The affirmation of Jesus' divinity is a central tenet of Christian theology, asserting that Jesus Christ is not only the Son of God but also God Himself. This doctrine is foundational to the Christian faith and is supported by numerous passages throughout the Bible. The divinity of Jesus is affirmed through His titles, attributes, works, and the worship He receives.

Titles and Names

Several titles and names attributed to Jesus in the Scriptures affirm His divine nature. In John 1:1, Jesus is referred to as the "Word," which is both with God and is God: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This passage establishes the pre-existence and divine nature of Christ. Additionally, in John 8:58, Jesus declares, "Truly, truly, I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am!" Here, Jesus uses the divine name "I AM," echoing God's self-identification in Exodus 3:14.

Divine Attributes

Jesus possesses attributes that are unique to God, further affirming His divinity. He is eternal, as seen in Revelation 1:8, where He declares, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End." Jesus is also omniscient, demonstrated in John 16:30, where His disciples acknowledge, "Now we understand that You know all things." His omnipotence is evident in His ability to perform miracles, such as calming the storm (Mark 4:39) and raising the dead (John 11:43-44).

Works and Authority

The works of Jesus also testify to His divine nature. He has the authority to forgive sins, a prerogative of God alone, as illustrated in Mark 2:5-7: "When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, 'Son, your sins are forgiven.' But some of the scribes were sitting there and thinking in their hearts, 'Why does this man speak like this? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?'" Furthermore, Jesus claims authority over life and death, as He states in John 10:18, "No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again."

Worship and Acknowledgment

The worship Jesus receives is another affirmation of His divinity. In Matthew 14:33, after Jesus walks on water, those in the boat worship Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God." The acceptance of worship, which is due to God alone, underscores His divine status. Additionally, Thomas's declaration in John 20:28, "My Lord and my God!" is a direct acknowledgment of Jesus' divine identity.

Scriptural Testimonies

The New Testament writers consistently affirm Jesus' divinity. Paul, in Colossians 2:9, writes, "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form." Similarly, the author of Hebrews describes Jesus as "the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His nature" (Hebrews 1:3). These passages, among others, provide a robust biblical foundation for the belief in Jesus' divine nature.

The affirmation of Jesus' divinity is integral to understanding His role in salvation and His relationship with the Father and the Holy Spirit within the Trinity. This doctrine is not only a matter of theological importance but also a source of hope and assurance for believers, as it underscores the divine authority and power of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.