Jesus Christ: Human Prophet or Old Testament God?

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To begin, consider the sheer scale of Christianity. Around 2.4 billion people worldwide identify as Christians, making it the largest religion on the planet. But within this vast group, there is significant disagreement about who Jesus really was. Some, even within the Christian fold, see Jesus as merely a man—a first-century Jewish teacher who had an extraordinary influence on world history. For instance, the late Bishop Shelby Spong of the Episcopal Church famously denied the divinity of Jesus, rejecting the virgin birth and resurrection as myths. This view contrasts sharply with other Christian denominations and religious beliefs, where Jesus is considered divine but in varying ways—some see Him as a created being like the angels, or even as a brother of the devil.

Beyond Christianity, interpretations of Jesus' identity vary widely. Some religions regard Him as a holy man, a wise guru, or a prophet, but not God. Others, influenced by New Age teachings, consider Him an avatar or ascended master. Still, there are those who deny His existence altogether, claiming He was a fictional character invented in the first century.

But what does the historical evidence say? Even if we treat the New Testament as a historical document rather than scripture, it offers compelling evidence for Jesus' existence, dating back to within a few decades of His life. Secular historians like Josephus, Tacitus, and Pliny the Younger also wrote about Jesus, acknowledging His impact on the world. Notably, New Testament scholar Bart Ehrman, despite rejecting the divinity of Jesus and not identifying as a Christian, firmly states that the evidence for Jesus' existence is overwhelming.

So, if Jesus was indeed a real historical figure, the next question is: Was He more than just a man? The Bible provides a clear and resounding answer—Jesus is God. This truth is woven throughout scripture, starting with prophecies long before His birth. For example, in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus’ virgin birth is seen as a fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy, where He is called "Emmanuel," meaning "God with us." The Apostle John begins his Gospel with a profound declaration: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This "Word," or "Logos" in Greek, refers to Jesus Christ, who was with God in the beginning and was Himself God.

Jesus' own statements during His ministry leave little room for doubt. In John 8, He declares, "Before Abraham was, I am," echoing God’s self-identification to Moses in Exodus as "I AM." This statement so outraged His contemporaries that they sought to stone Him for blasphemy. Jesus also said, "I and my Father are one," a claim so explicit that it led to further attempts on His life.

The Apostle Paul reinforces this understanding of Jesus as divine. In Colossians, Paul writes that by Jesus, "all things were created," and that "in Him all things consist." This echoes the opening of John's Gospel, emphasizing that Jesus was not just present at creation—He was the agent of creation. Paul also describes Jesus as existing "in the form of God" but choosing to "empty Himself" and take on human form, humbling Himself even to the point of death on a cross.

The implications of Jesus being God are profound. If Jesus is God, then His life, death, and resurrection have cosmic significance. His sacrifice is sufficient to atone for the sins of all humanity precisely because His divine life is of infinite worth. As God, Jesus had the authority to lay down His life and take it up again, demonstrating His power over life and death.

This truth also illuminates our future. In 1 John 3:2, the Apostle John writes that when Jesus is revealed, "we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is." This promise points to a future where believers will share in the divine nature of Christ, who is now glorified with the Father.

In summary, the Bible unequivocally declares that Jesus is God, the Divine Logos who took on human form to redeem us. This truth is central to the Christian faith and has profound implications for how we understand the world, ourselves, and our future in God’s eternal kingdom.

Key Questions Answered
1. Who was Jesus according to the Bible—just a man, or something more?

2. What do different religions and Christian denominations believe about Jesus' divinity?

3. How does the Bible affirm the claim that Jesus is God?

4. What historical evidence supports the existence of Jesus?

5. Why is Jesus' identity as God crucial to Christian faith?