One of the most fundamental questions in Christianity revolves around the identity of Jesus Christ. Is Jesus God himself, or is He God’s Son? The Bible provides clear answers, but it also reveals a profound mystery that has captivated believers for centuries.
This exploration will guide you through what the Scriptures say about who God is, who Jesus is, and the unique relationship between them.
Who is God?
The Bible reveals that God is the one true creator and ruler of all things (Genesis 1:1). He is eternal, all-powerful, all-knowing, and present everywhere (Psalm 139:7-10). He is often referred to by the name Yahweh or Jehovah, meaning “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14). God is a Trinity, three distinct persons in one divine essence: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit.
Key Bible Verse: Deuteronomy 6:4 – “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.”
Isaiah 40:28 (NIV): Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
Who is Jesus Christ?
Jesus Christ, born in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago, is the central figure of the Christianity. The New Testament presents Him as the long-awaited Messiah, the Son of God, sent to redeem humanity from sin and reconcile us to God.
As a human, Jesus was born to a virgin named Mary, lived a sinless life, performed miracles, taught about God’s kingdom, and was crucified and resurrected from the dead. His life and teachings form the foundation of Christian faith and morality.
John 1:1,14 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”
John 3:16 (NIV): For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Colossians 1:15-17 (NIV): The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Is Jesus God?
The answer to this question depends on your interpretation of the Bible. Many Christians hold that Jesus is fully God and fully man. This is known as the doctrine of the hypostatic union. They believe Jesus is the second person of the Trinity, who became incarnate (took on human flesh) while retaining his divine nature.
Others interpret the Bible differently, seeing Jesus as a great teacher and prophet, but not as God himself. They might emphasize Jesus’ humanity over his divinity.
Understanding the Trinity
The concept of the Trinity can be challenging to grasp. How can God be one, yet exist as three distinct persons? While the Trinity isn’t explicitly spelled out in the Bible, many Christians find it to be a helpful way to understand the nature of God as revealed in Scripture.
Think of it like this: Just as water can exist as ice, liquid, and vapor – all different forms of the same substance – God exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, all different aspects of the one true God.
The Hypostatic Union
The concept that Jesus is fully God and fully man is called the hypostatic union. It is a theological mystery, but it is central to understanding the salvation Jesus offers. As God, Jesus could bridge the gap between humanity and the divine. As a man, He could experience human suffering and offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins.
- Key Bible Verse: Colossians 2:9 – “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.”
- Key Bible Verse: Philippians 2:5-8 – “…Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”
Jesus’ Own Claims
Jesus Himself made bold claims about His divinity. He forgave sins, a power reserved for God alone. He accepted worship, something only God should receive. He spoke with authority about His relationship with the Father.
- Key Bible Verse: John 10:30 – “I and the Father are one.”
- Key Bible Verse: John 8:58 – “Very truly I tell you,’ Jesus answered, ‘before Abraham was born, I am!'”
Conclusion
The Bible reveals a beautiful paradox: Jesus is both the eternal Son of God and the incarnate God Himself. His divine nature makes Him worthy of our worship and trust. His human nature allows Him to empathize with our struggles and provide the way for us to know God personally.
In the end, the most important thing is to develop a personal relationship with Jesus, however you understand his nature.
I hope this post has helped clarify the question of who Jesus is. If you’d like to explore this topic further, I encourage you to read more of our articles here on Jesusfuly.com.
