The divinity of Jesus Christ is a central tenet of Christian theology, affirming that Jesus is both fully God and fully man. This doctrine is foundational to the Christian faith and is supported by numerous passages throughout the Bible. The Berean Standard Bible provides a clear translation of these key scriptures.

Old Testament Foreshadowing

The Old Testament contains several prophecies and types that foreshadow the divinity of the Messiah. Isaiah 9:6 proclaims, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." This passage attributes divine titles to the coming Messiah, indicating His divine nature.

In Micah 5:2 , the prophet speaks of Bethlehem as the birthplace of a ruler "whose origins are from of old, from the days of eternity." This eternal origin suggests a divine nature, as eternity is an attribute of God alone.

New Testament Affirmations

The New Testament provides explicit affirmations of Jesus' divinity. The Gospel of John opens with a profound declaration: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). This verse identifies Jesus (the Word) as God, establishing His divine nature from the outset.

In John 8:58 , Jesus Himself 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, where God identifies Himself as "I AM." By using this name, Jesus claims eternal existence and equality with God.

The apostle Paul also affirms Jesus' divinity in his epistles. In Colossians 2:9 , Paul writes, "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form." This verse emphasizes that Jesus embodies the complete nature of God.

Divine Attributes and Works

Jesus' divine attributes and works further testify to His divinity. He possesses omniscience, as demonstrated in John 2:24-25 , where it is noted that "He did not need any testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man." His omnipotence is displayed in His miracles, such as calming the storm (Mark 4:39) and raising the dead (John 11:43-44).

Moreover, Jesus exercises divine authority, forgiving sins as seen in Mark 2:5-7 , where He tells the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." The scribes question, "Who can forgive sins but God alone?" This act of forgiveness underscores His divine prerogative.

Worship and Acknowledgment

Throughout the New Testament, Jesus receives worship, which is due to God alone. In Matthew 14:33 , after Jesus walks on water, the disciples worship Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God." Similarly, Thomas addresses Jesus as "My Lord and my God!" in John 20:28 , acknowledging His divine identity.

The book of Revelation also presents Jesus as the object of heavenly worship. Revelation 5:12-13 describes a scene where every creature in heaven and on earth praises the Lamb, saying, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!"

Conclusion

The divinity of Jesus is a profound mystery and a cornerstone of Christian belief. Through prophetic foreshadowing, explicit New Testament affirmations, divine attributes, and the worship He receives, the Bible consistently reveals Jesus as God incarnate, worthy of honor, worship, and devotion.