By Kennedy Oshioma | President, Ignite House Mission International
The question of whether Jesus Christ is God has remained a central point of theological debate for centuries. While Christianity teaches that Jesus is divine, critics particularly from non-Christian faith traditions argue that He was only a prophet or moral teacher sent by God. A recurring challenge in these discussions is the claim that Jesus never explicitly identified Himself as God in the Scriptures.
This article examines key biblical passages to evaluate whether the Bible presents Jesus as divine, focusing on textual evidence, historical context, and the reactions of Jesus’ contemporaries.
The Prologue of John and the Identity of the Word
One of the earliest and most significant biblical affirmations of Christ’s deity appears in the opening verses of the Gospel of John:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”— John 1:1
The passage establishes three essential points: the Word existed before creation, the Word existed in relationship with God, and the Word shared God’s nature. Later in the same chapter, John clarifies the identity of the Word:
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.”
— John 1:14
Although this declaration is written by John rather than quoted directly from Jesus, it reflects the apostolic understanding of Jesus as both eternal and divine.
Statements of Unity with the Father
Beyond apostolic testimony, the Gospel accounts record several statements made by Jesus that imply divine equality. One of the most direct is found in John 10:
“I and my Father are one.”
— John 10:30
The immediate response of the Jewish leaders provides important context:
“…because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.”
— John 10:33
This reaction indicates that Jesus’ audience understood His statement not as symbolic language, but as a claim to divine status. In first-century Jewish theology, such a claim was considered blasphemous unless it was true.
Jesus as the Visible Revelation of God
Another significant exchange occurs in John 14, when Jesus responds to Philip’s request to see the Father:
“He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.”
— John 14:9
Rather than redirecting attention away from Himself, Jesus identifies His person and works as a direct revelation of God. This concept aligns with later New Testament teaching that presents Jesus as the visible expression of the invisible God.
The “I AM” Statement and Its Implications
Perhaps the most explicit claim to divinity appears in John 8:58:
“Before Abraham was, I am.”
This statement deliberately echoes God’s self-identification to Moses in Exodus 3:14, where God reveals His name as “I AM.” The response of the audience was immediate:
“Then took they up stones to cast at him.”
— John 8:59
Under Jewish law, stoning was the prescribed punishment for blasphemy. The attempt to stone Jesus strongly suggests that His listeners understood the statement as a direct claim to divine identity.
Why Jesus Was Accused of Blasphemy
Throughout the Gospel narratives, Jesus was repeatedly accused of blasphemy—not for teaching ethical principles, but for exercising authority associated with God alone. These actions included forgiving sins, redefining Sabbath law, accepting worship, and claiming eternal existence.
The Apostle Paul later summarized this belief succinctly:
“For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”
— Colossians 2:9
Conclusion
When examined in context, the biblical record consistently presents Jesus as more than a prophet or teacher. Through direct statements, symbolic language rooted in Jewish theology, and actions associated with divine authority, the New Testament portrays Jesus as fully divine.
Whether one accepts or rejects this conclusion ultimately depends on one’s interpretation of Scripture. However, from a textual and historical standpoint, the claim that Jesus never presented Himself as God is difficult to sustain when the relevant passages are examined carefully.
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