I guess when it came to writing a segment on “Jesus is God” I didn’t realize what I was getting myself into. Mountains of books have been written on the same subject, and here I am trying to wrap it up in a short blog. At least Ill try to keep it in the parameters of the Gospel of John as I have already given my word. But please don’t throw stones if I stray slightly here and there to other scripture.
I was thinking about the statement “Jesus is God”. What is it that makes Jesus, God? How do Christians draw this conclusion, when no one else who has access to the same material does? Am I somehow smarter ?…dumber ? Have I done something they couldn’t? Did I hear something they wouldn’t? I don’t believe so, however I do believe that the difference between someone who follows Christ and someone who does not is a lack of the following things. Now let me preface this by saying that it is my firm belief that there are those called by God, and those who are not. This in no way means that someone who Jesus chooses to reveal himself to is somehow better than someone he does not reveal himself too. It is only my intention to explain a life changing blessing and describe the differences between someone whose life is changed because of Christ and someone’s life who is changed because of the absence of Christ. Both people are affected by Christ in very different ways, but both are affected. In Romans 8:5 “5. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. 8. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.”
The first reason many distrust the existence of Jesus as God is the lack of knowledge of a superior and all powerful God. Some will die, never understanding the power of, or knowing the existence of Jesus Christ. People will go to Hell for eternity simply because they never knew or once, in a whisper denied Jesus Christ. Some will call “UNFAIR” at this statement. My challenge to you is that you scream unfair, and you whine for justice on an earthly parallel. You scream equal rights to all. You scream and scream and scream, yet what have you done besides scream. You complain about things you have no control over just to hear yourselves grumble, while sitting ignorantly without the slightest clue about redeeming a society you admit is lost. Its disappointing that you scream and still you sit at home and watch the torment of the earth, with the suffering of so many, griping your couch in protest while accomplishing nothing. You cry about unfairness but you do absolutely nothing to change it in yourselves. It is not unfair that many will suffer eternally, it is undeserved that some of us wont. You refuse to see the darkness in your own heart as a sign of things to come. Some claim that they want nothing to do with a God who causes people to go to Hell, as if your opinion (and that is all it is), is more important than the claim of the one who has created you. So your opinions shape your god, because the idea of your heaven is much better than the biblical reality of Hell. My reply would be that you lack the understanding or refuse to admit the state of your own heart that does only wicked things continually. The last good thought you had or deed you’ve done was indeed, a selfish one.
The second is in conjunction with the first, That is, lacking the ability to comprehend something that is much greater than ourselves and mankind as a whole. There are many brilliant scholars throughout the world that simply lack the ability to believe in anything greater than themselves. They have literally capped their capability to believe beyond themselves. I assure you however that Gods ability to reveal himself to others is altogether possible, and when it happens, if it happens, your life will change eternally. Pride is a terrible waste of human progression. We find it easy to trust that Plato, a man who lived and wrote the “Republic” four hundred years before Christ ( having only seven known manuscripts in the world, the oldest is a copy made 1200 years later) was a real person. His works are an acceptable teaching tool in schools today. Or perhaps the Oort Cloud, a theoretical cloud invented to explain the reason comets never die out. We are a society that twists and bends with theory to create an illusion of fact. We are a people who need something to believe in. That wiring Saves and condemns everyone who has ever lived. John 8:39, “ 39. They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham's children, you would be doing the works Abraham did, 40. but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. 41. You are doing the works your father did.” They said to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God.” 42. Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. 43. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. 44. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46. Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47. Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”
And third is faith, faith that God is who He says He is. Our Faith, rested on Jesus Christ conquers all tragedies, calamity, sickness and disease, natural disasters, or extreme emotional traumas. He is the answer to every question, and every problem ever known. It is faith in Christ in which I rest everything on. But before faith, the Truth must be revealed to you. Without any of these elements and the revelation, who could ever proclaim Christ as the savior? As it is written in John 5:38 “38. and you do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe the one whom he has sent. 39. You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, 40. yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. 41. I do not receive glory from people. 42. But I know that you do not have the love of God within you. 43. I have come in my Father's name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. 44. How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? 45. Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you: Moses, on whom you have set your hope. 46. For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. 47. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”
Believing my words. Is it ever that simple? Just believing the words of someone else? Sometimes it is, if that person is someone you trust. However, many relationships have been destroyed out of miscommunication and distrust of spoken words. The above scripture isn’t about just words though. They are about the words spoken by someone the Jews trusted immensely, Moses. These writings never reflected a he said, she said mentality. They were not mere words.
The above examples are noted to describe the inability of man to believe that Christ was the Son of God, that He was indeed God. Now before someone takes offense, remember that we all put our faith in something, whether its science, ourselves, or God. There are incredible things that occur everyday with no clear explanation, or events that have taken place with scarcely one witness, but we believe they have happened because we put our faith in it. Even without clear and convincing evidence. Take for example a court room in which a man is on trial for murder. It takes but one witness to the crime, even with a lack of any physical evidence to sway a jury into believing that a man committed murder. It happens. When only one witness can put a man to death for murder, why is it that we need so much more evidence for other things, simply because we can not see them with our eyes. This is where the Gospels come in to play. Even strong oppositions to Christ were unable to claim them as fictional writings. Historians praise their historical accuracy (whether they dive beyond the historical into miracles or not). They were not written as fiction, They were not written as an eccentric play or poem. They were written so that there would be clear evidence of Christ. But in the end it comes down to the revelation of Christ, those who believe the Gospels are a lie, will continue to believe it a lie.
There were two things to draw from in communicating the Word of God over 2000 years ago. That is word of mouth and writing. This is because the original event took place in a time when oral traditions was an acceptable and necessary way of relaying factual information. Even textual manuscripts of scripture was a rare and unusual thing. Today’s technology did not predate the crucifixion so although technology can produce copies of Biblical scripture it can not take the place of it. We have to go with the evidence presented before us. We can not lean upon original video footage, computers, media, sound recorders, cameras, or The Gospel Blog of John, as such things did not exist. There were only a few ways to transfer information over two thousand years ago, and one was by word of mouth. It may be hard for someone in today’s society to believe or understand such a rich oral tradition. Technology and media sensationalizing has made us a distrustful people when it comes to gathering factual information by word of mouth. We see the media for what it is and we like it. We want to be sensationalized to keep us from going into a factual coma. When stories have become fictional along with the movies we see in theatres. We even spice up true stories to make them watch able. Has it become impossible to believe in people as the best source of history, or have we become lost in a technological frenzy of partial truths and 30 second clips?
This brings me to my next subject on discussing Christ as God. By remaining strictly in the Gospel of John I want to discuss a few things that would show proof of the supremacy of God if observed in today’s society. That being a reliable and trusted witness to the events of Christ. We need to stop looking at the Bible as a story (which was never its original intention) and start looking at it as an eyewitness account, as this was why it was written. But above all, you must first believe this man who wrote the Gospel of John was a reliable witness before other accounts in it are taken as truth. I can not sell you on the idea of his reliability, I can only tell you the man appears forth write, by no means mentally unstable, but well educated. You have to ask whether his motivations were selfish, or not. Was his account believable by today’s standards? Keeping in mind that this writing came at a time when Christians were murdered for their beliefs. And persecution was not impartial, but it was instantaneous. To me its not that he had so much to gain (which was nothing), but he did have much to witness about. Him as well as the others that bear witness about Christ.
I put John on the witness list. A man I believe to be sane, relevant to the situation on the account of Christ and at times embarrassingly honest about the apostles. To an impartial jury, he has an obligation to witness what he has seen and heard, right? Just as that same impartial jury has an obligation to weigh the evidence presented. After all, this was an acceptable and reliable custom two thousand years ago, and still is today that no one could make bold claims of truth without having some proof or witness to the event. This is what we call bearing witness. Someone who witnessed the event. There are people who bear witness to the miracles of Christ and to Christ himself. When we ask our selves is Jesus God, we must dive into the scriptures that introduce such a bold claim and understand the context in which they were written. In the Gospel of John this is very important as the author himself bears witness to the Life, death, resurrection and works of Christ. In John 20:30, “30. Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31. but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. Also John 21:24, “24. This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true. 25. Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. I think it is important to note that the author states that the world could not contain the books that would be written about Jesus (referring to the things he had done). At first I believed this to be an exaggerated claim until it hit me. Anything worthy of script regarding Jesus would indeed fill canyons. Were talking about Christ. Everything the Lord did was holy at all times. This would have made every action worthy of script. Every heart beat, every sigh and every blink of the eye. You see, we eat because hunger motivates us to do so, Jesus ate out of motivation for the glorification of the Father. He ate, slept, breathed, walked and preached for the Father. He did all things at all times for the Father. This to me is a stand alone example of Jesus as God, for who that walks the earth has ever done all things to and for the Father for his glorification. I certainly fall short. My selfish heart would never allow me to do for others at all times like Christ did for the Father. Only God could achieve such an unselfish act of glorification.
Without too much digression I would like to return to the previous. There were many throughout the Gospel of John that bore witness to Christ. John the Baptist boldly bore witness about Christ as the Son of God, as it is written in John 3:25, “25. Now a discussion arose between some of John's disciples and a Jew over purification. 26. And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.” 27. John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. 28. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ 29. The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. 30. He must increase, but I must decrease.” 31. He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32. He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony. 33. Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true. 34. For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. 35. The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. 36. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.
Even a man born blind and healed by Jesus bears witness to the miracles of Christ and his revelation of Christ as God. John 9:24, “24. So for the second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, “Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner.” 25. He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” 26. They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” 27. He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?” 28. And they reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.” 30. The man answered, “Why, this is an amazing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. 31. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. 32. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. 33. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” 34. They answered him, “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?” And they cast him out.
These are not stories of prosperity, wealth and fame. These are accounts of Christ. Their story brings glorification to someone besides themselves. Do you believe that these stories brought a dime to any who told them? They were written and told in secret hundreds of years.
The final subject on Jesus is God is indeed the greatest and understandably the most difficult to believe. Again, like the author of the Gospel, what do I have to gain by telling you of the works of Christ? I have gained nothing monetarily, nothing in regards to fame. I gain nothing but the joy my soul feels in Christ. For His glorification and His redemption of a brutal people. The greatest work and witness to Christ as God is His death and resurrection. Beyond all the miracles He performed and wise words He spoke. Defeating death is what truly makes Jesus, God. There are several references to the death of Christ, the Gospel of John being no exception. I will however spare the witnessed event as either you believe it or you do not. I will however give you scripture that refers to the resurrection of Christ. The greatest example of Jesus as God and the cornerstone of my faith in Jesus. John 20:5, “5. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7. and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. 8. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9. for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10. Then the disciples went back to their homes.” Then John 20:11’ “11. But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. 12. And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14. Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16. Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 17. Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for 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.’” 18. Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her. 19. On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20. When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.
John even speaks of an unbelieving apostle who witnessed Christ resurrected. Chapter 20:24, “ 24. Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” 26. Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28. Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29. Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” And after all these Jesus had regular conversations with others such as the apostles in John 21, revealing himself to Simon Peter as well as talking to the Apostle that Jesus loved (often referred to as John).
Lastly the Apostle Paul bears witness to the death and resurrection of Christ as God. Going so far as to claim that several hundred people (500) were witness to Jesus after the resurrection and some were even still alive at the time he wrote of it! In 1 Corinthians 15:3-11, “3. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4. that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5. and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. 9. For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. 11. Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.”
I never meant for this to become a biblical history lesson for the unchurched. This is scripture. I haven’t made it up. I didn’t alter it. It says what it says. It stands alone and its claims are bold. Life changing to some. These are the scriptures that teach Jesus as God. There are others. Different writers with the same intentions. To bring glory to God. This is His story. These are His people. This is His plan. His words. His life. His death. His resurrection. His grace. His justice. You have no say in it. Your thoughts and opinions will not sway Him. Your beliefs will not weaken Him. His power stands alone. He needs no one. He relies on no one. Everything is His to do what he pleases. Satan will not take it. Satan can not steal it. This is because Jesus is God. He is the Messiah. He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. He comes to redeem through His power and grace and no one, not one can stop Him.
