Many people doubt that Christ was God and claim that there is nothing in the Bible to indicate this.
In this article, we will figure out which Bible verses show that Christ is really God, and not a prophet or an ordinary person.
What Does The Bible Say About Jesus?
The Bible itself provides much evidence to support the claim that Jesus is God.
One of the most well-known passages in the Bible tells us about Jesus’ divinity is John 1:1-3:
«In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.» Here, «the Word» refers to Jesus, who was with God in the beginning.
Some people may say that these are just the words of the apostle, but they are based on what Christ spoke about: “Truly, truly, I tell you,” Jesus declared, “before Abraham was born, I am!” (John 8:58)
This is a direct indication that Christ always existed and therefore wasn’t a simple prophet. The prophet would never say that he existed before his birth. Thus, we can determine that Jesus was God, a part of the Holy Trinity.
The quote of the apostle is important not only because it shows us Jesus’ divinity, but also because it speaks about the idea that Jesus is one with God.
The Church Father Athanasius wrote, «The Son is of the essence of the Father, and is inseparable from Him». In other words, Jesus isn’t a creation of God, but an extension of God himself.
Read Also: What Does The Holy Spirit Look Like?
Colossians 1:15-20
Another verse that shows that Jesus is God is Colossians 1:15-20, which reads:
«He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.
He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.»
Here, an apostle shows that Jesus is not only the creator of all things but also the means by which God reconciles all things to himself.
Saint John of Damascus wrote, «He that was begotten of the Father before the worlds was in these last days for our sake begotten of the Virgin». In other words, Jesus is the bridge between God and humanity, through whom we can be brought back into a relationship with God.
Philippians 2:5-11
We can also find proof that Jesus was God in Philippians 2:5-11:
«In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.»
This part shows the true nature of Jesus, it tells us his willingness to humble himself and take on human form. Thus, He was both fully God and fully human.
Saint Gregory of Nazianzus wrote, «He descended that he might be our brother; he became poor that we might be rich; he was tempted that we might conquer; he was reviled that we might be justified; he died that we might be saved; he ascended that he might draw to himself all things».
Christ came to earth in the form of a human not only to preach but also to defeat death. Now all people have access to eternal life.
Saint Basil the Great wrote, «The titles of Lord and God are used of him, not by mere custom or consent, but as expressive of his natural and inherent dignity».
Read Also: Who is The Bride of Christ?
Other Bible Verses That Show Jesus is God
There are many other passages in the Bible that speak to Jesus’ divinity, including:
- John 10:30 («I and the Father are one»)
- John 20:28 (where Thomas declares Jesus to be «My Lord and my God»), and Hebrews 1:8-9 (where God addresses Jesus as “God” and “Lord”)
- Colossians 2:9 (In Christ all the fullness of deity dwells bodily)
- 2 Peter 1:1 (Jesus is called «our God and Savior Jesus Christ»)
Jesus often showed that he is God, which made ancient society shocked, for example, «When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?» (Mark 2:5-7)
We can find more poetic verses that show the divine nature of Jesus: «Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name, Immanuel (which means God with us)» (Matthew 1:23)
It was also one of the reasons why society wanted to see his death: «This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.» (John 5:18)
Connecting with God is essential to praying effectively and receiving answers. Our FREE cheat sheet will help you build a strong relationship with God and create an effective prayer life.
What The Church Fathers Say
All Church Fathers acknowledged Christ as God and human.
Saint Irenaeus wrote, «Christ Jesus, our Lord, and God, and Savior, and King, according to the will of the invisible Father, every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess to him»
Saint Justin Martyr wrote, «For Christ is called both God and Lord of hosts, and Moses was a servant of his». It shows the clear difference between prophets and Jesus Christ.
Also, Saint Clement of Alexandria wrote, «Thus the Lord is God, and Christ is God; for they are one». It means that both God the Father and Jesus Christ are parts of the Holy Trinity.
Final Thoughts
It can be concluded that Christ was both fully God and fully human. There are many indications in the Bible showing that Christ is God, some of these indications are given by Christ himself.
It was for this that He was executed on the cross, people didn’t recognize Christ as God and accused him of blasphemy because they believed that only God could forgive sins and speak of himself as God.
At the same time, his apostles clearly call Him God, both during the life of Christ and after his resurrection. All Church Fathers also share this opinion and recognize Christ as God.
Charalampos
Charalampos is an Orthodox Christian who wants to help others learn about Christianity. His main goal is to help people understand the Bible and how to apply its teachings in their everyday lives. He also enjoys spending time with his family, playing sports, and hiking.
Connecting with God is essential to praying effectively and receiving answers. Our FREE cheat sheet will help you build a strong relationship with God and create an effective prayer life.
