The recognition of Jesus' divinity is a central tenet of Christian theology, affirming that Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully man. This doctrine is foundational to understanding the nature of Christ and His work of salvation. The divinity of Jesus is attested throughout the New Testament and is foreshadowed in the Old Testament.

Old Testament Foreshadowing

The Old Testament contains numerous prophecies and typologies that point to the divine nature of the coming Messiah. Isaiah 9:6 proclaims, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." This passage attributes divine titles to the anticipated Messiah, indicating His divine nature.

New Testament Affirmations

1. The Prologue of John: The Gospel of John opens with a profound declaration of Jesus' divinity. John 1:1-3 states, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made." This passage identifies Jesus (the Word) as pre-existent and co-equal with God, affirming His divine nature.

2. Jesus' Own Claims: Jesus made several claims to divinity during His earthly ministry. In John 8:58, Jesus declares, "Truly, truly, I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am!" This statement echoes the divine name revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14, where God identifies Himself as "I AM." By using this name, Jesus asserts His eternal existence and divine identity.

3. The Confession of Thomas: After Jesus' resurrection, Thomas the Apostle initially doubted the reports of Jesus' return. However, upon seeing the risen Christ, Thomas exclaims in John 20:28, "My Lord and my God!" This confession acknowledges Jesus' divinity and lordship, a recognition that Jesus does not refute but accepts.

4. Pauline Epistles: The Apostle Paul frequently affirms the divinity of Christ in his letters. In Colossians 2:9, Paul writes, "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form." This statement underscores the complete and undiminished deity of Jesus, who embodies the fullness of God.

5. The Book of Hebrews: The author of Hebrews presents Jesus as superior to angels and central to God's redemptive plan. Hebrews 1:3 describes Jesus as "the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word." This passage highlights Jesus' divine attributes and His sustaining power over creation.

Worship and Divine Titles

Throughout the New Testament, Jesus receives worship and is addressed with titles that affirm His divinity. In Revelation 1:8, Jesus is referred to as the "Alpha and Omega," a title denoting eternal existence and sovereignty, traditionally ascribed to God. The worship of Jesus by His followers, as seen in Matthew 14:33, where the disciples worship Him saying, "Truly You are the Son of God," further attests to His divine status.

Conclusion

The recognition of Jesus' divinity is woven throughout the biblical narrative, from prophetic anticipation in the Old Testament to explicit affirmations in the New Testament. This doctrine is essential for understanding the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is worshiped as God incarnate, the Savior of the world.