JESUS The GOD Of The Holy Trinity: Understanding His Divine Claims

 

JESUS GOD Of The Holy Trinity: Understanding His Divine Claims

The question of Jesus' identity is central to Christian theology, and one of the most profound statements attributed to Him is the declaration of His divinity. Throughout the New Testament, Jesus makes several statements that affirm His divine nature, culminating in the powerful assertion, "I Am God." Understanding these declarations is crucial to grasping the essence of Christ's mission and His relationship with humanity.

The Significance of “I Am”

One of the most notable instances of Jesus identifying Himself as God occurs in the Gospel of John. In John 8:58, Jesus states, “Before Abraham was, I am.” This statement is particularly significant because it evokes the divine name revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14, where God said, “I AM WHO I AM.” By using the phrase “I am,” Jesus not only places Himself outside of time but also aligns Himself with the eternal nature of God. This was a radical claim, one that prompted immediate anger from His Jewish audience, who understood it as a claim to divinity (John 8:59).

Unity with the Father

Another critical declaration comes from John 10:30, where Jesus asserts, “I and the Father are one.” This statement reinforces the idea of His equality with God the Father. In the broader context, Jesus is speaking about His role as the Good Shepherd, emphasizing not only His authority but also his integral unity with God. The profound implications of this assertion reflect the Christian understanding of the Trinity—one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Thomas’s Declaration

The apostle Thomas’s exclamation after witnessing the resurrected Christ provides another compelling affirmation of Jesus’ divinity. In John 20:28, Thomas declares, “My Lord and my God!” This moment is significant because Jesus does not correct Thomas, instead affirming his statement. This recognition from one of His closest followers underscores the fundamental belief in Jesus as both Lord and God.

The Authority of Jesus

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus displays authority that only God possesses. He forgives sins (Mark 2:5-7), calms storms (Mark 4:39), and raises the dead (John 11:43-44). Each of these actions illustrates His divine authority and aligns with the functions of God described throughout Scripture. The ability to forgive sins, especially, is a prerogative attributed solely to God, further solidifying His claim to divinity.

Theological Implications

The claim of Jesus as God has significant theological implications. It underpins the Christian belief in the Incarnation—the idea that God became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14). This belief is foundational to understanding salvation, as it posits that through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, humanity can be reconciled to God.

Moreover, recognizing Jesus as God challenges believers to consider the nature of their faith. If Jesus is indeed God, then His teachings and actions carry ultimate authority. Christians affirm His divinity as the cornerstone of their faith, shaping their understanding of God's love, grace, and justice.

THE Holy Trinity in Old Testiments

1. Genesis 1:26:
   “Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness...’”

   • The use of “us” and “our” suggests a plurality in God’s nature.

2. Genesis 18:1-3:
   In this passage, the Lord appears to Abraham in the form of three visitors. While this is not a direct reference to the Trinity, it is often seen as a prefiguration of the triune God.

3. Isaiah 6:8:
   “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’”

   • Again, the plural pronouns “I” and “us” suggest a multi-personal aspect of God.

4. Isaiah 48:16:
   “Come near me and listen to this: From the first announcement I have not spoken in secret; at the time it happens, I am there. And now the Sovereign Lord has sent me, endowed with his Spirit.”

   • This verse is interpreted by some as indicating a distinction between the Lord, the speaker (often understood as the Messiah), and the Spirit.

5. Psalm 110:1:
   “The Lord said to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’”

   • This verse indicates a conversation between two distinct persons, which is often viewed as a reference to the Father and the Son.

6. Proverbs 30:4:
   “Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Whose hands have gathered up the wind? Who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and the name of his son? Tell me if you know!”

   • This verse is significant in that it mentions the Son in the context of God’s creation.

7. Zechariah 12:10:
   “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child...”

   • This passage is interpreted by Christians as a prophetic reference to the crucifixion of Jesus and the role of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the declarations of Jesus claiming to be God are pivotal to Christian faith. His statements—“I Am,” His oneness with the Father, and the affirmation from His disciples—collectively articulate the belief in His divine nature. Understanding these claims not only enriches one’s comprehension of Jesus’ mission but also deepens the relationship believers have with Him as their Lord and Savior. For Christians, recognizing Jesus as God is not merely an intellectual acknowledgment but a transformative truth that shapes their lives and faith journey.

The concept of the Holy Trinity as fully revealed in the New Testament is not explicitly outlined in the Old Testament; however, there are several passages that many Christians interpret as foreshadowing or hinting at the triune nature of God. Here are some key Old Testament verses that are often referenced in discussions about the Trinity: