Did you know that one-third of evangelical Christians doubt Christ’s divinity? Research reveals that these orthodox believers–those most often associated with a literal interpretation of scripture and an adherence to traditional biblical tenets—are embracing alternative views of Jesus’ deity.
Yet, a review of Scripture uncovers the truth. Key Scriptures from the Gospels, Paul's writings, and the Psalms clearly state that Jesus is divine. This list walks through verses that confirm Jesus is God in the flesh, equal with the Father, and worthy of worship.
Bible Verses Where Jesus Identifies Himself as God
When the religious leaders of Jerusalem heard Christ’s claim that He had fulfilled Messianic prophecy, they expressed skepticism, unbelief, and confusion. But Jesus spoke clearly to the Pharisees about his identity. Consider John 8:58 (LSB), “Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.'”
These words fueled embers of distrust into flames of hatred. Why? They echoed a sacred conversation between the Lord and His prophet in Exodus 3:14. “God said to Moses, 'I Am Who I Am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I Am has sent me to you.’”
With these radical words, Jesus claimed to be God. The Greek words ego eimi, translated I Am, convey the idea of eternality. Existence without beginning or end. The violent reaction of those opposing Jesus confirms they understood his assertion, and considered it blasphemous. Their response? An attempted stoning.
John 10:25, 30 (NIV) records another instance in which Jesus’ opponents demanded He tell them whether or not He was the Messiah.
“Jesus answered, 'I did tell you, but you do not believe. I and the Father are one'” (John 10:25, 30 NIV). This proclamation, one which points toward Trinitarian doctrine, initiated another attempt on Christ’s life.
During a conversation with His disciples, Christ reiterated His oneness with the Lord. Philip responded, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all so long and have you not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:8-9 LSB).
Later, a mob forced Jesus through the streets of Jerusalem to the high priest's home. There, Caiaphas, “…the high priest said to Him, I call upon you to swear by the living God, and tell us whether you are the Christ, the Son of God.
Jesus said to him, You have stated [the fact]. More than that, I tell you: You will in the future see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Almighty and coming on the clouds of the sky." (Matthew 26:63-64 AMPC).
Later, Jesus stood before Pilate who asked a similar question, “…Are You the King of the Jews? And He answered him, [It is just as] you say. [I Am.]" (Luke 23:3 AMPC).
Jesus might have avoided the horrors of Roman death and torture by denying His divinity. Instead, He responded with calm certainty.
Some argue that others have suffered from the delusion of deity—even declaring themselves God. But Jesus wasn’t the only one who supported His claims. Hundreds of others testified to the truth.
Let’s explore a few additional Bible verses that assure us Jesus is God.
Bible Verses Where Others Identify Jesus as God
Christ once warned His disciples that following Him portended persecution and even death (John 16:2). Perhaps the young proselytes failed to understand the depth of their leader’s words until His battered body hung on the cross.
Then? They hid, too fearful to do anything but cower in a room and mourn the loss of their beloved rabbi. But when Christ appeared to them–alive and well–the truth of His claims found fertile soil as evidenced by Thomas’ proclamation, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28 NKJV).
John, the disciple Jesus loved, recorded these words, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1 KJV).
With the exception of Judas, each of the disciples clung to their belief in their Lord’s divinity. Their faith strengthened by Christ’s resurrection, each one willingly suffered for Him.
The apostle Paul, an unexpected Christian convert, penned a multitude of Bible verses that uphold Jesus as God. Consider Colossians 2:8-9 (NIV), “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy…For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.”
One can almost feel the ache in Paul’s heart as he writes about his Jewish countrymen, “Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.” (Romans 9:5 NIV)
Once blinded to Christ, Paul’s desire was for Gentiles and Jews to know Christ as Lord and Savior.
These and many other New Testament Bible verses testify to Christ’s divinity. But what about the Old Testament?
Old Testament Prophecies about Jesus’ Divinity
In his article 5 Bold Biblical Claims that Prove Jesus is God, author Britt Mooney writes, “The Old Testament speaks of a messianic figure, a combination priest and king who would bring an eternal kingdom to the earth. The passages point to someone more than human, a divine being who fulfills these promises.”
Some of the most well-known prophecies that foretold of Jesus as Savior are found in the book of Isaiah.
“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 KJV).
Isaiah 7:14 provides additional insight, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." The name Immanuel, as swollen with purpose as Mary’s pregnant belly, means God with us. The gospel writer, Matthew, draws a parallel between this ancient prophecy and the carpenter’s son–solidifying the case for Christ as God.
Isaiah wasn’t the only Old Testament believer who wrote about the coming King. King David, Asaph, and the sons of Korah penned inspired Messianic Psalms. These include the following:
- Psalm 2 Christ’s Inheritance
- Psalm 8 The Praise of Children
- Psalm 16 Secure in the Lord
- Psalm 22 The Crucifixion Prophesied
- Psalm 40 God’s Love and Faithfulness
- Psalm 41 Betrayed by a Friend
- Psalm 45 The Scepter of Justice
- Psalm 68 A Procession of People
- Psalm 69 Enduring Scorn and Shame
- Psalm 72 The Righteous King
- Psalm 78 God’s Faithfulness
- Psalm 89 The Covenant of God
- Psalm 102 A Cry for Help
- Psalm 109 Justice and Deliverance
- Psalm 118 Thanksgiving for Salvation
- Psalm 132 Jesus, the Anointed One
While each of these songs is worth careful study, the lament embedded in Psalm 22:16-18 (NKJV) never fails to move me: “They pierced My hands and My feet; I can count all My bones…They divide My garments among them, And…they cast lots.” David’s words described Christ’s abandonment, physical torture, and death with stunning accuracy.
According to an article by Debbie McDaniel, “more than 300 prophecies were recorded to tell of His coming, His life and journey to the cross, and of His powerful resurrection.”
Nobody else fulfilled these prophecies—only the great I Am, Jesus Christ.
Conclusion: Why it Matters That Jesus is God
Far more than a good teacher or moral example, the Man from Galilee is God in the flesh. The Deliverer of those who love Him, and Lord of all.
Once separated from God because of sin’s devastating impact, the Messiah offers us the gift of salvation through His death and resurrection. The demands of the Law and the requirement for justice were met once for all on the cross because Jesus was fully God and became fully human.
If you haven’t accepted Christ as Savior, can I encourage you? Divorce futile attempts to work your way to heaven, refuse the rigors of empty religious systems, and embrace the call of the Messiah who invites all to respond in faith. The divine and holy Son of God is extending a welcome to you even now and is waiting for you to respond.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/pamela_d_mcadams
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