How Jesus Became God

Today we will talk about How Jesus Became God. Many Christians do not know what this means. Understanding the nature of Jesus and His divine identity is crucial for our faith. It’s important to grasp how Jesus, who walked the earth as a humble servant, is recognized as God incarnate in Christian belief. As we read through God’s Word, let’s be open to the insights it offers about Jesus’ divinity and His relationship with God the Father. It may help us grasp the beauty of the gospel and the significance of Christ’s role in our lives.

The Nature of Jesus: Fully God and Fully Man

The doctrine of Jesus being both fully God and fully man is a foundational belief in Christianity. This concept is articulated in the early Church as the dual nature of Christ (Chalcedonian Definition). We must recognize that Jesus was not merely a prophet or a good man; He was God in the flesh, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament and the aspirations of humanity for salvation. The term “Christ” itself comes from the Greek word “Christos,” meaning “anointed one.” This word signifies a divine appointment, indicating that Jesus holds a special status that surpasses mere mortal kings.

Understanding the term “God” in Hebrew, “Elohim,” represents the plural majesty of God, showcasing His greatness and power (Genesis 1:1). When we say Jesus became God, it emphasizes His divine identity manifested in human form. In John 1:14, we read, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” This verse captures the essence of the Incarnation, which is the mystery of how Jesus can be entirely divine while also being entirely human.

In the New Testament, Jesus is called “the Son of God” (John 1:34, Romans 1:4), reinforcing His divine position. Similarly, in Colossians 2:9, it states that “in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” This showcases how Jesus is not just a reflection of God; He is God, fully present in human form and sharing the same essence. The importance of recognizing Jesus’ dual nature helps us understand how He completed the work of redemption and how His sacrifice on the cross holds eternal significance for us.

Furthermore, historical views on Jesus’ nature varied until the early councils of the Church finalized the understanding of the Trinity. The Council of Nicaea in 325 AD asserted that Jesus is of the same essence as the Father, countering views that questioned His divine nature. The development of the Nicene Creed consolidated this belief, proclaiming Jesus as “true God from true God.” This historical affirmation of Jesus’ divinity continues to be a cornerstone of Christian faith.

Ultimately, pondering how Jesus became God leads us to see that His divine nature is fundamental to our understanding of who He is and how we relate to Him. The scriptures speak abundantly about His authority, wisdom, and divine attributes. Let us reflect on the following verses that affirm this truth:

John 1:1-3
Philippians 2:6-7
Hebrews 1:3
John 10:30
Revelation 1:8
Isaiah 9:6

The Role of Jesus in Creation

Jesus’ participation in creation is a vital component that underscores His divine identity. The Scriptures reveal that Jesus was not just a spectator but an active agent in the creation process. John 1:3 states, “All things were made through Him, and without Him, nothing was made that was made.” This revelation is significant because it highlights that everything in existence owes its life and formation to Jesus. We see that the pre-existence of Christ is fundamental—He was with God from the beginning and involved in crafting the universe.

The Greek word “Logos,” used in John 1:1, means “Word” and embodies the concept of divine reason and order. This Word, identified as Jesus, is central to the creation narrative. The Old Testament also points to the wisdom of God as present during creation, as seen in Proverbs 8:22-30, where wisdom is personified. The personified wisdom serves as a precursor to the understanding of Christ being part of God’s creative work.

Moving further into the New Testament, in Colossians 1:16-17, it reinforces the idea that “by Him all things were created,” indicating that Jesus holds a position of authority over all creation. The passage emphasizes that He existed before all things and that in Him, all things are held together. This speaks volumes about the sustaining nature of Christ’s divinity, showing He is intricately connected to the fabric of existence. Christians believe that acknowledging Jesus as Creator emphasizes His divine power and authority.

This understanding also resonates with the early Church fathers, who saw Jesus not only as the redeemer but as the Creator, affirming His divine status. The quotes from early theologians affirm the belief in a triune God who encompasses Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—all contributing to the creation and sustenance of the universe.

Reflecting on the creation aspect of Jesus helps us see His omnipotence and affirm His divine character. He is not just a historical figure; He is the Creator, the giver of life. With this knowledge, we find comfort that the one who created the world cares for each one of us individually. Consider these verses for further contemplation:

Genesis 1:26
Isaiah 44:24
John 1:10
Hebrews 1:2
Revelation 4:11
Acts 17:24-25

The Fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies

Throughout the Old Testament, numerous prophecies foretold the coming of the Messiah. These prophecies significantly elucidate how Jesus became God-affirmed in scriptures long before His birth. The Hebrew Bible speaks of a coming Savior who would rescue humanity and express God’s deep commitment to His creation. Jesus’ arrival, His teachings, and His sacrificial death embody many of these Messianic prophecies, ultimately affirming His divine status.

The prophetic texts contain rich imagery and expectations. For instance, in Isaiah 7:14, the prophecy about the virgin birth indicates that “the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son.” This prophecy underscores that Jesus was not an ordinary child; His conception was miraculous, solidifying His divine nature. The name “Immanuel,” meaning “God with us,” speaks directly to the dual nature of His being.

Moreover, in Isaiah 53, the suffering servant is portrayed, foretelling the painful sacrifice and atonement Jesus would later fulfill on the cross. This chapter gives a vivid description of the Messiah’s role in bearing the sins of the world, pointing to Jesus’ divine purpose. As He endured suffering and shame, He accomplished what was foretold, linking the Old Testament anticipation with the New Testament realization. The echoes of prophecy enhance our understanding of Jesus as God’s appointed bearer of salvation.

The New Testament writers explicitly connected Jesus to these prophecies, reinforcing the notion that He was indeed the promised Messiah. For instance, in Matthew 1:22-23, it refers to Isaiah’s prophecy regarding the virgin birth. The Evangelists took great care to highlight that Jesus’ life was the fulfillment of specific predictions, showcasing His divine authority and identity. The genealogy provided in Matthew 1 connects Jesus back to David and Abraham, affirming His royal lineage and prophetic fulfillment.

In understanding the prophecies of Jesus, we grasp a timeline of God’s redemptive plan and how His announcement was meticulously laid out in scripture. This awareness of prophecy fulfillment encourages us as believers, affirming that God is faithful to His promises. Here are additional verses reflecting His prophetic links and identity:

Micah 5:2
Zechariah 9:9
Psalm 22
Daniel 9:25-26
Lamentations 3:22-23
Matthew 5:17

The Miracles of Jesus

The miracles of Jesus signify and validate His divine mission, serving as tangible proof of His identity as God in the flesh. From turning water into wine to raising the dead, each miracle was a manifestation of divine power and authority that only God possesses. They were not just acts of kindness; they were purposeful events leading people to believe in His identity and nature. In John 10:38, Jesus emphasized that His miracles were a testament to His divine purpose—“Though you do not believe Me, believe the works.” Jesus wanted people to understand that His works were extensions of His divine being.

Considering the Hebrew heritage, signs and wonders were integral in affirming God’s presence among His people; similarly, Jesus’ miracles connected His earthly ministry with His divine authority. In Exodus, we see God performing miracles through Moses, establishing His supremacy. Jesus follows this model, elevating this idea in every interaction He had with those around Him. In Luke 7:22, Jesus tells John’s disciples to report back the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, and the poor have the gospel preached to them, highlighting how His works point to His divine identity.

Miracles were also used as teaching opportunities, reflecting God’s love and compassion for humanity. When we think about the feeding of the 5,000 (John 6:1-14) and the healing of the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34), we see that His miracles met both physical and spiritual needs, showing His dual role as Savior and healer. These acts depicted Jesus’ heart—He cared for the marginalized and demonstrated God’s kingdom realities here on earth.

The miracles reveal not only Jesus’ ability to perform wonders but also serve as a glimpse into His character. In Matthew 9:36, when Jesus saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion, leading to His miracles. His acts were never just for show; they were expressions of His divine love and care for each individual. This is a remarkable testament to how Jesus became the embodiment of God’s love for humanity.

As we reflect on the miraculous works of Jesus, we are reminded of His divinity and sovereignty. Understanding the significance of these miracles helps us appreciate how Jesus completed the divine will of God. Here are other verses to consider regarding His miracles:

John 2:11
Matthew 8:16-17
Matthew 9:5-6
John 11:43-44
Luke 4:40
Mark 10:52

The Death and Resurrection of Jesus

The ultimate confirmation of Jesus being God is found in His death and resurrection. The crucifixion is often viewed as a tragic end, but in God’s grand design, it serves as the pinnacle of redemption. The sacrificial death of Jesus fulfills the requirement of atonement for sin as detailed in the Old Testament sacrificial system. In Isaiah 53:5, it mentions, “by His stripes we are healed,” pointing to the significance of His suffering for the sins of humanity. It marks the fulfillment of the law, showcasing how Jesus became the perfect sacrificial lamb (John 1:29).

His resurrection three days later radically altered the course of history. In Romans 1:4, it emphasizes that Jesus “was declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” This verse underscores that the resurrection was not just an event; it confirmed His divine identity and gave authority over sin and death. The resurrection was God’s affirmation of Jesus’ role as Savior and Lord.

The resurrection offers hope for all believers, confirming that death is not the end but a transition to eternal life. 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 declares triumphantly, “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” This victory demonstrates that through Jesus, God equips us with the power to overcome sin and death, assuring us of our own resurrection and eternal life with Him.

In addition, Acts 2:32 assures us that “this Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses.” This notion extends to historical perspectives where early followers of Christ faced persecution, yet their unwavering faith in the risen Jesus highlights the confidence they derived from acknowledging Him as God. The resurrection not only authenticated Jesus’ ministry but solidified His dual nature—combining divinity and humanity beautifully.

Reflecting on Jesus’ death and resurrection deepens our understanding of His significance in our lives. The acknowledgment of His sacrificial love encourages us to embrace our relationship with God actively. Here are further verses related to His death and resurrection:

Matthew 28:6
Luke 24:46
Mark 16:19
1 Peter 1:3
John 11:25
Philippians 3:10

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, understanding how Jesus became God is essential for every Christian. We have explored the nature of Jesus as both divine and human, the role He played in creation, and how Old Testament prophecies point to Him. We also examined His miracles and the significance of His death and resurrection, which confirmed His identity as God incarnate.

As we reflect on each aspect, we grow in appreciation for the depth of God’s love and the holistic view of Jesus’ mission on earth. May this understanding deepen our faith and encourage us to share the good news of Jesus, who is our Savior.

Whether we are experiencing trials or triumphs, we hold fast to the truth that Jesus, who became God for us, walks with us. Let us continue to seek Him and grow in our relationship with Him, always ready to share His story with others.

Further Reading

30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)

30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)

30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)

30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)

4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4