Our Christian faith centers around Jesus Christ, who is both God and Man in one Person. How can one Person be both God and Man? Of course, this is beyond our limited human understanding. It is a matter of faith – something that we believe. Why do we believe this? We believe it because it is clearly taught in the Bible, which is our only God-given source for Christian teachings. Our Christian beliefs are not based on people’s opinions, no matter who that person might be.
Why do we believe that Jesus Christ is true God? The Bible speaks of Him in divine terms – that is, terms that apply only to God. The Bible ascribes to Him divine names. Thomas, one of our Lord’s twelve disciples, looked at the resurrected Jesus and said, “My Lord and my God!” John 20:28. He recognized Jesus as being Lord and God. At the baptism of Jesus, the Father spoke from heaven and said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,” Matthew 3:17. When Jesus was on the Mount of Transfiguration, the Father also spoke from heaven and said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” Matthew 17:5. Jesus is the Son of God, true God with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
The Bible ascribes to Jesus Christ divine attributes – that is, things that apply only to God. The evangelist John wrote, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made,” John 1:1-3. The Word, the Son of God, participated in the creation of all things. He existed from eternity. Peter said to the resurrected Jesus, “Lord, You know all things,” John 21:17. Only God knows everything.
The Bible ascribes to Jesus Christ divine works – that is, works that only God can do. Here we need but mention that every miracle that Jesus performed proved that He is the almighty God. Who else could say to the wind and waves, “’Peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm,” Mark 4:39?
The Bible ascribes to Jesus Christ divine honor and glory – that is, honor and glory that belong only to God. Jesus said, “All should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him,” John 5:23. The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews wrote, “Let all the angels of God worship Him,” Hebrews 1:6; the “Him” refers to the Son of God. From the beginning to the end, the Bible emphasizes that we should worship only the true God.
All of the above clearly teaches that Jesus Christ, whom we worship and who is our Savior from sin, death, and the devil, is true God.
In our meditation tomorrow, we will show from the Bible why we believe that Jesus Christ is also true man. May our faith be strengthened as we meditate on these words. We pray and praise God:
God loved the world so that He gave, His only Son the lost to save;
That all who would in Him believe, Should everlasting life receive.
Christ Jesus is the Ground of faith, Who was made flesh and suffered death;
All that confide in Him alone, Are built on this chief Cornerstone.
Be of good cheer, for God’s own Son, Forgives all sins which you have done;
And, justified by Jesus’ blood, Your Baptism grants the highest good. Amen.