoveries like the Megiddo Mosaic, further supports the belief that Jesus was worshipped as God from the beginning of Christianity. These biblical, historical, and theological affirmations form the foundation of the Christian belief that Jesus is fully God and fully human.

Is Jesus God? Biblical and Historical Evidence

The question of whether Jesus is God has been central to Christian theology for centuries. According to Christian belief, Jesus is not just a prophet or a teacher but God Himself. The Bible provides several pieces of evidence supporting this claim.

1. God the Father Testifies That Jesus Is God

In multiple instances, God the Father affirms Jesus’ divine nature. At Jesus’ baptism, a voice from heaven declared, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). A similar event occurred at the transfiguration, where God again confirmed Jesus’ divine identity (Matthew 17:5).

2. Jesus Claimed to Be God

Jesus Himself made direct claims to His divinity. In John 8:58, He said, “Before Abraham was, I AM,” using the same name God revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14. This statement led the Jews to attempt to stone Him, as they understood it as a claim to be God.

3. The Disciples and Apostles Acknowledged Jesus as God

After Jesus’ resurrection, Thomas addressed Him as “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28). The apostle Paul also referred to Jesus as “our great God and Savior” (Titus 2:13), affirming that the early Christians recognized His divine nature.

4. Jesus Performed Miracles That Demonstrated His Divinity

Jesus did things only God could do, such as forgiving sins (Mark 2:5-7), controlling nature (Mark 4:39), and raising the dead (John 11:43-44). These miracles served as signs of His divine power.

5. Historical Evidence Supports Early Christian Belief in Jesus as God

Archaeological findings, such as the 1,800-year-old Megiddo Mosaic inscribed with “God Jesus Christ,” show that early Christians worshipped Jesus as divine. Early church writings from figures like Ignatius of Antioch and Justin Martyr further confirm this belief.

These biblical and historical proofs strongly support the Christian claim that Jesus is God. Understanding His divinity is essential to grasping the core of the Christian faith.

How Do We Know Jesus Is God?

The belief that Jesus is God is central to Christianity and is supported by biblical testimony, Jesus’ own claims, the witness of His disciples, His miracles, and historical evidence. The Bible explicitly affirms His divinity, as seen in John 1:1, which states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Jesus Himself made direct claims to His divine nature, such as in John 8:58, where He said, “Before Abraham was, I AM,” using the same name God revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14.

His disciples and apostles also worshipped Him as God—Thomas addressed Him as “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28), and Paul referred to Him as “our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). Additionally, Jesus performed miracles that only God could do, such as forgiving sins (Mark 2:5-7), calming storms (Mark 4:39), and raising the dead (John 11:43-44). Beyond biblical accounts, historical evidence, including early Christian writings and archaeological discoveries like the Megiddo Mosaic inscribed with “God Jesus Christ,” confirms that the earliest Christians recognized and worshipped Him as divine.

These combined evidences provide a strong foundation for the belief that Jesus is truly God.

The Father Testifies Jesus Is God

The Bible provides several instances where God the Father Himself confirms Jesus’ divinity. These testimonies serve as direct evidence of Jesus being more than just a prophet or teacher.

1. At Jesus’ Baptism

• When Jesus was baptized, a voice from heaven declared:
  “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)
• This statement from God the Father affirms Jesus’ unique divine relationship.

2. At the Transfiguration

• During the transfiguration, where Jesus’ divine glory was revealed, God again spoke, saying:
  “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.” (Matthew 17:5)
• This moment reinforced Jesus’ authority and divine nature in front of His disciples.

3. Jesus’ Role in Salvation

• In John 3:16, God’s testimony about Jesus is clear:
  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
• This shows that Jesus is not only sent by God but holds the divine power to grant salvation.

4. Jesus’ Authority Given by the Father

• Jesus declared in Matthew 28:18:
  “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
• Only God possesses such absolute authority, further proving Jesus’ divine nature.

The Disciples and Apostles Claimed Jesus Is God

The disciples and apostles, who were closest to Jesus, openly recognized and proclaimed His divinity. Their testimonies, found throughout the New Testament, provide strong evidence that Jesus is God.

1. Thomas’ Declaration

• After Jesus’ resurrection, the apostle Thomas, who initially doubted, saw the risen Christ and declared:
  “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28)
• Jesus did not correct him but accepted this worship, confirming His divine nature.

2. Peter’s Confession

• When Jesus asked His disciples who they believed He was, Peter responded:
  “You are Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16)
• Jesus affirmed Peter’s statement, saying it was revealed to him by God the Father.

3. Paul’s Teachings on Jesus’ Divinity

• The apostle Paul repeatedly referred to Jesus as God:
  • “Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever.” (Romans 9:5)
  • “Our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13)
• Paul’s writings make it clear that Jesus is not just a teacher or prophet, but fully God.

4. John’s Gospel and Letters

• The apostle John strongly emphasized Jesus’ divinity:
  • “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)
  • “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14)
• John explicitly states that Jesus is God who took on human form.

5. Worship of Jesus by Early Christians

• The early church worshipped Jesus as God, something only allowed for God in Jewish belief.
• In Acts 7:59-60, Stephen, the first Christian martyr, prayed to Jesus, saying:
  “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
• This shows that Jesus was not just honored but worshipped as divine.

Jesus Claimed to Be God

Jesus did not leave room for doubt about His divine identity. Through His words, titles, and actions, He directly claimed to be God, and those around Him—both His followers and His opponents—understood these claims.

1. Jesus is “I AM”

• In John 8:58, Jesus said, “Before Abraham was, I AM.”
• He used the same name “I AM” that God revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14 (“I AM WHO I AM”).
• The Jewish leaders immediately tried to stone Him because they recognized this as a claim to divinity.

The Meaning of Anjin What It Truly Represents

2. Jesus is the Divine Bridegroom of Israel

• In the Old Testament, God is described as the Bridegroom of Israel (Isaiah 54:5, Hosea 2:19-20).
• In Mark 2:19, Jesus applies this identity to Himself, saying, “The bridegroom is with them.”
• This implies that Jesus is God, the One Israel was waiting for.

3. Jesus is the Divine Son of Man

• Jesus frequently referred to Himself as the Son of Man, a title from Daniel 7:13-14, where the Son of Man is worshipped and given eternal authority.
• In Mark 14:61-62, Jesus confirmed, “You will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power.”
• The Jewish leaders tore their robes in response, recognizing this as a direct claim to divine authority.

4. Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath

• The Sabbath was instituted by God in the Old Testament (Exodus 20:8-11).
• Yet, in Mark 2:28, Jesus declared, “The Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”
• By claiming authority over the Sabbath, Jesus was claiming authority that belongs to God alone.

5. Jesus Claims to Be God in Luke 7

• In Luke 7:48-50, Jesus forgives sins, saying, “Your sins are forgiven.”
• The Jewish leaders were shocked, knowing that only God can forgive sins (Isaiah 43:25).
• Jesus did not deny their reasoning but instead confirmed His divine authority by healing the man.

6. Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last

• In Revelation 22:13, Jesus says, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
• These are the same titles used for God in Isaiah 44:6 and Revelation 1:8.
• By identifying Himself this way, Jesus declares Himself to be eternal and divine.

7. Jesus is the Divine Son of God

• Jesus referred to Himself as the Son of God, not just in a metaphorical sense but in a unique, divine way.
• In John 10:30, He said, “I and the Father are one.”
• The Jewish leaders picked up stones to kill Him because they understood this as a claim to equality with God (John 10:31-33).

8. The Jewish Leaders Recognized Jesus’ Claims to Divinity

• Jesus’ opponents understood exactly what He was claiming—that He was God.
• In John 5:18, the Jews sought to kill Him “because He was even calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.”
• In Mark 14:63-64, when Jesus affirmed He was the Son of Man from Daniel 7, the high priest accused Him of blasphemy, a crime punishable by death.

Jesus’ words and actions leave no doubt—He repeatedly claimed to be God. His followers worshipped Him as God, and His enemies sought to kill Him for blasphemy because they understood He was making Himself equal with God.

Jesus Has Equal Authority with God the Father

Jesus not only claimed to be God but also demonstrated that He possesses equal authority with God the Father. This is seen in His teachings, His actions, and how others responded to Him.

1. Jesus Has Equal Authority with the Father

• In Matthew 28:18, Jesus declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
• This statement confirms that Jesus holds ultimate authority, just as God the Father does.
• In John 5:22-23, Jesus said that the Father has given Him the authority to judge all people, and that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father.

2. Jesus Is Worshipped Equally with the Father

• Worship belongs to God alone (Exodus 20:3-5).
• However, Jesus accepted worship multiple times:
  • The disciples worshipped Him after He calmed the storm (Matthew 14:33).
  • Thomas called Him “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).
  • Angels and all creation worship Jesus in Revelation 5:12-14, alongside God the Father.

3. Jesus and the Father Have Equal Power

• In John 10:28-30, Jesus said, “No one can snatch them out of my hand… I and the Father are one.”
• This means Jesus has the same power to protect and save as the Father.
• In John 5:21, Jesus states that just as the Father raises the dead, so does the Son, showing His equal power over life and death.

4. Jesus’ Divine Titles and Names

• The Bible uses the same divine titles for both Jesus and God:
  • “Alpha and Omega” – Used for both God (Revelation 1:8) and Jesus (Revelation 22:13).
  • “Lord of Lords” – Applied to both God (Deuteronomy 10:17) and Jesus (Revelation 17:14).
  • “Savior” – Used for both God (Isaiah 43:11) and Jesus (Titus 2:13).
• These titles confirm that Jesus shares the same identity and authority as God the Father.

Jesus’ Divine Acts Prove He Is God

The Bible attributes several acts to Jesus that only God can do, proving that He is truly divine.

1. Creation of the Universe

• The Bible teaches that Jesus was not just present at creation, but He was the Creator.
• John 1:3 states, “Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.”
• Colossians 1:16 confirms, “For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible.”
• Since only God can create from nothing (Genesis 1:1), Jesus’ role in creation proves His divinity.

2. Sustaining the Universe

• Not only did Jesus create the universe, but He actively sustains it.
• Colossians 1:17 says, “He is before all things, and in Him, all things hold together.”
• Hebrews 1:3 declares, “He upholds the universe by the word of His power.”
• This means that Jesus is not just a historical figure—He continuously maintains all existence, a role only God can fulfill.

3. Forgiveness of Sins

• In Mark 2:5-7, Jesus told a paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
• The Jewish leaders were shocked and said, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
• Instead of denying this, Jesus proved His authority by healing the man immediately.
• Since forgiving sins is something only God can do (Isaiah 43:25), Jesus’ ability to do so confirms His divine power.

4. Judging the World

• The Bible teaches that Jesus is the final judge of all humanity.
• John 5:22 states, “The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:10 says, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.”
• Since only God has the right to judge all people, Jesus’ role as judge proves He is divine.

5. Giving Eternal Life

• Jesus has the power to grant eternal life, something only God can do.
• John 10:28 – “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.”
• John 11:25 – “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.”
• No mere prophet or teacher can give eternal life—this is an act of God alone.

6. Power Over Life and Death

• Jesus demonstrated complete control over life and death.
• He raised the dead, including:
  • Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:41-42)
  • The widow’s son (Luke 7:14-15)
  • Lazarus (John 11:43-44)
• Most importantly, Jesus raised Himself from the dead:
  • John 2:19 – “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
  • John 10:18 – “I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again.”
• Since only God has power over life and death (Deuteronomy 32:39), Jesus’ ability to resurrect others and Himself proves He is God.

Jesus’ Divine Attributes Prove He Is God

The Bible attributes to Jesus several qualities that only God possesses. These divine attributes confirm that Jesus is not just a prophet or teacher, but truly God in the flesh.

1. Omniscience (All-Knowing)

• Jesus demonstrated divine knowledge beyond human ability.
• John 16:30 – His disciples said, “Now we know that you know all things.”
• John 2:25 – He knew what was in the hearts of people without them speaking.
• John 21:17 – Peter said, “Lord, you know everything.”
• Since only God is all-knowing, Jesus’ omniscience proves His divinity.

2. Eternality

• Unlike created beings, Jesus has no beginning or end.
• John 1:1-2 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
• Micah 5:2 – Prophesied that the Messiah is “from everlasting.”
• Revelation 1:17-18 – Jesus said, “I am the First and the Last.”
• Jesus’ eternal existence shows that He is not a created being but fully God.

3. Omnipotence (All-Powerful)

• Jesus demonstrated unlimited power, proving He is God.
• Matthew 28:18 – “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
• Hebrews 1:3 – “He sustains all things by His powerful word.”
• Luke 8:24-25 – He calmed the storm with a command, and His disciples said, “Who is this, that even the wind and waves obey Him?”
• Jesus’ ability to control nature, heal, and resurrect shows His divine omnipotence.

4. Omnipresence (Everywhere Present)

• Jesus, though physically on earth, was not limited by space.
• Matthew 18:20 – “Where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them.”
• Matthew 28:20 – “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
• John 3:13 – Jesus said He was in heaven and on earth at the same time.
• Only God is present everywhere, proving Jesus’ divine nature.

5. Immutability (Unchanging Nature)

• Unlike humans who change, Jesus is eternally the same.
• Hebrews 13:8 – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
• Malachi 3:6 – Only God is unchanging, and Jesus shares this divine trait.

6. Self-Existence (Aseity)

• Jesus exists independently, unlike created beings.
• John 5:26 – “The Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself.”
• John 1:4 – “In Him was life.”
• Jesus’ ability to exist by His own nature proves His divinity.

7. Sovereignty

• Jesus rules over all creation with supreme authority.
• Philippians 2:9-11 – Every knee will bow to Jesus and confess Him as Lord.
• Revelation 19:16 – He is “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”
• Jesus’ sovereign reign over all things confirms His identity as God.

8. Infinity

• Jesus is not bound by limitations.
• Ephesians 3:18-19 – Paul speaks of the infinite love of Christ.
• Revelation 22:13 – Jesus calls Himself “the Beginning and the End.”
• Jesus’ infinite power, love, and existence affirm His divine nature.

9. Holiness

• Jesus is perfectly holy, just as God is.
• Luke 1:35 – Jesus is called “the Holy One of God.”
• John 8:46 – Jesus challenged, “Who among you can convict me of sin?”
• Hebrews 7:26 – Jesus is “holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners.”
• Since only God is absolutely holy, Jesus’ sinlessness confirms His divinity.

Is Jesus God According to the Old Testament?

The Old Testament, written centuries before Jesus’ birth, contains prophecies, divine titles, and attributes that point to the coming Messiah as God in the flesh. Though the full revelation of Jesus’ divinity is found in the New Testament, the Old Testament provides clear evidence that the Messiah would be God Himself.

1. The Messiah Is Called “God”

• Isaiah 9:6 – “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given… and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
• The child to be born is directly called “Mighty God”, affirming the divinity of the Messiah.
• This prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus, who is recognized as God in the New Testament (John 1:1, Colossians 2:9).

2. The Messiah Is Yahweh (Jehovah) Himself

• Isaiah 40:3 – “A voice cries: In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD (Yahweh); make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”
• This prophecy was fulfilled by John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus (Matthew 3:3).
• Since the prophecy says the way is being prepared for Yahweh, but John prepared the way for Jesus, this proves that Jesus is Yahweh.

3. The Messiah Is the Divine Son of God

• Psalm 2:7 – “The LORD said to me, ‘You are my Son; today I have begotten you.’”
• This verse is quoted in the New Testament as referring to Jesus (Hebrews 1:5, Acts 13:33).
• Psalm 2:12 commands, “Kiss the Son, lest He be angry… blessed are all who take refuge in Him.”
• Taking refuge in someone is an act reserved for God alone (Psalm 91:2).

4. The Messiah Is the Eternal Ruler from Bethlehem

• Micah 5:2 – “But you, Bethlehem… from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origins are from of old, from everlasting.”
• The Messiah is described as having eternal origins, which applies only to God.
• Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem, fulfills this prophecy (Matthew 2:1-6).

5. The Messiah Is Worshiped as God

• Daniel 7:13-14 – The “Son of Man” is given eternal dominion, glory, and a kingdom, and all nations worship Him.
• Worship is reserved for God alone (Exodus 20:3-5), yet the Messiah receives worship.
• Jesus repeatedly identified Himself as the Son of Man (Mark 14:62), confirming His divinity.

6. The Messiah Suffers and Atones for Sin

• Isaiah 53:5-6 – The Messiah bears the sins of the people, something only God can do (Isaiah 43:25).
• Isaiah 53:10 – The suffering servant offers Himself as a guilt offering, an act of divine atonement fulfilled in Jesus (John 1:29, Hebrews 10:10).

Conclusion

The Bible presents overwhelming evidence that Jesus is God. His divine titles, attributes, and actions confirm that He is more than a prophet or teacher He is God in the flesh. Jesus claimed divinity, performed miracles only God can do, and fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah.

The New Testament consistently affirms His divine nature, showing that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the Savior of the world.

Key Insight

1. Did Jesus ever directly say, “I am God”?

While Jesus did not use those exact words, He made clear claims to divinity:

• John 10:30 – “I and the Father are one.”
• John 8:58 – “Before Abraham was, I AM.”
• Mark 14:61-62 – He affirmed He is the Son of Man from Daniel 7, who is divine.

2. If Jesus is God, why did He pray to the Father?

Jesus, being fully God and man, prayed to the Father to demonstrate His relationship within the Trinity. His prayers also serve as an example for believers.

3. Did Jesus’ disciples believe He was God?

Yes, the disciples worshiped Jesus and called Him God:

• John 20:28 – Thomas said, “My Lord and my God!”
• Titus 2:13 – Paul calls Jesus “our great God and Savior.”

4. If Jesus is God, why did He say, “The Father is greater than I” (John 14:28)?

This refers to Jesus’ human nature, not His divine essence. While on earth, He voluntarily took a humble position (Philippians 2:6-8) but remained fully God.

5. Can Jesus be both God and the Son of God?

Yes. In biblical terms, “Son of God” means sharing God’s nature. The Jews understood this as a claim to equality with God (John 5:18). Jesus being the Son of God does not make Him lesser—it affirms His divinity.