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As we consider the “Deity” of Jesus Christ, we should understand that the word “Deity” does not appear in the Bible.
However, it is used to declare a truth which is clearly taught in the scriptures. The same is true of the word “Trinity.” It
does not appear in the scriptures either, but the concept certainly does. The word “Trinity” sets forth the idea of three
persons in the Godhead. They are God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. All three were clearly present
at the baptism of Jesus, according to Matthew 3:15-17. 1 John 5:7 clearly declares the concept of the trinity.
Even so, the deity of Jesus is a Biblical concept clearly set forth and repeated throughout the Bible. In the World
Book Dictionary, the second definition for deity is “divine nature; being a god; godhead; divinity.” Even though the
word “Deity” is not in the Bible, clearly the fact that Jesus is God and is divine appears repeatedly in the scriptures.
Therefore, the deity of Jesus can be established upon the simple fact that the Bible is true. Jesus said, “Sanctify them
through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). Since all the Bible says about Christ is true, we may safely conclude
that He is divine.
It is important for us to recognize that Jesus Christ is God, because so much of our faith in Christ depends upon this
fact. If He is not God, then who is He? If He was just another mortal born on the earth almost two thousand years
ago, then He could not save us, nor will He ever return. Paul used a similar path of logic as he dealt with the resurrection.
He said, “And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17). There are some
truths which are inseparably linked to and dependent upon other truths. For example, salvation is dependent upon the
deity of Christ.
Our faith in Christ must not be based on the logical reasoning of our minds, but upon Biblical truth. Our beliefs
should always rest solidly upon the teaching of holy scripture. If they are not, we have no dependable standard and all the
various ideas of men would only serve to create chaos and confusion. Since we need truth, God gave the Bible by the
inspiration of the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Thereby, He shared with mankind many great truths about Himself and
His Son, our Savior. If we genuinely desire to understand the facts about the deity of Jesus Christ, the Bible is our most
dependable resource material. As we explore this Biblical truth, we will do so by considering a few of the many
references which support this wonderful doctrine.
Having stated the significance of the scriptures, let us now look at the deity of Jesus through the light of some very
important passages. The Gospel of John begins with a declaration which confirms the deity of Christ. John said, “In
the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God.
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:1-3). So the “Word” was
“with God, and the Word was God.” The “Word” under consideration is Jesus Christ. This fact is evident from John
1:14, which identifies the “Word” as the Son of God. If we replace “Word” with “Jesus Christ,” then Jesus was with God
in the beginning and He was and is God. This substitution is accurate and does no injustice to the scriptures. Anyone who
seriously considers the verses which begin the Gospel of John cannot ignore the fact of Christ’s deity.
However, there are also many other scriptures which address the subject, and perhaps some are clearer in their
reference to Christ as God. One such scripture reference is found in the writings of the great Apostle Paul. He wrote,
“For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9). If we consider the contents of the
surrounding verses, it is evident that the personal pronoun “He” refers to Jesus. Based upon that fact, then all the fulness
of the Godhead dwells in Him. In other words, God dwelt in the physical body of Christ. He could do that because the
body of Christ was created by divine conception. Therefore, Jesus is God and His deity is further established.
Perhaps no scripture relating to this subject is as simple and clear as 1 Timothy 3:16. Paul said, “And without
controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels,
preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” Paul linked together a number of interrelated
truths about Christ. At the heart of them is the fact that “God was manifest in the flesh.” Each of the other thoughts adds to
the wide array of ideas presented about Jesus. In an effort to keep our focus on Christ’s deity, we will not consider them at
this time. But let it be observed that God was manifest in the person of Jesus Christ, as he came and lived on the earth. We
need to remember that God incarnate is Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour!
As man, He came and lived on this earth for approximately thirty-two years, but as God He had existed
from all eternity. Paul said, “But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one
Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him” (1 Corinthians 8:6). As God invisible, Jesus once created the
worlds; yet, as God in the flesh, He compassionately forgave sins and healed the sick. Mark, chapter 2, records the
miraculous healing of a man afflicted with palsy. As with every healing and all other miracles which He performed, He
repeatedly manifested His deity. Surely, no mere mortal man could have healed the sick, fed thousands, calmed stormy seas
or even raised the dead. These are only a few of the many miracles by which Christ was revealed as God. Deity?
Indeed!
As we conclude this study, let us consider an angelic message. He said, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and
shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us”
(Matthew 1:23). While we may not fully understand the deity of Christ, we certainly can believe this truth by faith. Faith is
a marvelous gift of the Holy Spirit which enables us to embrace truth by the evidence of scriptures. Hebrews 11:1
says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Those who believe the Bible to
be God’s inspired word can find great joy in recognizing the deity of Jesus Christ. What a blessing to know that the Christ
we have trusted is indeed God.
If He is not divine, there is no basis for our Christian hope. A mere mortal may die for another, and many have in
the heat of battle, but that did not solve the sin problem. Only God can remove our sin debt for He alone is without sin.
Since Jesus is God, He could die for our sins and rise again for our justification (Romans 4:25). Our faith rests
unshakably upon the deity of Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
If we believe the Bible and embrace the concept of the deity of Jesus Christ, then, obviously, we should worship
Him. Certainly we can all agree that as God He is worthy of the worship of men. In the New Testament, the Greek word
for God most often is theos, meaning the object of worship. Worship involves more than a mere profession of faith; it
engages our very lives for His glory. Some questions we need to answer are: “Do I believe in the deity of Christ?” and “Am
I willing to give Him the worship of my heart?” The answer to both questions will be manifest by our daily walk.
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