Topical Encyclopedia
IntroductionJesus Christ, central to Christian theology, is recognized as the divine Son of God, the second person of the Holy Trinity, and the Savior of humanity. His divinity is a cornerstone of Christian belief, affirming that He is fully God and fully man. This entry explores the scriptural basis for the divinity of Jesus Christ, His role in creation, His authority, and His eternal nature.
Scriptural Basis for DivinityThe New Testament provides numerous affirmations of Jesus' divine nature. The Gospel of John opens with a profound declaration of His divinity: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (
John 1:1). This passage identifies Jesus (the Word) as preexistent and co-equal with God.
In Colossians, the Apostle Paul emphasizes Christ's divine nature: "For in Him all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form" (
Colossians 2:9). This verse underscores that Jesus embodies the complete nature of God, affirming His divinity in human form.
Role in CreationJesus' divine role in creation is articulated in several New Testament passages.
John 1:3 states, "Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made" . This verse attributes the act of creation to Jesus, affirming His divine authority and power.
Similarly,
Hebrews 1:2-3 describes Jesus as the one "through whom He made the universe" and "the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His nature" . These verses highlight Jesus' active participation in creation and His reflection of God's glory.
Authority and SovereigntyJesus' divine authority is evident throughout the Gospels. In
Matthew 28:18, Jesus declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me" . This statement affirms His sovereign rule over all creation, a prerogative of divinity.
Furthermore, Jesus' ability to forgive sins, as seen in
Mark 2:5-7, where He tells a paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven," demonstrates His divine authority. The scribes' reaction, questioning, "Who can forgive sins but God alone?" , underscores the recognition of His divine prerogative.
Eternal NatureThe eternal nature of Jesus is a testament to His divinity.
Revelation 1:8 records Jesus' self-identification: "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End" . This title, shared with God the Father, signifies His eternal existence and divine nature.
In
John 8:58, Jesus declares, "Truly, truly, I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am!" . This statement echoes the divine name revealed to Moses in
Exodus 3:14, further affirming His eternal and unchanging nature.
Worship and AdorationThe New Testament records instances of Jesus receiving worship, a recognition of His divinity. In
Matthew 14:33, after Jesus walks on water, the disciples worship Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God" . Worship, reserved for God alone, is appropriately directed toward Jesus, acknowledging His divine status.
Philippians 2:9-11 proclaims that "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" . This passage highlights the universal acknowledgment of Jesus' divine lordship.
ConclusionThe divinity of Jesus Christ is a foundational doctrine supported by scriptural testimony. His role in creation, authority, eternal nature, and the worship He receives all affirm His identity as God over all. Through His incarnation, Jesus reveals the fullness of God, offering salvation and eternal life to those who believe in Him.
Nave's Topical Index
Romans 9:5Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
Summary view of the Pre-Existence and Divinity of Our Saviour and ...
... of Scripture which speak of his divinity: "In the ... Word who was in the beginning with
God, and who ... prophets which relate to our Saviour Jesus Christ, and have ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter ii summary view of the.htm
Argument. --That the Same Truth is Proved from the Sacred Writings ...
... in all the proofs and conditions of Christ's divinity, says in ... are the fathers, and
of whom Christ came according ... nor of man, but by Jesus Christ;" [5108] and ...
/.../chapter xiii argument that the same.htm
Argument. --In Fine, Notwithstanding the Said Heretics have ...
... is not a mediator of one, but God is one ... no means to reject those marks of Christ's
divinity which are ... this, since it is most faithful that Jesus Christ the Son ...
/.../chapter xxx argument in fine notwithstanding.htm
The Title of God is Given in one Sense to Christ, and in Another ...
... given thee as a God to Pharaoh," shows the power of the giver rather than the Divinity
of him ... But when it is said of our God and Lord Jesus Christ, "who is ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter ii the title of.htm
Proofs from the Apostolic Writings, that Jesus Christ was one and ...
... the passage: "Every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come ... those who
wished to separate the humanity of Christ from His divinity, and that ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xvi proofs from the apostolic.htm
Abbott -- the Divinity in Humanity
... and revelation of the possible divinity in universal ... own righteousness coming out
of God's heart into ... be joint heirs with the Lord Jesus Christ, inheriting all ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 8/abbott the divinity in.htm
The Name Jesus and Also the Name Christ were Known from the ...
... was exhibited by our Saviour and Lord Jesus, the true ... from material substances, but,
as befits divinity, with the ... as if in the person of Christ himself, "The ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter iii the name jesus and.htm
That Before his Birth in Time Christ was Always Called God by the ...
... faith, to believe that the Lord Jesus Christ possessed the ... just as He possessed a
true and perfect Divinity. ... holy Scripture to put "High" for "God," as where ...
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Christ Our Mediator.
... and God, between earth and heaven, is bridged over in the God-man, Christ Jesus.
His divinity reaches half-way from heaven to earth, and His humanity half ...
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He Produces Testimonies to the Same Doctrine from the Apostle Paul ...
... have heard of Him as God, but as Jesus as well. ... have heard of Him as God, but as
Christ as well ... That which the Divinity has joined and united together cannot be ...
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Resources
What is the Jesus Family Tomb? Has the lost tomb of Jesus Christ been discovered? | GotQuestions.orgIs Jesus the Messiah? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God send Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgJesus: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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