By Pastor Matt Recker

The doctrine of the deity of Jesus Christ, or that He is God manifest in the flesh, is foundational to the Christian faith. Jesus Himself said with all authority, “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in you sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:24). In this context, the expression “I am” relates to Jesus being the eternally self-existent God who was even before Abraham. Jesus teaches us that if a person does not believe that He is Lord, he cannot be saved. This statement later moved the Jewish leaders to pick up stones to cast at Jesus because of His claim to be “I am” was making Himself equal with God was blasphemous in their sight (John 8:58-59).

The doctrine of the deity of Christ has a long history of proclamation and defense in the church. We must continually proclaim and defend it. Christians should know from Scripture why they believe that Jesus is God and be able to witness to others that Jesus is God. Here are three of the best reasons from the Bible to believe this.

1. In Scripture Jesus is clearly called God

The New Testament calls Jesus God many times. John the Apostle calls Him God in John 1:1: “the Word (who is Jesus) was God.” Thomas calls Him God in John 20:28, “my Lord and my God.” The Father Himself calls Him God in Hebrews 1:8: “unto the Son, He saith, thy throne, O God is forever.” Divine titles like Lord, Savior, and Emmanuel are clear titles that emphasize His deity.

2. He does the powerful works only God can do

Jesus forgave sins (Mark 2:10). He raised the dead (John 11:25-44). He also controlled nature and commanded the sea to be still. Jesus created and preserves all things by the very Word of His power (Colossians 1:16-17). Jesus sends forth the Holy Spirit (John 15:26). Only God can do these kinds of works. Jesus was able to do them because He is God.

3. He possesses the unique attributes of God

Jesus is eternal, the Alpha and Omega (Rev22:13). He is immutable, that is, Jesus does not change (Hebrews 13:8). He is omnipresent (Matthew 28:20). He is omnipotent (Matthew 28:18). He is truth and life (John 14:6). He is absolutely Holy, He is righteousness, and wisdom. Only God possesses these attributes in absolute perfection, and Jesus possess the fullness of these attributes.

There are many other reasons to believe that Jesus is God, but these are three of the best.