Dr. Maxwell Shimba, Shimba Theological Institute
Abstract
This article systematically explores the biblical and theological foundations affirming the divinity of Jesus Christ within Christian doctrine. Drawing from the Torah, Psalms (Zabur), and the Gospel (Injil), it presents scriptural evidence for Jesus’ virgin birth, sinlessness, heavenly origin, and authority over nature. Through comparative theological analysis, it demonstrates that Jesus is not merely a prophet or moral teacher, but the unique Son of God, fully divine and the only mediator between God and humanity. The article concludes with an invitation to embrace the truth of Jesus’ identity as presented in the Christian Scriptures.
Keywords
Jesus Christ, Divinity, Son of God, Gospel, Christian Theology, Resurrection, Biblical Evidence, Soteriology
Introduction
The Christian claim that Jesus is God stands at the core of the New Testament message and is foundational to the faith. The Gospel affirms that Jesus was born of a virgin, was sinless, ascended into heaven, and will return. According to biblical testimony, Jesus is more than a prophet or moral exemplar—He is the unique Son of God, embodying both human and divine natures. His significance for humanity surpasses that of a great healer or teacher, as He is the source of salvation, revelation, and eternal life.
Scriptural Evidence for the Divinity of Jesus
1. Jesus as the Son of God
Jesus is repeatedly called the “Son of God” in the Gospel, a title which in its original context denotes divinity, unique relationship, and authority.
“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me.” (John 5:39, ESV)
The Gospel's central subject is not a philosophy but the person of Jesus Christ. He forms the essential link between humanity and God, granting assurance and courage to believers. When Jesus is called the “Son of God,” the Gospel does not imply any physical or biological relationship between God and Mary; rather, it asserts His eternal, spiritual sonship (Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:34-35; John 10:36).
“All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” (Luke 10:22, NIV)
2. Pre-existence and Divine Nature
Jesus testifies to his pre-existence with the Father:
“I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.” (John 16:28)
Jesus’ claims to pre-existence and his descent from heaven underscore his divine nature. He did not come into existence at birth, but entered human history from a prior state of eternal fellowship with the Father (John 1:18; John 3:31–32).
3. The Transfiguration
The Transfiguration event provides a direct revelation of Jesus’ divinity:
“There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light… a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’” (Matthew 17:2–8, NIV)
Here, the divine glory of Jesus is revealed above even the greatest Old Testament prophets, Moses and Elijah. The Father’s affirmation establishes Jesus as the authoritative Son of God.
Jesus as the Only Way to the Father
Jesus claims exclusive and absolute authority as the only mediator between God and man:
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” (John 14:6, NIV)
This assertion sets Christianity apart from all other religious claims and places Jesus at the center of God’s salvific plan. Jesus is the sole means to all of God’s blessings and eternal life.
The Resurrection: Christ as the Living Savior
Christianity’s foundation rests on the historical reality of the resurrection:
“It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” (Luke 24:34, NIV)
Unlike Muhammad and other prophets, Jesus rose from the dead, vindicating His divine identity and saving power. Through the resurrection, believers are assured of new and abundant life (John 10:9–10).
Miracles and Divine Authority
Jesus’ miracles, particularly his authority over nature, further demonstrate His divinity:
“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm… Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” (Mark 4:37–41, NIV; cf. Psalm 89:8–9, Psalm 107:27–30)
No human being or prophet in Scripture commands creation with such authority; only God Himself has this power.
Soteriological Implications
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NIV)
Salvation in Christianity is not earned through good works but is received by faith in Jesus Christ. God’s justice and mercy meet at the cross, where Jesus, the sinless Son, dies in place of humanity.
Conclusion
The biblical witness, from the Torah through the Psalms and Gospel, converges on the affirmation of Jesus’ unique divinity. The evidence of His virgin birth, pre-existence, miracles, resurrection, and exclusive authority over salvation compels the conclusion that Jesus is truly God incarnate.
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32, NIV)
Come to Jesus, that we may rejoice with you.
References
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The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) and New International Version (NIV)
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Bauckham, R. (2008). Jesus and the God of Israel: God Crucified and Other Studies on the New Testament’s Christology of Divine Identity. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.
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Hurtado, L. W. (2005). Lord Jesus Christ: Devotion to Jesus in Earliest Christianity. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.
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Wright, N. T. (2012). How God Became King: The Forgotten Story of the Gospels. New York: HarperOne.
Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute
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