Don Stewart :: Does the Bible Indirectly Teach That Jesus Is God?

Not only does the New Testament give direct evidence that Jesus is God, it also provides indirect evidence. There are many indirect references that could be cited. Some of these include.

1. Jesus Possesses The Attributes Of Deity

According to Scripture, Jesus possessed certain attributes that belong to God alone.

Jesus Is All-Knowing

Jesus is said to have been all-knowing. He knew the thoughts of people.

But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand (Luke 6:8).

Jesus was able to tell the Samaritan woman her past history without having previously met her.

The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true (John 4:18).

She later testified.

Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ? (John 4:29)

The disciples of Jesus recognized this fact.

Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God (John 16:30).

We also read in John

He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Tend My sheep" (John 21:17).

In Acts we read.

And they prayed, and said, "You, Lord, who knows the hearts of all men, show which one of these two you have chosen (Acts 1:24).

He demonstrated knowledge about things that only someone all knowing could know such as the future.

From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life (Matthew 16:21).

Jesus Is Everywhere Present

Jesus said that He is present with believers everywhere.

For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them (Matthew 18:20).

At the end of Matthew's Gospel it says.

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20).

Paul wrote.

Which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way (Ephesians 1:23).

He also wrote to the Ephesians.

He who descended is himself also he who ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things (Ephesians 4:10).

Paul wrote to the Colossians.

Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all (Colossians 3:11).

Jesus' Nature Is Unchangeable

The character of Jesus does not change:

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

James wrote.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17).

Jesus Has Life In Himself

Jesus had life in Himself.

In him was life, and that life was the light of men (John 1:4).

Later in John we read.

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).

All other creation, humans, animals, and plants, are alive because someone or something else has given it to them. Jesus has life in Himself - it is not derived from any other source.

The fact that Jesus is all knowing, everywhere present, unchangeable, has life in Himself demonstrates that He is God. Being unchangeable is an attribute of Deity.

Jesus Is All-Powerful

Jesus is also said to be all-powerful or omnipotent.

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me" (Matthew 28:18).

2. Jesus Has Existed For All Eternity

The Scripture teaches the eternality of Jesus. The Bible says that Jesus existed prior to the creation of the universe.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God (John 1:1).

Jesus Himself prayed.

And now, glorify me together with yourself, Father, with the glory which I had with you before the world was (John 17:5).

Although John the Baptist was born before Jesus John testified that Jesus existed before him.

John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me' (John 1:15).

John the Baptist also said.

This is the one I meant when I said, 'A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me' (John 1:30).

While strictly speaking this does not mean that Christ was eternal, it is an indication of His eternal existence.

The Testimony Of The Writer To The Hebrews

The writer to the Hebrews said.

In these last days has spoken to us in his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the world (Hebrews 1:2).

Isaiah saw Jesus' glory:

These things Isaiah said, because he saw his glory, and he spoke of him (John 12:41).

The reference to Isaiah seeing the glory of Jesus is found in Isaiah 6:1-3.

In the year of King Uzziah's death, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of his robe filling the temple. Seraphim stood above him, each having six wings; with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called out to another and said, "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory" (Isaiah 6:1-3).

The fact that Jesus has existed for all eternity is known as the doctrine of eternality. It is sometimes equated with the doctrine of pre-existence. However, the pre-existence of Christ merely means that He existed before He was born. It does not necessarily mean that He existed eternally but it could mean that.

3. Jesus Is A Member Of The Trinity

Jesus Christ is the Second Person of the Trinity. What is true about God is true about every Person in the Trinity. The Bible says that God has existed for all eternity.

Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God (Psalm 90:2).

Since eternal existence is an attribute of God alone, it logically follows that Jesus is God. Jesus, therefore, being God has existed for all eternity - there was no point when He came into existence. Since He had no beginning He will have no end. He is not limited by time in any sense.

4. Jesus Is Equal To God In His Names

Jesus is also spoken of as an equal with God. They both possess the same names.

Jesus Is The I Am

The God of the Bible told Moses that He was the, "I am."

God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you'" (Exodus 3:14).

Jesus applied this same title to Himself.

Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad." "You are not yet fifty years old," the Jews said to him, "and you have seen Abraham!" "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!" (John 8:56-58).

Jesus Is Lord

The God of the Bible is called the LORD in the Old Testament.

God also said to Moses, "I am the LORD. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty" (Exodus 6:2,3).

Jesus is also addressed as LORD.

Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36).

Paul wrote.

Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3).

Jesus Is The Lord Of Lords

The God of the Old Testament is called LORD OF LORDS.

For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes (Deuteronomy 10:17).

Jesus is the LORD OF LORDS.

They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings - and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers (Revelation 17:14).

Jesus Is The Shepherd

The Lord is the shepherd of His people

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want (Psalm 23:1).

Jesus is the good shepherd

I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me - just as the Father knows me and I know the Father - and I lay down my life for the sheep (John 10:14,15).

Jesus Is The Alpha And Omega

God alone is the Alpha and Omega.

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).

Jesus is the Alpha and Omega. Jesus said.

Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End Revelation 22:12,13).

Therefore we see that a number of names that belong to God alone also belong to Jesus.

5. Jesus Is Immanuel: God With Us

Jesus was to be called "Immanuel - God with us."

Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: "Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call his name Immanuel," which translated means, "God with us" (Matthew 1:22,23).

The fact that Jesus is called, "God with us," is another indication of His Deity.

6. Jesus Has A Unique Relationship With God The Father

Jesus has a unique relationship with God the Father. He called God "My Father."

Jesus answered, "I do not have a demon; but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me (John 8:49).

He never equated His relationship with the Father with the relationship that His disciples had. He never referred to the Father as "Our Father" when referring to His relationship with God. It was always "Your Father" and "My Father." At His resurrection He said to Mary Magdalene.

Jesus said to her, "Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God" (John 20:17).

He said to the religious rulers.

The Father and I are one (John 10:30).

The religious leaders wanted to kill Him for making this statement because they knew He was claiming equality with God. When they brought Him before Pontius Pilate they made clear their reason for wanting Jesus dead.

The Jews insisted, "We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God" (John 19:7).

7. Jesus Is Put On An Equal Level With God

On a number of occasions Jesus is associated with God in an equal manner. For example, the baptismal formula put Jesus on an equal level with God the Father.

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).

This is also true of the apostolic benediction

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all (2 Corinthians 13:14).

8. Jesus Has A Heavenly Origin

Scripture says that the origin of Jesus was not from earth but rather from heaven. The writer to the Hebrews compared the Old Testament character Melchizedek with Jesus.

Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually (Hebrews 7:3).

The Bible says that Christ came from heaven. John the Baptist said of 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).

Jesus Himself said.

For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me (John 6:38).

9. Jesus Allowed Himself To Be Worshipped

The God who reveals Himself in the Bible has made it clear that He is the only One deserving worship. In the Ten Commandments He said:

You shall have no other gods before me (Exodus 20:3).

When Satan wanted Jesus to worship him, Jesus refused by saying:

Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve' (Matthew 4:10).

Jesus Was Worshipped By The People

Jesus testified that worship is something that is reserved for God alone. Yet, Jesus allowed Himself to be worshiped.

And as they went to tell his disciples, behold Jesus met them, saying, 'Rejoice!' And they came and held him by the feet and worshiped him (Matthew 28:9).

On another occasion, Scripture records someone saying to Jesus.

'Lord, I believe!' And he worshiped him (John 9:38).

Jesus allowed Himself to be worshipped on this occasion. If only God is to be worshiped, as the Bible testifies, and Jesus allowed Himself to be worshiped, then the natural conclusion is that Jesus believed Himself to be God. On another occasion He 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).

Jesus said people were to honor Him "just as" they honor God the Father. If Jesus were not God then for people to honor Him as they honored God would be blasphemous.

The Angels Were Commanded To Worship Jesus

The first chapter of Hebrews tells us that God commanded the angels to worship Jesus.

For to which of the angels did he ever say, "You are my son, today I have begotten you"? And again, "I will be a Father to him and he shall be a son to me"? And when he again brings the first-born into the world, he says, "And let all the angels of God worship him" (Hebrews 1:5,6).

All Creation Is To Worship Jesus

We are told that all creation will worship Jesus.

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!" The four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped (Revelation 5:13,14).

10. Jesus Was Addressed In Prayer

Jesus was also addressed in prayer. The Apostles asked Jesus who should replace Jesus.

Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs" (Acts 1:24).

Stephen, the first recorded martyr of the church, prayed to Jesus as he was being killed.

And they went on stoning Stephen as he called upon the Lord and said, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" And falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them!" And having said this, he fell asleep (Acts 7:59,60).

11. Jesus Forgave Sins

Another indirect testimony to Jesus being God is His forgiving sins. In the presence of the religious leaders, Jesus told a sinful woman:

Your sins are forgiven (Luke 7:48).

On another occasion he said to a paralyzed man, "Son, your sins are forgiven you" (Mark 2:5).

The religious rulers on both occasions were indignant. They demanded an explanation asking the question, "Why does this man speak blasphemies like this?" (Mark 2:7).

No doubt the rulers were remembering when God said:

I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake (Isaiah 43:25).

If only God has the ability to forgive sins, and Jesus claimed the ability to forgive sins, then Jesus is claiming to be God. Humans may temporarily forgive sins committed against other humans, but only God can eternally forgive sins. By claiming to forgive sins Jesus demonstrated His Deity.

12. Jesus Will Judge The World

Judgment of the world is something that only God can do.

Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the Lord. For he is coming to judge the earth. He shall judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples with his truth (Psalm 96:12,13).

Jesus claimed that He would judge the world.

For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the son (John 5:22).

The Apostle Paul said.

For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead (Acts 17:31).

The Bible says that only God has the right to judge the world but it also says that Jesus claimed that He would be that judge. This is more indirect evidence that Jesus is God.

13. Jesus Is The Creator

Among the many deeds attributed to Jesus is the creation of the universe. The Scripture expressly states that Jesus was involved as Creator. The Gospel of John, in speaking of Jesus, said:

All things were made through him, and without him nothing was made that was made (John 1:3).

Here we have the statement that Jesus created everything. Not one thing has been created apart from Him. The Apostle Paul also testified to Jesus being the Creator:

For by him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through him and for him (Colossians 1:16).

This statement makes it abundantly clear that Jesus created all things in the universe.

Jesus Was Not Recognized By The People

Though Jesus was the Creator of all things, this world did not recognize Him as such. One of the saddest verses in the Bible testifies to that fact:

He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world did not know him (John 1:10).

Jesus created the world but when He visited His creation the people did not receive Him for who He truly was.

14. Jesus Sustains All Things

Not only did Jesus create everything in the beginning, he also sustains his creation. The Apostle Paul, after testifying to the creative work of Jesus, wrote:

And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together (Colossians 1:17).

The writer to the Hebrews noted.

The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven (Hebrews 1:3).

Jesus is the one who holds the universe together-the person who keeps it running in an orderly fashion.

Jesus Upholds Everything By His Spoken Word

The Book of Hebrews takes this a step further. It teaches that Christ is "upholding all things by the word of His power" (Hebrews 1:3). The idea is that Jesus is keeping all things together by His spoken word. Thus, it is the spoken word of Jesus that now upholds the universe.

15. Jesus Is The Ruler Over All Things

The Apostle Paul testified that Christ is the ruler over all things.

And you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. (Colossians 2:10).

Jesus rules the universe, and all that is in it. He is the One who created the universe.

16. Jesus Will Raise The Dead

Scripture teaches that Jesus will raise the dead and transform the bodies of believers.

Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out - those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned (John 5:28,29).

Paul wrote.

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 3:21).

Paul wrote to Timothy.

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge (2 Timothy 4:1).

Since only God has the power to raise the dead, this is another indication that Jesus is God.

17. Jesus Gives Spiritual Life To Believers

Jesus has the authority to grant spiritual life to whomever He pleases.

For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it (John 5:21).

18. Jesus Will Give Eternal Life To Believers

Jesus said that He will give eternal life to those who believe in Him.

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand (John 10:28).

Jesus also said.

For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him (John 17:2).

19. Jesus Will Bring About The Renewal Of The Heavens And The Earth

Scripture says that Jesus, the Creator, will renew the heavens and earth.

He also says, "In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end" (Hebrews 1:10-12).

Jesus said.

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).

20. Everyone Will Confess That Jesus Is Lord

The Scripture says that everything in heaven, earth, and under the earth will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

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 2:9-12).

The fact that everything in the universe will confess Jesus is Lord (Yahweh, or Jehovah) proves that He indeed is almighty God.

21. Jesus Has Equal Glory With God The Father

Jesus claimed equal glory with God the Father

And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began (John 17:5).

Only God could claim that.

22. He Has The Same Nature As God

Scripture says that Jesus has the same nature as God.

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing (Philippians 2:6).

The writer to the Hebrews said.

The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word (Hebrews 1:3).

The Claims Are Not Enough

If God did reveal Himself to humanity then we would expect Him to identify Himself as God. However we would expect more than mere claims. They would have to be backed up with a demonstration of His power and knowledge. Jesus realized that claiming to be God does not, by itself, make the claims true.

If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true (John 5:31).

This is why Jesus did more than make claims about Himself. He backed it up with His works. He said.

But I have a testimony greater than John's. The works that the Father has given me to complete, the very works that I am doing, testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself testified on my behalf. You have never heard his voice or seen his form, and you do not have his word abiding in you, because you do not believe him whom he has sent. John (5:36-38).

He backed up His claims with convincing evidence. These evidences include miracles, fulfilled prophecy, and His resurrection from the dead.

Summary

From the description of Jesus as recorded in Scripture, we find that He is the eternal God. We have the following indirect evidences that Jesus is called God. Jesus possesses attributes of Deity. Jesus has existed from all eternity. Jesus is a member of the Trinity. Jesus is equal to God in certain names. Jesus had a unique relationship with God the Father. Jesus is Immanuel - God with us. Jesus is put on an equal level with God. Jesus had a heavenly origin. He also allowed Himself to be worshiped. Jesus was addressed in prayer. Jesus and the One who would forgive sins. Jesus claimed to be the judge of the world. The Bible also says that He is the Creator of the universe. He sustains the universe by His spoken word. Jesus also presently rules the universe. Jesus will raise the dead. Jesus gives spiritual life to believers. Jesus will give eternal life to believers. Jesus will bring about the renewal of the heavens and the earth. Everyone will confess Jesus as Lord. Jesus has equal glory with God the Father. Jesus is the same essence as God.

According to Scripture, what is true about God is true about Jesus. Jesus performs work that only God can perform. These abilities cannot be delegated because they are characteristic of God alone.

We conclude that the Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is God - the Second Person of the Trinity.