If you have ever wondered if there are any passages that plainly show Christ is God then look no further. In this article we have eight and if you read them for what they obviously say, it is easy to conclude Christ is God.
Open up a Holy Bible translation that is essentially true to the ancient manuscripts and you will see it for yourself: Christ was God manifested in the flesh. To my knowledge there are well over 100 passages that point to this truth in some way or another. And let us be clear: There is only One God. There are not two or more Gods. There is One God Who subsists as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Before we continue, you might wonder why the deity of Christ is so important. It is important for two reasons.
First, and foremost, is the truth that God is not an impersonal God. He personally created the universe (Genesis 1) and personally takes care of it. He personally made man (Genesis 1:26-28) and personally provided salvation for man (Genesis 3:15). He did not assign the task to another human or angel (Isaiah 12:2, 43:11). He personally did it. So, I feel saying Christ is not God is like saying God does not love us.
The second reason is that if someone cannot accept and believe what the Holy Scriptures plainly say about this truth that is quite evident, then what shall they do with other truths of the Holy Bible? They become prey for error and the cults, and anymore there are a vast multitude of cults. None of the cults provide the truth about salvation.
With that said, let us now consider eight passages that are very clear that Christ is God. Oh, but rest assured, though they explicitly show that Christ is God there is always some cult that will try to twist you away from the Truth. For each of these eight I will try to present what objections I have heard about them, then, by the grace of God, show why those exceptions cannot stand.
These passages will be presented in the following order using Young’s Literal Translation (YLT), which is one of the works closest to the ancient languages, and the King James Version modified (as mentioned in the notes section below): John 8:58, 20:28, 1 John 5:20, Colossians 1:15-16, Colossians 2:9, Isaiah 9:6 compared with other Holy Scriptures, Zechariah 12:10, Revelation 1:17 compared with Isaiah 44:6. There will be times I omit an abbreviation for the translation of a verse or passage below. In such a case that means I was using the KJV modified.
KJV - Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
YLT - Jesus said to them, ‘Verily, verily, I say to you, Before Abraham’s coming — I am;’
By Christ stating “Before Abraham’s coming — I am;” He identifies Himself with YHVH God Who spoke to Moses from the burning bush, saying (YLT), “And God saith unto Moses, ‘I AM THAT WHICH I AM;’ He saith also, ‘Thus dost thou say to the sons of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.’” That is precisely why that just after Jesus made this statement in John 8:58 the Jews were going to stone Him (John 8:59 YLT): “they took up, therefore, stones that they may cast at him, but Jesus hid himself, and went forth out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.”
There are some that erroneously declare that Christ was an angel in human form, with some stating it was Michael the archangel. There is absolutely no Holy Scripture identifying Christ as Michael. Besides, Christ said “I am” and said He was so even before Abraham, thus identifying Himself with He Who spoke with Moses from the burning bush.
To get around this statement of Christ which is a clear indicator of His divinity, render Christ’s statement to read something like, “before Abraham was, I had been” or “I was” or anything else to deny the deity of Christ. You can look for yourself with the proper tools{1} and you will see that where it has “I am” in this verse, the Koine Greek is Ego eimi (i - mee), present indicative, “I am.” There is no other way to translate it.
Note this, though, before we continue. A tactic of cults and of those who prefer error to truth is to find a version of the Holy Bible that agrees with their false teachings. Always go to the ancient texts themselves or at least use something like Young’s Literal Translation.
“And after eight days again His disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, ‘Peace be unto you. 27 Then He says to Thomas, ‘Reach here your finger, and behold my hands; and reach here your hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.’ 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, ‘My Lord and my God.’ 29 Jesus says to him, ‘Thomas, because thou hast seen me, you have believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.’ 30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 But these are written, that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you might have life through his name.”
Verse 28 according to YLT: “And Thomas answered and said to him, ‘My Lord and my God;’”
When Thomas saw Jesus, he said (verse 28), “My Lord and my God.” That should be sufficient proof to show that Christ is God veiled in flesh. However, some would have us to believe it was just an expression in the form of exclamation, similar to what many say today when they are surprised: “Oh my God!”
Keep in mind that Thomas, as were the others, was a very devout Jew. Look throughout the Holy Bible and you will never find it where someone flippantly says “my God.” Even today even a worldly Jew that has a sense of the ancient reverential fear of God will not even type the word, “God,” but will abbreviate it as “G-d.” You can verify that fact by visiting certain Jewish web sites. The earliest disciples, though they followed Jesus, considered themselves Jews. They would not toy-around with the Name of God nor worship anyone else but God.
I continued to verse 31 for a reason. We see two important things. Jesus did not consider Thomas’ declaration as a flippant statement worthy of rebuke, nor did Jesus deny He was God veiled in the flesh.
Again, let us have the context with it:
“We know that whosoever is born of God sins not; but he that is begotten of God keeps himself, and that wicked one touches him not. 19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lays in wickedness. 20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him that is true, and we are in Him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. 21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.”
1 John 5:20 in YLT: “and we have known that the Son of God is come, and hath given us a mind, that we may know Him who is true, and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ; this one is the true God and the life age-during!”
Note well the last portion of verse 20, “...even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” “Jesus Christ” is directly connected to “This is the true God, and eternal life.”
As you see, verses 18 and 19 have “God.” Verse 20 begins speaking of “the Son of God” and identifies that title with “his Son Jesus Christ.” The whole focus of verse 20 is Jesus Christ, not the Father. Therefore “this is the true God” refers to Christ. In regard to eternal life, Jesus said about Himself in John 11:25-26, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever lives and believes in me shall never die.” This shows that Jesus Christ Himself is eternal life.
Again, I will give the context of the verse of our current focus.
Colossians 1:16-18:
“Giving thanks unto the Father, which has made us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who has delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him: 17 And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence.”
While the context was presented to show that verse 16 speaks of Christ, it was also given to briefly point out other indicators of the deity of Christ and a misconception about the word “firstborn.” Tucked away in the Greek is another indicator of Christ’s deity when we read in verse 15, “Who is the image of the invisible God,” but we should save that for another article. Possibly another indicator is “by Him all things consist” in verse 17. Regarding “firstborn” the term does not always mean one who was born first and can mean “the main one.” Case in point would be Jeremiah 31:9 where YHVH says, “ I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.” Ephraim was a son of Joseph, but not his firstborn son. But YHVH decided Ephraim would be YHVH’s firstborn. Perhaps we will also do an article on that, God willing.
But, again, here is Colossians 1:16, “For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him.” YLT renders it, “because in him were the all things created, those in the heavens, and those upon the earth, those visible, and those invisible, whether thrones, whether lordships, whether principalities, whether authorities; all things through him, and for him, have been created.” As you see, Christ is clearly declared the Creator of all things. This one verse brings out two things that prove His deity.
First, Christ created ALL things. That means He, Himself, was not created as some have alleged. If He was created, then the Word of God could not say ALL things. So, to get around it, this is one reason why the Watchtower Society (the Jehovah’s Witness) developed their own bible (I do not think I will even capitalize “Bible” when it comes to their version). The true Holy Bible contradicts much of the teaching of the Watchtower Society. So, if you read their bible, and it is really not worth it, you will see from time to time they will insert words. In the case of Colossians 1:16 they print, “by Him were all [other] things created.” “Other” does not occur in the actual Greek text for this verse. So, it clearly shows Christ Himself was not created and the only being that was not created is God.
Secondly, this is one of many verses of the New Testament that show a direct link to YHVH in the Old Testament. Here is what YHVH says about Himself being creator (Isaiah 44:24), “Thus says YHVH, your redeemer, and He that formed you from the womb, I am YHVH that makes all things; that stretches forth the heavens alone; that spreads abroad the earth by myself.” You see here that YHVH says He made all things. If, by the Holy Spirit, Paul writes that Christ made all things, then YHVH and Christ are the same being. You cannot have two Creators because YHVH uses the terms “alone” and “myself” in regard to His creative work.
KJV - For in Him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
YLT* - because in him does tabernacle all the fulness of the Godhead bodily,
“Godhead” is the Biblical way to say “Trinity.” The “Him,” of course, is Jesus Christ. Here is the context (verses 6 to 9):
“As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him: 7 Rooted and built up in Him, and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”
This clearly shows the deity of Christ. I know of nothing more to write about this passage, and I do not recall any objections. However, that does not mean there are no objections. If you know of any, please contact me{2}.
KJV - For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
YLT* - For a Child has been born to us, A Son has been given to us, And the princely power is on his shoulder, And He does call his name Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Father of Eternity, Prince of Peace.
Most know that Isaiah 9:6 is a prophecy dealing in part with the incarnation of the Messiah, Christ. Matthew and Luke record His birth. Notice that the verse in Isaiah states He is to be called “Mighty God.” That, in itself, would be sufficient enough for an honest person to deduce the complete divine nature of Christ. However, there is at least one polytheistic group that claims there is Almighty God, then there is Christ, “a god.” So, can we find verses that show that the One True God is referred to as “Mighty God,” or “a Mighty God,” and thus show that Christ was the One True God Who was veiled in flesh at His incarnation? We sure can, and here are the verses:
Deuteronomy 7:21
KJV - You shall not be afraid of them: for YHVH your God is among you, a mighty God and terrible.
YLT - thou art not terrified by their presence, for Jehovah thy God is in thy midst, a God great and fearful.
Psalm 50:1
KJV - The mighty God, even YHVH, has spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.
YLT - The God of gods — Jehovah — hath spoken, And He calleth to the earth From the rising of the sun unto its going in.
Jeremiah 32:18
KJV - You show lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompense the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them: the Great, the Mighty God, YHVH of hosts, is his name,
YLT - Doing kindness to thousands, and recompensing iniquity of fathers into the bosom of their sons after them; God, the great, the mighty, Jehovah of Hosts is His name,
KJV - And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.
YLT - And I have poured on the house of David, And on the inhabitant of Jerusalem, A spirit of grace and supplications, And they have looked unto Me whom they pierced, And they have mourned over it, Like a mourning over the only one, And they have been in bitterness for it, Like a bitterness over the first-born.
Evidently YHVH is speaking here, which is confirmed when we read the verse’s greater context. And so we see YHVH says He would be pierced. Jesus Christ was pierced (John 19:34). He said He would be mourned over as one mourns for their only son. Christ is referred to as God’s only Son (John 3:16). This is quite evident that YHVH and Christ are the same being, and the One true God.
KJV - And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
YLT - And when I saw him, I did fall at his feet as dead, and he placed his right hand upon me, saying to me, ‘Be not afraid; I am the First and the Last,
Reading the entirety of Revelation 1 we know that it is Christ speaking in Revelation 1:17 declaring Himself to be the first and the last. Let us now look at Isaiah 44:6 and we will see that YHVH declares Himself to be the first and the last.
KJV - Thus says YHVH the King of Israel, and His redeemer YHVH of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.
YLT - Thus said Jehovah, king of Israel, And his Redeemer, Jehovah of Hosts: ‘I am the first, and I the last, And besides Me there is no God.
As you also see, YHVH states there is no God besides Him. He states that six times in Isaiah. Another verse we definitely can use to outright show the deity of Christ is John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” While that is exactly what it says in the Greek, the Watchtower Society and a few others render it “and the word was a god.” Aside from being incorrectly rendered “a god,” it contradicts what YHVH said in Isaiah 44:6 and five more verses in Isaiah where YHVH emphatically says there is no God besides Him. God willing, we will have articles on John 1:1 and a few more in regard to the deity of Christ, looking at the Greek.
{1} Go to www.blueletterbible.org, enter the verse you are interested, like James 1:12, enter that data, and on the next page select interlinear and avoid reverse interlinear. In the interlinear select the option to parse if available. If it is a verb, information will be displayed for mood, tense, and so on. Or go to [http://www.onlinebible.org/]onlinebible.org (.net in North America) and install the Online Bible program on your computer. Start the program and follow the menu to open the verse you are interested in. When the verse of passage comes up, select “Strong’s Numbers” and move your mouse over the numbers for the information you need.
{2} Contact me at brotherppm@gmail.com or petemacinta@yahoo.com .
Unless otherwise noted all Holy Scripture is from the 1769 Authorized Version with spelling of some words updated for our time in addition to changing LORD to YHVH as it rightly should be when the text so indicates. An * next to the abbreviation for another translation or version indicates the same for the text presented.
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For in Christ we obtain freedom, sealed by his blood, and have the forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:7)..
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