Christology 2024/25 Discussion Board 1

[pastorderrick]

The gospel of John in particular is rife with several references about Jesus’ deity. Apart from the verses referred to in your lesson under the heading “His Deity as the Son of God”, find four sample scriptures in the gospel of John that show the deity of Christ Jesus and explain what you understand from the respective verses.

Paste the same submission from the previous step here by clicking on the REPLY link just above. Your submission should be made by Wednesday the 30th of October 2024.

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[Humble oluchi God’s power]

His deity as the son of God. Jesus is God putting on flesh, the name he bears also prove to us that he is divine and deity, (combination of divine and human nature).The bible called him Emmanuel which interpreted as, God is with us, so this child of a virgin (Jesus) is called God is with us, he happen to be born of a virgin meaning is not a man that produced him, he didn’t came from sperm he came from the power of the highest ( he is the seed of God not the seed of man) he is an offspring of God .(john 8:24-30) john 8 from 20 down talks about Jesus conversation with the Pharisees, while he was teaching in the temple a group of Pharisees approached him, he then spoke to them and emphasize on the importance of believing in his divine identity, but they believe him not and even wanted to stone him.(john 3:16-17) the point from this scripture.
o Gods love
o The gift of Jesus
o salvation
o God’s purpose
In eternity he is co-equal and co-everlasting with the Father, the same status of deity that the father has is the same as the son has .( Jesus is God manifesting in the flesh)he is as divine and deity like the Father (john 1:10)(John 1:14) key points from this scripture.
o incarnation
o dwelt among us
o glory revealed
o only begotten
o full of grace and truth
Jesus also did things that only God does and they also worship him, he accepted because only God can be worshiped.
The nature of Christ Is the existent of two nature.
The nature of God and the nature of man( in the flesh he was God and in the flesh he was man).
Jesus had the authority of God on earth but he summited his authority to the father, although he had all the authority of God but he didn’t function accept the father gave clearance so that he could qualify to operate as a man, he was fully God but did not operate like God not because he lost his God hood but he surrendered his right to use his God power, so anytime he function like God the father gave permission until his assignment of salvation was over he couldn’t function as God. ( He returned to his full state as God when he resurrected)

[GraceO]

Thank you Humble for your submission.
I agree that both Jesus’ birth and His name point to His deity.
First, His mother, Mary was conceived of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35, Matthew 1:20). Thus rightfully making Him, the Son of God.

Secondly, like you pointed out, His name, Emmanuel (meaning God with us), as prophesied by Isaiah (Isaiah 9:6-7), clearly identifies the Child who was spoken about, as God.

Thank you for your submission and insights.

Grace.

[GraceO]

Sample Scriptures in the gospel of John that show the deity of Christ Jesus
By: Grace Arnold-Obomanu.

According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, the word deity refers to; the rank or essential nature of a god (divinity). It also refers to GOD, a supreme being, and it also means one exalted or revered as supremely good or powerful.
The bible recognizes Jesus Christ as God (Philippians 2:6, Hebrews 1:8, Isaiah 9:6-7, 1 Timothy 3:16, etc). In this write-up, I share four (4) scriptures from the gospel of John that allude to the deity of Christ.

1. John 20:27-29, NKJV
“Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving but believing.” And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

In verse 28 of John chapter 20, Thomas referred to Jesus as ‘My Lord and God’, and Jesus did not refute being addressed by this title. Instead, He points out to Thomas that his believe was based on the physical evidence rather than on faith. Emphasizing that it is better to operate by faith than by physical evidence or sight.
By not rejecting or correcting Thomas’ acknowledgement of Him as ‘Lord and God’, Jesus accepts this recognition from Thomas. This communicates that He was comfortable being referred to as God, thus confirming His deity.

2. John 17:1-2, NKJV
“Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him.”

In the first verse of John 17, Jesus speaking to God the Father, refers to Himself as ‘Your Son’. This means that He equates Himself as having same substance and nature as God (John 5:18). This claim situates Him in the Godhead, making Him part of deity.

3. John 10:17-18
“Therefore, My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.”

First, in verse 17 of John chapter 10, Jesus refers to God as His Father, therefore equating Himself with God, and situating Himself as deity.
Second, in verse 18 of same scripture, Jesus claims to have power to end His life and also retrieve it.

In Deuteronomy 32 verse 39, God categorically states that He is the one who has powers give and end life.
“Now see that I, even I, am He, and there is no God besides Me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; nor is there any who can deliver from My hand.” Deuteronomy 32:39, NKJV.

We also see a similar assertion in First Samuel chapter 2 verse 6, (1 Samuel 6:2), where Hannah acknowledges that God has the power give and end live.
“The Lord kills and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and brings up.” I Samuel 2:6, NKJV.

So, by claiming that He can both give up and retrieve His life, Jesus was claiming also to be God and therefore deity. It is no surprise then that His claims caused division among the Jews whom He addressed. While some of the Jews aligned with His claims citing His previous miracles as confirmatory of His divine powers, others thought He was mentally unwell. This division was in response to their understanding that Jesus’ claims to give and take life, makes Him God.

4. John 8:58, NKJV
“Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”

In this verse Jesus claims the title; ‘I AM’.
Even though He said it to communicate to His audience that His existence backdates Abraham’s, the title ‘I AM’ was exclusively used by God to introduce Himself to Moses in Exodus chapter 3 verse 14.
“And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.” Exodus 3:14, NKJV

So, by ascribing this title to Himself, Jesus was claiming to be God and therefore, deity.

[Miriam IfeanyiChukwu]

I agree with you Ma’am.

No human being that ever lived has ever claimed to have power over death. All the religious leaders that ever lived, died and decayed in their graves none had power over death because of their humanity, but Jesus demonstrated by His defeat of death both for others for example Lazarus (John 11:43-44) and Himself (John 2:19, 10:18) this shows that He is God.

Also, Thomas referring to Jesus as “My Lord and My God”, without getting a rebuke from Jesus, is a witness to the Deity of Jesus.

[bright022]

Jesus, during his earthly ministry, understood and walked with the consciousness that he is not just fully man but also fully God. His constant pronouncements or declarations of these truths made it known to many that indeed he is the Son of God, though the Jews couldn’t stand this declaration of his as The Son of God. That didn’t deter him in any way, as he was confident about who he was, where he came from, and his relationship with The Father.

Below are four scriptures that show The Deity of Christ and my understanding of them:

1. John 2:16
“And He said to those who sold doves, ‘Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise.'”

Jesus’s emphatic declaration of The Temple, a place of worship to God, as His Father’s house, did not only show his recognition of God as his Father but, by calling God Father, he automatically declared his sonship and the place he holds in the Trinity. This declaration as His Father’s house made it clear that he is conscious of his relationship with the Father, and this relationship spurred him into protecting his Father’s house.

1. John 4:25-26
25 The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will tell us all things.”
26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.”

The Jews, through The prophet, had been told of a Messiah who would come into the world, forgive them of their sins and those of the whole world, and reconcile them back to God. Ever since, they had been waiting for this Messiah. Jesus’s response to The Samaritan woman, who spoke of the Messiah to come, by affirming that He is that Messiah, buttresses his claim as God, declaring Him as having the power to forgive sins and reconcile the world back to God.

1. John 6:32-33
32 Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven.”

33 For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.
Again, Jesus’s declaration of God as his Father points to his consciousness of his special relationship with God, granting him access to call Him Father and, by that, inferring he is the Son of God, which means he was equal with God. Another revelation from this scripture is his acknowledgement that he is the true bread from heaven, revealing his claim of coming down from God and thereby residing with Him, as coming down from heaven means heaven is his home.

1. John 7:33
Then Jesus said to them, “I shall be with you a little while longer, and then I go to Him who sent Me.”
Jesus’s declaration that he will soon go back to Him who sent him is another proof of his Deity and His claim that he came from God. If he came from God, that means he resides with God; if he resides with God, that means he is one with God.

Throughout the Gospel of John are scriptures that help show the Deity of God, but I’ve chosen to focus on the four listed above.

[Oziie]

This write-up thoughtfully emphasizes Jesus’ self-awareness of His divine identity during His earthly ministry. The exploration of Jesus’ deity is clear and well-grounded in Scripture, highlighting His relationship with the Father, His role as the Messiah, and His divine origin and authority.
John 2:16 effectively captures Jesus’ zeal for the temple as His Father’s house. It rightly connects His actions and declaration to His awareness of being the Son of God and His active role in safeguarding God’s worship.
John 4:25-26 provides a strong link between Jesus’ affirmation to the Samaritan woman and His divine mission as the Messiah. The acknowledgment of His power to forgive sins and reconcile humanity to God reflects a deep understanding of His redemptive role.
In John 6:32-33, the emphasis on Jesus as the true bread from heaven eloquently underscores His pre-existence and divine origin. The connection to His equality with God is well-made, revealing His role as the sustainer of eternal life.
Finally, the analysis of John 7:33 insightfully points to Jesus’ divine origin and destiny, affirming His unity with the Father.
This reflection powerfully demonstrates how Jesus’ words and actions reveal His deity.

[ambcovenant]

The Gospel of John is indeed rich with passages affirming the deity of Jesus Christ, portraying Him as the eternal Son of God who shares the divine nature with the Father.

Here are four key passages from John’s Gospel that emphasize Jesus’ divine identity:

1. John 1:1-3 – “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; without Him, nothing was made that has been made.”

In this opening passage, John establishes Jesus as the “Word” (Logos), who was both with God and is God from the beginning. This underscores the eternal existence and creative power of Christ, placing Him above all creation as co-creator with the Father. The phrase “the Word was God” affirms His divinity, directly declaring that Jesus shares in the divine essence of God.

2. John 8:58 – “Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am!’”*
Here, Jesus identifies Himself with the divine name “I AM,” which God revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14. By using this title, Jesus asserts His pre-existence and divine nature, suggesting He is not bound by time or lineage. This declaration directly associates Him with the eternal God of Israel, causing great offense to the religious leaders, who saw this as a clear claim to divinity.

3. John 10:30 – “I and the Father are one.”
Jesus’ assertion of unity with the Father goes beyond a mere agreement in purpose or will. This oneness implies a unity of nature and essence, which was understood by His listeners as a claim to deity. The subsequent reaction, where people attempted to stone Him for blasphemy, demonstrates that they recognized this as a declaration of equality with God.

4. John 14:9 – “Jesus answered: ‘Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?”
Jesus reveals to Philip that seeing Him is the same as seeing the Father, which speaks to His divine representation of God on earth. This doesn’t just imply that Jesus reflects God’s character; it suggests a deep unity where the fullness of God is revealed in Him. Jesus, therefore, becomes the visible expression of the invisible God.

Each of these passages illuminates a different aspect of Jesus’ deity as portrayed in John. John 1:1-3 presents Him as the eternal, creative Word of God, co-equal with the Father. John 8:58 and John 10:30 reveal His timeless existence and unity with God, showing His divine self-identification and equality with the Father. Lastly, John 14:9 communicates that to know Jesus is to know God Himself, as He fully embodies God’s nature. In these verses, John paints a powerful picture of Jesus as truly God in human form, confirming the divine mystery of the incarnation—that Jesus is both fully God and fully man. Through these revelations, John’s Gospel calls us to recognize Jesus’ divine authority, respond to Him with reverence, and embrace the life He offers as the divine Son who came to bring salvation.

[Miriam IfeanyiChukwu]

There are several verses from the book of John that support the assertion that Jesus is deity.
1. John 10:30 NKJV “I and My Father are one.”
“I and My Father”, clearly spoke of two different people joined together by a conjunction “and”. The word one according to Strong’s Concordance is the Greek word Heis and it is of the neuter form meaning oneness in essence, substance, purpose and will. Jesus in this statement told the Jews that though He and His Father are distinct in their individuality, they are united in essence, nature and power.

2. John 3:13 NKJV No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.
Jesus told Nicodemus that no one had before that time ascended to heaven but Him who came down from heaven and He is in heaven. Although Enoch (Genesis 5:24) and Elijah (2 Kings 2:11) had ascended to heaven because the bible says they did not die because God took them, they did not descend from heaven. No human being can boast to have both descended from and ascended to heaven. Also, no human can be at two different places or realms (heaven and earth) at the same time. The word “is” in this verse, according to Strong’s Concordance is the present participle of ‘being’ meaning that it was an ongoing event. That means that while Jesus was on earth having this discussion with Nicodemus, He was in heaven at the same time as God.

3. John 14:16 NKJV And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever.
Jesus in His farewell discussion with His disciples said “He will pray to the Father to send the Holy Spirit” and then in the next chapter John 15:26, He said “I will send the Holy Spirit”. If both the Father and Jesus can send the Holy Spirit, then both are One.

4. John 11:25 NKJV
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.
Jesus demonstrated He had power over death which is the last enemy that will be destroyed (1 Corinthians 15:26) both for others (He raised Lazarus) and Himself (John 2:19, 10:18) and He is the source of eternal life.

[Oziie]

The Gospel of John presents a compelling case for the deity of Jesus Christ, emphasizing His divine nature and unity with God. Four passages—John 1:18, John 3:13, John 6:35-40, and John 20:28—highlight His unique identity and role in God’s redemptive plan.
John 1:18 declares, “No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.” Here, Jesus is identified as the “only begotten Son,” who reveals the invisible God. The phrase “in the bosom of the Father” signifies an intimate relationship, underscoring Jesus’ divine essence and eternal existence. This passage affirms that Jesus is not merely a prophet or teacher but the visible representation of the unseen God, fully qualified to make Him known.
In John 3:13, Jesus states, “No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.” This verse highlights Jesus’ pre-existence and omnipresence, attributes belonging solely to God. His claim of coming down from heaven emphasizes His divine origin, while His reference to being “in heaven” even while on earth reveals His transcendence over time and space. Such statements confirm His unique identity as both fully God and fully man.
John 6:35-40 further affirms Jesus’ deity in His role as the sustainer of eternal life. Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” By offering Himself as the source of spiritual nourishment and eternal life, Jesus assumes a role only God can fulfill. Moreover, in verses 38-40, He claims to have come from heaven to do the Father’s will, promising to raise believers on the last day. His authority over life and death unmistakably points to His divine power and purpose.
Finally, in John 20:28, Thomas proclaims, “My Lord and my God!” This declaration encapsulates the essence of Jesus’ deity. Thomas’ worshipful response acknowledges Jesus as both Sovereign Lord and the true God. Notably, Jesus accepts this worship, affirming His divine status and role within the Godhead.
These passages collectively testify to Jesus’ deity. Through His unique relationship with the Father, His pre-existence, His role as the giver of eternal life, and His acceptance of divine worship, Jesus is revealed as God incarnate—the Savior of the world. This truth remains foundational to the Christian faith, inviting believers to trust in Him as Lord and God.

[VictorKachi]

The Bible ascribes many characteristics of deity to Jesus, including being eternal, omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent. Jesus also performed works that only God can do, such as creating, upholding all things, forgiving sin, and raising the dead. 
1) John 3:16
This verse unveils the fact that God’s love was made manifest by sending his son Jesus Christ in order to save mankind from it befallen state.
The Greek term monogenes, interpreted as “his only begotten Son,” signifies something with a similar essence or composition, or “the sole of its type.” Put simply, Jesus, known as the Son of Man, shares the same divine nature as God the Father. This verse is crucial in demonstrating the biblical belief in the Trinity.
Observe clearly in verse 16, Jesus is identified as the Son of God. According to 1 Timothy 3:16, Jesus is portrayed as God in human form. Additionally, Jesus is recognized as the maker, arbiter, and rescuer, tasks that are exclusive to God.

2) John 6:35
This verse represents the first “I am” statement of John’s gospel. In each of these instances, Jesus uses the phrase “I am” in reference to Himself, providing perspective on His mission and His ministry. This echoes the reference used by God Himself when speaking to Moses from the burning bush (Exodus 3:13–14).
The people have come to Jesus looking for another miracle: more free food (John 6:26). Instead, Jesus says they need to be seeking the “true bread from heaven” to obtain eternal life. Jesus has already clarified that this does not mean good works; it means belief in the One sent by God (John 6:29).
Jesus explicitly declares that He, Himself, is the One sent by God. Eternal life is found only through belief in Jesus Christ (John 3:36; 14:6; Acts 4:12).

3) John 14:7~9
A lot of people overlook the importance of this verse as well. Philip didn’t assume that Jesus was claiming to be God the Father, as he requested Jesus to reveal the Father to him. This request was more of a dare for Jesus to provide some tangible proof (show us and it will be enough) to demonstrate God to them. It was clearly stated in verse 9. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?

4) John 10:30
Classical Lutheran theology uses this verse to affirm the Son’s full deity.
In this vers, Jesus’ claim to have equal power as the Father was not blasphemy, but the truth.The suggestion carried in that pair of statements is that Jesus is God. Comments along those lines have enraged Jesus’ critics in the past (John 5:18; 8:56–59).

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