Is Jesus God?
You can’t read the Bible and miss Jesus’ claims that He was the divine Son of God sent from heaven to save us from our sins. He did this often and clearly.
The Gospel books of the Bible also make it clear His disciples didn’t believe His claims in the beginning, but only gradually understood and accepted them later. Really, it wasn’t until after His resurrection which proved without a doubt that Jesus Christ was who He claimed to be.
His claims to be God are found in multiple verses of Scripture.
- Jesus told His disciples, “I and the Father are one… Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (John 10:30, 14:9).
- When Thomas (a disciple who doubted that Jesus had been raised from the dead) met Christ after the resurrection, he exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!”—and Jesus accepted his praise (John 20:28).
- Even the enemies of Jesus knew He claimed to be God. In one of those instances, they picked up stones to try to kill Him “for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God” (John 10:33).
Lots of people throughout history have claimed to be divine, but did Jesus do anything to support His claims? Yes, and in various ways. His miracles were witnessed by thousands of people and plainly displayed His unique nature.
Jesus’ claim to be God was verified after He rose from the dead. Not only that, Jesus Christ told His disciples several times He would be killed but would come back to life. “We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!” (Matthew 20:18-19).
But why is this important? It’s important because only God could truly save us from our sins. Jesus did that as well. “Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, ‘Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven.'” (Matthew 9:2). He can do the same for you.
Jesus is God and offers you the gift of forgiveness. Will you accept it?
Step 1 – God’s Purpose: Peace and Life
The Bible says:
"We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Romans 5:1
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16
"I [Jesus] came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
John 10:10
Step 2 – The Problem: Sin Separates Us
The Bible says:
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Romans 3:23
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 6:23
The Bible says:
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death."
Proverbs 14:12
"But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear."
Isaiah 59:2
Step 3 – God’s Remedy: The Cross
The Bible says:
"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."
1 Timothy 2:5
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God."
1 Peter 3:18
"But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5:8
Step 4 – Our Response: Receive Christ
The Bible says:
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with Me."
Revelation 3:20
"But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God."
John 1:12
"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
Romans 10:9
Here is how you can receive Christ:
- Admit your need. (I am a sinner.)
- Be willing to turn from your sins (repent) and ask for God's forgiveness.
- Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave.
- Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to come in and control your life through the Holy Spirit. (Receive Jesus as Lord and Savior)
We suggest a prayer like this one:
"Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I want to turn from my sins, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe He died for my sins and that You raised Him to life. I want Him to come into my heart and to take control of my life. I want to trust Jesus as my Savior and follow Him as my Lord from this day forward. In Jesus' Name, amen."
Did you pray to receive Jesus Christ and begin a relationship with him?
