Read more about the article Does “Born of a Woman” in Galatians 4:4 Support the Incarnation or Dual Natures of Christ?
Nativity, Antonio Correggio,16th century
Dual Natures of Christ / Paul's Christology and Theology / Preexistence / Proof Texts for the Deity of Christ

Does “Born of a Woman” in Galatians 4:4 Support the Incarnation or Dual Natures of Christ?

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul writes to Gentile believers (who were being persuaded to be circumcised according to the law) about what it means to be children and heirs of God. In chapter four, the apostle writes:   Galatians 4:1-7 (NASB) Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave, although he is owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by the father. 3…

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January 21, 2023
Read more about the article Did Jesus “Return” to the Father?
Proof Texts for the Deity of Christ

Did Jesus “Return” to the Father?

There are certain verses in John's gospel, John 1:1-3 and John 17:5, for example, that are considered proof that Jesus pre-existed in heaven.  There's another passage, depending on the translation you read, that appears to support the notion as well: John 13:3 (NIV) Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God  (emphasis added) Did Jesus Return to the Father? The phrase "returning to God" or "going back to God"…

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March 19, 2020
Read more about the article Does Jesus’ Authority to Forgive Sins Prove He is God?
Christ and the Palsied Man by J. Kirk Richards
Proof Texts for the Deity of Christ

Does Jesus’ Authority to Forgive Sins Prove He is God?

A paralyzed man and his friends went to see Jesus but were unable to reach him because the house where he was teaching was too crowded.  So the man's friends lowered him through the roof.[1]  When Jesus saw their faith, he forgave the man's sins: Luke 5:20-26 (NASB) Seeing their faith, He said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven you." 21  The scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, "Who is this man who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?" 22 But…

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January 16, 2020
Read more about the article Jesus Christ, the Same Yesterday and Today and Forever
Proof Texts for the Deity of Christ

Jesus Christ, the Same Yesterday and Today and Forever

Many have taken comfort in the promise found in the letter to the Hebrews: Hebrews 13:8 (NASB) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. But is the comfort taken from this passage rooted in a proper understanding of the verse?  Often it is interpreted to mean that Jesus is unchanging from eternity past to eternity future, and thus, many see it as an affirmation that Jesus is God: he pre-existed yesterday, he exists today, and he will exist forever.  The verse is…

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December 17, 2019
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 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
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