This is one of the most important questions in Christianity. Many people wonder, “Is Jesus really God?” Others ask, “Was He just a good man or a prophet?” What we believe about Jesus changes how we live and what we believe about everything else.
Let’s look at what the Bible says, what Jesus said about Himself, and what others believed about Him.
What the Bible Says About Jesus Being God
From the beginning, the Bible shows Jesus as more than just a man. One of the strongest verses is John 1:1.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” – John 1:1 (KJV)
Later, in John 1:14, it says the Word became flesh. That’s Jesus.
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…” – John 1:14 (KJV)
This means Jesus is the Word. The Word is God. So Jesus is God in the flesh.
Jesus Said He Was God
Jesus didn’t say the exact words “I am God,” but He did say things that only God could say.
For example, in John 8:58:
“Before Abraham was, I am.” – John 8:58 (KJV)
The Jews knew exactly what He meant. He was using the name of God from Exodus 3:14 — “I AM.” That’s why they picked up stones to kill Him. They thought He was blaspheming (claiming to be God).
In John 10:30, Jesus said:
“I and my Father are one.” – John 10:30 (KJV)
Again, the people tried to stone Him because they knew He was claiming to be equal with God.
Others Believed Jesus Was God
After Jesus rose from the dead, one of His followers, Thomas, saw Him and said:
“My Lord and my God.” – John 20:28 (KJV)
Thomas called Jesus God, and Jesus didn’t correct him.
Paul also called Jesus “God” in Titus 2:13:
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”
Even the prophet Isaiah spoke about the birth of Jesus hundreds of years before He was born:
“And his name shall be called… The mighty God…” – Isaiah 9:6 (KJV)
These verses show that people who knew Jesus and those who wrote about Him believed He was truly God.
Why It Matters
If Jesus is God, then everything He said and did has eternal importance. His death on the cross was not just the death of a man. It was God Himself taking our place and paying for our sins.
If He’s not God, then we’re just following a good teacher, and His death means nothing.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Belief | What It Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Jesus is God | He has power to forgive sins and give eternal life | His words are true and have authority |
| Jesus is only a prophet | He’s a good man, but not the Savior | His death can’t save us |
| Jesus is a myth | Nothing He said or did has any real meaning | There’s no hope beyond this life |
What You Believe About Jesus
This is not just a history lesson. It’s personal.
Jesus said:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” – John 14:6 (KJV)
You can’t get to God without Jesus. That only works if He is God.
So the real question is: do you believe it?
