A Christian Apologetics Guide to the Deity of Jesus Christ GOD & EXISTENCE • BEGINNER The Question One of the most important questions in Christianity is not simply whether Jesus existed, but who Jesus really is. Was He only a great teacher, a prophet, or a moral example? Or does the Bible present Him as God who came into the world in human form? What Did Jesus Say About Himself? Jesus did not merely ask people to admire His teaching. He made claims that placed Him in a unique relationship with God. In John 8:58, Jesus said, “Before Abraham was, I am.” His listeners understood this as a profound claim, and they picked up stones to stone Him (John 8:59). Jesus and the Father In John 10:30, Jesus said, “I and my Father are one.” The surrounding passage is important because His opponents responded by accusing Him of blasphemy and saying that He, a man, was making Himself God (John 10:33). Jesus Forgave Sins The Gospels also show Jesus forgiving sins. In Mark 2:5–12, Jesus told a paralyzed man, “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.” The religious leaders questioned who could forgive sins but God alone. Jesus then healed the man, demonstrating His authority. Jesus Accepted Worship After Jesus calmed the storm, His disciples worshiped Him and said, “Of a truth thou art the Son of God” (Matthew 14:33). After the resurrection, Thomas addressed the risen Jesus as “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). Jesus did not reject Thomas’s confession. The New Testament Calls Jesus God John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” A few verses later, John identifies the Word with Jesus, saying that “the Word was made flesh” (John 1:14). Titus 2:13 also speaks of “the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” Why the Resurrection Matters The resurrection is central to the Christian claim about Jesus. Christianity does not present Jesus merely as a teacher whose ideas survived after His death. It proclaims that God raised Him from the dead. The resurrection therefore gives meaning to Jesus’ identity, His authority, and His promises (1 Corinthians 15:3–8).

A Biblical Conclusion The Christian case for the deity of Jesus is not based on one isolated verse. It comes from the combined testimony of Jesus’ words and actions, the worship He received, His authority to forgive sins, the witness of His disciples, and the direct statements of the New Testament. Scripture presents Jesus as truly human and truly divine. Why This Matters If Jesus is only a teacher, Christianity is ultimately a philosophy to consider. But if Jesus is God who became man, then His words demand a response. Christianity calls people not merely to study Jesus, but to trust Him, follow Him, and recognize Him as Lord. Bible References John 1:1–14; John 8:58; John 10:30–33; John 20:28; Mark 2:5–12; Matthew 14:33; Titus 2:13; 1 Corinthians 15:3–8.