(8) The Glorious Son

(Note: This post is part of a series on proof of the deity of Jesus in the New Testament)

Have you ever looked at the sun? In reality, no, you haven’t. You have looked at the rays emanating from the sun, but you have never looked at the sun itself. You can’t. You would be blinded.

Hebrews 1:3 says that Jesus is “ the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power (ESV).”

Scientists have studied the sun with all manner of instruments and are able to give us an analysis of its chemistry, size, temperature, physics, etc., but nothing can reveal the sun to us with quite the same effect as the beams of light that come to us from the sun. They warm us, lighten our days, and are even capable of helping maintain a sense of happiness and well-being in us. In the same fashion, prophets and preachers through the ages have been able to tell us much about God in theological terms, but no one can reveal God to us with quite the effect of that One who is the "Brightness" or radiance or "beams of light" of God's glory. (Joe Terrell)

William Hendriksen states, “The Son causes the radiance of the Father to shine forth. The Son's radiance, therefore, is an extension of God's glory.”

Noted Greek scholar Kittel helps us understand the idea of Jesus being the radiance of the glory of God.

The sun as a heavenly body radiates its light in all its brightness and power to the earth. In the same way , we may see Christ as the radiant light coming from the Father as sunlight emanates from the sun.

Ray Stedman gives us further understanding,

Radiance is light that streams forth from a source of light. As no one can separate the sun's light from the sun itself, so also no one can separate the nature of Christ form that of his Father. Whether the radiance is seen as reflected brightness or inherent brightness, the thought is clear: in Jesus we see the essence of God.

We can say then that Jesus "flashes forth" the glory of God in all His divine nature. The one true God in all His glory is the source and Jesus radiates that glory. Jesus is the brilliant shining forth of the glorious nature of God.

In order to understand the full incredible significance of this statement, we need to consider it in light of its context. The book of Hebrews was written to a Jewish audience steeped in Old Testament allegiance. The writer is trying to show that the new revelation, leader (Jesus), sacrifice, covenant, and everything else is better now. When the writer of Hebrew speaks of the radiance of God’s glory to this audience, it very likely an allusion to the “Shekinah” presence of God demonstrated to the people of Israel as a pillar of fire.  The familiarity of this reference was even greater since the Jewish Rabbis used the word Shekinah frequently to refer to the presence and glory of God dwelling in the midst of his people.

So the writer of Hebrews is likely referring to the two concepts of the pillar of fire and the Shekinah glory of God to communicate the truth that Jesus is the living presence of this glory. Jesus is the living presence of God. Jesus demonstrates the greatness and glory of God in all its magnificent brilliance. And Oh, how great is that glory!

Stop, look, and have you vision filled with Jesus, up close & personal, the brilliant radiance of the glory of God.

Next:  (9)  God’s Exact Image

(7) John Continues His Testimony

(Note: This post is part of a series on proof of the deity of Jesus in the New Testament & second on the first chapter of the Gospel of John.)

John has been very clear, but he is determined to make sure he is not mistaken so he states, “This one was in the beginning with God.” And here, John reaffirms the personality and the preexistence of Jesus.

That’s the glory of the eternally existing Word. In verse fourteen of John one, John declares,

The Word became flesh and lived for a while among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

The eternally existing Word who is God, “became flesh.” And in His taking on flesh, he displayed the glory of the one and only Son.

In some translations, “one and only” is translated, “only begotten” and so some would say this indicates that Jesus was created. The Tyndale Bible Dictionary helps us understand what the Greek actually means here.
"Only Begotten" is a phrase deeply entrenched in Christian language as descriptive of Jesus. The word traditionally translated "only begotten" does not carry the idea of birth at all. Literally, it means "only one of its kind," "unique." This can be readily seen in the way it is used in the New Testament and in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament).

In Hebrews 11:17, this same word is used to describe Isaac as Abraham's "favored" or "unique" son. Isaac was not Abraham's "only begotten," since he had other children, but Isaac was his favored and unique son fulfilling God's promise.

So, in verse 14, John declares the uniqueness and one-of-a-kind, elite status of Jesus. In verse 18, John again affirms the deity of Jesus.

No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known.

Men like Moses and Isaiah had seen limited manifestations of God, but no one has ever seen the full essence and nature of God. But, Jesus, “the one and only, unique God” has made God known. The Greek word translated, “made Him known” carries the idea of explaining or revealing. John beautifully describes Jesus as being continually at the Father’s “Bosom.” William Hendriksen explains that “this added clause indicates a relation of abiding closeness between the Father-God and the Son-God.”

If there was any doubt of the deity of Jesus and His position as the second member of the triune Godhead, it has been shattered by the bold and precise declarations of the Apostle John. The magnitude of the witnesses, the evidence, the proof for the deity of Jesus has become downright staggering. Either Jesus is God or all of these great men were actually complete fools or unabashed liars! An accusation very few would be so brash as to claim.

Next:  (8)  The Glorious Son

(6) John Takes the Witness Stand

(Note: This post is part of a series on proof of the deity of Jesus in the New Testament.)

The Apostle John was Jesus’ closest friend. He knew Jesus better than anyone. When it comes to witnesses who knew Jesus up close and personal, John has to be one of the top go-to guys. 

What did John have to say about his friend Jesus? Under the direction of the Spirit of God, John gives us what is some of the most striking description of the deity of Jesus.

We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true. And we are in Him whois true - even in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. (1 John 5:20)

What is John’s view of Jesus? Jesus is “true God.” The word translated “true” is the Greek word that has the idea of “real” or “genuine.” John says Jesus is real, genuine God.

But this statement by John seems almost trivial when you hear him fully explain his understanding of Jesus. In John’s gospel, he begins, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. (John 1:1-2)

John refers to Jesus here as “The Word.” When we look at the Greek behind this text, we find that “Word” is the Greek word logos.  What we also discover is that logos is really far more than a simple word.  It is actually more of a concept, well-known and common in Greek and Hebrew thought.

While the concept of logos was well known in Greek thought, it is clear that John is thinking in Hebrew terms, going back to creation and the Word of God that creates.

By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host. (Psalm 33:6 ESV)

When John says “In the beginning” he looks back to the time of creation. John is declaring that in the beginning, when all was created, Jesus already existed. This statement speaks of the eternal, self-existence of Jesus. Jesus existed before anything was created, therefore He is not created and is eternally self-existent.

John continues, saying that “the Word was with God.” John Phillips explains the importance of the Greek here.

The imperfect tense is used. It refers to a mode of existence that transcends time. Time is a device to help finite beings relate to their mode of existence. The verb John uses takes us into the sphere of the timeless. In other words, the one John calls the Word belongs to a realm where time does not matter. The Word did not have a beginning. The Word will never have an ending. The Word belongs to eternity.

In the Moody Handbook of Theology, Paul Enns explains:

The word "was" is the Greek word hen is in the imperfect tense that stresses continual existence in past time. The phrase could thus be translated "In the beginning the Word was continually existing." John's beginning probably goes [refers] back to the origin of the universe; John indicates that however far back one goes, the Word was continuously existing.

The Word was eternally existing, face to face in the very presence of God as a distinct and separate personal being. And the Word was God. Jesus eternally existed face to face in the presence of God . . . as God.

The Greek text is clear. It leaves no room for any other translation: the Word was, before anything was created, God. It is NOT the Word was a God. This is a clear declaration of the deity of Christ. The Word was a distinct personality but also God. This statement also affirms the existence of two of the distinct persons of the triune Godhead.
 
Next:  (7)  John Continues His Testimony

(5) Paul Declares The Supremacy of Christ - Pt. 2

(Note: This post is part of a series on proof of the deity of Jesus in the New Testament.)

Paul is very clear about the fact that Jesus created all things. And he is also very specific about what the “all things” includes. “ All things in heaven or on earth, whether visible or invisible, whether thrones or dominions, whether principalities or powers.”

That’s quite a list! If you can see it or you can’t see it, Jesus created it. He created all authorities, all kingdoms and nations of every kind in Heaven or on earth. But notice, that Paul is not just stating that Jesus has created every thing that exists, material and immaterial, in all the universe, he is also saying that Jesus is sovereign over all. Jesus is sovereign God.

Then, Paul continues, “All things were created through him and for him. Jesus created all things, including all authority for himself. Only God deserves to have all things exist for Himself. If Jesus is not God, he is the greatest idolater to ever exist.

Paul’s next statement is, “He himself is before all things” Is Paul a bit senile? How many times is he going to say the same thing? As many times as it takes to get the message across: Jesus is the uncreated creator of all creation and existed before anything else existed.

And, not only is Jesus the uncreated creator, He is also the unsustained sustainer of all creation! “All things are held together in Him.” He keeps everything in order in all of creation. Can anyone but God hold such power, knowledge, wisdom, and authority over all creation?

Jesus is “the firstborn from among the dead, so that He Himself may become first in all things.” Here is another, all encompassing declaration of the supremacy of Jesus above all things. Again, the question must be asked, “Can this be speaking of anyone other that God?” Who but God can legitimately have first place in all things?

Paul is clearly a star witness for proving the deity of Jesus and he still has not made his most dramatic declaration. “God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in the Son.” Greek language scholar Marvin Vincent explains, “The “fulness” denotes the sum-total of the divine powers and attributes. In Christ dwelt all the fulness of God as deity. Thus the phrase “in Him should all the fulness dwell” gathers into a grand climax the previous statements – image of God, first-born of all creation, Creator, the eternally preexistent, the Head of the Church, the victor over death, first in all things. Jesus is all of this because He is the fullness of God.

Just in case we still haven’t gotten it, Paul restates this glorious truth again latter in his letter to the Colossians, “For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body (Colossians 2:9 NLT).

We’ve heard a lot of testimony. Perhaps it’s a bit overwhelming. So, let’s summarize what we’ve seen so far.

1. Jesus is, "My Lord and my God” (John 20:28)
2. Jesus is “God and Savior.” (2 Peter 1:1)
3. Jesus rules over an eternal kingdom. (2 Peter 1:11).
4. Jesus is “our great God and Savior.” (Titus 2:13).
5. Jesus is “God over all.” (Rom. 9:5).
6. Jesus was“in very nature God,” and equal with God. (Phil. 2:6)
7. Jesus “is the image of the invisible God,” the visible manifestation of the invisible God. (Col. 1:15)
8. Jesus created all things.
9. Jesus is sovereign over all kingdoms and authorities in all the universe. (Col. 1:16)
10. Jesus is the uncreated creator. (Col. 1:16)
11. Jesus is the unsustained sustainer of all creation. (Col. 1:17)
12. In Jesus is all the fullness of God, the sum-total of God’s divine powers and attributes. (Col. 1:19)

Is Jesus God? Beyond a reasonable doubt? Way beyond. The evidence here is really quite extensive and clear. And the best is yet to come!

N ext: (6) John Takes the Witness Stand

(4) Paul Declares The Supremacy of Christ - PT. 1

(Note: This post is part of a series on proof of the deity of Jesus in the New Testament.)

When Paul wrote to the Colossian church, he had much to say about the glories of Jesus. Read his words carefully, noting especially his statements demonstrating the deity of Jesus in bold.

Colossians 1:15-20 (NET)

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, for all things in heaven and on earth were created by him– all things, whether visible or invisible, whether thrones or dominions, whether principalities or powers– all things were created through him and for him. He himself is before all things and all things are held together in him. He is the head of the body, the church, as well as the beginning, the firstborn from among the dead, so that he himself may become first in all things. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in the Son and through him to reconcile all things to himself by making peace through the blood of his cross– through him, whether things on earth or things in heaven.

There is so much theology packed in there! But we must limit our focus to the statements related to the deity of Jesus. They are profound and incredibly powerful. We’ll take them one at a time.

First, Paul states that Jesus “is the image of the invisible God.” “Image” is from the Greek word eicon and implies representation and manifestation. Applied to Jesus, this means that he is the visible manifestation of the invisible God. God is invisible but Jesus makes God visible. In other words, we can see exactly what God is like in all His nature by looking at Jesus. Look at Jesus and you’re looking at God. It’s that simple.

Now to the second statement, Jesus is said to be “the firstborn over all creation.” And here those who deny the deity of Jesus cry out, “See, he is born, not eternal!” How do we respond? Actually very simply. This description is a very common Jewish figure of speech. It is far more than a designation for a child born first in a family. It is not a statement of birth order, it is a title of honor and superiority.

This title may be connected to Jesus being born into humanity. In this sense He would be the firstborn God into humanity. God had never taken on human flesh before. But, far more significantly, it refers to Jesus as bing in the place honor and superiority above all creation.

He is not the firstborn in creation for He is the one who created all things. Think carefully about this carefully. The eternal Son of God could not have been born into existence if he created all things. Paul is emphasizing the superiority of Jesus over all creation. It is clear that this is what Paul had in mind as he also calls Jesus the “firstborn from among the dead.” Jesus was not the first to be resurrected. But, he is in an exalted and superior position among those who have resurrected.

Next:  (5)  Paul Declares The Supremacy of Christ - Pt. 2

(3) The Witness of A Persecutor

(Note: This post is part of a series on proof of the deity of Jesus in the New Testament.)

Paul didn’t begin as a friend of Jesus. In fact, He persecuted and killed those who followed Jesus. You could conclude that Paul even hated Jesus. Hardly a man who would be a star witness for the deity of Jesus. But then, he met Jesus face to face (Acts 9). His persecution of Jesus and his followers became a passion for Jesus and his followers.

How did this man who ruthlessly fought against Jesus change his view of Jesus after he met him? Dramatically, completely, profoundly. To his friend Titus, he described Jesus as “our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). He told the church in Rome that Jesus is “God over all” (Rom. 9:5).

Paul used Jesus as an example of humility when he wrote to the church in Philippi, He said that these believers should have the same attitude Jesus had “Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped (Phil. 2:6)" Now this is a very striking statement.

According to The Bible Knowledge Commentary, this word “nature” translated “form” in some versions “stresses the inner essence or reality of that with which it is associated. Christ Jesus, Paul said, is of the very essence of God, and in His incarnation He embraced perfect humanity. His complete and absolute deity is here carefully stressed by the apostle. Warren Wiersbe adds, “The word “form” means “the outward expression of the inward nature.” And, A.T. Robetson commenting on this verse says, “In his preincarnate state Christ possessed the attributes of God and so appeared to those in heaven who saw him.”

Does it get any clearer than that? Paul is saying in no uncertain terms that before Jesus came to earth He possessed 100% of the nature of God. He was God. And just in case this point is not clear enough, he then goes on to describe Jesus as “equal” with God. When He came to earth, he “took on” or added 100% of true humanity to His absolute, 100% deity.

What an incredible witness! What clear evidence and proof of the deity of Jesus! But don’t bring Paul off of the witness stand yet. He’s just getting started. He’s got much more amazing testimony to give!
 
Next:  (4)  Paul Declares The Supremacy of Christ - PT. 1

(2) The Witness of A Doubter & A Denier

(Note: This post is part of a series on proof of the deity of Jesus in the New Testament.)

So, what did those who knew Jesus best think of His identity? Did they recognize him as God? If they did, was this something they just accepted blindly without question or did they believe it because they saw irrefutable proof that he is God?

We begin with the testimony of Thomas. Don’t recognize that name right off? How about doubting Thomas? Ah, now there’s someone we know. In fact, he’s downright famous for his skepticism. Thomas always had questions. He was slow to believe. When he was told that Jesus had risen from the dead he said that he wouldn’t believe until he could actually touch Jesus! He went so far as to say, "I won't believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side (John20:25)." Now that’s a died-in-the-wool, card carrying skeptic! Until he saw Jesus.

When Jesus appeared to Thomas, He invited Thomas to do just what he had said he would have to do. We don’t know if Thomas did in fact put his finger in the nail wounds or his hand to Jesus side, but we do know what he said. Thomas responded, "My Lord and my God (John 20:28)."

I don’t think Thomas needed to sign up for doubters anonymous after that. I Suspect he was cured of his doubts about Jesus the moment he set eyes on him. And what did he recognize about Jesus? He recognized Jesus as Lord and God. For him, the case was closed, settled forever. Jesus is God. There could be no other explanation.

Another close friend of Jesus was Peter. Thomas doubted, Peter denied. When the pressure was on, Peter denied knowing Jesus. But, from the time of his bold declaration, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Mat. 16:16), he never seemed to waver in who he knew Jesus to be. And when he saw Jesus after his resurrection, he gained incredible new boldness leading him to preach boldly even after intense persecution.

Several years after Jesus returned to Heaven, when Peter wrote a letter to a group of believers, he referred to Jesus as, “our God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:1) In that same letter he referred to the “eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:11). Peter, another one of Jesus’ closest friends, who knew Jesus up close and personal, boldly declares Jesus to be God. He declares Jesus to be the King who will rule for all eternity. The coward was now empowered. Empowered by his conviction that Jesus is God and Jesus is the King of eternity.
 
Next:  (3)  The Witness of A Persecutor