Christ’s Deity Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2008

Outline I. Jesus Claimed to be God II. Jesus Proved to be God I. Jesus Claimed to be God II. Jesus Proved to be God

I. Jesus Claimed to be God 1.He claimed to be the "I AM“ [of Ex. 3;14]. “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM” (Jn. 8:58). “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM” (Jn. 8:58). 2. He forgave sins which only God can do. Jesus said, “Son, your sins are forgiven you” The scribes replied, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Mk. 2:5-7). 3.He claimed He should be honored just as the Father is honored. “All should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father” (Jn 5:23). “All should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father” (Jn 5:23). 1.He claimed to be the "I AM“ [of Ex. 3;14]. “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM” (Jn. 8:58). “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM” (Jn. 8:58). 2. He forgave sins which only God can do. Jesus said, “Son, your sins are forgiven you” The scribes replied, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Mk. 2:5-7). 3.He claimed He should be honored just as the Father is honored. “All should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father” (Jn 5:23). “All should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father” (Jn 5:23).

4.He said He was the Jewish Messiah who was God (Isa. 9:6; 45:6; Psa. 110:1; Zech. 12:10). “The woman said to Him, I know the Messiah is coming…. Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He” (Jn. 4:25-26). “The woman said to Him, I know the Messiah is coming…. Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He” (Jn. 4:25-26). The high priest said, “’Are you the Christ [Messiah], the Son of the blessed?’ And Jesus said, ‘I am, and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest said, ‘what further need do we have of witness? You have heard the blasphemy!’” (Mk. 14:61-62). The high priest said, “’Are you the Christ [Messiah], the Son of the blessed?’ And Jesus said, ‘I am, and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest said, ‘what further need do we have of witness? You have heard the blasphemy!’” (Mk. 14:61-62). 5. He accepted worship on numerous occasions which is due only to God (Mt. 4:10). 4.He said He was the Jewish Messiah who was God (Isa. 9:6; 45:6; Psa. 110:1; Zech. 12:10). “The woman said to Him, I know the Messiah is coming…. Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He” (Jn. 4:25-26). “The woman said to Him, I know the Messiah is coming…. Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He” (Jn. 4:25-26). The high priest said, “’Are you the Christ [Messiah], the Son of the blessed?’ And Jesus said, ‘I am, and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest said, ‘what further need do we have of witness? You have heard the blasphemy!’” (Mk. 14:61-62). The high priest said, “’Are you the Christ [Messiah], the Son of the blessed?’ And Jesus said, ‘I am, and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest said, ‘what further need do we have of witness? You have heard the blasphemy!’” (Mk. 14:61-62). 5. He accepted worship on numerous occasions which is due only to God (Mt. 4:10).

Jesus Accepted Worship 1. The Bible forbids worshiping anyone but God (Ex. 20:1-4; Deut. 5:6-9). 2. Humans refused worship (Acts 14:15). 3. Angels also refused worship (Rev. 22:8-9). 4. But Jesus accepted worship on numerous occasions. 5. Therefore, Jesus claimed to be God. 1. The Bible forbids worshiping anyone but God (Ex. 20:1-4; Deut. 5:6-9). 2. Humans refused worship (Acts 14:15). 3. Angels also refused worship (Rev. 22:8-9). 4. But Jesus accepted worship on numerous occasions. 5. Therefore, Jesus claimed to be God.

Jesus accepted worship from: 1. The mother of James and John (Mt. 20:20); 2. The Gerasene demoniac (Mk. 5:6); 3. A blind man (Jn. 9:38); 4. Doubting Thomas (Jn. 20:28); 5. The women at the tomb (Mt. 28:9); 6. A Canaanite woman (Mt. 15:25) 7. His disciples [Mt. 14:33]; 8. A healed leper (Mt. 8:2); 9. A rich young ruler [Mt. 9:18). 1. The mother of James and John (Mt. 20:20); 2. The Gerasene demoniac (Mk. 5:6); 3. A blind man (Jn. 9:38); 4. Doubting Thomas (Jn. 20:28); 5. The women at the tomb (Mt. 28:9); 6. A Canaanite woman (Mt. 15:25) 7. His disciples [Mt. 14:33]; 8. A healed leper (Mt. 8:2); 9. A rich young ruler [Mt. 9:18).

An Important Note: 1. Jesus never rebuked anyone who worshiped Him. 2. He even commended some for acknowledging His deity (Jn. 20:29 cf. Mt. 16:17) 1. Jesus never rebuked anyone who worshiped Him. 2. He even commended some for acknowledging His deity (Jn. 20:29 cf. Mt. 16:17)

6. He put His words on the level with God’s. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away” (Mt. 24:35). “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away” (Mt. 24:35). “He that rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (Jn. 12:48). “He that rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (Jn. 12:48). 7. He asked His disciples to pray in His Name. “Whatever you ask in My name that will I do, that the father may be glorified in the Son” (Jn. 14:13). “Whatever you ask in My name that will I do, that the father may be glorified in the Son” (Jn. 14:13). 8.He accepted the titles of deity. “And Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and My God” (Jn. 20:28). Jesus blessed him. “And Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and My God” (Jn. 20:28). Jesus blessed him. “Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.’ Jesus…said to him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven’” (Mt. 16:17-18). “Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.’ Jesus…said to him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven’” (Mt. 16:17-18). 6. He put His words on the level with God’s. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away” (Mt. 24:35). “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away” (Mt. 24:35). “He that rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (Jn. 12:48). “He that rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (Jn. 12:48). 7. He asked His disciples to pray in His Name. “Whatever you ask in My name that will I do, that the father may be glorified in the Son” (Jn. 14:13). “Whatever you ask in My name that will I do, that the father may be glorified in the Son” (Jn. 14:13). 8.He accepted the titles of deity. “And Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and My God” (Jn. 20:28). Jesus blessed him. “And Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and My God” (Jn. 20:28). Jesus blessed him. “Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.’ Jesus…said to him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven’” (Mt. 16:17-18). “Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.’ Jesus…said to him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven’” (Mt. 16:17-18).

Other Claims for His Deity 1. God.—“This is My beloved Son” (Mt. 3:16; 17:5 cf. Jn. 12:28). 2. Angels—“He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest” (Lk. 1:32). “That Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God” (Lk. 1:35). “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Lk. 2:11). 3. Demons—“What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come to torment us before our time?” (Mt. 8:29). 4. Thomas—“My Lord and my God.”(Jn. 20:28). 1. God.—“This is My beloved Son” (Mt. 3:16; 17:5 cf. Jn. 12:28). 2. Angels—“He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest” (Lk. 1:32). “That Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God” (Lk. 1:35). “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Lk. 2:11). 3. Demons—“What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come to torment us before our time?” (Mt. 8:29). 4. Thomas—“My Lord and my God.”(Jn. 20:28).

Other Claims for His Deity 5. Other Humans-- a. Matthew-- 3:16; 16:16; 28:18-20 b. Mark--2:5.7;14:61-61 c. Luke--1:32, 35; 2:11 d. John “In the beginning was the Word; the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). “Before Abraham was, I AM” (Jn. 8:58). “My Lord and my God” (Jn. 20:28). e. Peter “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Mat. 16:16). 5. Other Humans-- a. Matthew-- 3:16; 16:16; 28:18-20 b. Mark--2:5.7;14:61-61 c. Luke--1:32, 35; 2:11 d. John “In the beginning was the Word; the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). “Before Abraham was, I AM” (Jn. 8:58). “My Lord and my God” (Jn. 20:28). e. Peter “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Mat. 16:16).

Other Claims for His Deity 5. Other Humans-- f. Paul— “Christ, who is over all, the eternally blessed God (Rom. 9:5). “Looking for the blessed hope and the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). “For by Him all things were created…. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist [are held together] (C ol. 1:16-17). “For in Him all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily” (Col. 2:9). 5. Other Humans-- f. Paul— “Christ, who is over all, the eternally blessed God (Rom. 9:5). “Looking for the blessed hope and the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). “For by Him all things were created…. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist [are held together] (C ol. 1:16-17). “For in Him all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily” (Col. 2:9).

Other Claims for His Deity 5. Other Humans-- g. The Writer of Hebrews— Christ “being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of his power…” (1:3). “For to which of the angels did He ever say: ‘You are My Son’” (1:5). “When He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: ‘Let all the angels of god worship Him’” (1:6). “But to the Son He says, ‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever…’” (1:8). 5. Other Humans-- g. The Writer of Hebrews— Christ “being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of his power…” (1:3). “For to which of the angels did He ever say: ‘You are My Son’” (1:5). “When He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: ‘Let all the angels of god worship Him’” (1:6). “But to the Son He says, ‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever…’” (1:8).

Answering Objections A. Jesus Denied He was God 1. “Why call me good? There is none good but God” (Mk. 19:17). Response: This is not a denial but a question. Jesus is asking him if he realized the implications of his statement. 2. “The Father is greater than I” (Jn. 14:28). Response: The Father as God is greater than Jesus is as a man. And the Father is greater in office, but not in nature. 3. “But of that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Mk. 13:32). Response: Jesus knew the time as God but not as man. He has two natures. A. Jesus Denied He was God 1. “Why call me good? There is none good but God” (Mk. 19:17). Response: This is not a denial but a question. Jesus is asking him if he realized the implications of his statement. 2. “The Father is greater than I” (Jn. 14:28). Response: The Father as God is greater than Jesus is as a man. And the Father is greater in office, but not in nature. 3. “But of that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Mk. 13:32). Response: Jesus knew the time as God but not as man. He has two natures.

Father Holy Spirit Holy Spirit Son Human Nature Human Nature Divine Nature Divine Nature God’s Tri-Unity Note: 1) Jesus knew everything in His divine nature. 2) Jesus did not know all in his human nature. Note: 1) Jesus knew everything in His divine nature. 2) Jesus did not know all in his human nature.

Answering Objections B.He can’t be both God and Man at the same time because it is contradictory. Response: 1. He is not both in the same sense. 2. One can be a father and a husband at the same time, but not in the same sense. 3. Jesus has both a divine and a human nature. B.He can’t be both God and Man at the same time because it is contradictory. Response: 1. He is not both in the same sense. 2. One can be a father and a husband at the same time, but not in the same sense. 3. Jesus has both a divine and a human nature.

Father Holy Spirit Holy Spirit Son Human Nature Human Nature Divine Nature Divine Nature God’s Tri-Unity Note: 1) The divine nature is not the human nature. 2) Jesus had both natures at the same time, but they are not both the same nature (The circle isn’t the triangle).. Note: 1) The divine nature is not the human nature. 2) Jesus had both natures at the same time, but they are not both the same nature (The circle isn’t the triangle)..

Outline I. Jesus Claimed to be God II. Jesus Proved to be God I. Jesus Claimed to be God II. Jesus Proved to be God

Jesus was not Just a Great Moral Teacher? I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish things that people often say about Him: 'I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept His claim to be God.' That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would rather be a lunatic - on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg - Or else he would be the Devil of Hell (Lewis, Mere Christianity, 55-56).

Jesus Proved to be God: a. By fulfilling supernatural predictions

Jesus Proved to be God: a. By fulfilling supernatural predictions b. By performing supernatural acts a. By fulfilling supernatural predictions b. By performing supernatural acts

Jesus Proved to be God: a. By fulfilling supernatural predictions b. By performing supernatural acts c. By His supernatural resurrection No other religious leader ever did this a. By fulfilling supernatural predictions b. By performing supernatural acts c. By His supernatural resurrection No other religious leader ever did this

Human Race Woman, Gen 3:15 Human Race Woman, Gen 3:15 Ethnic Group Abraham, Gen 12:1 Ethnic Group Abraham, Gen 12:1 Tribe Judah, Gen 49:10 Tribe Judah, Gen 49:10 Dynasty David, 2 Sam 7:12 Dynasty David, 2 Sam 7:12 How Virgin, Isa 7:14 How Virgin, Isa 7:14 Where Bethlehem, Mic 5:2 Where Bethlehem, Mic 5:2 When 33 A.D., Dan 9:24 When 33 A.D., Dan 9:24

Jesus Proved to be God: a. By fulfilling supernatural predictions b. By performing supernatural acts No other religious leader ever did this a. By fulfilling supernatural predictions b. By performing supernatural acts No other religious leader ever did this

Jesus Proved to be God: 2. By performing supernatural acts a. Nicodemus said: “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher come from god; for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him” (Jn. 3:2). b. Earliest history said: “Jesus of Nazareth, [was] a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs which God did through him…”(Acts 2:22). 2. By performing supernatural acts a. Nicodemus said: “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher come from god; for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him” (Jn. 3:2). b. Earliest history said: “Jesus of Nazareth, [was] a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs which God did through him…”(Acts 2:22).

Jesus Proved to be God: a. By fulfilling supernatural predictions b. By performing supernatural acts c. By His supernatural resurrection No other religious leader ever did this a. By fulfilling supernatural predictions b. By performing supernatural acts c. By His supernatural resurrection No other religious leader ever did this

Evidence Jesus Died 1.Nature of his wounds (whipping, crucifixion and spear in side) ensured death. 2.His mother, friends and closest disciple witnessed his death. 3.Romans, who were professional executioners, pronounced him dead. 1.Nature of his wounds (whipping, crucifixion and spear in side) ensured death. 2.His mother, friends and closest disciple witnessed his death. 3.Romans, who were professional executioners, pronounced him dead.

Evidence Jesus Died 4.Pilate double-checked to make sure Jesus was dead. 5.The Jews never denied the account of Jesus being buried in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea (a member of the Sanhedrin). 4.Pilate double-checked to make sure Jesus was dead. 5.The Jews never denied the account of Jesus being buried in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea (a member of the Sanhedrin).

Evidence Jesus Died 7.Non-Christian writers from the first and second centuries recorded the death of Jesus (e.g. Josephus, Tacitus, Thallus, Lucian, Phelgon, The Jewish Talmud.) 8.In light of the historical evidence, modern medical authorities have verified his death. 7.Non-Christian writers from the first and second centuries recorded the death of Jesus (e.g. Josephus, Tacitus, Thallus, Lucian, Phelgon, The Jewish Talmud.) 8.In light of the historical evidence, modern medical authorities have verified his death.

JAMA March 21,1986 (p. 1463) “Clearly, the weight of historical and medical evidence indicates that Jesus was dead before the wound to his side was inflicted and supports the traditional view that the spear, thrust between his right rib, probably perforated not only the right lung but also the pericardium and heart and thereby ensured his death. Accordingly, interpretations based on the assumption that Jesus did not die on the cross appear to be at odds with modern medical knowledge."

Evidence Jesus Rose for the Dead 1.The tomb was empty with grave clothes in it 2.Over 500 witnesses say Him 12 times 3.They toughed His physical body 4.They saw His crucifixion scars 5.They ate with Him four times 6.He taught them for 40 days 7.He did miracles for them 8.He transformed them From cowards to martyrs overnight! 1.The tomb was empty with grave clothes in it 2.Over 500 witnesses say Him 12 times 3.They toughed His physical body 4.They saw His crucifixion scars 5.They ate with Him four times 6.He taught them for 40 days 7.He did miracles for them 8.He transformed them From cowards to martyrs overnight!

The Order of the Twelve Appearances of Christ PersonsSawHeard Touched Other Evidence The Order of the Twelve Appearances of Christ PersonsSawHeard Touched Other Evidence 1.MaryXX X Empty tomb (Jn. 20:10-18) 2.Mary & WomenXX X Empty tomb (Mt. 28:1-10) 3.PeterXX Empty tomb/clothes (1Cor. 15:5) 4.Two DisciplesXX Ate with Him (Lk. 24:13-35) 5.Ten ApostlesXX X** Saw wounds, ate food (Lk. 24:36-49; Jn. 20:19-23) 6.Eleven Apostles XX X** Saw wounds (Jn. 20:24-31) **Offered Himself to be touched

The Order of the Twelve Appearances of Christ PersonsSawHeard Touched Other Evidence The Order of the Twelve Appearances of Christ PersonsSawHeard Touched Other Evidence 7.Seven ApostlesXX Ate food (Jn. 21) 8.All ApostlesXX (Mt. 28:16-20; Mk 16:14-18) BrethrenXX* (1Cor. 15:6) 10.JamesXX* (1Cor. 15:7) 11.All ApostlesXX Ate with Him (Acts 1:4-8) 12.Paul XX (Acts 9:1-9; 1Cor. 15:8) *Implied