Why should we believe Jesus was God?

Why Should We Believe Jesus Was God?

1. Scriptural Foundations

The Bible repeatedly affirms the deity of Jesus, providing the most direct testimony that He is God. The apostle John begins his Gospel by emphasizing Jesus’ divine status: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). Later, John clarifies that “the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us” (John 1:14), showing that the eternal God took on humanity in Jesus.

Jesus Himself spoke of His own divinity. In John 8:58, He declared, “Truly, truly, I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am!” This “I am” statement echoes the divine name revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14 when God said, “I AM WHO I AM.” By using this phrase, Jesus connected Himself directly with the divine name, prompting His audience to understand He was claiming equality with God.

Moreover, the apostle Paul describes the mystery of Jesus in terms that elevate Him above all creation: “For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible . . . all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:16–17). Such language identifies Jesus not merely as a teacher or prophet, but as the eternal Creator and Sustainer of the universe.

2. Early Church Testimony

The early Christian community consistently taught and defended the belief that Jesus is God. In the Gospel accounts, Jesus is worshiped by His disciples (Matthew 14:33; John 9:38) and does not rebuke them for doing so. After the resurrection, Thomas addresses Jesus with the exclamation, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28), and Jesus accepts this confession.

Patristic evidence likewise supports this doctrine. Early church writings (e.g., letters from Ignatius of Antioch, c. A.D. 110) refer to Jesus as “our God.” No other figure in the Judeo-Christian tradition received such veneration without contradiction. The early councils, while addressing heresies, reaffirmed Jesus’ divine nature, echoing what was already laid out in Scripture and early church worship practices.

3. Fulfillment of Messianic Prophecies

The Old Testament provides numerous prophecies pointing to a divine Messiah who would appear in history. An example is Isaiah 9:6: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given . . . and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This prophecy ascribes divine titles to a future child who would be born into the human race.

The New Testament authors cite Old Testament passages to show that Jesus fulfills these messianic prophecies. Micah 5:2 indicates the Messiah would come from Bethlehem, which aligns with Jesus’ birthplace (Matthew 2:1–6). The consistent correspondence between the life of Jesus and these ancient prophetic texts reinforces the conclusion that He meets the criteria of the promised divine Messiah.

4. The Resurrection as Divine Confirmation

The resurrection of Jesus is the pivotal event that confirms His claim to deity. As recorded in the Gospels, Jesus was crucified and buried under Roman authority. According to multiple eyewitnesses, He rose from the dead on the third day (Matthew 28:1–10; Mark 16:1–8; Luke 24:1–12; John 20:1–18). In 1 Corinthians 15:3–8, Paul recounts various appearances of the risen Christ to over five hundred individuals at one time. The resurrection demonstrates power over life and death, which only God can display.

Historically, the earliest disciples championed the resurrection at great personal risk. Their willingness to suffer for this claim testifies to their conviction and the reliability of their experiences. Combined with archaeological research (e.g., references to an empty tomb near Jerusalem) and external historical testimonies from Jewish and Roman sources (Josephus, Tacitus), the resurrection stands as a historically defensible event. This event provides the strongest attestation that Jesus’ claim to deity was vindicated.

5. Testimony of Miracles

Miracles throughout the Gospels and subsequent history attest to Jesus’ divine authority. Jesus healed lepers (Luke 17:11–19), restored sight to the blind (John 9:1–12), and even raised the dead (John 11:38–44). These acts were intentional signs pointing to His unique identity.

Ancient sources, including non-Christian ones, reference Jesus as a worker of wonders (the Jewish Talmud alludes to Him as someone who performed “sorcery,” indicating acknowledgment of extraordinary deeds). Modern accounts of miracles and healings done “in Jesus’ name” persist in various parts of the world. While anecdotal, these reports are consistent with the biblical view that faith in a living, divine Jesus can manifest itself in remarkable ways.

6. Reliability of Scriptural Witness

The New Testament manuscripts, when compared to other ancient writings, carry strong evidence for accurate transmission. Discoveries such as the papyri in Egypt and Codex Sinaiticus confirm that the text of the New Testament has been faithfully preserved. Textual scholars have noted that the overwhelming number of manuscripts (well over 5,000 Greek manuscripts, plus versions and quotations in early Christian writings) supports the core message about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. The few textual variants do not negate the deity of Christ; rather, they show typical scribal minutiae common in all ancient documents.

Additionally, the Dead Sea Scrolls confirm the integrity of many Old Testament texts. These findings strengthen the connection between prophecies and their New Testament fulfillment, reinforcing the testimony to Jesus as the predicted divine Messiah.

7. Philosophical and Behavioral Considerations

Philosophically, if one accepts the concept of a necessary, eternal Being who created all things, then it is within reason that this Being could enter into the creation. Behavioral studies of human transformation also suggest that belief in a transcendent deity who personally redeems individuals yields consistent moral and spiritual changes. The worldwide experience of countless people who have encountered forgiveness and renewal through Jesus reinforces the claim that Jesus is more than a wise teacher—He is the divine Savior who changes hearts and grants eternal life (John 3:16).

Moreover, many who seek purpose or spiritual fulfillment find that Jesus’ claims to be the “Way and the Truth and the Life” (John 14:6) resonate uniquely with the human condition. The alignment of philosophical necessity (a transcendent God) with personal experience (changed lives) and historical evidence (the resurrection) gives strong rational grounds to affirm that Jesus is indeed God.

8. Addressing Objections

Some argue that Jesus’ statements may have been exaggerated or misunderstood. However, the straightforward reading of key Gospel texts shows the early followers clearly perceived Jesus as identifying Himself with God. Others claim post-resurrection doctrine artificially elevated Jesus’ status, but archaeological and historical data (e.g., early Christian graffiti, inscriptions, worship practices) confirm that devotion to Jesus as God arose immediately, not gradually.

Some express concern over the supernatural aspects of Jesus’ life. Yet miracles recorded in Scripture, supported by multiple eyewitness accounts, are exactly what one would expect if God personally walked among humanity. Additionally, the rapid rise of Christianity in hostile environments, without military or political sponsorship, points to a stronger force than mere human leadership—namely, the divine power of Jesus’ message and identity.

9. Conclusion

Believing that Jesus is God is rooted in a convergence of evidence: scriptural testimony, historical attestation of His resurrection, fulfillment of ancient prophecies, consistent worship practices from the earliest witnesses, and ongoing transformative experiences in the lives of believers. The manuscripts of Scripture, supported by external sources such as Josephus and Roman historians, affirm that Jesus did and said exactly what the New Testament records.

This question touches on philosophical considerations, behavioral transformations, and historical reality. The consistent witness converges on the identity of Jesus: He is the eternal Son who entered creation to offer salvation. From the eyewitness accounts to modern confessions of faith, the thread remains the same—Jesus was not merely a moral teacher or prophet but truly God incarnate. As the Berean Standard Bible expresses, “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).