Why We Should Believe Jesus Is God | By Dr. Jocephus Bingham Sr.

By Dr. Jocephus Bingham Sr.

The question of Jesus' divinity is one of the most profound and transformative inquiries anyone can explore. At its very core, Christianity rests on the belief that Jesus is not merely an outstanding teacher, prophet, or moral example but that He is God Himself. Let's examine the evidence and why this claim is credible, engaging, and life-changing.

1. Jesus Claimed to Be God

One of the primary reasons to believe that Jesus is God lies in His own words. In John 10:30, Jesus declared, "I and the Father are one." This statement led the religious leaders of His time to accuse Him of blasphemy because they understood it as a claim to deity. Similarly, in John 8:58, Jesus said, "Before Abraham was, I am." Here, Jesus applied the sacred name of God ("I AM") from Exodus 3:14 to Himself, identifying with the eternal, self-existent God of Israel.

2. The Witness of Scripture

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible points to Jesus as God. The Apostle John begins his Gospel with these words: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). He later clarifies in verse 14 that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us," leaving no doubt that Jesus is the Word and that He is divine. Colossians 1:15-20 describes Jesus as the image of the invisible God, the Creator of all things, and the one in whom all the fullness of God dwells.

3. His Miracles Affirm His Deity

Jesus performed miracles that showed His authority over nature, disease, death, and even sin. For example, in Mark 2:5-12, Jesus forgave a paralytic's sins and healed him, proving His power to do what only God can do. His miracles were not mere acts of compassion but signs pointing to His divine identity.

4. The Resurrection as Ultimate Proof

The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of the Christian faith and the ultimate validation of His claim to be God. No other religious leader in history has conquered death, and the evidence for the resurrection is interesting. The empty tomb, the disciples' transformation, and the historic church's growth all testify to the truth of this miraculous event. As Paul writes in Romans 1:4, Jesus was "declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead."

5. Jesus' Impact on History and Lives

No one has influenced history as profoundly as Jesus Christ. Over two thousand years later, His teachings continue shaping cultures, inspiring movements, and transforming lives. Millions testify to the personal experience of knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior, finding hope, purpose, and peace in Him. Such profound and enduring influence is consistent with His divine nature.

6. The Trinitarian Revelation of God

Believing that Jesus is God does not contradict the monotheistic foundation of Christianity. Rather, it reveals the mystery of the Trinity—one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This understanding of God's nature is unique to Christianity and essential to understanding how Jesus can be God and man.

Conclusion

Believing that Jesus is God is not simply a theological concept but the foundation of salvation. If Jesus is God, then His death on the cross has infinite value, sufficient to atone for the world's sins. If Jesus is God, then His words carry ultimate authority, and His promises are sure.

The divinity of Jesus invites us to respond in faith, worship, and surrender. As Thomas proclaimed upon seeing the risen Christ, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28), so too are we called to recognize Jesus for who He truly is and to place our trust in Him. This belief changes everything, giving us hope for this life and the future.