Jesus: True God or False God?

The question of whether Jesus is a true god or a false god has been a central debate in religious and philosophical circles for centuries. According to Trinitarian Christians, Jesus is both fully human and fully divine, considered to be God incarnate or God in human form.

Paradox of Divinity and Humanity

According to Christian doctrine, Jesus is both fully human and fully divine. This paradox is particularly emphasized in several key verses of the Bible. For example, in Colossians 2:9, it states "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form." Additionally, in John 1:1-14, we read how Jesus, being the son of God, was the very essence of God's presence on earth.

Jesus not only experienced the physical and emotional struggles of being human, as mentioned in verses like Matthew 4:1-11, where he faced temptation, but he also had the divine qualities of a creator and sustainer of the universe, as seen in verses such as John 1:3 and Colossians 1:15-17.

Divine Identity and Incarnation

The term incarnation refers to the event where God takes on human nature and becomes a man. This event is described in John 1:14, where we are told, "And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." The name Jesus means "the Lord is salvation" or "Yahweh saves," further emphasizing his divine identity.

Scriptural Evidence and Doctrinal Support

The Bible, particularly in passages such as John 3:16, 1 Timothy 3:16, and Colossians 2:9, supports the idea that Jesus is both God and man. This dual nature is a fundamental aspect of Christian doctrine. Other relevant verses include John 1:1 and John 1:14, which emphasize the cosmic significance of Jesus, while Colossians 1:15 and Isaiah 44:24 provide more insights into his divine attributes.

Practical Steps to Understanding

For Thomas, or anyone seeking answers, Dave suggests a practical approach. He advises, "perhaps you would like to ask Jesus that question, but I would advise you if you're smart to get the answer before it's too late. There's only one reasonable way to find out if Jesus is the real thing - you put him to the test. It might take a long time before you know, but just study the Bible. Then do what it says."

According to Dave, Deuteronomy 4:29, Deuteronomy 10:12, Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, and Luke 10:27, encourage believers to study and follow the teachings of the Bible.

Controversial Views

While the majority of Christians hold the view that Jesus is a true deity, some view Jesus’ statements and actions in a different light. For instance, some argue that Jesus himself stated he was not God, citing verses like John 8:58 and Exodus 3:14. This view suggests that Jesus was a unique and exceptional human rather than God in human form.

Another perspective, however, sees the evolution of Jesus' consciousness and the realization of his divine nature as a process that can be achieved by all humans. This interpretation, based on verses like 1 John 4:15 and John 17:3, implies that Jesus' oneness with God is not exclusive to him, but a possibility for all believers.

Conclusion

The question of Jesus’ divinity is complex and multifaceted. It involves deep theological and philosophical debates. For many, the evidence from scripture, particularly in the New Testament, points to Jesus as a true deity, while others see his role as more human-centric. Understanding these viewpoints requires a careful study of biblical verses and an open-minded approach.

By studying the Bible, engaging with these questions, and having a dialogue with those who hold different views, one can gain a deeper understanding of the nature of Jesus and his role in the framework of the faith.