The majority of Christians mistakenly believe that Jesus is God. Countless misinterpreted Bible verses are used to support this view. However, for each of these verses, there is a rather simple explanation as to why they do not indicate that Jesus is God. Most misunderstandings can be cleared up by examining the surrounding context. In other instances, it’s due to dogmatically influenced translations or simply a lack of understanding of the written word. This article now clarifies these misunderstandings by refuting all “Jesus is God” claims.
This navigation menu is provided to jump directly to the respective verse or claim:
- This is the true God – 1 John 5:20
- Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God – Philippians 2:6
- In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God – John 1:1
- God became flesh – John 1:14
- For by him were all things created – Colossians 1:16-17
- Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever – Hebrews 1:8
- The Jews accused Jesus of making Himself out to be God – John 10:33
- For unto us a child is born/ Mighty God – Isaiah 9:6
- My Lord and my God! – John 20:28
- No man has seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God – John 1:18
- I am the Alpha and the Omega – Revelation 22:13
- Jesus was worshipped – John 9:38
- I and my Father are one – John 10:30
- He that has seen me has seen the Father – John 14:9
- Before Abraham was, I am – John 8:58
- Jesus has been God before and after His incarnation
- Jesus is 100% God and Man
- Jesus must be God, otherwise He could not have paid the price for our sins
- If Jesus were not God, He could not forgive us our sins
- God the Father and God the Son
Incorrectly interpreted or quoted Bible verses
This is the true God – 1 John 5:20
And we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. (1 John 5:20)
Based on this Bible passage, it is often claimed that Jesus is supposed to be the true God. Usually, only the second part of the passage is quoted. However, upon closer examination, one can immediately see that the “true God” refers to God and not to Jesus. Here is the sentence just before:
And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness. And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true. (1 John 5:19-20)
Not only does this passage clearly distinguish between the Son of God and God, but it is also the Son who enlightens us about who the true God is, and this is definitely not Jesus.
Unfortunately, such practices are often used to support the “Jesus is God” theory, as we will recognize in the following example.
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God – Philippians 2:6
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. (Philippians 2:6)
Often, only the first sentence is quoted here without considering the entire passage. However, if we follow the rest of the Philippians text, we see once again that it is not just talking about two different persons, but that the Father exalted Jesus and subjected everything to him for the glory of God. And who is the God here? Of course, it is the Father.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11)
Furthermore, it should be clear here that Jesus does not identify Himself as God. There is a clear distinction between being equal to or the same as someone. The statement here says that Jesus is like God but not God Himself. The reason why this verse says that Jesus was in the form of God will become evident in the next example.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God – John 1:1
The most famous Bible passage of “Jesus is God” proponents is undoubtedly John 1:1. It is often claimed here that John wanted to state that Jesus is God Himself. However, several things must be considered. The first is that if Jesus were God Himself, the Word and God could not be with each other. In the original Greek text, the word for “with” also means “before” God. This fact alone reveals that there are two distinct identities here: the Word and God.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)
There is a clear reason why John does not simply say that Jesus is God but phrases it the way he does. When we read a little further, we see directly what glory is attributed to Jesus here – that of being a Son born of God, not being God Himself.
For the Word of God is born of God. Before the Word was spoken, it was indeed God, just as a child is born of a mother and before that, it was simply the mother. However, no one would claim that the child and the mother are one and the same person. The child is an independent person. Similarly, the Word of God, which proceeds from God’s mouth and is born of Him, is a separate entity.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)
This is also the reason why Philippians 2:6 states that Jesus was once in the form of God.
Source for the Greek original text: https://bibeltext.com/interlinear/john/1.htm
God became flesh – John 1:14
Here we have the second verse in John 1 that is misused to turn Jesus into God. What do we read here again? We see the glory of one begotten from the Father. Apart from that, it is not God becoming flesh here, but the Word, which is Jesus.
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)
This verse is often taken out of context and misinterpreted to support the notion of Jesus being God. Furthermore, it leads to misunderstandings and is misquoted multiple times to justify one’s own image of God, which is expressly prohibited in Exodus 20:
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. (Exodus 20:4)
It should be noted here that the concept of the Trinity represents both a graven image and a likeness, according to this biblical commandment.
For by him were all things created – Colossians 1:16-17
Since Jesus is referred to as the Word of God, it is no wonder that the Bible states that everything was created through him, as we read in Genesis that God created everything through His Word.
And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. (Genesis 1:3)
And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. (Revelation 19:13)
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (Colossians 1:16-17)
When it says “by him all things were created,” it does not mean that he is the Creator but that he was the means of creation. Just as the Word in ancient times came to us through God, it comes to us today through Jesus, who is the Word of God. This is why Jesus is also called the Mediator.
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 2:5)
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds. (Hebrews 1:1-2)
Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever – Hebrews 1:8
Here’s another instance where a text fragment is quoted out of context. “Jesus is God” proponents often claim that God is calling Jesus God in this Bible passage, thereby confirming their theory.
But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. (Hebrews 1:8)
However, if we examine the rest of the chapter, especially the beginning, we read:
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. (Hebrews 1:1-3)
Here, not only does it emphasize that Jesus is God’s Son and not God Himself, but it also mentions that He has been appointed as the heir of all things and that he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, which is clearly God the Father.
This fact becomes even more apparent when we read verses 4 and 5 of the same chapter:
Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? (Hebrews 1:4-5)
Now, many wonder: Why did God then call Him God if he is not God? The answer to this question is straightforward and has two parts. The first part is that he is the Son of God and, therefore, naturally a god. Because all children of God are gods.
I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. (Psalm 82:6)
This is also exactly what Jesus quoted to the Jews when they accused Him of making Himself God:
Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? (John 10:34)
The Jews accused Jesus of making Himself out to be God – John 10:33
The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. (John 10:33)
This claim is once again completely unfounded, as we have already recognized earlier that Jesus himself rejects this accusation and identifies himself as the Son of God, not as God Himself:
Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? (John 10:34-36)
The statement that Jesus makes is a direct quotation from the Psalms, which allows no further interpretation:
I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. (Psalm 82:6)
It is incredible that proponents of the “Jesus is God” theory would rather quote the accusations of the Pharisees than believe in the statements of Jesus himself.
For unto us a child is born/ Mighty God – Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
This is one of the favorite verses of “Jesus is God” proponents. However, when we take a closer look, we see that it is once again about the Son of God, who is said to be a mighty God, but not the one true God. Psalm 82:6 and Jesus’ own statement quoting this Psalm still apply here.
To reinforce this understanding, let’s refer to another Bible passage from the New Testament that explains exactly what is meant here:
For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. (1 Corinthians 8:5-6)
As we see here, there is only one true God, and that is not the Son but the Father.
My Lord and my God! – John 20:28
And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. (John 20:28)
This verse, like the previous ones, should be understood in the context that the Son of God is called a god and not the one true God, as indicated in Psalm 82:6, Jesus’ own statement, and 1 Corinthians 8:5-6.
I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. (Psalm 82:6)
Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? (John 10:34)
For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. (1 Corinthians 8:5-6)
Furthermore, it’s important to consider that not only Jesus but also Moses was referred to as a god.
And the Lord said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh. (Exodus 7:1)
Why does God call Moses a god here? The answer is quite simple. “God” is not a name but a title given to those who have been granted power and authority by God. Therefore, it’s not surprising that Jesus is also called a god, especially since God has subjected everything under his feet, which further supports his claim to this title.
No man has seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God – John 1:18
This one is wild. Numerous recently translated Bibles like to take themselves the freedom to call the son here God himself. This is a perfect example of twisting the Word of God according to your own doctrines.
There is not one ancient Greek manuscript that even hints that the Son is God himself. The vast majority of the manuscripts read: “the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father”.
No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. (John 1:18)
There are a few Alexandrian manuscripts that read: “The only begotten God, who is in the bosom of the Father”. But even the people who quoted the manuscripts saying “the only begotten God”, quoted them “the only begotten Son” at other times. To put it into perspective only 0.3% of all manuscripts say “God”. And 99.7% read “only begotten Son”.
Source: https://www.thetextofthegospels.com/2019/01/john-118-some-patristic-evidence.html?m=1
But even if we assumed that this is the correct quotation of John 1:18, it would simply reinforce the fact that Jesus being the Son of God makes him a God in title and clearly not God Himself as these translations make it out to be. See Psalm 82:6, John 10:34, 1 Corinthians 8:5-6, Exodus 7:1.
I am the Alpha and the Omega – Revelation 22:13
This is another point that requires clarification.
Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. (Isaiah 44:6)
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. (Revelation 22:13)
For many Christians, it can be confusing that in the Old Testament, God says that He is the First and the Last, and in the New Testament, Jesus claims to be the First and the Last, leading some to argue that Jesus is God. However, it’s important to remember that Jesus, as the Son of God, has been given all power and honor by the Father. Several Bible passages support this:
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (Matthew 28:18)
The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. (John 3:35)
For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. (John 5:22-23)
For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. (1 Corinthians 15:27-28)
The last verse also shows that Jesus will ultimately return the honor and power to God in the end.
Jesus was worshipped – John 9:38
And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him. (John 9:38)
Trinitarians often argue that Jesus was worshipped, and therefore, he must be God. However, there are many pieces of evidence that counter this assumption. For example, in another translation, it says:
And he said, I believe, Lord: and he did him homage. (John 9:38)
In the Greek original text, the word “prosekynēsen” is used, which can also mean “honor” or “show reverence” just like the English word “worship”. This meaning is much better suited in this context, as elsewhere it is stated that everyone should honor the Son just as they honor the Father:
For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. (John 5:22-23)
It becomes even more apparent when you look at another passage in the Bible. There, it first says that they “worshipped” Jesus but then went to the temple to worship God, which wouldn’t make sense if Jesus were God himself. If Jesus was God, they could have just remained there and worshipped him right on the spot.
And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. (Luke 24:52-53)
Additionally, we need to consider that the Bible tells us how to pray. First, we have Jesus’ prayer of example:
This, then, is how you should pray:
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. (Matthew 6:9-13)
Furthermore, Jesus also said that we should ask God in his name:
Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. (John 16:24)
These statements by Jesus contradict the claim that we should worship Jesus.
I and my Father are one – John 10:30
This is a classic verse often cited to support the belief that Jesus is God. However, it represents a misunderstanding of what the Bible is conveying. Many fail to grasp that “one” does not mean “one and the same” but rather “inseparably united” or “in agreement.” This is evident when Jesus states that we are also to be one with him and the Father:
That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. (John 17:21)
However, none of us would claim to be God based on this unity, right? Furthermore, this Bible passage reveals that Jesus is the one sent by God, just as we are sent into the world by Jesus. It’s essential to note that the messenger is never the same as the sender, but they are in agreement with their message.
And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (John 17:3)
Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? (Isaiah 53:1)
There are more Bible verses that support these truths. For instance, a husband and wife become one flesh in marriage, yet no one believes they become one and the same person:
For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. (Mark 10:7-8)
He that has seen me has seen the Father – John 14:9
This verse is often quoted to argue that seeing Jesus is equivalent to seeing God. However, it’s essential to consider the full context of the Bible passage. In the second part of this verse, Jesus explains why seeing him is equivalent to seeing the Father – because the Father dwells in him and the Father works through him:
Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. (John 14:8-11)
This passage can be confusing for some because they may not understand that the Father dwells in Jesus in the form of His Spirit, and it is through this Spirit that the Father performs His works.
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24)
Jesus spoke of the Spirit that believers would receive, which had not yet been given at that time because Jesus had not been glorified:
But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified. (John 7:39)
Furthermore, Jesus explained that both he and the Father would make their dwelling in believers, but this doesn’t turn believers into God.
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. (John 14:23)
Even the apostle Paul expressed that it is no longer he who lives but Christ who lives in him:
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
Before Abraham was, I am – John 8:58
Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. (John 8:58)
The fact that Jesus existed before Abraham does not necessarily make Him God. The Bible clearly tells us that Jesus was with God before the creation of the world. The Bible also states that he was not there as God himself but as the Son at the right hand of the Father.
And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. (John 17:5)
Additional arguments supporting this perspective can be found in the next section.
Claims without evidence
Jesus has been God before and after His incarnation
As mentioned in the title, this statement is often made without providing any evidence from the Bible. However, there are several Bible verses that refute this claim. The Old Testament already clearly speaks of TWO personalities in heaven and refers to Jesus as the Son of God or Son of Man.
Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son’s name, if thou canst tell? (Proverbs 30:4)
I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. (Daniel 7:13-14)
The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. (Psalm 110:1)
Even in the New Testament, which is after his death, there are many pieces of evidence that Jesus did not become God.
So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. (Mark 16:19)
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. (1 Peter 3:21-22)
Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God. (Luke 22:69)
And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. (Acts 7:56)
Anyone who believes that Jesus was God in heaven should be aware that even demons know that Jesus is the Son of God.
And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? (Matthew 8:29)
Jesus is 100% God and Man
There is absolutely nothing in the Bible to support this claim. On the contrary, the Bible repeatedly states that God is NOT A MAN. Therefore, Jesus cannot be God.
For I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee. (Hosea 11:9)
God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent. (Numbers 23:19)
And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent. (1 Samuel 15:29)
As we have seen in previous discussions, all Bible verses that refer to Jesus as God are actually statements that Jesus is the Son of God and not the one true God. The Bible also refers to Jesus countless times as a man or the Son of Man.
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 2:5)
Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. (John 6:27)
There are further reasons that support this argument and why Jesus cannot be God but must be a man.
Jesus must be God, otherwise He couldn’t have paid the price for our sins
The claim that Jesus must be God in order to pay the price for our sins is incorrect in so many ways, that it appears the person making this assertion probably hasn’t read the Bible or doesn’t understand the Gospel in its entirety. The Bible clearly states that the redemption for humanity must come through a HUMAN BEING because the fall into sin was caused by a human being:
For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. (1 Corinthians 15:21-22)
Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. (Romans 5:18-19)
For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:17)
This emphasizes the importance of Jesus being fully human to bring reconciliation between humanity and God. It would have been straight nonsense for God to be first angry with all people and then, as a solution, come down to earth as a human to fulfill His own commandments. In fact, the entire message of the Bible revolves around the fact that people turned away from God, and therefore, a man in complete obedience to God without sin had to reconcile us with Him.
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:7-8)
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 2:5)
et it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. (Isaiah 53:10)
If Jesus were not God, He could not forgive us our sins
But there was certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? (Mark 2:6-7).
Even the Pharisees made this statement, which Jesus answered clearly by stating that he received the authority from God to forgive sins. Therefore, this claim is entirely baseless. Everyone should understand that someone who has received authority is not the one who possesses the ultimate power but rather acts on it.
But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. (Mark 2:10-11).
But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.(Matthew 9:8)
For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. (Matthew 7:29).
These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. (John 17:1-2).”
God the Father and God the Son
This concept can’t be found anywhere in the Bible either. The Bible never mentions “God, the Son,” which is not surprising because God is the Father. The following Bible passages make this clear:
But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. (1 Corinthians 8:6)
But go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. (John 20:17)
That’s why Jesus also says that he himself does not know the exact hour, only God does:
But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. (Mark 13:32)
Before Jesus was sentenced to death, he prayed to his Father, asking if the cup could pass from him. This wouldn’t have been necessary if he was God himself:
And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. (Matthew 26:39)
Apart from that, when Jesus died on the cross, he called out to God and asked why He had forsaken him:
And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? (Matthew 27:46)
Furthermore, Paul also clearly affirms the relationship between the Father and the Son:
Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. (2 John 1:3)
Jesus is the Son of God!
There are countless Bible passages that confirm that Jesus is the Son of God, some of which are even confirmed by Jesus and revealed by God Himself.
And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 16:16-17)
And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. (John 6:69)
Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. (John 1:49)
Furthermore, the Bible explicitly calls us to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, not God Himself.
Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.(1 John 4:15)
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. (John 20:31)
Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:5)
Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. (1 John 5:1)
According to the Bible, there is no reason to believe that Jesus is God because it simply does not contribute to salvation. On the contrary, the misconception that Jesus is God Himself comes with many other pitfalls as it turns the entire message of the Gospel upside down.
Conclusion
So we have seen that most of the “Jesus is God” claims are Bible verses taken out of context or entirely baseless. The main reason for this misconception is that modern-day Christians often do not read and study the Bible themselves. Usually, they only know fragments of it. The many preachers and pastors who repeat unfounded phrases without truly being called and taught by God also do not help in this regard. It’s as the Bible says:
Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. (Matthew 15:14)
Apart from that, there are many reasons why Jesus isn’t and doesn’t want to be God but has to be the Son of God and therefore a human being. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be fit as a mediator between humans and God.
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 2:5)
If all these arguments have not been sufficient for you, you should read the following article: Jesus is not God – Bible verses and proofs
Thank you for this article. “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and mankind, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.” (1 Timothy 2:5-6)
This is a topic which has caused much confusion in the church today. I’m glad to see your article has shed much light on this subject.