By Dr. Maxwell Shimba, Shimba Theological Institute
Introduction
The question of Jesus Christ's divinity occupies a central position in Christian theology and is a point of contention in Muslim-Christian dialogues. While Islamic sources—namely the Qur’an, Allah, Muhammad, and Jibril—deny Jesus' divinity, their very testimonies, when examined carefully, inadvertently affirm attributes that, according to both scriptural traditions, belong to God alone. Among these is the authority to forgive sins, an act that is foundationally and uniquely reserved for God. This article will critically examine this attribute and its Christological implications through a comparative theological lens, employing both biblical and Qur’anic texts.
The Authority to Forgive Sins: A Divine Prerogative
The Qur’an explicitly declares that forgiveness of sins is the exclusive right of God. In Surah Ghafir (40:2-3), it is written:
"The revelation of the Book is from Allah, the Exalted in Power, the All-Knowing. The Forgiver of sin, Acceptor of repentance, Severe in punishment, Owner of abundance. There is no deity except Him; to Him is the final return."
Here, the Qur’an affirms that only God can forgive sins. This divine prerogative, as understood in Islamic theology, is beyond the scope of any human agent.
In parallel, the Gospel narrative presents an episode where Jesus explicitly exercises the authority to forgive sins, thereby eliciting accusations of blasphemy from the religious authorities of His time. In Mark 2:5-11, the text recounts:
"When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, 'Son, your sins are forgiven.' Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, 'Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?' And immediately Jesus, perceiving in His spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, 'Why do you question these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, "Your sins are forgiven," or to say, "Rise, take up your bed and walk"? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins'—He said to the paralytic—'I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.'"
This narrative is not merely an account of healing but a profound theological assertion of divine identity. Jesus’ forgiveness of sins, an act understood even by His opponents as uniquely divine, serves as a direct demonstration of His divinity.
The Incarnation: Concealing the Majesty of the Divine
A common objection to Christ’s divinity arises from His humanity—His hunger, fatigue, sorrow, and mortality. Critics argue that the assumption of human nature diminishes His divine authority. However, Christian theology holds that the incarnation does not diminish but rather veils divine majesty for the purpose of redemptive accessibility.
This principle is not foreign to the biblical narrative. In Exodus 19:20-21 and Exodus 33:18, 20, God reveals Himself in ways that are both awesome and perilous to humanity, underscoring the necessity of mediation for the sake of human survival:
"You cannot see My face, for man shall not see Me and live." (Exodus 33:20)
Thus, the incarnation is understood as an act of divine accommodation. In the New Testament, this theological reality is affirmed:
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"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)
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"Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh..." (1 Timothy 3:16)
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"When Christ came into the world, He said, 'A body you have prepared for me...'" (Hebrews 10:5)
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"...but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." (Philippians 2:7)
The incarnation, therefore, is not a subtraction of divinity but the necessary veil (cf. Hebrews 10:20) that allows sinful humanity to approach God without being consumed by His holiness.
The Title "Son of God" and Its Ontological Implications
The designation "Son of God" has often been misconstrued as implying inferiority or created status. However, the term arises from the act of incarnation—the eternal Word taking on human nature. John 1:14 asserts:
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father..."
This is not a change in essence but a change in role or manifestation, akin to water taking the form of ice: the substance remains the same, though the form is adapted for a particular purpose. Thus, Jesus as the "Son" is the incarnate manifestation of the eternal divine nature, His humanity serving as the redemptive "veil" (cf. Hebrews 10:20).
Affirmations of Christ's Deity in Christian Scripture
The New Testament repeatedly affirms the divinity of Jesus:
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"Whoever has seen me has seen the Father." (John 14:7-10)
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"…our great God and Savior Jesus Christ." (Titus 2:13)
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"Thomas answered Him, 'My Lord and my God!'" (John 20:28)
These declarations are not metaphorical but ontological, directly ascribing the nature and identity of God to Jesus Christ.
Conclusion: The Exclusivity of Christ’s Salvific Role
Given the evidence from both Christian and Islamic texts, the case for the divinity of Jesus is compelling when viewed through the lens of His unique prerogative to forgive sins and the necessity of the incarnation for human salvation. Scripture attests:
"And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)
Thus, Christian doctrine maintains that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man—the only mediator and Savior for humanity.
May God bless you as you seek to understand and embrace the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ as revealed in Scripture.
Dr. Maxwell Shimba
For Shimba Theological Institute
Copyright © 2016 Max Shimba Ministries Org. All rights reserved. This article may be distributed verbatim but may not be altered.
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