Read more about the article Does Jesus’ Superiority to Angels Prove He is God? An Examination of Hebrews 1:4-14
White Angel of Mileševa, Serbia, 13th century
Proof Texts for the Deity of Christ / Worship of Jesus

Does Jesus’ Superiority to Angels Prove He is God? An Examination of Hebrews 1:4-14

The letter to the Hebrews was written to Hellenized Jews who had come to faith in Christ, but were in danger of returning to the Law.  It's possible that an esteem for angels as mediators of the first covenant[1] is what motivated the author to pen two chapters presenting Jesus as being "better than" the heavenly beings.  Some posit that the writer based his claims of Jesus' superiority to angels on a belief that he is God.  But is this what the author was trying…

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December 11, 2019
Read more about the article Jesus is the Radiance of God’s Glory and the Exact Representation of His Nature: An Examination of Hebrews 1:3-4
Proof Texts for the Deity of Christ

Jesus is the Radiance of God’s Glory and the Exact Representation of His Nature: An Examination of Hebrews 1:3-4

The first chapter of the letter to the Hebrews is a favorite text for those attempting to prove the deity of Christ.  However, when examined more closely, the text fails to provide support for the fourth century doctrine.[1]  For example, in a related post, we examined Hebrews 1:1-2 in light of the claim that Jesus is the Creator of the world.  We discovered that the first two chapters are not about the Genesis creation at all, but about the coming kingdom age.[2]  Moreover, we learned…

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December 3, 2019
Read more about the article Through Whom He Made the World: An Examination of Hebrews 1:1-2
Proof Texts for the Deity of Christ / Creation and Jesus / Preexistence

Through Whom He Made the World: An Examination of Hebrews 1:1-2

Post-biblical orthodoxy has long held that Jesus created the world.  Passages such as Genesis 1:26, John 1:1-3 and Colossians 1:15-18, when viewed through a Nicene lens, appear to some to support this interpretation.  Another passage that is often referenced is found in Hebrews: Hebrews 1:1-2 (NASB) God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, 2  in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through…

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November 23, 2019
Read more about the article Jesus, the Wisdom of God
Christ in the Temple, Heinrich Hofmann, 19th century
Proof Texts for the Deity of Christ

Jesus, the Wisdom of God

The Bible has much to say about wisdom.  Whether in Hebrew (chokmah) or Greek (sophia), wisdom is defined as insight, skill or knowledge.[1]  It is understood to be the "ability to think and act using knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense, and insight."[2]  In addition, wisdom is said to be, "the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting.[3] Scripture compares the wisdom of the world with the wisdom of God.  The former is said to be foolishness,[4]  demonic  and that which manifests…

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November 18, 2019
Read more about the article Do Jesus’ Miracles Prove He is God?
Christ healing the blind; El Greco, ca. 1570.
Who is Jesus

Do Jesus’ Miracles Prove He is God?

Jesus worked miracles.  The gospel accounts record a combined total of thirty- five specific supernatural occurrences performed by Jesus.[1]   Additionally, there were many other supernatural works that were chronicled in general terms, without much detail:[2] For example: Matthew 14:35-36 (NASB)  And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent word into all that surrounding district and brought to Him all who were sick; 36  and they implored Him that they might just touch the fringe of His cloak; and as many as touched…

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November 12, 2019
Read more about the article All the Fullness of Deity Dwells in Christ
Proof Texts for the Deity of Christ

All the Fullness of Deity Dwells in Christ

An Examination of Colossians 1:19 and 2:9 When Paul wrote to the church in Colossae about Jesus' supremacy, he said: Colossians 1:19 (NASB) For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him [Jesus] (emphasis added) Colossians 2:9 (NASB) For in Him [Jesus] all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form (emphasis added) What does it mean that Jesus is full of deity?  Trinitarians interpret theses verses to mean that Jesus is God.  However, when we recall Paul's Christology…

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November 5, 2019
Read more about the article Christ Who is Over All, God Blessed Forever?
Proof Texts for the Deity of Christ / Dual Natures of Christ

Christ Who is Over All, God Blessed Forever?

An Examination of Romans 9:5 Did Paul declare to believers in Rome that Jesus is God?  Some Christians believe he did based on the following passage:Romans 9:3-5 (NASB) For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh, 4  who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons, and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the temple service and the promises, 5  whose are…

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October 30, 2019
Read more about the article Is Jesus the Creator? An examination of Colossians 1:15-18
Proof Texts for the Deity of Christ / Creation and Jesus

Is Jesus the Creator? An examination of Colossians 1:15-18

One of the few passages that is used to support the notion that Jesus is the Creator or Co-Creator of the world is found in Paul's letter to the Colossians: Colossians 1:15-18 (NASB)  He [Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by Him [Jesus] all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17  He…

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October 25, 2019
Read more about the article Who Did the Jews Understand the Creator to Be?
Who is God / Creation and Jesus

Who Did the Jews Understand the Creator to Be?

When God led the Israelites out of Egyptian captivity, a culture marked by polytheism, He made it known that He was different from all other gods.  He was the only true God, and He was one:Deuteronomy 6:4 (NASB) “Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one!  (emphasis added)This passage, known as the Shema (Hebrew for the word hear or listen), became the statement of belief for Jews.  Award winning author, Rabbi Reuven Hammer, writes regarding the meaning of this Jewish creed:Briefly, the first paragraph, Deuteronomy 6:4-9, commands…

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October 18, 2019
Read more about the article Who is Jesus? God, Christ or Both?
Who is Jesus / Dual Natures of Christ

Who is Jesus? God, Christ or Both?

Just who is Jesus?  A Barna study conducted in 2014, revealed that 93 percent of Americans[1] believe that Jesus Christ "was a real person who actually lived."[2]   Sixty-three percent said they have made a commitment to Jesus that is still important in their lives today.  However, less than half (43 percent) believe "Jesus was God living among humans."  But before someone cries Heretic!, let's examine the Scriptures and consider why they might believe this. An attentive reader will observe that Scripture consistently places Jesus in…

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October 11, 2019
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