The questions most often asked are: Where in the Bible does it say that Jesus is God? or Where are we instructed to worship Him? Others wonder about the role Jesus plays within the Trinity (Godhead), and how it differs from that of the Father or the Holy Spirit. This article seeks to answer these important questions and to clarify common misconceptions about who Jesus truly is, as well as the divine authority given to Him by God the Father.
1. Verses That Prove Jesus Is God
A. Direct Declarations
- John 1:1, 14 — “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”
– The Word (Jesus) was God and became flesh — clear deity of Christ. - John 8:58 — “Jesus said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.’”
– Jesus uses “I AM” — the same divine name God used in Exodus 3:14, identifying Himself as Yahweh. - John 10:30-33 — “I and My Father are one.”
– The Jews immediately sought to stone Him “because You, being a Man, make Yourself God.” - John 20:28 — “And Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’”
– Jesus did not correct Thomas — affirming His deity. - Colossians 2:9 — “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.”
– Paul affirms Jesus as fully divine. - Hebrews 1:8 — “But to the Son He says: ‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.’”
– The Father calls the Son “God.” - Titus 2:13 — “Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”
- Isaiah 9:6 — “For unto us a Child is born… And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
2. Jesus Receiving Worship (His Own Words or Actions)
A. Jesus Was Worshiped and Accepted It
- Matthew 2:11 — The wise men “fell down and worshiped Him” (as a child).
- Matthew 14:33 — After walking on water, “Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly You are the Son of God.’”
- Matthew 28:9 — After His resurrection, “They came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him.”
- John 9:38 — The man healed of blindness said, “Lord, I believe!” And he worshiped Him.
- Matthew 28:17 — “When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted.”
Jesus never rebuked anyone for worshiping Him — unlike angels who forbid worship (Revelation 19:10).
This shows His divine acceptance of honor due only to God.
B. Jesus Invites Faith and Prayer in His Name
- John 14:13–14 — “Whatever you ask in My name, that I will do… If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”
– Only God can answer prayer, showing the divinity of Jesus. - John 5:23 — “That all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.”
3. Verses Showing the Trinity
Though the word “Trinity” does not appear in the Bible, the concept of One God in three Persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — is clearly revealed.
A. Triune References
- Matthew 28:19 — “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
– One name, three Persons — equality and unity.
- 2 Corinthians 13:14 — “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
– All three Persons in blessing.
- 1 Peter 1:2 — “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.”
- Matthew 3:16–17 — At Jesus’ baptism:
- Jesus (the Son) is baptized,
- The Spirit descends like a dove,
- The Father speaks from heaven — “This is My beloved Son.”
B. Unity of the Godhead
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- Deuteronomy 6:4 — “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one!”
– One God — revealed in three Persons.
- John 14:16–17 — Jesus says, “I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper… the Spirit of truth.”
– Distinction of Persons, unity of essence.
Summary Table
Theme | Key Verse | Reference (NKJV) | Explanation |
Jesus is God | John 1:1 | “The Word was God.” | Declares Christ’s divinity |
Jesus before Abraham | John 8:58 | “Before Abraham was, I AM.” | Uses God’s divine name |
Worship accepted | Matthew 14:33 | Disciples worshiped Him | Jesus accepts divine worship |
Jesus as Creator | Colossians 1:16 | “All things were created through Him.” | Only God creates |
The Trinity | Matthew 28:19 | “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” | One name, three Persons |
The Father calls Him God | Hebrews 1:8 | “Your throne, O God, is forever.” | Divine acknowledgment |
Equality with God | John 5:23 | “Honor the Son as you honor the Father.” |