The Deity of Christ in Scripture: Understanding the Biblical Teachings on Jesus

The Deity of Christ in Scripture: Understanding the Biblical Teachings on Jesus

When examining the scriptures and understanding the nature of Jesus Christ, one cannot ignore the main contradiction present in the theology of Jehovah's Witnesses (JWs) — the doctrine of Jesus as a worshipful equal to or below God the Father. According to JWs, Jesus is not God or even equal to God, but rather a firstborn created being. Yet, a careful examination of the Biblical passages confirms a different interpretation. Jesus is described as the only begotten of the Father and the Firstborn of all creation.

Deity of Christ: The Biblical Evidence

Fundamentally, the Bible presents Jesus as a deity, not a created being. In Philippians 2:9, we see God exalting Jesus to the highest place, giving him a name that is above every name, with the title 'Jesus'. This designation is a direct reference to Jesus as the Son of God and not as a mere earthly creature. The concept of a high position or firstborn is not necessarily about creation ex nihilo (out of nothing), but about the profound role assigned to Jesus by God.

John 17:3 provides a clear context when Jesus prays to his Father saying “the glory that thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one.” Here, we see the intimate and divine relationship between the Father and the Son.

The Rejection of Deity: Jehovah's Witness Perspective

Jehovah's Witnesses maintain that Jesus was created and does not share the nature of the Godhead. They have their own interpretation of the Bible, removing many of the references to the deity of Christ in the New World Translation (NWT). However, the same cannot be said for the Old Testament scriptures, such as Zechariah 12, Micah 5:2, Isaiah 7:14, and Isaiah 9:6, where the Messiah is clearly referred to with divine attributes.

One of the biblical passages frequently cited by JWs is Colossians 1:15 where it states, 'He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.' However, to fully understand this verse, we must read Colossians 1:18, which continues, 'And He is the head of the body the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.' Here, Jesus is identified as the firstborn from the dead, indicating his resurrection and the significance of his divine role.

Challenging the Deity Doctrine: An Exegesis

The JWs often quote Colossians 1:15 out of context, neglecting the rest of the passage. They overlook Colossians 1:18, which uses the same term 'firstborn' to clarify that it is in regard to his resurrection, not his creation. According to the JWs, if Jesus was the firstborn, it misleadingly suggests he was born of the dead. However, the Bible consistently presents Jesus as the Son of God, the only one of His kind, not just a firstborn from the grave.

One of the most profound verses that establish Jesus' divine nature is Colossians 1:15, which states, 'He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.' This means that Jesus is a direct representation of God's very essence and is the firstborn of all creation, not just a mere creature. According to Ephesians 3:15, 'to whom every family in heaven and on earth holds its name,' Jesus is referred to as the 'firstborn of the dead, that in all things he might have the preeminence.'

Conclusion: Understanding the Biblical Teachings

The Bible presents Jesus as the Son of God and the firstborn of creation, not a second, lesser deity. The denominations that deny the deity of Christ reject many of the plain scriptures, including those that state Jesus is the firstborn from the dead, the only begotten of the Father, and the expression of God’s image. Instead of accepting the plain meaning of the scriptures, they impose interpretations that downgrade Jesus' status, leading to a false doctrine.

By studying the scriptures without bias, one will find that Jesus is indeed the Son of God and the firstborn of all creation. This is a foundational truth that should not be obscured by biased interpretations. If you are interested in delving deeper into the scriptures and understanding these truths, we encourage you to study with us. We offer a free opportunity to study the Bible and understand its teachings for yourself.

Resources:

Colossians 1:15 Colossians 1:18 Ephesians 3:15

Best regards,

Gūnter and friends