Is Jesus God or the Son of God? What the Bible Really Says
A Complete Biblical Examination with Old Testament Parallels and Scriptural Rebuttals
Introduction
One of the most important questions in Christian theology is:
Is Jesus God Himself, or is Jesus the Son of God sent by God?
Mainstream Christian doctrine teaches that Jesus is God — the second person of a Trinity consisting of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. However, a careful, contextual, and scripture-based reading of the Bible reveals a different picture.
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible consistently presents:
- God as supreme, eternal, and unrivalled
- Jesus as the Son of God, sent by God
- A clear distinction between God and Jesus
This article examines what the Bible actually says — using both the New Testament and Old Testament — and addresses common Christian counter-arguments using scripture alone.
Did Jesus Ever Claim to Be God?
No verse in the Bible records Jesus directly saying, “I am God.”
Instead, Jesus repeatedly identifies himself as:
- The Son of God
- The one sent by God
- The servant of God
- The messenger of God
Jesus never asks people to worship him as God. He consistently directs worship to God the Father.
The Bible’s Consistent Testimony: Jesus Is the Son of God
Throughout the New Testament, Jesus is introduced not as “God the Son” but as the Son of God.
God’s own declarations
“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” — Matthew 3:17
“This is My Son… listen to Him.” — Matthew 17:5
“You are My Son; today I have begotten You.” — Hebrews 1:5
A father and a son are, by definition, distinct persons. Scripture never states that the Father is the Son or that the Son is the Father.
What Did Jesus Say About Himself?
Jesus openly acknowledges his dependence on God.
“The Father is greater than I.” — John 14:28
“I can do nothing by myself.” — John 5:30
“My Father… has given them to me.” — John 10:29
“I do the works of My Father.” — John 10:37
If Jesus were God Himself, such statements would be logically impossible. God does not receive power, authority, or permission from anyone.
Is Jesus Equal to God According to Scripture?
The Bible repeatedly presents God as supreme and Jesus as subordinate.
“This is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” — John 17:3
Jesus clearly identifies:
- The Father as the only true God
- Himself as the one sent by God
A sender and the one sent cannot be the same being.
“I and the Father Are One” — What Does It Really Mean?
Christians often cite:
“I and the Father are one.” — John 10:30
But the surrounding verses explain the meaning:
“The works I do in My Father’s name testify about me.” — John 10:25
“The Father… sent me into the world.” — John 10:36
“The Father is in me, and I in the Father.” — John 10:38
This unity is one of mission, purpose, and authority — not identity.
Jesus uses the same language for his disciples:
“That they may be one, just as We are one.” — John 17:21
If “one” meant literal identity, then Jesus’ disciples would also become God — something the Bible never teaches.
Old Testament Meaning of “Son of God”
In Hebrew scripture, “son of God” is a title of appointment and authority, not deity.
Israel called God’s son
“Israel is My firstborn son.” — Exodus 4:22
Kings called sons of God
“You are My son; today I have begotten you.” — Psalm 2:7
This same verse is later applied to Jesus (Hebrews 1:5), proving that “Son of God” is a royal and prophetic title — not a claim to being God.
Angels called sons of God
“The sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord.” — Job 1:6
Thus, “Son of God” is a Hebrew expression meaning:
- God’s chosen servant
- God’s appointed representative
- God’s commissioned messenger
Jesus as God’s Messenger: A Biblical Pattern
The Old Testament establishes a clear pattern:
- God sends prophets
- God empowers them
- God speaks through them
Jesus fits perfectly into this pattern.
“The words I speak are not my own. The Father who lives in me does His work.” — John 14:10
Jesus does not claim independent authority. He speaks what God gives him.
Why Do Christians Believe Jesus Is God?
The doctrine of the Trinity developed centuries after Jesus through church councils. The word “Trinity” does not appear in the Bible.
The Bible consistently distinguishes between:
- God (the Father)
- Jesus (the Son)
- God’s Spirit (His power and presence)
Doctrine must follow scripture — not override it.
Christian Counter-Arguments and Biblical Rebuttals
Counter-Argument 1: “Jesus is worshipped, therefore he is God.”
In the Bible, worship (proskuneo) is also offered to kings and prophets as reverence.
“All the assembly worshipped the Lord and the king.” — 1 Chronicles 29:20
Jesus himself redirects worship:
“Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.” — Matthew 4:10
Counter-Argument 2: “Jesus forgives sins, so he must be God.”
Jesus clearly states his authority is given:
“The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” — Matthew 9:6
Authority given implies a higher authority granting it — God.
Counter-Argument 3: “The Trinity is a core Christian belief.”
The Trinity is not a biblical doctrine. It was formalized in the 4th century through church councils. Scripture itself never teaches a triune God.
Conclusion: Is Jesus God or God’s Son?
When the Bible is read plainly and contextually, its message is consistent:
- God is one, supreme, and unparalleled
- Jesus is the Son of God, sent by God
- Jesus acts by God’s authority
- Jesus prays to God
- Jesus submits to God
- Jesus calls God his Father
The belief that Jesus is God Himself does not arise from scripture, but from later theological interpretation.
The Bible’s own testimony is clear:
Jesus is the Son and messenger of God — not God the Father.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jesus God according to the Bible?
No. The Bible consistently presents Jesus as the Son of God who was sent by God. Jesus himself says, “The Father is greater than I” (John 14:28).
Did Jesus ever claim to be God?
No. Jesus never directly claimed to be God. He repeatedly said he was sent by God and acted by God’s authority.
Is Jesus equal to God?
No. Jesus states that the Father is greater than him (John 14:28), showing distinction and hierarchy.
What does “Son of God” mean in the Bible?
It is a Hebrew title meaning God’s chosen servant and representative, not God Himself.
Is the Trinity taught in the Bible?
No. The word Trinity does not appear in scripture and the doctrine was developed centuries later.
Why do Christians believe Jesus is God?
The belief developed through church councils and theological tradition, not through explicit biblical teaching.
Final Summary
The Bible reveals one supreme God and one appointed Son. God sends. Jesus is sent. God commands. Jesus obeys. God empowers. Jesus serves.
This is the biblical model — clear, consistent, and unmistakable.