The Divinity of Christ

Who was Jesus?

There is no question that is more controversial, or that blatantly demands an answer.

The old adage goes that Jesus is either Lord, a Lunatic, or a Liar.

Our modern world actually adds to this that He is either Lord, a lunatic, a liar, a myth, a good teacher, or a guru.

There are numerous texts we can approach to establish what the Bible teaches on the Divinity of Christ, but few are as thorough as John 1:1-5.

For this reason it is often the most attacked by false teachers.

Before we dive into it lets compare it to a couple of false versions.

John 1:1-5

Joseph Smith Translation (Inspired Version): “In the beginning was the gospel preached through the Son. And the gospel was the word, and the word was with the Son, and the Son was with God, and the Son was of God. The Same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made. In him was the gospel, and the gospel was the life and the life was the light of men; and the light shineth not in the world, and the world perceiveth not.”

Jehovah Witness (New World Translation): “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a God. This one was in the beginning with God. All things came into existence through him, and apart from him not even on thing came into existence. What has come into existence by means of him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light is shining in the darkness, but the darkness has not overpowered it.”

These are cultic variations that completely misconstrue what Christians have always believed.

Its not just cults that have some variation of Jesus in their belief system either.

Islam sees him as a prophet, born of a virgin, who will return to judge the world.

A Hindu may see him as just another god of Love.

Judaism sees him as a heretic.

The reality is that everyone has to deal with Jesus, and the separation between those that truly know God and those who don’t is who we say that He is.

Lets take a look at that original statement, is Jesus Lord, lunatic, liar, myth, good teacher, or a guru?

Lunatic:

Jesus is never described as a lunatic, but instead as wise and sound of mind.

He truly performs miracles that eyewitnesses see, and thousands heard him teach and were marveled by Him.

In every way Jesus is described in a way polar opposite to a lunatic.

Liar

Lying would have been out of step with the Jewish Law

Jesus regularly predicted his own death, and made statements that he knew would lead to him being killed. What is their to gain?

The Jews were the last people to try and peddle this lie to.

Myth

Eyewitnesses were around at the time of the writings which rule out myth.

Good Teacher

Jesus can’t just be a good teacher, for He clearly taught that He was the Son of God.

Either He was God or He was a bad teacher.

So what exactly does the Bible say about who Jesus is?

John 1:1-5

V. 1-2: Jesus, the Eternal Second Person of the Trinity

Jesus has always been.

The doctrine of the Trinity that we see developed throughout the scriptures helps us explain this verse.

Jesus has always existed, along with the Father, and the Spirit.

Three persons, one essence. (Matt. 28:19; John 17; John 14:15-17)

Whenever you see a cult pop up, they are going to attack this verse because it so clearly defines Jesus as God.

V. 3: Jesus is the Creator

All things were made through Him.

This reiterates that He existed prior to creation.

Not only this but He is also sustaining the entire universe (Heb. 1:3)

V. 4: The Origin and Provider of True Life

Life is a word used very often in the Gospel of John.

It is mostly means spiritual life.

Jesus is the origin of Spiritual life, and true life.

True life is a life of meaning, where we are able to live for the purpose God has called us to.

True life can only come through Jesus. For our sin against an infinite God requires a sacrifice of infinite value.

V. 5: Jesus is the Light

Darkness is used to describe the world we live in.

Men tainted by sin are described to love the darkness.

Through Christ we may see the light.

Jesus through HIs life, death, resurrection, and ascension has overcome the darkness.

So to state it plainly:

Jesus is the Second person of the Trinity, fully God and fully man. He is the eternal creator, He is Lord of Heaven and Earth, and He is the Judge of the World. He alone is worthy to serve as the atoning sacrifice of our sin.

Discussion Questions:

If someone came to you and said they think Jesus is a good person or teacher but that he isn’t God, how would you respond?

Why does it matter that we get who Jesus is right?

How do you think a correct understanding of Jesus can impact the way you speak about Him or live for Him?