The Deity of Jesus
Jesus is the one and only God Man. Prior to His human presence 2000 years ago, He existed eternally as God the Son; the second part of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (the one true living God as revealed in the Bible). He became human and came to earth to be the Messiah. Jesus became Man and successfully accomplished his role as Messiah as a part of God’s plan of salvation and redemption for fallen man. He now continues to live throughout eternity as the only God Man.
Jesus completed His earthly ministry in perfect obedience to God the Father and in perfect love for mankind. It was necessary for Jesus to live a sinless life in perfect compliance with God’s will to accomplish righteousness and redeem fallen man. He was the only One who was righteous, and He was the only One who ever will be righteous. If He had sinned, He would be subject to holy judgment like everyone else. But since He was sinless, He was the only righteous (perfect and spotless) sacrifice who was able to suffer our punishment for our sins as our substitute. Given that He paid the debt for our sin, He is able to forgive our sins and maintain His Godly holiness and justice. No one else has defeated sin and death, and no one else has suffered the punishment for your sin. Therefore, no one else has a legitimate claim for offering forgiveness and eternal life.
It is further clarified in the new testament that all things whether visible or invisible are created through and for Jesus. Jesus, as God the Son, is the creator of the universe. Plus, Matthew 28:18 teaches us that ALL authority has been given to Him in the heavens and on earth. As He has since the beginning of time, Jesus continues to work in the lives of those who love Him, interceding on our behalf and growing our faith and love for Him while He assembles His eternal kingdom.
In the end, everyone will bow their knee and confess with their mouth, Jesus as Lord. This applies to believers and unbelievers. Believers do this of their own free will as a part of developing a loving relationship with the creator of the universe. Unbelievers are forced to do it as a part of God's judgment after their physical death on earth. Unfortunately, God's grace and mercy end at their physical death, and their eternal condemnation in hell is irreversible.
Jesus repeatedly claimed to be God, and His deity was proven by;
- Performing miracles
- The Resurrection
- The Transfiguration
- Endorsement by God the Father
- Fullfillment of prophecy
- Godly teaching that only God could implement
- Demonstrating love and compassion that only God could possess
- Keeping promises that only God could make and keep
- Living a sinless life
- Suffering our punishment
- Forgiving the sins of believers
- Defeating Satan and death
- Making eternal life available to whoever will call on the name of the Lord.