Introduction: More Than a Man
“Jesus never said He was God.” If I had a nickel for every time I heard that one, I could probably fund the church coffee bar for a year. It’s a common claim—maybe you’ve heard it from a neighbor, a friend, or even from someone inside the church wrestling with big questions. It sounds plausible at first. After all, wouldn’t Jesus have been a little more direct if He really was God? Wouldn’t the Bible just come out and say it?
Well… it does. Repeatedly. But sometimes not in the way we expect.
The question “Why do Christians believe that Jesus is God?” isn’t just theological trivia. It’s a foundational issue that cuts to the heart of Christianity itself. If Jesus were only a good teacher, a wise prophet, or a moral example, then our faith collapses under its own weight. But if He is who the Bible says He is—fully God and fully man—then His life, His death, and His resurrection change everything.
That’s why Christians believe that Jesus is God—not simply because it makes for a nice Sunday School answer, but because the entire witness of Scripture points in that direction. From the Gospels to the epistles, from the prophets of old to the worship of the early church, Jesus is revealed as the divine Son, one with the Father, worthy of worship and trust.
In the sections that follow, we’re going to walk through exactly why this belief isn’t wishful thinking—it’s solid, scriptural truth. And it’s not just important to know that we believe this, but why. Because understanding who Jesus is fuels our worship, strengthens our faith, and gives us confidence to speak truth in love—even in the face of hard questions.
1. Jesus Claimed to Be God (Even If Indirectly)
Some folks say, “If Jesus really believed He was God, why didn’t He just say, ‘Hey everyone, I’m God!’” It’s a fair question—but it’s kind of like asking why a master artist didn’t label their painting. The beauty is in how the truth unfolds.
Jesus didn’t walk around Galilee shouting theological definitions. But He did say and do things that, to His original audience, were unmistakable claims to divinity.
Take John 8:58 for example. Jesus is in a tense exchange with the religious leaders, and He drops this bombshell:
“Before Abraham was, I am.”
Not “I was,” but “I am.” That’s not a grammar slip—it’s a direct reference to God’s self-identification in Exodus 3:14. When Moses asked God His name at the burning bush, God replied,
“I AM WHO I AM.”
Jesus uses that same divine name—ego eimi in Greek—and the crowd knew exactly what He meant. Their reaction? They picked up stones to kill Him. Why? Because claiming that name wasn’t just controversial—it was blasphemy, unless it was true.
Jesus was revealing something staggering: He existed before Abraham, not just as a thought or idea, but as the eternal “I AM.” He wasn’t just aligning with God’s purposes. He was claiming God’s very identity.
Now, Jesus didn’t lead with that every day. His approach to revealing His divinity was measured, intentional, and deeply tied to the people and context He was speaking to. He often asked questions, told parables, and let people wrestle with His words. That wasn’t evasiveness—it was wisdom. He revealed divine truth in ways that invited faith, not just intellectual assent.
Just like a good story unfolds one chapter at a time, Jesus revealed who He was over time—through His words, His miracles, and ultimately, through His resurrection. But make no mistake: when He said “I AM,” He wasn’t being poetic. He was standing on holy ground, and so were the people listening.
2. Jesus Received Worship—and Never Refused It
One of the clearest signs that someone believed Jesus was God is this: they worshiped Him. And just as importantly—He let them.
Now, that may not seem like a big deal at first glance. But in Jewish culture, where worship is reserved only for God, this is massive. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is crystal clear—God alone is worthy of worship (Isaiah 42:8). So when someone kneels before a man and calls Him Lord, and that man receives it, it’s saying something profound.
Let’s look at just a few examples.
After Jesus calmed the storm with just a word (Matthew 14:33), His disciples didn’t just breathe a sigh of relief—they worshiped Him. “Truly you are the Son of God,” they said. No correction. No awkward humility. Jesus accepted their worship because it was the right response.
In John 9, after healing a man born blind—a miracle the religious leaders couldn’t explain—the man finds Jesus again. And when Jesus reveals who He is, the man declares, “Lord, I believe,” and he worships Him (John 9:38). Again, Jesus doesn’t stop him. He receives it.
Contrast this with Peter in Acts 10 or the angel in Revelation 22. When people tried to worship them, they stopped it immediately: “Don’t do that! I’m just a servant!” But not Jesus.
You see, if Jesus wasn’t God, allowing worship would be deceptive—or worse, blasphemous. But if He was God in the flesh, then receiving worship wasn’t just appropriate—it was necessary.
The early church didn’t just admire Jesus; they adored Him. Their worship wasn’t based on sentimental feelings or wishful thinking. It was rooted in what they saw, heard, and came to believe: that this Jesus, who taught with authority and rose from the dead, was worthy of the same praise and devotion they had always given to Yahweh.
That’s why Christians believe that Jesus is God. Because worship isn’t just a ritual—it’s a recognition. And Jesus received it as only God can.
3. Jesus Forgave Sins—Something Only God Can Do
Imagine someone rear-ends your car in the church parking lot, and before you can even speak, a bystander walks up and says, “It’s okay—I forgive you.” You’d probably raise an eyebrow. Why? Because they weren’t the one who was wronged. Only the person sinned against can offer forgiveness.
That’s exactly why Jesus’ claim to forgive sins caused such a stir.
In Mark 2:1–12, we find the story of a paralyzed man being lowered through the roof by his friends—easily one of the most memorable moments in the Gospels. But before Jesus tells him to get up and walk, He says something shocking:
“Son, your sins are forgiven.”
The religious leaders are instantly scandalized. “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” they ask—and they’re right. Forgiving sins isn’t like offering a friendly apology. It’s declaring divine authority over guilt, judgment, and grace.
Jesus knew what they were thinking. So He responded by asking,
“Which is easier: to say to the paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’?”
Then, to prove that He had the authority to forgive sins, Jesus healed the man on the spot.
What’s happening here? Jesus isn’t just playing word games. He’s making a statement: He has the authority of God. Not delegated, not borrowed—His own. He forgives sin because He is the one ultimately sinned against.
Throughout the Gospels, we see this again and again. Jesus speaks peace over sinners, grants forgiveness without animal sacrifice or temple ritual, and assures people their sins are gone. That kind of authority can only come from the Author of life.
And this is crucial: Jesus didn’t say, “God has forgiven you.” He said, “I forgive you.” That’s not the language of a prophet echoing God’s voice. That’s the language of God Himself.
So why do Christians believe that Jesus is God? Because He did what only God can do—He forgave sin, not just in theory, but with divine authority and power. And when the dust settled, the healed man walked out holding more than just his mat—he walked out forgiven.
4. Jesus’ Titles and Attributes Match Those of God
If someone calls you “Doctor,” you’d better have the degree to back it up. Titles mean something—and when it comes to Jesus, the titles and traits ascribed to Him in Scripture go far beyond anything that could apply to just a good moral teacher or a spiritual guide.
Let’s start with the titles.
Jesus is called “Lord of lords” and “King of kings” (Revelation 17:14, 19:16)—titles reserved for God alone in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 10:17). He’s referred to as “the First and the Last” in Revelation 1:17—again, a divine name used by Yahweh in Isaiah 44:6. And when Jesus is called “the Son of God,” it’s not a statement of biology; it’s a statement of essence and authority. The religious leaders understood that—it’s why they accused Him of blasphemy (John 5:18).
Then we have Jesus’ attributes.
He’s described as eternal—“In the beginning was the Word… and the Word was God” (John 1:1). He’s creator—“Through Him all things were made” (John 1:3, Colossians 1:16). He sustains all things by His powerful word (Hebrews 1:3). He’s omniscient, knowing people’s hearts and thoughts (John 2:24–25; Matthew 9:4). He’s the Judge of all (John 5:22), the Savior of the world (John 4:42), and the one who gives eternal life (John 10:28).
In Philippians 2:5–11, Paul gives us a breathtaking summary of who Jesus is. Though He existed in the form of God, He didn’t cling to His divine privilege. Instead, He humbled Himself, taking on human flesh, even to the point of death on a cross. And then—this is key—God exalted Him so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
That’s worship language. That’s Isaiah 45 language, where God says, “To me every knee shall bow.” And here, Paul unapologetically applies it to Jesus.
So why do Christians believe that Jesus is God? Because Scripture doesn’t just call Him divine in passing—it weaves His divinity into every thread of who He is. His titles are God’s. His traits are God’s. And His role in the story of redemption is not that of a supporting actor—it’s the lead.
5. Eyewitnesses and Apostles Called Him God
If Jesus really claimed to be God—and proved it—then the people closest to Him should’ve recognized it. And they did. The men and women who walked with Jesus, touched Him, heard His voice, and saw His miracles were convinced of one thing: Jesus is God.
Let’s start with Thomas, one of the Twelve. After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples, but Thomas wasn’t there. When he heard about it later, he famously said he wouldn’t believe unless he could touch Jesus’ wounds. A week later, Jesus showed up again and invited Thomas to do just that. Thomas didn’t respond with a polite thank-you—he fell to his knees and declared:
“My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28)
That wasn’t an emotional outburst—it was a confession. And Jesus didn’t correct him. He affirmed it:
“Because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Then there’s Paul, perhaps the most theologically careful writer in the New Testament. He calls Jesus “our great God and Savior” (Titus 2:13), and writes in Colossians 2:9 that “in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.” That’s not poetic exaggeration—it’s precise theology.
Peter, too, calls Jesus “our God and Savior” in 2 Peter 1:1. That’s a strong statement from a man who was raised with deep reverence for the God of Israel. And yet, after seeing Jesus transfigured, resurrected, and glorified, Peter was convinced—Jesus is that God.
Let’s not forget John, who opens his Gospel with one of the clearest declarations of Jesus’ divinity in all of Scripture:
“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.” (John 1:1, 14)
The early church didn’t slowly evolve into the idea that Jesus was divine. From the very beginning, His followers worshiped Him, prayed in His name, and died for proclaiming that Jesus wasn’t just a messenger from God—He was God, come to save.
So why do Christians believe that Jesus is God? Because the people who knew Him best believed it. And they didn’t just say it when things were easy—they held to it when it cost them everything.
6. Can We Trust the Bible’s Witness About Jesus? (A Word on Christian Apologetics)
When someone asks, “Why do Christians believe that Jesus is God?” another layer often follows: “But how do you even know the Bible is accurate?” In our skeptical age, that’s a fair question. Fortunately, it’s also a question with solid answers.
Christian apologetics helps believers defend the truth of the gospel using reason, history, and evidence—not to win arguments, but to remove barriers that keep people from seeing Jesus clearly.
Let’s take a closer look.
The New Testament: More Reliable Than Any Other Ancient Text
We often forget how ancient the Bible really is. Before email, before printing presses, before paper even—Scripture was copied by hand, scroll by scroll. So naturally, people wonder: Hasn’t it been changed over time?
Surprisingly, no.
In fact, the New Testament is the most well-preserved text of antiquity, by a long shot. We have over 5,800 Greek manuscripts, some of which date back to within just a few decades of the original writings. For comparison, the next-best ancient work (Homer’s Iliad) has fewer than 2,000 copies, most written centuries after the original.
And the variations we do find among New Testament manuscripts? Over 99% are minor—differences in spelling, word order, or grammar that don’t affect doctrine at all. The core message—that Jesus claimed to be God, died for sinners, and rose again—is untouched by textual variants.
In short, we can trust that the Bible we read today reflects the Bible the early Christians read, taught, and died for.
Is There Evidence for Jesus Outside the Bible? Yes—Plenty.
Some critics say, “Well, that’s all from the Bible. But do we have any outside sources confirming Jesus’ existence?” The answer is a resounding yes.
Even secular historians recognize that Jesus of Nazareth was a real historical figure. In fact, the idea that Jesus never existed is considered a fringe theory, not taken seriously by mainstream scholars.
Here are a few non-Christian sources that mention Jesus:
- Josephus (37–100 AD): A Jewish historian who referenced Jesus’ crucifixion under Pontius Pilate and described Him as a wise teacher with a following.
- Tacitus (56–120 AD): A Roman historian who wrote that Christ was executed during the reign of Tiberius by the procurator Pontius Pilate.
- Pliny the Younger (61–113 AD): A Roman governor who noted that early Christians worshiped Christ “as to a god.”
- Lucian of Samosata (2nd century): A Greek satirist who mocked Christians for worshiping a crucified man—but never denied His existence.
- Celsus (2nd century): A critic of Christianity who still acknowledged that Jesus lived and performed acts that astonished many.
Even Bart Ehrman, a well-known agnostic scholar, has said, “The idea that Jesus did not exist is a modern myth.” The real debate isn’t whether Jesus lived—it’s who He was.
Faith Meets Evidence
So yes—Christians believe that Jesus is God. But not on blind faith.
We believe because the Bible has been preserved with unmatched accuracy, because Jesus is affirmed by sources both inside and outside Scripture, and because His resurrection remains the best explanation for the facts of history.
If you’d like to explore more common questions and thoughtful responses, check out my full article on Christian Apologetics Questions. It’s written to help you deepen your confidence and respond to others with both truth and grace.
7. The Ultimate fact – His Resurrection Confirms Jesus’ Identity
If you really want to know who someone is, watch what happens when death knocks at their door.
The resurrection isn’t just the “happily ever after” at the end of the Gospel story. It’s the centerpiece. It’s the vindication. And it’s the ultimate reason Christians believe that Jesus is God.
The apostle Paul puts it plainly:
“If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” (1 Corinthians 15:17)
That’s not the kind of thing you say if you’re hedging your bets. Paul staked everything on the reality of the resurrection—and he had good reason to.
Jesus Predicted It—and Then Did It
Unlike any other religious leader in history, Jesus didn’t just predict His death—He predicted His resurrection before it happened (Mark 8:31; John 2:19). That’s bold. It would be absurd if it didn’t come true. But three days after His crucifixion, the tomb was empty—and over 500 people claimed to have seen Him alive (1 Corinthians 15:6).
Some skeptics suggest these were hallucinations, but hallucinations don’t tend to occur in large groups—and certainly not to skeptics like Paul or Jesus’ own brother James, both of whom became convinced only after their own encounters with the risen Christ.
The Resurrection Declares Jesus Is More Than a Man
Romans 1:4 says that Jesus “was declared to be the Son of God in power… by his resurrection from the dead.” In other words, the resurrection wasn’t just a miracle—it was a declaration. God was placing a divine exclamation point on everything Jesus said and did.
Jesus had claimed divine authority. He forgave sins. He accepted worship. He called Himself “I AM.” And if He had stayed in the grave, we could dismiss all that as misguided spirituality. But He didn’t stay in the grave. And because of that, we can’t dismiss Him.
No Resurrection = No Christianity
The earliest Christians weren’t trying to start a religion—they were proclaiming a reality. They weren’t spreading philosophical ideas; they were announcing historical events. Their message was simple:
“Jesus died, was buried, and rose again. And because He lives, everything has changed.”
You don’t willingly face persecution and death for something you made up. The resurrection gave the disciples the courage to go from hiding in fear to preaching in the streets. And it gives us, today, the reason to believe that Jesus isn’t just a prophet or a wise man. He is the risen Lord. He is God.
8. The Old Testament Points to a Divine Messiah
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Bible is its unity across time. Written over centuries by different authors, in different places, under different circumstances—yet it tells one story. And at the center of that story is Jesus.
Many people think the idea that Jesus is God only shows up in the New Testament. But the seeds of that truth were planted long before Bethlehem.
Prophecies That Point Beyond a Mere Man
Let’s start with Isaiah 9:6, a prophecy spoken centuries before Jesus’ birth:
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given… and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Catch that? The child to be born—the promised Messiah—will be called Mighty God. That’s not symbolic language. It’s a direct claim of divinity applied to a future child. You can imagine how startling this must have sounded to Isaiah’s original audience.
Then there’s Micah 5:2, which prophesies the Messiah’s birth in Bethlehem:
“…whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.”
This isn’t just a poetic way of saying someone has a long family history. “From ancient days” in Hebrew is often a reference to eternity—another clue that the coming Messiah is no ordinary man.
The Lord Speaks… to the Lord?
In Psalm 110:1, David writes:
“The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.’”
Jesus Himself quoted this verse to stump the religious leaders (Matthew 22:41–46). If the Messiah is David’s descendant, why does David call Him Lord? It only makes sense if the Messiah is both human and divine—David’s son and David’s sovereign.
The Suffering Servant Who Bears Sin
And then there’s Isaiah 53, the famous “suffering servant” passage. It describes a figure who is rejected, pierced for our transgressions, and who bears the sin of many. This servant is not just a tragic hero—He does what only God can do: atone for the sins of others.
And after His suffering? He lives again and is exalted (Isaiah 53:11–12). Resurrection language, hundreds of years before Jesus walked the earth.
The Shadow Becomes Substance in Christ
These Old Testament passages weren’t random. They were breadcrumbs leading toward a divine Messiah. And when Jesus came, He didn’t just fulfill a few. He fulfilled them all.
So why do Christians believe that Jesus is God? Because the God of the Old Testament said He would come—and then He did.
9. Responding to Common Objections
Even with all this evidence, some folks still struggle with the idea that Jesus is God. And that’s okay—questions aren’t the enemy of faith. In fact, when handled rightly, questions can deepen our trust in Scripture and strengthen our walk with Christ.
Let’s take a moment to respond to a few of the most frequent objections people raise.
“But God is not a man” (Numbers 23:19, Hosea 11:9)
Some point to verses like Numbers 23:19, which says, “God is not a man, that He should lie…” and Hosea 11:9, where God says, “I am God and not a man.” At first glance, these seem like deal-breakers for the incarnation.
But context matters. These verses are emphasizing God’s moral perfection, not His inability to take on human form. In Numbers, the point is that God doesn’t lie like people do. In Hosea, God is showing mercy instead of responding with human-like anger.
They don’t mean God couldn’t become man—they mean He’s not like us in our weakness and sin. That’s exactly what makes the incarnation so powerful: God became man, but without ceasing to be holy, perfect, and divine.
“Jesus said, ‘Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.’” (Luke 18:19)
This is often cited to show that Jesus denied being God. But again, let’s look closely.
When the rich young ruler calls Jesus “good teacher,” Jesus responds with a question—not a denial: “Why do you call me good? No one is good—except God alone.”
Jesus isn’t denying His goodness or divinity. He’s challenging the man to think: If you call Me good, and only God is good… do you realize what you’re saying?
It’s not a contradiction. It’s an invitation to deeper insight. In fact, later in John’s Gospel, Jesus refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd—a direct link to God’s shepherding role in the Old Testament (see Ezekiel 34).
“The Father is greater than I.” (John 14:28)
This is another big one. Jesus says, “The Father is greater than I,” and some interpret that to mean Jesus is not God.
But this misunderstands the nature of the Trinity. Christians don’t believe that the Father and the Son are the same person—we believe they are distinct persons within the one divine essence of God. The Father is not the Son, and the Son is not the Spirit, yet all are fully God.
When Jesus says the Father is “greater,” He’s speaking from His position as the incarnate Son—fully divine, yet humbled in human form (Philippians 2:6–8). It’s a statement about role and function, not about nature or value.
What About Bart Ehrman’s Claim That Jesus Never Claimed to Be God?
Bart Ehrman, a well-known New Testament scholar and former evangelical, argues that Jesus never claimed to be God and that His divinity was a later invention.
But here’s the catch: Ehrman himself still affirms the basic facts about Jesus’ life, crucifixion, and the resurrection claims made by His followers. His rejection isn’t based on a lack of evidence—it’s based on his interpretation of that evidence.
The Gospels, written within the lifetimes of eyewitnesses, consistently show Jesus making divine claims—not always in the modern, Western style we expect, but in language deeply rooted in Jewish theology and Scripture. His listeners understood. That’s why they picked up stones (John 8:59).
Truth with Grace
It’s good to know these answers. But let’s remember: apologetics is about people, not just arguments. When someone asks tough questions, they’re often looking for more than information—they’re looking for something real to hold onto.
So when we answer, let’s do it with the heart of 1 Peter 3:15:
“Always be prepared to give an answer… but do this with gentleness and respect.”
Because truth and grace aren’t opposites—they’re gospel partners.
10. Why It Matters That Jesus Is God
Let’s pause and ask the big question: Why does this matter?
Why does it matter that Christians believe that Jesus is God? Can’t we just admire Him as a wise teacher, a moral leader, or even a prophet without all the divine claims?
Here’s the truth: if Jesus is not God, then the Gospel is not good news.
Only God Can Save Us
Sin is more than just a bad habit—it’s rebellion against a holy God. And only God Himself can fully deal with sin. A mere man can’t carry the weight of humanity’s guilt. But God, in the person of Jesus Christ, can and did.
As Paul writes,
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
—2 Corinthians 5:21
If Jesus were only a man, His death might move us emotionally, but it could never redeem us eternally. Because Jesus is God, His sacrifice is infinitely sufficient. And because He’s also human, He’s able to truly represent us.
Jesus’ Divinity Brings Assurance
Think about what it means that the One who saved you is the same One who created the universe. That He not only spoke the stars into existence but also bore your sin on the cross. That the same voice that calmed the storm now says to your soul, “Peace, be still.”
This is why we can trust Him. Not just for salvation, but for every step of the journey.
Hebrews 7:25 puts it beautifully:
“He is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”
That’s not something a good teacher can do. That’s what God does.
Jesus Deserves Our Worship
If Jesus is God, then the only fitting response is worship.
Not just singing on Sunday, but surrendering our whole lives. Trusting Him in suffering. Obeying Him when it’s hard. Loving others the way He loves us. Worship is not a ritual—it’s a response to the glory of who He is.
Conclusion: Our God, Our Savior, Our King
So, why do Christians believe that Jesus is God?
Because the Bible says it, the early church proclaimed it, the resurrection proves it, and our lives depend on it.
Jesus is more than a man. He is the eternal Word made flesh, the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world, the risen King who reigns forever. And the invitation He offers is as personal as it is powerful:
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
If you’ve wrestled with questions about Jesus, that’s okay. Keep asking. Keep seeking. But don’t stop at the surface. Look deeply into the Word, into the history, into the evidence—and most of all, into the heart of the Savior who gave everything to redeem you.
Because Christians believe that Jesus is God not just with their minds—but with their hearts, their lives, and their hope.
Leave a Reply