Was Jesus God:

Central to the Christian faith is the belief Jesus was God incarnate. While many non-Christians find this claim unbelievable and unsubstantiated, Christians disagree. According to the Christian faith, not only was Jesus God incarnate, it can be demonstrated and proven.

To address this issue, we must consider several different questions. We must determine (1) whether or not Jesus believed himself to be God, (2) whether the disciples believed he was God, and (3) whether or not his divinity can be proven.

Did Jesus believe he was God:

Jesus’ public ministry would only last 3 1/2 years. Though short, this ministry would prove very controversial and ultimately result in his execution. The lasting impact of his ministry would continue indefinitely and today continues to inspire billions of Christians. Remarkably though, Jesus’ ministry was not centered upon any teaching. What would prove effective and lasting was not what Jesus taught, but what he allegedly claimed to be; God incarnate. Christians believe his ministry served only to verify and reaffirm this claim.

If Jesus did claim to be God incarnate, he would be a unique religious founder. Of all the world religions today, no founder has ever claimed to be divine. Muhammad, Buddha, Lao Tzu, Confucius, Bab-ud-Din, Baha’u'llah, Guru Nanak, Zoroaster, Abraham, Vardhamana, all denied any degree of divinity; insisting they were merely human.

To determine whether or not Jesus truly did claim divinity, we must evaluate his words and conduct in the context of his time. Below are some examples of Jesus’ words and conduct during his ministry and how they would be perceived by his peers:

Forgiving sin:

One was only permitted to forgive a sin of which they were the victim. The forgiveness of all sin was never permitted and only something God was able to do. According to Jewish beliefs, only God is the victim of all sin.

Example of Jesus forgiving sin:

“When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’

Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, ‘Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone!’ ” – (Mark 2:5-7)

Teaching by one’s own authority:

Jewish Law during the first century necessitated two witnesses to authenticate information. Meaning, when Rabbis (Jewish teachers) taught, they were required to site other Rabbis who could attest to what they were teaching. This requirement inhibited Rabbis from misinterpreting the word of God, either willfully or accidentally. When issues of God were taught, this policy took authority away from the teaching Rabbi, and placed it upon God. It was considered blasphemy to teach by one’s own authority. Only God can teach by his own authority.

Example of Jesus teaching by his own authority:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. [Emphasis added] (Matthew 5:21-22)

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (Mark 11:24)

Speaking the name of God: “I AM”

When Moses asked God what his name was, God answered:

…”I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ” (Exodus 3:14)

Speaking the name of God was only permitted by the High Priest, only once a year, and only after a considerable spiritual cleansing of sin. Under no other circumstances was one permitted to speak the name of God. Only God may speak the name of God.

Example of Jesus speaking the name of God:

” ‘Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.’

‘You are not yet fifty years old,’ the Jews said to him, ‘and you have seen Abraham!’

‘I tell you the truth,’ Jesus answered, ‘before Abraham was born, I am!’ At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself , slipping away from the temple grounds.” [Emphasis added] (John 8:56-59)

Changing someone’s name:

Your name, in Jewish tradition, was your identity. Only God was permitted to change a name. Typically, the change of a name represented the change of a destiny. Only by the authority or inspiration of God was one allowed to change someone’s name.

Example of Jesus changing someone’s name:

“There are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means Sons of Thunder)” (Mark 3:16)

A claim to be sinless:

According to Jewish teachings, all men and women have committed sin and fallen short of the perfection of God. A claim to be sinless, was a claim to be as perfect as God.

Example of Jesus claiming to be sinless:

“Can any of you prove be guilty of sin? (John 8:46)

Raising one from the dead:

Jewish teachings state God alone has control of who lives and who dies. Assuming the privilege of being allowed, let alone being able, to raise someone from the dead meant you possessed a privilege only allotted to God.

Examples of Jesus raising people from the dead:

“When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around is face.
Jesus said to them, ‘take off the grave clothes and let him go.’ ” (John 11:43-44)

“After he put them all out, he took the child’s father and mother and the disciples who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, ‘Talitha koum!’ (which means, ‘little girl, I say to you, get up!’). Immediately the girl took up and walked around (she was twelve years old). At this they were completely astonished.” (Mark 5:40-42)

Being Worshiped:

The first commandment of Judaism stated no one is to be worshiped except God.

Example of Jesus being worshiped:

“Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’

And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’ ” (Matthew 14:31-33)

According to the laws of Judaism, such a claim of deity is considered the highest degree of blasphemy; punishable by death. Not only is making such a claim blasphemous, committing acts which are only permitted for God to commit were considered equally blasphemous. Jesus’ ministry was a persistent practice of committing such violations.

Conclusion: Did Jesus believe he was God

Even a cursory review of the Gospels confirm that Jesus’ conduct, claims, and teachings could only be expected from one who believes themselves to be God.

“I and the Father are one.” (John 10:30)

Did the early disciples believe Jesus was God:

To answer the question of whether or not the disciples believed Jesus was God, we should evaluate two aspects of the early church. (1) What did the early apostles write (Biblical references), and (2) What do the non-Biblical references to Christ reveal:

Biblical references:

Below is a list of the authors of the New Testament (not including the Gospels). The books of the New Testament are comprised of letters written from the early disciples and apostles to the early churches. Evaluating the writings of the apostles should reveal the beliefs of the early churches and reveal whether or not the early church believed Jesus was God:

• Luke - Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ – Acts 28:31
• Paul - So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him…For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, – Colossians 2:6,9
• John - This is the one who came by water and blood-Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. – 1 John 5:6-8
• Peter - But in your hears set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. – 1 Peter 3:15
• James (Jesus’ brother)- My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism. – James 2:1
• Jude (Jesus’ brother)- But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. – Jude 1:20-21

Non-Biblical References:

But they declared that the sum of their guilt or error had amounted only to this, that on an appointed day they had been accustomed to meet before daybreak, and to recite a hymn antiphonally to Christ, as to a god,

Pliny the Younger (Written circa 112) Plin.Epp.X (ad Traj.), xcvi

Whatever has been uttered aright by any men in any place belongs to us Christians; for, next to God, we worship and love the reason (Word) [1] which is from the unbegotten and ineffable God; since on our account He has been made man, that, being made partaker of our suffering, he may also bring us healing.

[1] – The title the “Word” is a common reference to Jesus – John 1:1

Justin, Apology (Written circa 150), I. xlvi 1-4

Conclusion: Did the early disciples believe Jesus was God

Both Biblical and non-Biblical references to Christ and the early church reveal a consistent belief in Christ’s divinity. Whether or not Jesus was God, no one can deny the early church sincerely believed Jesus was God.

Finally, before we can conclude this question, we must determine if Christ’s divinity is provable:

Did Jesus prove he was God:

The Christian faith depends upon a single event: The resurrection of Jesus. Disproving this event would discredit the faith; proving this event would confirm the faith. According to Christianity, the resurrection of Christ was meant to, among other things, prove beyond any doubt the authenticity of Christ’s claim. So, to answer the question: Did Jesus prove he was God? We must determine if Christ rose from the dead.

How do we know Jesus Christ rose from the dead?:

This question is perhaps the most debated question ever proposed. Every historian, whether Christian or otherwise, acknowledge something happened in 33 A.D. This mysterious event convinced thousands of people of Jesus’ divinity and changed the world.

To determine what occurred during this mysterious event we must first determine what is not debated among historians. Below is a list of accepted facts regarding the resurrection of Jesus:

Accepted Facts by both Critics and Christians:

1. Jesus existed;
2. Jesus had disciples;
3. Jesus was tried by the Sanhedrin;
4. Jesus was initially abandoned by his disciples;
5. Jesus was sentenced to execution by crucifixion by the Romans;
6. The execution was carried out by the Romans;
7. Days later people insisted they saw the resurrected Christ;
8. Thousands of people claimed to have seen, eaten with, spoken with, and walked with the resurrected Christ for a period of 40 days;
9. The disciples returned insisting they were witnesses to the resurrected Christ;
10. Two of Jesus’ brothers (who rejected Jesus’ claim of divinity during his ministry) preached Jesus (their biological brother) was God;
11. Most of these people were willing to be tortured and killed before they would deny the resurrection.

These facts are not debated by Historians regardless of their faith. They are the platform on which any argument, for or against the resurrection, must be built. Considering these facts, one must determine what possible event took place to account for these facts.

Historians have agreed upon six possible scenarios to account for these facts:

1. Someone stole the body of Christ, or
2. The resurrection of Christ was a myth, or
3. The resurrection claim was a conspiracy, or
4. Belief in resurrection was the result of mass hallucinations, or
5. Christ did not die on the cross and was revived by the cool damp air in the tomb, or
6. The resurrection is a real event as described in the New Testament.

Did someone steal the body of Jesus Christ?:

Alternatives to the resurrection have been taught by many skeptics. One alternative is that the disciples stole Jesus’ body. This theory is the only alternative explanation that dates to the death of Christ. However, this theory seems unlikely. How did they overtake the Roman guards? Why were they willing to die for their proclamation? If they stole the body they would never agree to become martyrs; certainly not all of them.

Another alternative to the resurrection is that the Romans may have stolen the body to prevent the Christians from stealing it themselves and proclaiming Christ rose from the dead. If this is the case, why did they not show Jesus’ body when people started proclaiming Jesus rose from the dead? This also does not explain why the disciples were more willing to die than admit Jesus did not rise.

Another alternative is the Pharisees stole the body to prevent the Christians from proclaiming Jesus rose from the dead. If this is true, why did they not show the body when Christians began proclaiming Jesus rose from the dead?

Was the resurrection of Jesus a myth:

The most common argument made by skeptics is called the “Myth theory.” According to this theory, the story of the resurrection of Christ is an exaggeration based on a more plausible event. Almost all myths develop generations after an event and are loosely based on this event.

There are several objections to be made regarding the Myth theory: The first is the amount of time that passed between the death of Christ (around 33 A.D.) and the completion of the Gospels. The date of the completion of the Gospels is of much debate. However, historians agree upon a few facts: the letters in the Bible written by Paul were in fact written by the historical Paul of Tarsus; the book of Acts was completed after the Gospel of Luke, and the book of Acts was completed before the death of Paul (around 65 A.D.).

Based on this we know the Gospel of Luke was completed at a time when eyewitnesses to the historical Jesus were still around. We also know the Gospel of Mark was the first Gospel completed (around 45-60 A.D.) and Gospel of Matthew was completed around the same time as the Gospel of Luke.

This leaves us no more than 32 years for the life and death of Jesus to be exaggerated to the resurrection story we know today. This is unprecedented and much faster than the typical few hundred years it takes for a myth to develop. If a myth could develop this quickly it would be immediately discredited by the witness to the actual events.

Another objection to be made is the lack of any other historical figure we could identify as the source of this myth. The Jesus we know in the Gospels is the only Jesus we know. Unlike other myths, we have no historical figure we can identify as the foundation for this exaggerated story.

Lastly, the Gospels and letters within the Bible identify the resurrection as a fact. If this event did not take place as indicated by the Bible then it must be a lie, not a myth. This leads us to the next common objection.

Was the resurrection claim a conspiracy:

According to the “Conspiracy theory,” the disciples and authors of the Bible lied and deceived the public into believing Christ rose from the dead. No one can disagree that the disciples were human and susceptible to the motivations for lying.

Every lie has a motivation. Whatever the disciples’ motivation was to lie, it must have been persuasive enough to convince more than a dozen men to stand-up to the Roman and Jewish authorities even though the conspirators would have understood that the possibility of death or imprisonment was almost a certainty. In fact the disciples were all subjected to punishment including: torture, imprisonment, crucifixion, and death. None of the disciples ever recanted their proclamation even though doing so would have saved their life.

Recanting the story and admitting it was a lie would have allowed the Roman or Jewish authorities to use this as evidence against the resurrection claim. Not only did the disciples die, they never received any tangible benefit from lying.

While it is possible for one, two, or maybe three people to die for something they know to be false, it is nearly impossible to believe more than a dozen people would die for something they know to be a lie. Clearly the disciples believed they saw the resurrected Christ. Unless Christ rose from the dead, the disciples must have been hallucinating.

Was the resurrected Jesus a hallucination:

The disciples were convinced to the point of allowing themselves to be killed before admitting they were lying. What could convince more than a dozen people to believe they saw something? They either saw it, or they thought they saw it. The “Hallucination theory” suggests the disciples did not actually see the resurrected Christ, they only thought they saw him.

The first and most obvious objection to this theory is the very nature of a hallucination. Hallucinations are seen by only one person and are a figment of their imagination. The disciples do not claim Christ appeared to them one at a time, they claim Christ appeared to many people at the same time. According to Paul, Christ appeared to more than 500 people at once (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). Not only did he appear to them; he walked with them, talked with them, and ate with them, for 40 days. This hallucination would be more extraordinary than an actual resurrection.

If the disciples believed without a doubt Christ appeared to them and they were not hallucinating, then he must have rose from the dead or never died in the first place.

Did the cool air of the tomb revive a nearly dead Jesus:

The “Swoon theory” suggests Christ did not die on the cross; instead he only appeared dead after the crucifixion and was in fact alive when he was placed in the tomb. When the cool air revived him it gave the appearance of a resurrection.

Looking at the Crucifixion it is hard to imagine anyone could survive. Christ’s back was skinned, his arms were dislocated, and his heart was pierced with a spear. In fact, the Romans were so convinced Christ was dead; they didn’t bother breaking his legs to expedite the death (instead they stabbed him in the heart with a spear). John testifies blood and water poured out of the wound in Christ’s chest. This is caused when the pericardium fills with fluid, the result of asphyxiation.

If Christ was alive when he was placed in the tomb, how did he get out? A large stone was placed at the entrance of the tomb, it would be difficult for one man to move this stone, let alone a half dead man. Even if he did manage to move the stone what about the Roman guards placed at the entrance of the tomb? Again, it is hard to imagine a half dead man conquering at least two Roman guards.

After moving the stone and overpowering the Roman Guards, Christ would then have appeared to his disciples. The disciples would have found a crippled, swollen, bleeding, half dead man. This man could never convince anyone he conquered death. Even if he did manage all of this, the stress of walking, talking, and eating for 40 days would certainly have killed him. He wouldn’t have lasted an hour. The implausibility of this theory is exactly why it is falling out of favor among the skeptics.

As mentioned previously, these are the only accepted possibilities regarding the resurrection claim. The last possibility is Christ died and was resurrected on the third day. As explained earlier: if Christ did die and rise on the third day, then Christianity is an irrefutable and unique truth.

Conclusion: Was Jesus God

Based upon the information above, it is difficult to conclude any alternative to the divinity of Jesus. Clearly, Jesus believed himself to be God, his disciples believed he was God, and the most likely explanation for the resurrection confirms these claims.