The divinity of Jesus Christ is a foundational tenet of the Christian faith, central to understanding His role in salvation and His relationship with God the Father.
Throughout the New Testament, various passages explicitly and implicitly affirm the deity of Jesus, underscoring His identity as God incarnate. These scriptures reveal profound theological truths about Jesus’ nature, His unity with the Father, and His divine authority.
In this article, we’ll explore 11 key verses that clearly articulate the Bible’s declaration of Jesus as God, providing a comprehensive look at the biblical evidence for this critical doctrine.
Where in the Bible Does It Say Jesus Is God
In the Bible, passages like John 1:1 and John 10:30 state that Jesus is God.
Here are 11 key verses that affirm this;
1. John 1:1
John 1:1 (NIV): “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
This profound statement from the Gospel of John introduces Jesus as the Word (Greek: Logos), who was with God from the beginning and who is identified as God Himself. This verse establishes Jesus’ eternal existence and divine nature as integral to the Godhead.
By using the term “Logos,” John connects Jesus to the concept of divine wisdom and reason, emphasizing His active role in creation and His intimate relationship with the Father. The assertion that “the Word was God” is a clear declaration of Jesus’ divinity, placing Him at the heart of the Christian understanding of the Trinity.
2. John 1:14
John 1:14 (NIV): “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John further elucidates that the Word, who was God and with God in the beginning, became incarnate as Jesus Christ. This verse affirms Jesus’ divinity while emphasizing His humanity, illustrating the mystery of the Incarnation. By becoming flesh, Jesus entered the human experience, sharing in our struggles and suffering.
The phrase “made his dwelling among us” recalls the Old Testament imagery of God dwelling with His people, reinforcing the idea that Jesus is God’s presence in the world. His glory, grace, and truth reveal His divine nature and mission to bring salvation to humanity.
3. John 10:30
John 10:30 (NIV): “I and the Father are one.”
In this statement, Jesus declares His unity with the Father, affirming His divine identity and oneness with God. This assertion sparked controversy among the religious leaders of His time, who understood His claim as a declaration of equality with God.
The oneness Jesus speaks of goes beyond mere agreement in purpose; it denotes a profound unity of essence and nature. This statement underscores the intimate and inseparable relationship between Jesus and the Father, highlighting His divine authority and identity as God.
4. John 20:28
John 20:28 (NIV): “Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!'”
After encountering the risen Jesus, Thomas acknowledges Him as “my Lord and my God,” affirming Jesus’ divine identity. This confession underscores Thomas’ recognition of Jesus’ authority and deity. Thomas’ declaration is a profound moment of faith, as he moves from doubt to worship.
By addressing Jesus as “my Lord and my God,” Thomas not only acknowledges Jesus’ resurrection but also His divine nature, underscoring the central Christian belief in Jesus as both Lord and God.
5. Philippians 2:5-6
Philippians 2:5-6 (NIV): “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 advantage;”
Paul’s letter to the Philippians emphasizes that Jesus, in His very nature, is God. This passage underscores Jesus’ divine status and His voluntary humility in taking on human form. Despite possessing the fullness of deity, Jesus chose to relinquish His divine privileges and embrace the limitations of humanity.
This act of humility serves as a model for believers, encouraging them to adopt a mindset of selflessness and service. Jesus’ willingness to humble Himself and become obedient to death on the cross highlights His divine love and sacrifice for humanity.
6. Colossians 2:9
Colossians 2:9 (NIV): “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,”
Paul affirms that Jesus embodies the fullness of deity in bodily form. This verse reinforces Jesus’ divine nature and His incarnation as God in human flesh. By stating that the fullness of the Deity dwells in Christ, Paul emphasizes that Jesus is fully God, possessing all the attributes and essence of divinity.
This declaration highlights the mystery and wonder of the Incarnation, where the eternal God entered human history in the person of Jesus. It also affirms the completeness and sufficiency of Jesus in providing salvation and revealing God to humanity.
7. Hebrews 1:3
Hebrews 1:3 (NIV): “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”
The author of Hebrews describes Jesus as the exact representation of God’s being, affirming His divine essence and role as the sustainer of all creation. This passage highlights Jesus’ authority and supremacy. By referring to Jesus as the radiance of God’s glory, the author emphasizes that Jesus perfectly reflects and manifests God’s divine presence and nature.
The phrase “exact representation” denotes that Jesus is the precise and perfect image of God, sharing His essence and attributes. Jesus’ role in sustaining all things by His powerful word underscores His divine power and authority over creation. His exaltation at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven signifies His completed work of redemption and His ongoing reign as Lord.
8. Titus 2:13
Titus 2:13 (NIV): “While we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,”
Paul refers to Jesus as “our great God and Savior,” linking Jesus’ identity directly to God Himself. This verse underscores Jesus’ divine status and His role in bringing salvation to humanity. By calling Jesus “our great God and Savior,” Paul unequivocally affirms Jesus’ divinity and His central role in the Christian hope.
The “blessed hope” refers to the anticipated return of Jesus, when His glory will be fully revealed. This verse emphasizes the dual aspects of Jesus’ identity as both God and Savior, highlighting His divine authority and His redemptive work on behalf of humanity.
9. Isaiah 9:6
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV): “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
This Messianic prophecy foretells the birth of Jesus and identifies Him with titles that affirm His divine nature, including “Mighty God.” It prophesies Jesus’ role as a divine ruler and source of peace. The titles given to the child born in this prophecy highlight the extraordinary nature of the Messiah.
“Wonderful Counselor” indicates His wisdom and guidance; “Mighty God” affirms His divine power and authority; “Everlasting Father” suggests His eternal care and protection; “Prince of Peace” denotes His role in bringing reconciliation and harmony. This verse points to the divine identity and mission of Jesus as the promised Messiah who brings salvation and peace to the world.
10. Revelation 1:8
Revelation 1:8 (NIV): “‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.'”
In Revelation, Jesus identifies Himself as the “Alpha and the Omega,” titles attributed to God, emphasizing His eternal existence and divine authority. The titles “Alpha and Omega” (the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet) signify that Jesus is the beginning and the end of all things.
This declaration underscores His eternal nature and His sovereign control over history and creation. By identifying Himself as “the Almighty,” Jesus asserts His divine power and authority, affirming His identity as God who reigns over all.
11. Revelation 22:13
Revelation 22:13 (NIV): “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
Jesus reiterates His divine identity as the “Alpha and the Omega,” affirming His eternal nature and sovereignty over all creation. This statement serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus’ central role in the divine plan and His ultimate authority over the universe.
By declaring Himself as the “First and the Last” and the “Beginning and the End,” Jesus emphasizes His timeless existence and His encompassing presence in all things. This verse reinforces the Christian belief in Jesus’ divinity and His preeminence in all aspects of life and eternity.
Conclusion
The Bible unequivocally affirms the divinity of Jesus Christ through numerous passages, each offering unique insights into His divine nature and unity with God the Father.
From the profound declarations in the Gospel of John to the prophetic affirmations in the Book of Revelation, these scriptures collectively establish Jesus as God incarnate.
Understanding these key verses deepens our appreciation of Jesus’ role in the divine plan of salvation and reinforces the core Christian belief in His deity. As believers, recognizing Jesus as both Lord and God is essential for our faith, shaping our worship, devotion, and understanding of the Gospel message.
