Monday, July 7, 2025

THE TWO NATURES OF JESUS CHRIST: GOD AND MAN

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba | Max Shimba Ministries Org.

Introduction

Since the beginning of the world, there has never been anyone who lived as Jesus Christ did. Jesus is a unique figure in history, both the Savior and God incarnate—“Emmanuel” (cf. Isaiah 9:6). Contrary to the belief held by some, Jesus is not half God and half man; rather, He is fully God and fully man at the same time. In theological terms, Jesus possesses two distinct natures: the divine and the human, united in one person.

The Biblical Foundation for the Two Natures of Christ

Scripture explicitly declares that Jesus is “the Word,” who was with God and was God, and that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:1, 14). This means that the single person of Jesus Christ simultaneously holds both the divine and human natures.

Importantly, Christ’s divine nature was not altered when the “Word” became flesh (John 1:1, 14). Instead, the Word assumed humanity (Colossians 2:9), meaning the divinity of Christ remained uncorrupted and unchanged. Jesus was not merely a man filled with God or a prophet performing God’s works; He is God in the flesh, the Second Person of the Holy Trinity. The book of Hebrews tells us, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven” (Hebrews 1:3, NIV).

Thus, these two natures of Jesus Christ cannot be mixed (refuting Eutychianism) nor can they be confused or merged into a single nature (refuting Monophysitism). The two natures—divine and human—are distinct and exist together in the one person of Jesus Christ. This union is referred to in theology as the Hypostatic Union.

A Comparative Table: The Two Natures of Christ

DIVINE NATURE HUMAN NATURE
Jesus is worshipped (Matthew 2:2, 11; 14:33) Jesus worships God the Father (John 17)
Jesus is called God (John 20:28; Hebrews 1:8) Jesus is called Man (Mark 15:39; John 19:5)
Jesus is called Son of God (Mark 1:1) Jesus is called Son of Man (John 9:35-37)
He is prayed to (Acts 7:59) He prays to God the Father (John 17)
Jesus is sinless (1 Peter 2:22; Hebrews 4:15) Jesus was tempted (Matthew 4:1)
Jesus knows all things (John 21:17) Jesus grew in wisdom (Luke 2:52)
Jesus gives eternal life (John 10:28) Jesus died (Romans 5:8)
All the fullness of Deity dwells in Him (Col. 2:9) He had flesh and bones (Luke 24:39)

Further Evidence for the Two Natures of Jesus

The doctrine of the Hypostatic Union is further explained by the Latin term communicatio idiomatum (“communication of properties”), which teaches that both divine and human attributes are present in the one person of Jesus. This means, for instance, that the man Jesus could say He shared glory with the Father before the world existed (John 17:5), claim to have come down from heaven (John 3:13), and declare His omnipresence (Matthew 28:20). These are claims that only God could make, yet Jesus, as a man, made them because of His divine nature.

A major error among some non-Christian groups is a failure to grasp that Jesus possesses two natures. For example, Jehovah’s Witnesses focus on His humanity and neglect His divinity, often using verses that emphasize Jesus’ human nature while dismissing those that affirm His divinity. Conversely, Christian Scientists emphasize His divinity at the expense of His true humanity.

To properly understand Jesus, all teachings concerning Him must address both His divinity and His humanity. For this reason, Luke 2:52 notes that “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man,” highlighting His human development, while at the same time, John 21:17 demonstrates His divine omniscience.

Jesus is the Word made flesh (John 1:1, 14). The Scriptures, the apostles, the Father, the Holy Spirit, the works of Jesus, various groups of people, and Jesus Himself all testify to His unique identity as God and man:

  • Scriptures: John 5:39

  • Apostles: Acts 10:43

  • The Father: John 5:37; 8:18

  • The Holy Spirit: John 15:26

  • The Works of Jesus: John 5:36; 10:25

  • People: John 12:17

  • Jesus Himself: John 14:6; 18:6

Key Verses Affirming the Deity of Christ

  • John 10:30–33; 20:28

  • Colossians 2:9

  • Philippians 2:5–8

  • Hebrews 1:6–8

  • 2 Peter 1:1

Paul affirms in 1 Timothy 2:5, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.” Even now, there is a man in heaven—our Mediator, Savior (Titus 2:13), and Lord (Romans 10:9–10)—His name is Jesus.

Conclusion

Truly, Jesus is God.

For further questions, please contact:
maxshimbaministries@gmail.com

Prepared by Max Shimba
Max Shimba Ministries Org.
©2015, April.

References

  1. The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV).

  2. Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994.

  3. Erickson, Millard J. Christian Theology. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2013.

  4. McGrath, Alister E. Christian Theology: An Introduction. Wiley-Blackwell, 2016.

  5. Horton, Michael. The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way. Zondervan, 2011.

  6. Oden, Thomas C. The Word of Life: Systematic Theology, Volume 2. HarperOne, 1992.

Bibliography

  • Augustine, On the Trinity.

  • Athanasius, On the Incarnation.

  • Chalcedonian Creed (AD 451).

  • Calvin, John. Institutes of the Christian Religion.

  • Torrance, Thomas F. Incarnation: The Person and Life of Christ. IVP Academic, 2008.

Note

This translation and arrangement have been crafted to serve as both an apologetic and a teaching tool for students, ministers, and any interested in Christology. For further exploration, see the bibliography and the references provided.



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Jesus Existed Before the Creation of the World

An Expository and Scholarly Commentary

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba | Shimba Theological Institute

Introduction

The question of the pre-existence of Jesus Christ lies at the very heart of Christian theology and Christology. It speaks not only to the identity of Jesus, but also to His divinity, the mystery of the Incarnation, and the doctrine of the Trinity. This study explores biblical claims and theological implications of Christ’s existence prior to the creation of the world, engaging critically with the relevant scriptural passages and considering their significance within Christian doctrine.

1. Jesus’ Assertion: Existence Before Abraham

Biblical Text

John 8:58:
Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” (ESV)

Commentary

In this profound declaration, Jesus employs the phrase “I AM” (Greek: egō eimi), which directly echoes the divine name revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14 (“I AM WHO I AM”). This claim is unprecedented—no prophet, messenger, or rabbi ever claimed to predate Abraham, the patriarch of the Jewish nation. The context reveals the gravity of Jesus’ words: the Jewish audience understood the implication, as evidenced by their reaction of picking up stones to stone Him for blasphemy (John 8:59).

Theological Implication

Jesus’ self-identification as “I AM” is a direct claim to divinity. The assertion of His existence before Abraham, who lived approximately two millennia prior, underscores the doctrine of Christ’s pre-existence, affirming that He is not merely a man or prophet, but shares in the eternal nature of God.

2. Jesus’ Prayer: Glorification With the Father Before Creation

Biblical Text

John 17:5:
“And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.” (ESV)

Commentary

In the high priestly prayer of John 17, Jesus petitions the Father for a restoration of the glory they shared before the world existed. This statement provides an explicit affirmation of His pre-existence and of a unique relationship with the Father prior to all created reality.

Theological Implication

The phrase “before the world existed” (pro tou ton kosmon einai in Greek) cannot be construed as metaphorical or figurative; it is a straightforward assertion of Christ’s existence before time and space. This further underscores His divinity, equality with the Father, and role within the Godhead (cf. John 1:1-2; Philippians 2:6-7).

3. The Role of Jesus in Creation

Biblical Texts

  • Colossians 1:16-17:

    “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

  • John 1:3:

    “All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.”

Commentary

Both Pauline and Johannine theology agree: Jesus is not only pre-existent, but also the very agent of creation. The Greek preposition dia (through) in Colossians 1:16 and John 1:3 establishes Christ as the mediatorial cause of creation—everything exists by, through, and for Him.

Theological Implication

The attribution of creation to Christ, a prerogative traditionally reserved for God alone in Hebrew Scriptures (Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 44:24), constitutes compelling evidence for the divinity of Jesus. It further demonstrates that His existence and authority transcend all created things, including time, space, and spiritual hierarchies.

4. Pre-existence and Islamic Perspective

Interestingly, even in Islamic theology, it is confessed that only God existed before the creation of the world. Yet, Jesus claims to have existed before creation. This creates a theological dissonance if one were to view Jesus as merely a prophet, as Islam asserts (Qur’an, Surah Al-Imran 3:59; An-Nisa 4:171). The biblical testimony, however, unequivocally establishes Jesus’ divine pre-existence.

5. Synthesis: Jesus is God, the Creator

Scriptural Synthesis

The above passages, taken collectively, reveal a consistent biblical testimony:

  • Jesus existed before Abraham (John 8:58)

  • Jesus possessed divine glory with the Father before the world began (John 17:5)

  • All things were created through Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16-17; John 1:3)

  • He holds all things together and predates all creation (Colossians 1:17)

Theological Conclusion

Therefore, Jesus is not a mere prophet or messenger. According to Scripture, He is God incarnate, the eternal Creator, and the sustainer of all that exists. The claim of pre-existence is unique to Christ and forms a cornerstone of the Christian confession concerning His divinity.

References

  1. The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV).

  2. Beale, G.K. & Carson, D.A. (Eds.). (2007). Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament. Baker Academic.

  3. Wright, N.T. (2012). How God Became King: The Forgotten Story of the Gospels. HarperOne.

  4. Hurtado, L. (2005). Lord Jesus Christ: Devotion to Jesus in Earliest Christianity. Eerdmans.

  5. Brown, R.E. (1977). The Birth of the Messiah: A Commentary on the Infancy Narratives in Matthew and Luke. Doubleday.

  6. Bruce, F.F. (1981). The Gospel of John: Introduction, Exposition and Notes. Eerdmans.

  7. The Qur’an (Sahih International translation), Surah Al-Imran 3:59; An-Nisa 4:171.

Bibliography

  • Barrett, C.K. The Gospel According to St. John. SPCK, 1978.

  • Carson, D.A. The Gospel According to John. Eerdmans, 1991.

  • Dunn, J.D.G. Christology in the Making: A New Testament Inquiry into the Origins of the Doctrine of the Incarnation. SCM Press, 1980.

  • Ladd, G.E. A Theology of the New Testament. Eerdmans, 1993.

  • Morris, L. The Gospel According to John. Eerdmans, 1971.

  • Wright, N.T. Jesus and the Victory of God. Fortress Press, 1996.

Conclusion

This scholarly exploration has demonstrated, from multiple New Testament witnesses, that Jesus Christ is eternally pre-existent, the agent of all creation, and fully divine. The New Testament does not present Jesus as merely a remarkable teacher or prophet, but as God Himself, existing with the Father before the foundation of the world—a truth at the center of historic Christian faith.

In His service,
Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute



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JESUS AS THE SON OF GOD: WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba, Shimba Theological Institute

Introduction

One of the most frequently asked questions by Islamic scholars and adherents is:

  1. How can Jesus be the Son of God?

  2. How can God have a Son without a wife?

These questions arise from misunderstandings about the Christian doctrine of the Sonship of Jesus. In this exposition, we shall clarify the true theological meaning of "Son of God" as applied to Jesus Christ, referencing the Christian Scriptures and contrasting the misunderstandings often presented in Islamic polemics.

1. How is Jesus the Son of God?

To begin, it must be categorically stated that Jesus Christ is not the "Son of God" in the ordinary, biological sense, as would be understood in human parenthood. This does not mean that God married and had a male child. Christians categorically reject any suggestion that God had sexual relations with Mary, resulting in the birth of Jesus—a notion sometimes implied in Islamic critiques. Rather, the title "Son of God" expresses a unique, spiritual, and eternal relationship between Jesus and God the Father, rooted in divine revelation and not in physical generation.

John 1:1, 14 states:

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us."
Here, "the Word" (Logos) refers to Jesus, who existed eternally with God and became incarnate.

2. How Can God Have a Son Without a Wife?

This question misunderstands the Christian teaching. The New Testament affirms that Jesus is the Son of God not by physical procreation, but by divine action through the Holy Spirit. The angelic announcement to Mary in Luke 1:35 is explicit:

"The angel answered, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.'" (NIV)

Mary did not conceive Jesus through any natural human process but by the supernatural intervention of the Holy Spirit, who is fully God. Thus, Jesus is called "holy" and "the Son of God" by the angel, a unique title denoting both his divine origin and his unique relationship to God the Father.

3. Jesus Affirms His Identity as the Son of God

During his trial before the Jewish religious leaders, the high priest directly challenged Jesus:

"The high priest said to him, 'I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.' 'Yes, it is as you say,' Jesus replied. 'But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.'"
(Matthew 26:63-64, NIV)

Jesus did not deny being the Son of God. On the contrary, he affirmed it, even invoking Daniel 7:13-14 regarding the Son of Man's divine authority—provoking a charge of blasphemy from the Jewish leaders.

4. The Jewish Understanding of "Son of God"

Later, before the Roman governor Pilate, the Jewish leaders insisted:

"The Jews insisted, 'We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God.'"
(John 19:7, NIV)

For the Jews, Jesus’ claim to be the "Son of God" was not understood as a metaphor or a mere honorific title. It signified equality with God—an assertion of divinity. This is further emphasized in John 5:18:

"For this reason the Jews tried all the harder to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God."

Thus, to claim to be the Son of God, in this context, meant to claim a unique, divine status—hence the charge of blasphemy and the demand for Jesus’ execution.

5. The Theological Meaning of "Son of God"

The New Testament further clarifies the meaning of "Son of God." Hebrews 1:3 describes Jesus as:

"The radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven."

This passage highlights both the divinity and the preexistence of Jesus as the Son of God, affirming his unique relationship and essential unity with the Father.

To understand the term "Son of God" in the biblical sense is to recognize that Jesus is the perfect, visible manifestation of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15; John 14:9). The title does not imply literal offspring, but rather a relationship of shared essence, authority, and mission.

6. Analogy: "Son of Perdition" and Biblical Idioms

A further clarification can be found in biblical idioms. In John 17:12, Judas Iscariot is referred to as "the son of perdition" (or "son of destruction"). This does not mean Judas was literally born from "destruction" as a parent, but rather that his life and actions embodied destruction. Similarly, to be "the Son of God" is to embody the character and essence of God.

7. Jesus as God Revealed in Flesh

Ultimately, the doctrine of the Sonship of Jesus is inseparable from the doctrine of the Incarnation: God revealed in human flesh. John 1:1, 14 again affirms: "The Word was God... and the Word became flesh." This mystery is foundational to Christian faith.

Conclusion

The question "How can Jesus be the Son of God?" is resolved by understanding that the Christian claim is not of biological paternity, but of an eternal, spiritual relationship—God manifesting Himself in the person of Jesus Christ, uniquely begotten, not made, of one essence with the Father (Nicene Creed). This truth is attested by Scripture, proclaimed by Jesus Himself, and understood by his followers as the foundation of Christian faith.

References

  • The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV)

  • John 1:1, 14; John 5:18; John 17:12; John 19:7

  • Luke 1:35

  • Matthew 26:63-66

  • Daniel 7:13-14

  • Hebrews 1:3

  • Colossians 1:15

  • The Nicene Creed

Bibliography

  1. Carson, D. A. The Gospel According to John. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1991.

  2. Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994.

  3. Wright, N. T. The Resurrection of the Son of God. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2003.

  4. McGrath, Alister. Christian Theology: An Introduction. 6th Edition. Wiley-Blackwell, 2016.

  5. O’Collins, Gerald. Christology: A Biblical, Historical, and Systematic Study of Jesus. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009.

Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute

This exposition provides a comprehensive, biblical, and theological answer to the oft-repeated questions regarding the meaning of Jesus as the Son of God. It demonstrates that Christian doctrine, far from being based on biological assumptions, is rooted in deep spiritual and scriptural realities.



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Jesus Christ: The Only Way to Remove Sin

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba | Shimba Theological Institute

Abstract

This article explores the exclusive role of Jesus Christ in the removal of sin, explicating the biblical doctrine of atonement, the uniqueness of Christ as the mediator, and the practical implications of receiving Christ as Lord and Savior. Grounded in scriptural authority, this paper offers an expository theological reflection and pastoral application, inviting the reader into the redemptive narrative of the gospel.

Introduction: The Centrality of Christ in the Divine Plan of Salvation

Christian theology is unequivocal in its assertion that Jesus Christ is the unique and exclusive agent of atonement and reconciliation between God and humanity. Unlike any other historical or religious figure, Christ stands alone as the bridge, the mediator, and the perfect sacrifice for sin. This foundational truth, rooted in the canonical Scriptures, forms the basis of orthodox Christian soteriology and the lived reality of the believer’s faith journey.1

Christ’s Sacrificial Death: The Ultimate Expression of Divine Love and Purpose

The apostle Peter, in his first epistle, encapsulates the central doctrine of substitutionary atonement:

“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.”
(1 Peter 3:18, NIV)

Here, Peter articulates both the necessity and the sufficiency of Christ’s suffering and death. The phrase “once for sins” (Greek: ἅπαξ περὶ ἁμαρτιῶν – hapax peri hamartiōn) denotes a singular, all-sufficient sacrifice, never to be repeated. The righteous (Christ) stands in the place of the unrighteous (humanity), effecting a reconciliation that human effort could never accomplish. The telos (goal) of Christ’s sacrifice is not merely forgiveness, but relational restoration—“to bring you to God.”2

This atoning act reveals the immeasurable love of God and unveils His redemptive purpose for every human being. Jesus’ death is not an abstract theological event; it is the very heart of God’s plan for humanity, designed to manifest divine love and to realize God’s intention for the salvation of His creation.3

The Living Christ: Death, Burial, and Resurrection as Fulfillment of Scripture

Paul, writing to the Corinthians, states:

“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”
(1 Corinthians 15:3-4, NIV)

Paul’s declaration is both creedal and historical, attesting to the veracity and centrality of the resurrection event. Christ’s resurrection is not merely a spiritual metaphor; it is a concrete, historical occurrence that affirms His victory over sin and death. The repeated phrase “according to the Scriptures” anchors these events in the broader redemptive narrative foretold by the Old Testament prophets (cf. Isaiah 53; Psalm 16:10).4

The resurrection serves as the divine vindication of Jesus’ person and work, guaranteeing the believer’s hope and the efficacy of His atoning death. The living Christ is the guarantee of our own future resurrection and the ongoing source of spiritual life.5

The Exclusivity of Christ: The Only Way to God

Jesus Himself makes the exclusive claim:

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
(John 14:6, NIV)

This statement is not merely one option among many, but a categorical assertion of singularity and necessity. The definite articles—the way, the truth, the life—underscore the uniqueness of Christ. There is no alternative route to the Father, no other bridge over the chasm of human sin. Any attempt at self-redemption or alternative mediators is rendered insufficient and unnecessary by the finished work of Christ.6

Humanity, in its fallen state, is incapable of achieving reconciliation with God through its own merit, religious works, or philosophical systems. Only in Christ, who bridges the gap through His incarnate life, sacrificial death, and triumphant resurrection, is there hope for restoration and access to God.7

The Pastoral Invitation: Receiving Christ Today

God, who knows and searches the depths of every heart (Jeremiah 17:10; Romans 8:27), extends a personal invitation to each individual to receive Christ by faith. The process of salvation is not a mechanical ritual, but a heartfelt response to the gospel, marked by repentance and surrender.

A model prayer, reflective of biblical truth and contrition, may be articulated as follows:

Lord Jesus Christ, I need you. I confess that I am a sinner and have lived independently, separated from you. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins and for granting me full forgiveness. I turn away from my old life and repent. Lord, I ask you to come into my life, to take full control, and to transform me according to your will. Amen.

Such a prayer, sincerely offered, is the gateway to the new birth (John 1:12-13; 3:3-8). It is the beginning of a transformative relationship with God, grounded in the work of Christ and sustained by the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

The Christian gospel proclaims without ambiguity that Jesus Christ is the only way to the removal of sin and the restoration of fellowship with God. His unique identity, substitutionary death, victorious resurrection, and exclusive mediatorship stand at the heart of biblical faith. To receive Christ is to enter into the fullness of God’s redemptive purpose—a call that remains open to every heart today.

References

Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute

If you want this as a formal journal article in PDF or require further expansion with additional scholarly apparatus, let me know!

Footnotes

  1. John Stott, The Cross of Christ (IVP, 1986), 53-89. ↩

  2. Leon Morris, The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross (Eerdmans, 1965), 212-245. ↩

  3. J.I. Packer, Knowing God (IVP, 1973), 131-151. ↩

  4. N.T. Wright, The Resurrection of the Son of God (Fortress, 2003), 607-743. ↩

  5. Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology (Zondervan, 1994), 568-596. ↩

  6. D.A. Carson, The Gospel According to John (Eerdmans, 1991), 489-496. ↩

  7. Michael Horton, The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way (Zondervan, 2011), 529-560. ↩



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Jesus’ Claim to Divinity: An Academic and Scholarly Analysis

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba, Shimba Theological Institute

Abstract

The divinity of Jesus Christ is one of the central doctrines of historic Christianity and a frequent point of contention in Christian-Muslim dialogue. This article explores, from a scholarly perspective, the biblical evidence for Jesus' explicit and implicit claims to be God, considering key texts from both the Gospels and the broader New Testament. The analysis further addresses common misunderstandings and responds to critical objections raised by alternative religious perspectives, especially within Islamic theology.

Introduction

The question of whether Jesus of Nazareth explicitly claimed divinity is not only a matter of theological import but also of historical and exegetical significance. While some critics argue that Jesus never identified Himself as God, a closer examination of the biblical texts reveals a robust tapestry of self-identification that is consistent with divine status. This article evaluates the primary texts where Jesus either directly or indirectly claimed to be God and examines their implications for Christian doctrine.

1. Direct Claims of Divinity

a) The “I Am” Sayings

Perhaps the most profound claim comes from Jesus’ use of the phrase “I am” (Greek: ἐγώ εἰμι, ego eimi)—a direct allusion to the divine name revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14 (“I AM WHO I AM”). In John 8:58, Jesus declares, “Before Abraham was, I am.” This utterance, which echoes the Septuagint rendering of the divine name, prompted the Jews to attempt to stone Him for blasphemy, recognizing His claim to deity (John 8:59).

b) Revelation: The Alpha and Omega

The book of Revelation records Jesus as saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End” (Rev 22:13). These titles are used in the Old Testament for Yahweh alone (cf. Isaiah 44:6), demonstrating that the risen Christ ascribes to Himself attributes of eternality and sovereignty unique to God. Furthermore, in Revelation 1:8, Jesus says, “I am the Almighty,” a term that in the Greek (παντοκράτωρ, pantokrator) denotes absolute omnipotence.

2. Jesus’ Functional Equality with God

a) Authority Over Life and Judgment

Jesus claims to be the source of life and the final judge. In John 11:25, He says, “I am the resurrection and the life.” In John 5:22-23, He asserts that the Father “has entrusted all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father.” Such statements equate Jesus’ prerogatives with those belonging to God alone (cf. Deut 32:39; 1 Sam 2:6).

b) The Giver of Eternal Life

In John 10:28, Jesus says, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.” The power to grant eternal life is repeatedly ascribed to God in the Old Testament (cf. Psalm 36:9). Jesus’ self-ascription here again demonstrates His divine prerogative.

3. Identification with God’s Unique Titles and Functions

a) “The Truth, the Life, the Light”

In John 14:6, Jesus affirms, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” In John 8:12, He states, “I am the light of the world.” The Old Testament depicts Yahweh as the source of light (Psalm 27:1), life (Deut 30:20), and truth (Isaiah 65:16).

b) Worship and Prayer Directed to Jesus

The Gospels and the wider New Testament record Jesus receiving worship (Matthew 14:33; 28:9, 17; John 20:28) and prayers (Acts 7:59-60; 1 Corinthians 1:2)—honor reserved for God alone (Exodus 34:14; Isaiah 42:8).

4. Jesus as “The Son of Man” and Daniel 7:13–14

In Daniel 7:13–14, the “Son of Man” receives worship and an eternal kingdom—roles ascribed to God alone. Jesus appropriates this title for Himself throughout the Synoptic Gospels, and before the Sanhedrin affirms that He is the eschatological Son of Man who will come “on the clouds of heaven” (Mark 14:61-64), leading to His condemnation for blasphemy.

5. Response to Islamic Objections

Muslim apologists frequently argue that Jesus never said “I am God, worship Me” in those exact words. However, the biblical pattern is one of indirect and culturally appropriate self-revelation, mirroring the theophanic communications of God in the Old Testament. Furthermore, Jesus’ self-identification, authority, and reception of worship are tantamount to clear claims to deity within the context of Second Temple Judaism.

Conclusion

The cumulative weight of the biblical evidence affirms that Jesus did not merely claim to be a prophet or a moral teacher but uniquely identified Himself with the God of Israel. The explicit and implicit claims to divine status, the ascription of divine prerogatives, the acceptance of worship, and the fulfillment of Old Testament theophanic imagery all substantiate the historic Christian confession: Jesus is God manifest in the flesh (John 1:1, 14; 1 Timothy 3:16). Any denial of this reality fails to account for the full witness of the New Testament documents and the earliest Christian testimony.

References

  • Bauckham, R. (2008). Jesus and the God of Israel. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

  • Hurtado, L. W. (2003). Lord Jesus Christ: Devotion to Jesus in Earliest Christianity. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

  • Wright, N. T. (2012). How God Became King: The Forgotten Story of the Gospels. New York: HarperOne.

  • The Holy Bible, ESV.

  • Brown, R. E. (1994). An Introduction to New Testament Christology. New York: Paulist Press.

Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute

For further studies and resources, visit [Shimba Theological Institute].



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Jesus is God: A Scholarly Exposition on the Divinity of Christ

Jesus is God: A Scholarly Exposition on the Divinity of Christ

Abstract

The doctrine of the divinity of Jesus Christ stands at the heart of Christian theology and distinguishes Christianity from other Abrahamic faiths. This article explores the biblical, theological, and historical foundations for the belief that Jesus is God, engaging with both primary scriptural texts and the broader context of early Christian thought. The aim is to demonstrate, through critical analysis and scholarly consensus, that the New Testament unequivocally affirms the full deity of Jesus Christ, and that this doctrine was neither a later innovation nor a misinterpretation, but rather a core tenet of apostolic faith.

1. Introduction

Few claims are as central and as controversial in Christian theology as the assertion that Jesus of Nazareth is God. This doctrine, known as the deity of Christ, has been debated since the earliest days of the Church. While some critics argue that the divinity of Jesus is a later ecclesiastical development, a careful and scholarly examination of Scripture reveals that this belief is deeply embedded in the fabric of New Testament theology and affirmed by the earliest Christian communities.

2. Biblical Foundation for the Deity of Christ

2.1. The Prologue of John: The Word is God

The Gospel of John opens with a profound theological statement:

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1, ESV)

The Greek text, "καὶ Θεὸς ἦν ὁ Λόγος" (kai Theos ēn ho Logos), is unambiguous in asserting that the Logos (Word), later identified as Jesus (John 1:14), shares the very essence of God. The construction rules out any interpretation that would make Jesus a lesser deity or a created being.

2.2. Emmanuel: God with Us

Matthew’s Gospel applies Isaiah’s prophecy to Jesus:

"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel (which means, God with us)." (Matthew 1:23; cf. Isaiah 7:14)

The name “Emmanuel” signifies the incarnation: God entering human history as a man. This is a unique claim among world religions.

2.3. Explicit Confessions of Christ’s Deity

After the resurrection, Thomas confesses to Jesus:

“My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28)

Jesus does not rebuke Thomas but affirms his confession, a powerful acknowledgment in a monotheistic Jewish context.

Paul similarly writes:

"For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily." (Colossians 2:9)

Here, “fullness” (πλήρωμα, plērōma) indicates the totality of divine attributes present in Christ.

Peter also affirms:

"To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 1:1, ESV)

The grammatical structure (Granville Sharp rule) in the Greek text demonstrates that the title "God and Savior" applies to one person—Jesus Christ.

3. Old Testament Foundations and Prophetic Witness

3.1. Isaiah’s Messianic Prophecies

The prophet Isaiah foretells:

“For to us a child is born… and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

No mere human or angelic figure could bear these titles. “Mighty God” (El Gibbor) is used elsewhere in Isaiah to refer unequivocally to Yahweh Himself (Isaiah 10:21).

4. Early Christian Interpretation and Historical Development

4.1. Patristic Testimony

From the earliest Christian writings outside the New Testament—such as the letters of Ignatius of Antioch (c. 110 AD), who refers to Jesus Christ as “our God”—the full divinity of Jesus was upheld. The formulation of the doctrine of the Trinity at the Councils of Nicaea (325 AD) and Chalcedon (451 AD) did not introduce novelty but clarified apostolic teaching.

4.2. Theological Significance

The divinity of Christ is not a peripheral doctrine; it is integral to Christian soteriology (the doctrine of salvation). Only if Jesus is truly God can He effect a perfect and infinite atonement for sin (cf. Hebrews 1:3).

5. Miracles and Divine Authority

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus exercises divine prerogatives: forgiving sins (Mark 2:5-7), controlling nature (Mark 4:39-41), and accepting worship (Matthew 14:33; 28:17). These acts serve as signs validating His divine identity, as stated:

“Jesus performed miracles that benefit people of the world to show and prove He is God!”

6. Objections and Responses

6.1. Monotheism and the Shema

Christianity is unambiguously monotheistic (Deuteronomy 6:4). The doctrine of the Trinity affirms one God in three co-equal, co-eternal persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The New Testament never presents Jesus as a second god but as fully sharing the one divine essence.

6.2. Christ’s Humanity and Subordination

Some texts speak of Jesus’ humanity and voluntary subordination to the Father (John 14:28). These are best understood within the framework of the incarnation, wherein the eternal Son took on human nature (Philippians 2:5-11).

7. Conclusion

A scholarly and comprehensive review of biblical texts, supported by early Christian witness, demonstrates that the belief in Jesus as God is not a later development but an apostolic teaching. This doctrine remains central to orthodox Christian faith, worship, and life.

References

  • Bauckham, R. (2008). Jesus and the God of Israel. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

  • Hurtado, L.W. (2003). Lord Jesus Christ: Devotion to Jesus in Earliest Christianity. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

  • Wright, N.T. (2012). How God Became King. New York: HarperOne.

  • Kelly, J.N.D. (1978). Early Christian Doctrines. San Francisco: HarperCollins.

  • The Holy Bible, ESV.

Keywords: Jesus is God, Deity of Christ, Trinity, New Testament, Early Christianity, Biblical Theology, Christology, Apostolic Teaching.




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The Enigma of the Messengers in Quran 36:14: A Critical Analysis of Divine Knowledge and Narrative Clarity

The Enigma of the Messengers in Quran 36:14: A Critical Analysis of Divine Knowledge and Narrative Clarity

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba, Shimba Theological Institute

Abstract

Quran 36:14 describes a divine episode in which Allah claims to have sent two, and subsequently a third, messenger to a certain city. Yet, the Quran offers no explicit identification of these individuals or the city in question, despite asserting its own clarity and completeness. This article critically examines the ambiguity of this narrative, interrogates the implications for the purported omniscience and communicative transparency of Allah, and contrasts this episode with the narrative standards of Biblical and historical prophetic literature. The analysis ultimately challenges the Quranic claim to clarity (Quran 12:1, 16:89, 41:3) and highlights significant epistemic and hermeneutical deficiencies.

Introduction

Among the central claims of the Quran is its position as a "clear book" (kitābun mubīn, Quran 12:1), a revelation in "clear Arabic" intended to be a comprehensive guide to mankind (Quran 16:89). Yet, a close reading of many Quranic passages reveals notable narrative ambiguities and omissions, most starkly illustrated in the account of the messengers sent to a city in Surah Ya-Sin (Quran 36:13–14). This article investigates the lacunae in this account, particularly the lack of explicit identification of the prophets and the city, and examines the implications for the Quran’s claim to clarity and divine omniscience.

The Textual Problem: Quran 36:13–14

The passage in question reads:

"And set out to them a parable: the dwellers of the city, when there came messengers to them. When We sent to them two, but they denied them both, so We strengthened them with a third. They said, 'Indeed, we are sent to you.'"
(Quran 36:13–14)

Crucially, the Quran does not provide:

  • The names of the messengers.

  • The name of the city.

  • The historical context or time period.

This absence is remarkable given the Quran’s self-assertion as tibyān li-kulli shayʾ ("an explanation of all things," Quran 16:89).

Traditional Exegesis: Attempts to Fill the Gaps

Muslim exegetes (mufassirūn) have long grappled with this vagueness. The majority, including classical authorities such as Ibn Kathir, Al-Tabari, and Al-Qurtubi, relay speculative traditions (Isra’iliyyat), often borrowing from Christian sources. Some suggest the city is Antioch, and the messengers are disciples of Jesus (Barnabas, Paul, Peter, John, etc.). However, the Quran itself is silent on these specifics, and these interpretations are neither unanimous nor rooted in Quranic text.

The reliance on external, sometimes apocryphal, traditions raises methodological concerns:

  • Why must the “clear book” rely on non-Quranic sources for clarification?

  • Does this not betray a deficiency in the primary text?

Comparative Analysis: Biblical and Prophetic Narratives

In sharp contrast, the Biblical narrative—whether Old or New Testament—typically provides detailed accounts of prophets:

  • Names (e.g., Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Jesus).

  • Geographic locations (Egypt, Israel, Nineveh, etc.).

  • Chronological and social contexts.

Such precision serves both historical and theological purposes, allowing for meaningful engagement and verifiability. The Quranic narrative in 36:14, by contrast, lacks these basic attributes of historical clarity.

The Problem of Omniscience and Clarity

If Allah is omniscient and wishes to communicate guidance “clearly,” the omission of essential details is problematic:

  1. Epistemic Ambiguity:
    The absence of names and location renders the passage unanchored, open to endless speculation, and ultimately functionally ambiguous.

  2. Hermeneutical Uncertainty:
    The requirement for extraneous tradition to fill gaps undermines the sufficiency of revelation. As Rippin (2001) observes, “the act of interpretation in Islam is often an act of supplementing rather than explaining.”

  3. Theological Implications:
    If divine knowledge is perfect, why does revelation obscure rather than elucidate? If clarity is the standard, why this narrative reticence?

Quranic Self-Contradiction

The Quran asserts,

  • “This is a clear Book” (Quran 12:1),

  • “We have not neglected in the Book a thing” (Quran 6:38),

  • “We have explained in detail every kind of example for mankind” (Quran 17:89).

Yet, in 36:14, it demonstrably neglects what would be considered essential narrative elements.

Discussion: The Weakness of the Claim to Clarity

The Quran’s persistent vagueness in passages such as 36:14 raises serious challenges to the claim of its communicative clarity and, by extension, the scope and reliability of Allah’s knowledge as expressed in the text. The divine message, so vital for guidance, is instead presented as an enigmatic parable whose specifics are irretrievable without extra-Quranic interpolation.

Scholarly Critique

  • Michael Cook (The Koran: A Very Short Introduction, 2000) notes the Quran’s “tendency to allude rather than narrate,” which renders much of its content inaccessible without prior knowledge or external sources.

  • Gabriel Said Reynolds (The Qur’an and Its Biblical Subtext, 2010) identifies this as a deliberate, if problematic, literary technique, one that often frustrates genuine understanding.

Conclusion

Quran 36:14 serves as a paradigmatic example of the epistemological and communicative weakness inherent in the Quranic revelation. By failing to identify the very individuals and city at the heart of the story, the Quran undermines its claim to clarity and completeness. This exposes an internal contradiction and questions the efficacy of divine knowledge as transmitted in the Islamic scripture.

Unless one is prepared to accept that the divine message is intentionally obscurantist, the logical inference is that Allah’s knowledge—at least as rendered in the Quran—is insufficiently clear, leaving the purportedly guided audience in ambiguity rather than certainty.

References

  • The Quran (36:13–14, 12:1, 16:89, 41:3, 6:38, 17:89)

  • Al-Tabari, Tafsir al-Tabari

  • Ibn Kathir, Tafsir al-Quran al-Azim

  • Michael Cook, The Koran: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford, 2000)

  • Gabriel Said Reynolds, The Qur’an and Its Biblical Subtext (Routledge, 2010)

  • Andrew Rippin, The Blackwell Companion to the Qur’an (Blackwell, 2001)

  • The Bible (various references)

Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute



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Celebrating the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Maulid) Is Paganism and Not Mentioned in the Qur’an

 Title:

Celebrating the Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Maulid) Is Paganism and Not Mentioned in the Qur’an
By Dr. Maxwell Shimba – Shimba Theological Institute

Published: Saturday, August 15, 2015

Introductory Questions to Muslims:

  1. Which verse in the Qur’an commands Muslims to celebrate the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday (Maulid)?

  2. Whom do Muslims truly follow—Allah, Muhammad, the Qur’an, the Sahih Hadith, the Five Pillars, or Sharia?

Introduction

The pagan nature of Maulid (the celebration of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday) can be understood by examining three major areas:

  1. The history of Maulid.

  2. The lack of any specific birth date for Prophet Muhammad in the Qur’an or authentic Hadith.

  3. Scholarly consensus on the pagan origins of Maulid.

(a) The History of Maulid

This history reveals three key facts:

  • Neither Prophet Muhammad nor his companions celebrated Maulid.

  • The celebration of Maulid began over 300 years after the Prophet’s death.

  • The originators of Maulid are linked to heretical or pagan sects.

Anyone who examines the life of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the history of his Companions, their successors (Tabi’in), and those who followed them faithfully up to the year 350 Hijri will not find any record of scholars, rulers, or common people celebrating Maulid. As noted by Al-Hafidh As-Sakhawi:

“The practice of celebrating the Prophet’s birthday was not carried out by the righteous predecessors of the first three generations. Indeed, it was introduced much later.”
(Subulul Hudaa war Rashaad by As-Salihiy, Vol. 1, p. 439).

So, when did Maulid start?

According to Sunni scholar Al-Imam Al-Maqrizi:

“During the rule of the Fatimids—who were Shi’a Isma’ilis—in Egypt, Maulid was instituted as part of numerous annual festivals. They introduced celebrations for the Prophet, Ali, Fatimah, Hasan, Husayn, and their living Imam.”
(Al-Khutwat, Vol. 1, p. 490)

In another work, Al-Maqrizi writes:

“During the month of Rabi’ al-Awwal, people were compelled to light candles in streets and alleys in Egypt as part of Maulid celebrations.”

These practices began with the Fatimid rulers, particularly the Banu ‘Ubayd dynasty, falsely claiming descent from Fatimah. Scholars such as Shaykh Muhammad Bakhit al-Muti’i, Shaykh ‘Ali Mahfudh, and Shaykh Isma’il al-Ansari confirm this innovation in their works. According to ‘Ali Mahfudh:

“The first people to introduce the Prophet’s Maulid in Cairo were the Fatimid Shi’a rulers in the 4th century Hijri. They celebrated six Maulids: those of the Prophet, Ali, Fatimah, Hasan, Husayn, and the ruling Imam.”
(Al-Ibda’ Fii Madh-har al-Ibtidaa‘, p. 251)

Scholarly Opinions on the Fatimid Dynasty

Imam Shaamah, a historian and hadith scholar, describes the Fatimids as:

  • Claiming false descent from Fatimah to justify their rule.

  • Their founder, ‘Ubaydullah, is described as a Magian (Zoroastrian), a heretic, or even a Jew by descent.

  • The dynasty promoted innovations and suppressed Sunni scholars.

  • They manipulated religion for power and propagated extreme Shia ideology.

The dynasty ruled from 299 to 567 Hijri and created fertile ground for the rise of heretical sects like the Druze, Hashashiyyun (Assassins), and others. The Crusaders exploited this religious disunity until Salahuddin al-Ayyubi restored Sunni orthodoxy and liberated the lands.

Quotations from Muslim Scholars on the Fatimids

According to Imam Shaamah:

“They were apostates disguised as nobles. Their lineage was fabricated. They killed scholars, allied with Crusaders, and desecrated religious teachings.”
(Ar-Rawdhatayn Fiy Akhbaar Dawlatayn, pp. 200–202)

The so-called Mahdi of the dynasty is described as:

  • A blasphemer who insulted the Prophet’s wives publicly.

  • Claimed by his followers to be either the Mahdi, a prophet, or even Allah Himself.

Shaykh Abdullah Saleh Farsy confirms:

“The celebration of Maulid originated with the Shi’a Isma’ilis, who ruled Sunni lands from 297 to 567 Hijri. After their fall, the Sunnis adopted the Maulid of the Prophet and abandoned the others.”
(Tafsiri ya Mawlid Barzanji, Zanzibar, p. iv)

The first recorded Sunni celebration of Maulid occurred under King Muzaffar al-Din in Iraq in the 6th century Hijri, over 600 years after the Prophet’s birth.

(b) No Authentic Qur'anic or Hadith Evidence for the Prophet’s Birth Date

The exact date of the Prophet’s birth is unknown. It is neither mentioned in the Qur’an nor in any authentic Hadith. Scholars differ widely on the year and date.

Safi-ur-Rahman Mubarakpuri writes:

“Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born on a Monday, 9th Rabi’ al-Awwal, Year of the Elephant (571 CE).”
(Ar-Rahiq Al-Makhtum, p. 62)

Sirajur Rahman notes:

“The event of the Elephant occurred 55 days before the Prophet’s birth, in Muharram. This corresponds to late February or early March 571 CE.”
(Al-Mustafa, 1993, p. 11)

Thus, even scholars can only speculate the Prophet was born sometime between 25th Safar and 25th Rabi’ al-Awwal.

(c) Scholarly Evidence Declaring Maulid as Pagan Innovation

Several scholars have denounced Maulid as a Bid’ah (innovation):

  • Imam Al-Shatibi in Al-I’tisam (1/34) listed Maulid as one of the religious innovations that must be rejected.

  • Imam Al-Fakihani wrote a full treatise condemning Maulid.

  • Imam Al-Haj Al-Maliki called Maulid a bid’ah in Al-Mudkhal (2/11–12).

  • Abu At-Tayyib Shams al-Haq Al-Azimabadi and his teacher Bashir al-Din Qanuji condemned it in Ghayat al-Kalam fi Ibtal Amal al-Mawlid wal-Qiyam.

  • Abu ‘Abdullah Al-Haffar Al-Maliki from Morocco stated:

    “No generation of pious Muslims ever celebrated the Prophet’s birthday, including the Companions. They never distinguished that night for any specific activity.”

Final Questions for Reflection:

  1. Where in the Qur’an does it command Muslims to celebrate the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday?

  2. Where in the Qur’an is the date of Muhammad’s birth or life explicitly mentioned?

  3. Why do Muslims celebrate something the Qur’an is silent about?

  4. Whom do Muslims truly follow—Allah, Muhammad, the Qur’an, Sahih Hadith, the Five Pillars, or the Sharia?

Conclusion:

The celebration of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday (Maulid) is not Islamic but pagan in origin. It is not found in the Qur’an, was never practiced by the Prophet or his Companions, and was introduced centuries later by a heretical sect. True devotion to the Prophet is not through unauthorized innovations but through adherence to the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah.

Max Shimba Ministries
Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute

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Jesus is God According to James 1:1: A Theological and Scholarly Exposition

Jesus is God According to James 1:1: A Theological and Scholarly Exposition

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute

Abstract

The epistle of James, traditionally attributed to James the Just, the brother of Jesus, offers in its opening verse a subtle yet theologically profound testimony to the divine identity of Jesus Christ. This article provides an exegetical and doctrinal analysis of James 1:1, with a focus on its Christological implications. Through a close reading of the text and its contextual relationship with other New Testament affirmations, this study argues that James 1:1 presupposes the deity of Jesus Christ by positioning Him alongside God the Father as an object of devotion and servitude. This article further examines early Jewish-Christian monotheism, the semantic weight of the title Lord, and the theological implications of James's high Christology within a first-century Judeo-Christian framework.

1. Introduction

The doctrine of the deity of Christ remains central to Christian theology. While explicit affirmations such as John 1:1 or Colossians 2:9 are frequently cited in support of Christ’s divinity, more implicit declarations, such as that found in James 1:1, also contribute to the mosaic of New Testament Christology. This passage states:

"James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings." (James 1:1, ESV)

At first glance, this may appear as a customary salutation. However, upon closer examination within its historical, linguistic, and theological context, it reveals James’s recognition of Jesus as more than a mere human figure or moral teacher, but as co-equal with God, worthy of servitude, devotion, and authority in a manner consistent with divine status.

2. Textual Analysis of James 1:1

The Greek text reads:

Ἰάκωβος θεοῦ καὶ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ δοῦλος ταῖς δώδεκα φυλαῖς ταῖς ἐν τῇ διασπορᾷ χαίρειν.

The phrase θεοῦ καὶ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ) is of particular significance. The Greek construction uses a kai (καὶ, and) to conjoin God and the Lord Jesus Christ, both as objects of James’s servitude.

2.1 The Title "Lord" (κύριος)

In the Septuagint (LXX), κύριος regularly translates the Tetragrammaton YHWH, the covenant name of God in Hebrew Scripture. In New Testament usage, κύριος when applied to Jesus, carries with it this divine connotation, especially when paired directly with God. Paul’s doxological formulas (e.g., 1 Corinthians 8:6) likewise attribute lordship to Jesus in a divine sense.

In James 1:1, placing the Lord Jesus Christ in syntactical parallel with God suggests a shared status of divine sovereignty and authority. James, writing from a strict Jewish monotheistic background, would not lightly ascribe servanthood to both God and another person unless that person possessed divine nature.

3. The Theological Implication of Servanthood

James refers to himself as δοῦλος (doulos), a servant or slave. In biblical usage, being a servant of God is a designation of submission to divine will and authority. To extend this servitude to Jesus Christ implies recognition of His divinity. Nowhere in Second Temple Judaism would a devout Jew declare servitude to a mere human teacher alongside God.

Moreover, the joint servitude expressed here places Jesus in a divine context. Similar pairings in Pauline greetings (e.g., Philippians 1:2) support the understanding that early Christians viewed Jesus not as a demi-god or exalted angel, but as Lord in the fullest divine sense.

4. Christology in the Context of Early Jewish Monotheism

James’s assertion challenges modern assertions that high Christology was a later development. As Bauckham (2008) and Hurtado (2003) argue, early Jewish Christians included Jesus within the unique divine identity without compromising their monotheism. This inclusion is evident in James 1:1. The author, presumed to be the biological brother of Jesus and a leader of the Jerusalem Church, would be an unlikely source of divine ascription to Jesus unless rooted in conviction arising from post-resurrection appearances and the apostolic consensus.

5. Intertextual Affirmations

James 1:1 aligns with other New Testament texts asserting Jesus’ divine status:

  • John 20:28: Thomas confesses Jesus as “My Lord and my God.”

  • Philippians 2:10-11: Every knee bows to Jesus, echoing Isaiah 45:23, where Yahweh declares the same.

  • Hebrews 1:8: The Father addresses the Son as “O God.”

  • 1 Corinthians 8:6: Paul redefines Jewish monotheistic Shema to include Jesus.

These affirmations form the doctrinal foundation upon which James’s address is built.

6. Conclusion

While James 1:1 may at first appear to be a conventional epistolary greeting, its theological implications are profound. By designating himself a servant of both God and the Lord Jesus Christ, James testifies to Jesus’s divine identity, placing Him in an exalted status alongside God the Father. Within a first-century Jewish-Christian context, such an affirmation underscores the early and pervasive recognition of the deity of Christ.

This study affirms that James 1:1 contributes meaningfully to New Testament Christology and provides further evidence that the divinity of Jesus was not a later ecclesiastical invention but a foundational conviction of the earliest Christian community, including those who were closest to Him in His earthly life.

References

  • Bauckham, R. (2008). Jesus and the God of Israel: God Crucified and Other Studies on the New Testament's Christology of Divine Identity. Eerdmans.

  • Hurtado, L. W. (2003). Lord Jesus Christ: Devotion to Jesus in Earliest Christianity. Eerdmans.

  • Wright, N. T. (2012). How God Became King: The Forgotten Story of the Gospels. HarperOne.

  • Keener, C. S. (2014). The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. InterVarsity Press.

  • Marshall, I. H. (1976). The Epistle of James: An Introduction and Commentary. Eerdmans.

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute


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Jesus is God: A Theological Exposition of Jude 1:4–5

By Dr. Maxwell Shimba | Shimba Theological Institute

Abstract

This paper examines the theological implications of Jude 1:4–5 in asserting the divinity and pre-existence of Jesus Christ. By closely analyzing the linguistic, historical, and canonical context of these verses, this article argues that Jude attributes to Jesus actions that the Old Testament ascribes to Yahweh, specifically the deliverance of Israel from Egypt. This identification presents robust internal New Testament evidence for the deity of Christ, supporting the broader biblical doctrine of the pre-existent, incarnate God.

Introduction

The question of Jesus' divinity is central to Christian theology. While explicit claims of divinity are found throughout the New Testament, certain texts implicitly but powerfully affirm Christ's deity by attributing to Him roles and actions reserved for Yahweh in the Hebrew Scriptures. Jude 1:4–5 provides one such testimony. This passage not only refers to Jesus as "our only Sovereign and Lord" but also credits Him with delivering Israel out of Egypt—a foundational act of Yahweh in Jewish history. This paper contends that Jude’s language reveals both the pre-existence and deity of Christ.

Textual Analysis: Jude 1:4–5

Verse 4: The Title “Our Only Sovereign and Lord, Jesus Christ”

"For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord." (Jude 1:4, NIV)

The phrase "our only Sovereign and Lord, Jesus Christ" (Greek: μονον δεσπότην καὶ κύριον ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν) explicitly ascribes to Jesus titles commonly reserved for God. The term δεσπότης (despotēs) signifies absolute ownership and authority, a title predominantly used for God the Father (cf. Luke 2:29; Acts 4:24; Rev. 6:10) in both Septuagint and New Testament usage. By combining δεσπότης and κύριος (Lord) for Jesus, Jude confers upon Christ the highest possible sovereign authority, affirming His full divinity and equality with the Father.

Verse 5: The Lord Who Delivered Israel from Egypt

"Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord at one time delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe." (Jude 1:5, NIV)

In many critical manuscripts, including early and reliable ones like Codex Alexandrinus and Codex Vaticanus, the reading is “Jesus” instead of “the Lord”:

  • ὅτι Ἰησοῦς λαὸν ἐκ γῆς Αἰγύπτου σώσας (that Jesus, having saved a people out of the land of Egypt…)

If this reading is original—and textual critics like Bruce Metzger and the United Bible Societies’ Greek New Testament give it considerable support—it means Jude directly identifies Jesus with Yahweh, the God of the Exodus. Theologically, this ascribes pre-existence to Jesus, depicting Him actively participating in Israel’s history long before His incarnation.

Even if one adopts the reading “the Lord,” Jude’s prior explicit identification of “our only Lord” as Jesus (v. 4) makes it contextually natural to understand “the Lord” in v. 5 as referring to the same person.

The Old Testament Context: Who Delivered Israel?

According to the Hebrew Scriptures, it was Yahweh who delivered Israel from Egypt:

  • "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery." (Exodus 20:2)

  • "The Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand." (Deuteronomy 6:21)

This act of deliverance was not mediated by a subordinate deity or angel but was the direct work of Yahweh Himself. For Jude to assign this salvific act to Jesus is a theologically loaded declaration that Jesus shares in the identity and prerogatives of Yahweh.

Implications for the Doctrine of Christ’s Pre-Existence and Deity

By ascribing the Exodus deliverance to Jesus, Jude testifies to:

  1. Jesus' Pre-Existence:
    The event took place centuries before the incarnation. Jude implies that Jesus existed prior to His birth in Bethlehem and was active in Israel’s history.

  2. Jesus' Identity as Yahweh:
    In Jewish monotheistic belief, no one but Yahweh could deliver Israel. Jude’s identification of Jesus with this role equates Him ontologically with God.

  3. Christocentric Reading of Old Testament History:
    Jude’s statement aligns with the broader New Testament pattern of seeing Christ as the pre-incarnate God who interacted with Israel (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:4, where Paul says the rock in the wilderness was Christ).

Historical and Patristic Witness

Early Christian theologians recognized this implication. Clement of Alexandria (Stromata 6.5) and Justin Martyr (Dialogue with Trypho 61) affirm that the pre-incarnate Christ appeared and acted in the Old Testament. The Epistle of Barnabas (c. A.D. 70–132) interprets the Old Testament deliverances as prefiguring Christ’s ultimate salvation.

Conclusion

Jude 1:4–5 offers a profound affirmation of Jesus’ deity and pre-existence. By applying to Jesus titles and actions that in the Old Testament belong solely to Yahweh, Jude participates in the earliest Christian understanding of Christ as the incarnate God. The textual and contextual evidence from Jude is consistent with the high Christology found throughout the New Testament, positioning Jesus not merely as a subordinate figure or exalted human, but as God Himself, active from eternity past and sovereign over the covenant people.

Bibliography

  • Bruce M. Metzger, A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament, 2nd ed. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1994.

  • F.F. Bruce, The Epistle of Jude, in The New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1969.

  • Larry W. Hurtado, Lord Jesus Christ: Devotion to Jesus in Earliest Christianity. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2003.

  • Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho.

  • Clement of Alexandria, Stromata.

  • Epistle of Barnabas.

  • The Holy Bible, New International Version.

  • Nestle-Aland 28th ed., Novum Testamentum Graece.


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BREAKING VIDEO: IDF pounding Hezbollah training compounds

  BREAKING VIDEO: IDF pounding Hezbollah training compounds. The targets included a Radwan Force training facility used for weapons drills ...

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