BIBLICAL INDICATIONS OF THE DEITY OF JESUS CHRIST

By Richard P Bailey

The teaching of Christians that Jesus the Messiah is God has always caused a good deal of disagreement and dispute. This is partly due to the fact that, although the apostles of Jesus wrote and preached a lot about Jesus being God, Jesus Himself did not emphasize his deity [*]. After all, having come to earth for the purpose of becoming a genuine human being who could be a sacrifice for our sins, why would He try to prove that He was God?

Most Christians believe in the deity of Christ but find it very difficult to explain or even fully understand it. In this study I am not trying to explain it, but I am merely listing what I believe are some of the many indications of his deity found in the Holy Bible.

While these indications may not “prove” the deity of Jesus the Messiah (at least not to skeptics), they certainly will leave an honest student with lots to consider. The full bright light of God’s being is more than we can possibly endure (as He told His prophet Moses), but these indications of Jesus’ deity are something like glimmers of that light shinning through tiny cracks in the outer shell of Jesus’ humanity.

[Most Bible references are from the New American Standard Bible translation,
but many are from the New International Version.]

* [see Appendix B, “Why Did Jesus Not Openly Reveal His Full Identity?”]

(1) JESUS EXISTED BEFORE THE PROPHETS JOHN, DAVID AND ABRAHAM, EVEN THOUGH HE WAS BORN AFTER THEM. IN FACT HE EXISTED BEFORE THE WORLD WAS CREATED:

· “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” (Micah 5:2)

[The first part of this Old Testament verse was quoted in Matthew 2:4 by the religious leaders of Israel when King Herod asked them where the Messiah was supposed to be born according to the prophets.]

· (John the Baptist said) “... he (John) saw Jesus coming to him and said, ‘... This is He on behalf of whom I said, “After me comes a Man who has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.”’” (John 1:29,30)

[Jesus existed before John the Baptist (the prophet Yahyah) even though he was born three months after him. He is both before and after John; both God and man!]

· (Jesus said) “I am the root and the offspring of David.” (Revelation 22:16)

[Jesus existed before King David, who lived about 1000 BC even though He was a descendant of King David. He is called both the “root” and “offspring” of David because He is both before and after David; both God and man!]

· “Jesus said … before Abraham was born I AM.” (John 8:58)

[Jesus existed before the prophet Abraham, who lived about 2000 BC even though He was a descendant of the prophet Abraham. He is both before and after Abraham; both God and man!]

· (Jesus said) “Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was ... for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.” (John 17:5,24)

[Jesus existed even before the world began. He is both before and after creation; both God and man!”]

(2) JESUS GIVES PEOPLE THE RIGHT TO BE SPIRITUALLY BORN OF GOD:

· “But as many as received him [Jesus], to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name. Who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12)

[How could any man give the right to believers to spiritually “become children of God” when the spiritual children of God can only be “born ... of God”?]

(3) JESUS HAD THE POWER TO RAISE HIMSELF FROM THE DEAD:

· “The Jews then said to Him, ‘What sign do you show us as your authority for doing these things?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up’ ... But He was speaking of the temple of His body. So when He was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that He said this …” (John 2:18,19,21,22)

[Can even the greatest prophet raise himself from the dead? God has given power to prophets to raise dead people, but no prophet has ever raised himself from the dead.]

· (Jesus said) “I lay down My life so that I may take it again. No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again.” (John 10:17,18)

· “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same thing, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.” (Hebrews 2:14,15)

· “… our Savior, Christ Jesus, who destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light …” (2 Timothy 1:10)

[Who else but God has the power to destroy death and Satan?]

(4) JESUS HAS AUTHORITY OVER THE JUDGMENT, AND OVER THE RESURRECTION AND CONDEMNATION OF THE SAVED AND LOST:

· “The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 13:41,42)

[Most of the time the Lord Jesus referred to himself as “The Son of Man.” Who else but God has angels and the authority to throw people into hell?]

· “But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” (Philippians 3:20,21)

· (Jesus said) “And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day … No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day … and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:39,40,44,54)

· (Jesus said) “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (Matthew 7:22,23)

· “Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Matthew 19:28)

[Who else but God has authority to transform our bodies and raise us from the dead in the resurrection and to sit on the throne of heaven as judge?]

(5) JESUS CAME FROM HEAVEN (OUT FROM GOD):

· (What John said about Jesus:) “He who comes from above is above all, he who is of the earth is from the earth and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all.” (John 3:31)

· (What Jesus said about himself:) “No one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven, even the Son of Man.” ... “For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world ... I am the bread of life ... For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me ... Not that any man has seen the Father, except the One who is from God ... I am the living bread that came down out of heaven” ... “You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world.” ... “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and have come from God”… “I came forth from the Father and have come into the world; I am leaving the world again and going to the Father.” (John 3:13; 6:33,35,38,46,51; 8:23,42; 16:28)

[Can a mere man, or even a great prophet say He has come from heaven, from above, or out from God the Father? Adam and all of his descendants have come out from the dirt of this earth. Only the eternal Word of God Who became the Son of Man can say He has come out from God; from heaven, instead of out of the earth.]

(6) JESUS IS THE SOURCE AND GIVER OF ETERNAL LIFE AND REST:

· “and once made perfect, he (Jesus) became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.” (Hebrews 5:9 – see also 2:10)

[It doesn’t say Jesus became the “means” of eternal salvation for all who obey “God.”]

· (Jesus said) “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” ... “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.” (John 4:10,13,14)

· “Jesus said to them … as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will … Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.” (John 5:19,21,25-29)

[Can anyone but God give eternal life? Jesus does not say that He will ask God to give this living water, but He says He Himself will give it!]

· (Jesus said) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

[Who but God can give spiritual rest to our souls? Jesus does not say “Go to God and He will give you rest for your souls. He says, “Come to me …”!]

(7) JESUS SPEAKS WITH AND GIVES THE AUTHORITY OF GOD:

· (Jesus said) “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart …” (Matthew 5:27,28)

[In Matthew 5:27-48, Jesus quotes the Word of God given to the prophet Moses regarding five different subjects in the Mosaic law, and then further amplifies them, contradicting the common interpretation. Notice that He doesn’t say, “but God has revealed to me that…” Instead, he says, “but I say to you...!” Who but God dares to speak like this?]

· (Jesus said) “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven ... Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them...Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them ... for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” (Matthew 7:21,24,26,29)

[Jesus clearly uses the title, “Lord” of himself, and expects his followers to obey him. That title may be used for a man. But when He talks about his instructions, he refers to them interchangeably as “the will of My Father” or “these words of Mine.” So He is saying His words and the Father’s will are the same. He is saying if we obey the Father we obey Him, and if we obey Him, we obey the Father. Therefore, he is using the title, “Lord” meaning God, for Himself.]

(7a) IN HIS TEACHING, JESUS 42 TIMES USED THE EXPRESSION, “TRULY I SAY TO YOU...” (instead of saying, “The Lord God says” as the other prophets did):

(See Matthew 5:18,26; 6:2,5,16; 8:10; 10:15,23,42; 11:11; 13:17; 16:28; 17:20; 18:3,13,18; 19:23,28; 21:21,31; 23:36; 24:2,47; 25:12,40,45; 26:34; Mark 3:28; 8:12; 9:41; 12:43; 13:30; 14:9,25,30; Luke 4:24; 11:51; 12:37; 13:35; 18:17; 23:43; John 13:21)

(7b) IN HIS MANY MIRACLES, JESUS ALWAYS SAID, “I SAY TO YOU” OR “I COMMAND YOU,” without saying, “By God’s permission” or “By God’s authority.”

· “... a man possessed by the spirit of an unclean demon ... Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be quiet and come out of him!’ ... And amazement came upon them all, and they began talking with one another saying, ‘What is this message? For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits and they come out.’” (Luke 4:33-36)

· (Jesus said) “I am willing; be cleansed.” (Mark 1:41)

· (Jesus said) “I say to you, get up, pick up your pallet and go home.” (Mark 2:11)

· “He (Jesus) said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored.” (Mark 3:5)

· “And He (Jesus) said, ‘Young man, I say to you, arise!’” (Luke 7:14)

· “And He (Jesus) got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Hush, be still.’” (Mark 4:39)

· “For He (Jesus) had been saying to him, ‘Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!’” (Mark 5:8)

· (Jesus said) “Little girl, I say to you, get up!” (Mark 5:41)

· “Jesus said to them, ‘Do you believe I am able to do this?’” (Matthew 9:28-30)

· (Jesus said) “You deaf and mute spirit, I command you, come out of him and do not enter him again.” (Mark 9:25)

(7c) JESUS GIVES AUTHORITY THAT ONLY GOD CAN GIVE:

· “And he (Jesus) called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.” (Matthew 10:1)

(8) JESUS SPEAKS OF HIMSELF AS “I AM,” WHICH IS GOD’S NAME (“YAHWEH” IN HEBREW): (Exodus 3:13-14 - “Then Moses said to God, “Behold, I am going to the sons of Israel, and I will say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you.’ Now they may say to me, ‘What is His name?’ What shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”: and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”)

· “... unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” (John 8:24)

· “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” (John 8:58)

[Only God can say, “I am.” No wonder the crowd of Jews picked up stones and tried to stone him for blasphemy. - see verse 59]

· “From now on I am telling you before it comes to pass, so that when it does occur, you may believe that I am He.” (John 13:19)

· “Again the high priest asked him, ‘Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?’ ‘I am,’ said Jesus.’” (Mark 14:61,62); “They all asked, ‘Are you then the Son of God?’ He replied, ‘You are right in saying I am.’” (Luke 22:70,71)

JESUS’ FAMOUS “I AM” STATEMENTS:

1. “‘For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world ... Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty... I am the bread of life. Your Forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever…” (John 6:33,35,48-51)

2. “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” (John 8:12)

3. “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:7-9)

4. “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep... I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and my own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.” (John 10:11-15)

5. “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.” (John 11:25,26)

6., 7. & 5. “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6)

8. “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener… I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing ...” (John 15:1,5)

9. & 5. “I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” (Revelation 1:17,18) [Only God is called “the First and the Last.” Only God is the eternally “Living One”!]

10. “I, Jesus, … I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” (Revelation 22:16) [Not only is Jesus the descendant or “son of David,” but he is David’s Root - the Origin or Creator of David.]

(9) JESUS IS THE SENDER OF THE PROPHETS:

· (Jesus said) “Therefore, behold, I am sending you prophets and wise men and scribes; some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city, so that upon you may fall the guilt of all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. Truly I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling.” (Matthew 23:34-37)

[How can a mere prophet claim to be the One who has sent all the prophets and righteous teachers from the beginning?]

(10) JESUS SAID HE WILL RECEIVE THE SAME HONOR AS GOD THE FATHER:

· (Jesus said) “that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.” (John 5:23)

(11) THE WITNESS OF JOHN THE BAPTIST ABOUT JESUS:

· “John [Yahya] answered and said to them all, ‘As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand to thoroughly clear His threshing floor, and to gather the wheat into His barn; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.’” (Luke 3:16,17)

[See also Jeremiah 15:7 and Matthew 25:41 – Who but God can baptize people with His own Holy Spirit? Who but God judges with “unquenchable fire”?]

(12) JESUS IS ONE TRIUNE GOD TOGETHER WITH THE FATHER AND THE HOLY SPIRIT: (John 14,15,16)

(12a) JESUS IS ONE WITH THE FATHER IN SENDING THE HOLY SPIRIT TO BELIEVERS: (He interchangeably says “The Father will send Him,” “I will send Him” or “The Father will send Him in my name.”)

· “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever ... But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name ...” (John 14:16,26)

· “When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father ...” (John 15:26)

· “It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.” (John 16:7)

(12b) JESUS IS ONE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT IN BEING SENT FROM THE FATHER: (He says that both He and the Holy Spirit have come from/ been sent by the Father)

· “When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father.” (John 15:26)

· “My food is to do the will of him who sent me … If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and have come from God …” “... I came forth from the Father and have come into the world.” (John 4:34; 8:42; 16:28)

(12c) THE TRINITY COMES TO BELIEVERS: (Jesus interchangeably says “I,” “My Father” and “the Holy Spirit” will come to you.)

· “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you …” (John 14:18)

· “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him.” (John 14:23)

· “but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” (Acts 1:8)

(12d) THE TRINITY SPEAKS ONE TRUTH FROM ONE SOURCE:

· (Jesus said) “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you.” (John 16:13-15)

(13) JESUS IS GIVEN TITLES AND ATTRIBUTES ONLY GOD HAS:

· “Lord of lords and King of kings”:

About Jesus: “… the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings” (Revelation 17:14)

About God: “God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light …” (I Timothy 6:15);

“For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome …” (Deuteronomy 10:17)

· “The Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End”:

About Jesus: “I am the First and the Last, I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” (Revelation 1:17);

“I am The Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” (Revelation 22:13)

About God: “This is what the Lord says – Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty: ‘I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God.’” (Isaiah 44:6);

“‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.’” (Revelation 1:8);

“He who is seated on the throne said … ‘It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End … and I will be his God and he will be my son.’” (Revelation 21:5,6)

· Our only “Savior”:

About Jesus: “Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior” (Titus 1:4);

“… through Jesus Christ our Savior …” (Titus 3:6)

About God: “… by the command of God our Savior.” (Titus 1:3; see also Titus 3:4);

“I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior.” (Isaiah 43:11; see also Isaiah 45:21);

“… no God but me, no Savior except me.” (Hosea 13:4)

· “Mighty God” & “Everlasting Father”:

About Jesus: “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.” (Isaiah 9:6)

· “Lord of all”:

About Jesus: “… through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of All.” (Acts 10:36)

· “Author of Life”:

About Jesus: “You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead.” (Acts 3:15)

· “Lord of glory”:

About Jesus: “… for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” (1 Corinthians 2:8)

About God: “… that the King of Glory may come in … Who is he, this King of Glory? The Lord Almighty – he is the King of glory.” (Psalm 24:7,10)

· The One before whom every knee will bow and every tongue acknowledge:

About Jesus: “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10,11)

About God: “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn … Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear.” (Isaiah 45:22,23)

· Emmanuel:

About Jesus: “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ – which means, ‘God with us.’” (Matthew 1:22-23)

· “Lord of the Sabbath”:

About Jesus: “I tell you that one greater than the temple is here. If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent. For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” (Matthew 12:6-8)

(14) IN THE COMMON SALUTATIONS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT LETTERS JESUS IS SPOKEN OF AS BEING THE SOURCE OF DIVINE GIFTS AND POWERS: They speak of Jesus as:

a) the author of (with God the Father) grace, peace, love, mercy and faith [Can these things come from a man?]:

· Rom. 1:7 - Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

· 1 Cor. 1:3 - Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

· 1 Cor. 16:23 - The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

· 2 Cor. 1:2 - Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

· Gal. 1:3 - Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

· Gal. 6:18 - The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit….

· Eph. 1:2 - Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

· Eph. 6:23 - Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

· Phil. 1:2 - Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

· Phil. 4:23 - The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

· 1 Thess. 1:1 - To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.

· 1 Thess. 5:28 - The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

· 2 Thess. 1:1,2 - To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

· 2 Thess. 3:16,18 - Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all...The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

· 1 Tim.1:2 - Grace, mercy (and) peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

· 2 Tim.1: 2 - Grace, mercy (and) peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

· Philemon 3 - Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

· Philemon 25 - The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

· 2 Pet. 1:2 - Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

· 2 Pet. 3:18 - But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

· 2 John 3 - Grace, mercy (and) peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

· Rev. 22:21 - The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.

b) the sender of (with God the Father) His apostles [Who else but God can appoint apostles?]:

· Gal. 1:1 - Paul, an apostle (not sent from men nor through the agency of man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father)...

· 1 Tim. 1:1 - Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus, (who) is our hope...

c) our Savior (in the same sentence where God is called our Savior):

· Titus 1:3,4 - … according to the commandment of God our Savior ... Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

d) the one who is given glory for ever and ever [Who else but God can receive glory for ever and ever?]:

· Heb. 13:21 - ... through Jesus Christ, to whom (be) the glory forever and ever. Amen.

· 2 Pet. 3:18 - To him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

e) our Lord, just as God the Father is our Lord:

· James 1:1 - James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.

· 1 Pet. 1:1,2 - who are chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ...

f) the one with whom we presently have fellowship, just like we have fellowship with the Father and the Holy Spirit:

· 2 Cor. 13:14 - May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

· 1 John 1:3 - ... our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

g) the one by whose mercy we have eternal life. [Can anyone but God give us eternal life?]:

· Jude 21 - Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life ...

h) the one who providentially enables his servants to serve him.

· 1 Thessalonians 3:11 – Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you.

(15) JESUS RECEIVES AND ACCEPTS WORSHIP BY MEN, BY ANGELS, AND BY ALL CREATION:

· “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him... On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.” (Matthew 2:1-2, 11)

· “‘Come,’ he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’ And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’” (Matthew 14:29-33)

· “Then He said to Thomas, ‘Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing.’ Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’” (John 20:27,28)

[Thomas not only called Jesus “Lord,” but also clearly called Him “God” as distinct from “Lord.” Jesus did not refuse this description of Himself nor did he rebuke Thomas for saying this. He accepted Thomas’ worship!]

· “… the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb … and they sang a new song: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God and they will reign on the earth.’ Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang: ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!’ Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever.’” (Revelation 5:6-14)

· “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)

(16) AFTER HIS RESURRECTION AND ASCENSION TO HEAVEN JESUS SPOKE FROM HEAVEN TO HIS APOSTLES WITH THE AUTHORITY OF GOD:

· (To the Apostle Paul) “As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and hear a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ ‘Who are you, Lord?’ Saul asked. ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied.” (Acts 9:3-5)

· (To the Apostle John) “I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me … When I saw him, I fell at his feet as thought dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: ‘Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.’” (Revelation 1:12-18)

· (To the seven churches through the Apostle John) “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. I know your affections and your poverty – yet you are rich … Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.’” (Revelation 2:8-10)

(17) JESUS IS THE ETERNAL WORD OF GOD

(17a) GOD CREATED EVERYTHING BY HIS WORD:

· “Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light … then God said, “Let there be …’ Then God said, ‘Let there be …’” (Genesis 1:3,6,9)

· “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of His mouth all their host … For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.” (Psalm 33:6,9)

(17b) GOD IS ONE AND GOD ALONE CREATED EVERYTHING:

· “I, the Lord, am the maker of all things, stretching out the heavens by Myself and spreading out the earth all alone.” (Isaiah 44:24)

(17c) BUT JESUS IS CALLED THE ETERNAL “WORD” OF GOD (BY AND THROUGH WHOM GOD CREATED EVERYTHING), WHO BECAME A MAN AND LIVED AMONG US:

· “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men … There was the true light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him ... And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us …” (John 1:1-4,9,10,14a)

[This is clearly referring to Jesus. It says, “the Word was God!” and “… the Word became flesh …” which means Jesus is God. Obviously, the Word of God is God’s own communication or expression of Himself; not some separate being! Only God could be the “true light which ... enlightens every man” and only God could cause his own true light/ his own word/ his own communication to become a human being and live among us. The light of God and the Word of God can be none other than God Himself.]

· “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched – this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.” (I John 1:1-3)

· “... who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word.” (Luke 1:2)

[How can a person “see” or “serve” “the word”? This is clearly referring to Christ, the eternal Word of God.]

(17d) THAT IS WHY THE SAME THING WRITTEN ABOUT GOD CREATING EVERYTHING BY/THROUGH HIMSELF AND FOR HIMSELF IS ALSO WRITTEN ABOUT JESUS:

· “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men …” (John 1:1-3)

· “He was in the world, and the world was made through Him.” (John 1:10)

· “… Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him.” (1 Corinthians 8:6)

· “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers of authorities – 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)

· “… His Son … through whom also He made the world …” (Hebrews 1:2)

· “… it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists …” (Hebrews 2:10)

(17e) THIS (John 1:1-3) IS ONE OF EIGHT PASSAGES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT WHERE THE LORD JESUS IS CLEARLY CALLED GOD. Here are the other seven:

· “Behold, he virgin shall be with child and shall bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel, which translated means, ‘God with us.’” (Matt.1:23)

[This prophecy fulfilled in Jesus is a very strong indication of his deity. He is God with us – God in human flesh living among us.]

· “No one has even seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.” (John 1:18)

· “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage.” (Philippians 2:6 – This is from the 2011 NIV translation)

· “For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form.” (Colossians 2:9)

· “But of the Son He says, ‘your throne, O God, is forever and ever …’” (Hebrews 1:8)

· “… by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:1)