Faith in Jesus' divinity is a central tenet of Christian doctrine, affirming that Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully man. This belief is foundational to understanding the nature of Christ and His role in salvation. The divinity of Jesus is supported by numerous passages throughout the New Testament, which highlight His divine attributes, works, and claims.

Biblical Evidence of Jesus' Divinity

1. Divine Titles and Names: Jesus is referred to by titles that denote His divine nature. In John 1:1, the Apostle John writes, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This passage identifies Jesus (the Word) as God. Additionally, in John 20:28, Thomas addresses Jesus as "My Lord and my God!" affirming His divine status.

2. Pre-existence and Eternality: The pre-existence of Christ is a testament to His divinity. In John 8:58, Jesus declares, "Truly, truly, I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am!" This statement echoes the divine name revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14, indicating Jesus' eternal existence.

3. Divine Works: Jesus performed works that only God could accomplish, such as forgiving sins, which is highlighted in Mark 2:5-7. The passage recounts Jesus forgiving the sins of a paralytic, prompting the scribes to question, "Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Furthermore, Jesus' authority over nature, as demonstrated in calming the storm (Mark 4:39), and His power over life and death, as seen in the raising of Lazarus (John 11:43-44), underscore His divine capabilities.

4. Resurrection and Ascension: The resurrection of Jesus is a pivotal event that affirms His divinity. Romans 1:4 states that Jesus "was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead." His ascension into heaven, as described in Acts 1:9-11, further confirms His divine authority and eternal reign.

5. Worship and Prayer: Jesus received worship, which is due only to God. In Matthew 14:33, after Jesus walks on water, the disciples worship Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God." Additionally, Stephen's prayer to Jesus in Acts 7:59, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit," indicates recognition of His divine status.

6. Unity with the Father: Jesus' unity with God the Father is a profound aspect of His divinity. In John 10:30, Jesus states, "I and the Father are one," asserting His oneness with God. This unity is further emphasized in John 14:9, where Jesus tells Philip, "Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father."

Theological Implications

The belief in Jesus' divinity is crucial for understanding the nature of the Trinity, the incarnation, and the atonement. It affirms that Jesus, as God incarnate, possesses the authority and power to accomplish the work of salvation. The divine nature of Christ ensures that His sacrifice is sufficient to atone for the sins of humanity, bridging the gap between God and man.

Faith and Confession

Faith in Jesus' divinity is not merely intellectual assent but involves a personal trust and commitment to Him as Lord and Savior. Romans 10:9 emphasizes the importance of confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection as essential for salvation: "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."

In summary, faith in Jesus' divinity is a cornerstone of Christian belief, supported by scriptural evidence and essential for understanding the person and work of Christ.