The Importance Of The Deity Of Jesus Christ

By James A. Farmer

The foundation and cornerstone (1 Peter 2:7, Psalm 118:22) of the Christian faith is predicated upon the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the historical fact he (Jesus) was both God and man (1 Timothy 3:16). Thus Jesus was equal with God the Father as both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36, 1 John 5:7).

Many worldly religions, modern secular humanism, and cults today deny the deity of Jesus Christ. The Holy Scriptures (The Bible) in contrast has much to teach on this subject.

John 1:1 states: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" and verse 14 states: "And the Word (Jesus) was made flesh, and dwelt among us (Jesus being born of a virgin: Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23).

"All things were made by him (Christ) and without him was not anything made that was made." John 1:3 (Read also Colossians1:13-20 and Hebrews 1:1-8)

Jesus is revealed as the "image of God" in 2 Corinthians 4:4 affirming his deity. Titus 2:13 correctly ascribes deity to the Lord Jesus: Scriptures teach that Christ made "looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus.""himself equal with God." (John 5:18) Colossians 2:9 states: "For in him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily."

1 John 4:1-6 exhorts us to try (test) the spirits to "Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every sprit that confesses that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every sprit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God."

Jesus said unto them: John 8:58 In this Biblical passage Jesus himself claims to be what God said unto Moses in Exodus 3: 13-16, "Truly, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.""I AM God (Jehovah).”

These and other scriptural references in the Bible teach and affirm the deity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Bible believing or "devout Christian" must remain wise and continually seek after righteousness and wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30). The Godless elements, which are counter to the Body of Christ (the church) and Christianity, and are not of sound doctrine. (See Ephesians 4:14, II Timothy 3:16, II Thessalonians 2: 10-12) Teaching that Jesus is not God must be reproved (Ephesians 5:11). Jesus is either Lord of all, or he isn't Lord at all.

"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." -- Philippians 4:23

James A. Farmer writes from Ashland, Oregon. farmer@sou.edu