Is Jesus God?

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." — John 1:1

When asked, "Is Jesus God?" most Christians expect a simple "Yes." Others might say "No." The Biblical reality, however, requires us to distinguish between Nature (what a being is) and Identity (who a being is).

The short answer is: While Jesus is not God (the Father), He is God (Divine by nature).

1. The Principle of Nature vs. Identity (The Adam & Eve Illustration)

To understand how Jesus can be God and yet not be God the Father, consider the first human couple.

Question: Is Eve Adam?

Answer: Yes and No.

• Nature (Yes): Eve was taken from Adam's side. She shares his exact nature. She is "Adam" (Mankind/Human).
• Identity (No): Eve is not the person Adam. She has a distinct personality.

Application to Christ:

• Nature: Jesus is the only begotten Son of God. He shares the Father's divine nature. In this sense, He is God (Divine).
• Identity: Jesus is not the Father. He is a distinct person with His own will and identity.

2. Examining the "Proof Texts"

Many use specific verses to argue that Jesus is the "Mighty God" or "God Almighty." However, when viewed through the lens of Nature vs. Identity, and the context of Victory, a clearer picture emerges.

A. John 1:1 & Philippians 2:6 (The Focus on Nature)

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us..." (John 1:14)
"Who, being in the form of God..." (Philippians 2:6)

Context: Both John and Paul are contrasting Christ's pre-existence with His incarnation.

Meaning: These verses highlight that Jesus possessed the form and nature of God before He emptied Himself to become a man. The emphasis is on the immense sacrifice of the Divine becoming human to save us, not on establishing Him as the Sovereign Father.

B. Isaiah 9:6 (The Title "Mighty God")

"For unto us a Child is born... and His name will be called... Mighty God..."

Context: This is a Messianic prophecy about the establishment of a Kingdom.

Comparison: In 2 Corinthians 4:4, Satan is called the "god of this world" because he currently rules it. In Exodus 7:1, Moses is made "a god to Pharaoh" because he had superior authority over him.

Meaning: "Mighty God" is a title of Victory and Rulership. Just as Satan is the "god" of the world he usurped, Jesus is the "Mighty God" who overthrows Satan and establishes an everlasting Kingdom. It denotes His triumph as the Messiah.

C. Hebrews 1:8 (The Installation of the King)

"But to the Son He says: 'Your throne, O God, is forever and ever...'"

Context: This passage quotes Psalm 45, which is a wedding/coronation psalm. Hebrews applies it to Jesus' inauguration as High Priest and King after His resurrection.

Meaning: The Father addresses the Son as "God" to denote His achievement. Because Jesus "loved righteousness and hated lawlessness," He is anointed and exalted above His fellows. It is an investiture of authority won through victory.

D. John 20:28 (Thomas's Confession)

"And Thomas answered and said to Him, 'My Lord and my God!'"

Context: Thomas had doubted the resurrection. Upon seeing the wounds, he realized Jesus had conquered death.

Meaning: Like the other examples, this confession is linked to Victory. Jesus had conquered the grave. He is our Lord and our God in the sense that He is our King, our Redeemer, and the Divine victor over death.

Conclusion

Is Jesus God?

• In Nature: Yes. He is fully Divine, the only begotten Son of the Father.
• In Personality: No. He is not the Father, nor is He "God Almighty" in the sense of being the ultimate Source.

We worship Jesus not as a second part of a "committee God," but as the Divine Son who triumphed over Satan, sin, and death to become our Lord and King.