Why Is Jesus Called God? Understanding the Divine Claims in the Bible

👑 The Cornerstone of Faith: Man, Myth, or Messiah? ✨

Who is the man from Nazareth?

For two thousand years, this question has defined history. Billions worship Him, while others view Him merely as a prophet, a moral teacher, or a historical revolutionary. But the gap between “Good Teacher” and “God Incarnate” is infinite.

If Jesus is not God, then Christianity is a mistake. But if He is God, then He deserves our absolute surrender.

Why is Jesus called God?

It is not a title invented by the church centuries later; it is a truth rooted deeply in the Scriptures and the earliest understanding of His followers. Christians affirm this not out of tradition, but because the Bible provides a robust, consistent case for His deity—from ancient prophecies to His own shocking claims.

Part I: The Evidence of Scripture 📖

The Eternal Word 📜

The Bible does not whisper about Jesus’ divinity; it shouts it. The Apostle John opens his Gospel with a declaration that shattered the ancient world:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” —John 1:1, 14 (KJV)

This “Logos hymn” establishes that Jesus is the visible revelation of the invisible God. He isn’t a creation; He is the Creator entering His creation.

For more on how God reveals His glory to humanity, read Who Saw the Back of God? The Only Person in the Bible Who Witnessed It.

The “I AM” Declaration ⏳

Jesus didn’t just let others call Him God; He claimed it Himself using the most sacred name in Jewish history. In John 8:58, He told the religious leaders:

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” —John 8:58 (KJV)

He used the Greek ego eimi, referring to the name God used at the burning bush: “I AM THAT I AM” (Exodus 3:14). The Jewish leaders understood this perfectly—they picked up stones to kill Him because they knew He was claiming to be the self-existent Yahweh.

Part II: The Actions of Deity ⚡

Forgiving Sins ⚖️

Jesus did things that were strictly reserved for God. In Mark 2, when He told a paralyzed man, “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee,” the scribes were horrified.

They asked, “Who can forgive sins but God only?” (Mark 2:7 (KJV)). Theologically, they were right. Only God can forgive sins committed against Him. By forgiving the man, Jesus was exercising a divine prerogative.

This power over the spiritual realm was matched by His power over the physical realm. For more on His authority over creation, read The Truth Behind Jesus Calming the Storm.

Accepting Worship 🙌

Throughout the Bible, righteous angels and apostles always refused worship, directing it to God alone (Acts 10:26).

• The Contrast: Jesus consistently accepted worship.
• The Evidence: After the resurrection, Thomas cried out, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28 (KJV)).

Jesus never corrected him. He affirmed his faith, showing that He is worthy of the honor due to God alone.

Part III: 3 Common Misconceptions About Jesus’ Divinity 💡

Misconception 1: The divinity of Jesus was invented at Nicaea.

• Correction: The Council of Nicaea (325 AD) did not invent the idea; it affirmed what the apostles had preached from the beginning. Paul declared clearly in Colossians 2:9 (KJV) that “in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”

Misconception 2: Jesus is “a” god, but not Almighty God.

• Correction: Hebrews 1:3 (KJV) describes Jesus as the “brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person.” He is not a secondary god; He is the exact imprint of God’s substance.

Misconception 3: Jesus never explicitly claimed to be God.

• Correction: While He may not have used that exact English sentence, His claim to be “One” with the Father in John 10:30 (KJV) was a claim to essential unity.

Conclusion: The Central Pillar of Salvation 🌟

Why does it matter?

If Jesus were merely a man, His death could not pay for the sins of the world. Only an infinite God-Man could bridge the infinite chasm created by sin. This is the foundation of our justification. For a deeper understanding of this exchange, read Justified by Faith: The Cornerstone of Christian Salvation.

• Salvation: His deity ensures His sacrifice is sufficient.
• Relationship: As God, He provides direct access to the Father.
• Eternity: Because He is the Eternal God, He secures our future. To explore what that future holds, read What Will We Do in Heaven for All Eternity?.

The Bible is clear: Jesus is not just a historical figure. He is the “true God, and eternal life” (1 John 5:20 (KJV)).

Reflection: Do you view Jesus as a helpful teacher, or as the Lord God who demands your all?