Short Answer: Yes—Scripture teaches that Jesus is truly God and truly man: he shares God’s divine identity, does what only God can do, receives worship, and is confessed as “Lord” in a way that belongs to God alone.
Long Answer: Yes—Scripture teaches that Jesus is truly God and truly man: he shares God’s divine identity, does what only God can do, receives worship, and is confessed as “Lord” in a way that belongs to God alone.
Christians don’t call Jesus “God” because of later tradition. We say it because the Bible forces that conclusion. The New Testament holds two truths together: there is one God, and Jesus is fully divine while also becoming fully human for our salvation.
The Bible teaches one God
Scripture is clear: there is only one true God (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:5). Christians are not worshiping multiple gods. So if Jesus is worshiped and spoken of in God’s place, Scripture is telling us something profound.
Jesus is called God and given God’s titles
John begins his Gospel by saying “the Word was God,” and that the Word became flesh (John 1:1, 14). Thomas calls Jesus “My Lord and my God,” and Jesus receives that confession (John 20:28).
The New Testament also regularly calls Jesus “Lord” in a way tied to the Old Testament name and authority of God (Philippians 2:9–11). That’s not mere respect—it’s worshipful allegiance.
Jesus does what only God can do
Jesus forgives sins—something the Bible associates with God’s authority (Mark 2:5–12). He calms the sea with divine authority (Mark 4:39–41). He claims authority over final judgment (John 5:22–23). These are not the actions of a mere prophet.
Jesus receives worship
People worship Jesus, and he does not reject it (Matthew 14:33; Matthew 28:9). In Scripture, faithful servants refuse worship because worship belongs to God alone. Jesus receiving worship fits with the claim that he shares God’s identity.
The resurrection confirms Jesus’ claims
Jesus’ resurrection is God’s public vindication of who Jesus is (Romans 1:4). The earliest Christians proclaimed the risen Jesus as Lord and worshiped him, even though they were strict monotheists. The resurrection is why Christians can say with confidence: Jesus is not only a teacher—he is God with us.
Jesus is not the Father
Calling Jesus “God” does not mean Jesus is the Father. The Bible distinguishes the Father and the Son (Matthew 3:16–17; John 14:16–17). Christians summarize this biblical teaching by saying the one God exists eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
What to do next
- Read John 1 and John 20 slowly and note what they say about Jesus.
- Consider Jesus’ question: “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15).
- Respond with faith and worship. If Jesus is God, he is not optional—he is Lord.
- Pray honestly: “Jesus, if you are who Scripture says you are, help me trust you and follow you.”
If Jesus is truly God, then he is worthy of your trust, your obedience, and your worship.
Key Scriptures: John 1:1, 14; John 20:28; Mark 2:5–12; Phil 2:9–11; Matt 14:33; Matt 28:9; Rom 1:4; John 5:22–23; Deut 6:4; Matt 3:16–17