Does Jesus posses the attributes of God?
We would expect God to be seen as Creator, Judge, Savior being able to forgive sins, omniscient- all knowing, omnipotent - all
powerful, omnipresent - the ability to be every where at once, eternal having always existed, and worshipped. As I will show all
of these things can be found in Jesus Christ.
Jesus is Creator:
Col 1:13-16 For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom
we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. And He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation. For by Him
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 by Him and for Him.
(see also Jn.1:3, Heb.1:8-10, 1 Cor.8:6, Is.44:24)
Jesus is Judge:
John 5:22 "For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son,"
(see also 2 Tim. 4:1, Rom.14:10)
Jesus is Savior he can forgive sins:
Mark 2:5 And Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven."
We can forgive someone for sinning against us, but we cannot forgive someone for sinning against God as Jesus did here.
Acts 5:30-31 "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. "He is the one
whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
(see also Mk.2:10, Col.2:13)
Jesus is Omniscient (all knowing or all wise):
1 Cor 1:24 to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
Jesus is shown in the New Testament to have knowledge far beyond our human understanding. We do not know the heart of
every man but in John 2:24-25 it says Jesus knew all men and what was in man. In John.6:64 we are told Jesus knew from the
beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him. Then in Jn.13:1 we find Jesus knew his
hour had come to die and go to the Father.
In Jn.16:30 the disciples said "Now we know that You know all things" Again in Jn.18:4 it says Jesus knew all the things that
were about to happen to him. While Jesus was on the cross we are told he knew the Old Testament prophecies concerning
himself and our redemption had been fulfilled. Nobody else knew that at that time, yet, he did Jn.19:28.
Peter declared that Jesus knew his heart and all things Jn.21:17. What man has ever had this kind of knowledge? This
knowledge is far beyond even any of the prophets in the Bible. They may have foretold future events but none of them knew the
heart and thoughts of every man. These are only a few examples that could be shown that Jesus knew such things.
Jesus is Omnipotent (all powerful, unlimited authority):
Matt 28:18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
In the following references we find that Jesus will return with power. Power flowed through him to heal people who merely
touched him. Jesus had power over demons. He was able to give power to his disciples to heal others. Peter declared there
was power in Jesus name. Jesus is the power of God. It was through Jesus that Paul received power. Jesus has the power to
subject everything unto himself. It is by his power that we will be raised from the dead. He upholds all things by the word of His
power.
Jesus has the keys i.e.. the power over death and Hades. The time will come when Jesus will abolish all other rule, authority
and power. (see also Mk 13:26,5:30, Lk. 4:36, 6:19, 9:1, Acts 4:7-10, Rom.1:4, 1 Cor 1:24, 15:23-25, 2 Cor 12:9,
Phil 3:20-21,Heb 1:3, 2 Pet 1:16, Rev 1:17-18)
Jesus is Omnipresent (present at all places at all times):
Matt 18:20, 28:20 Jesus said "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst." He also
told his disciples "and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
John 1:48-50
Nathanael said to Him, "How do You know me?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, when you were
under the fig tree, I saw you." Nathanael answered Him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel."
Jesus answered and said to him, "Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater
things than these."
Here in the text Nathanael knew Jesus was not physically there when he was under the fig tree. Because Jesus said he saw
him there he believed Jesus was the Son of God. Notice Jesus did not just say he knew Nathanael was under the fig tree he
said he saw him there.
Paul declared that Jesus dwells in the hearts of believers. Paul further stated if this is not true of an individual they do not
belong to him. Rom.8:9. (see also 2 Cor.13:5, Gal.2:20, Eph.3:17, Col.1:27, Rev.3:20)
Jesus is eternal (he has always existed):
Micah 5:2 "But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for me
to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity."
(see also Jn.1:1-2, 17:5, 8:58, Rev.1:17,2:8, 22:13)
Jesus is worshipped: (see also Mt.2:2 & 8)( lamb on throne, Rev.4:10, 7:17, Jn.1:29-36)
Heb 1:6 And when He again brings the first-born into the world, He says, "And let all the angels of God worship Him."
Matt 14:33 And those who were in the boat worshipped Him, saying, "You are certainly God's Son!" (Worship
belongs to God alone. Mt.4:10)
THE TERM SON OF GOD: As I stated earlier the term Son of God means different things to different people. I have tried to
show who the Son of God is, but it is also important to recognize that everyone that uses this term is not speaking about the
same thing. Following are 3 examples.
(1) Historic Christianity- Which is the teachings that can be traced back through the Protestant Reformation, the Catholic
Church, the Apostolic Fathers and the original church referred to as the way in Acts 19:23. There are many Christian
denominations and non-denominational churches that would fall into this category. It is these churches that teach the doctrine
that is now titled the Trinity. To us the Son of God is: God the Son the 2nd Person in the Trinity, God in human form.
(2) The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: Also referred to as L.D.S or the Mormons. To them the Son of God
is: The literal son of Elohim through a physical relation with Mary. He is also the brother of Lucifer and our elder brother. He is
one of many God's. They declare that God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit are 3 separate Gods. This can be
verified in their books in the following locations: Religious truths defined pg.44, Mormon Doctrine pg.546-547, Doctrines of
Salvation vol.1 pg.102, Evidences and Reconciliation's p.209, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith- Section Six 1843-44-
p.370, Discourses of Brigham Young, p.22
(3) The Watchtower Society: Their churches are known as Kingdom Hall and the people are commonly referred to as
Jehovah Witnesses. To them the Son of God is a mighty god but not Jehovah who is the only Almighty God. Jesus is a created
being also known as Michael the Archangel. They say Jesus should not be worshipped. This can be verified in their books in
the following locations: Reasoning from the scriptures pg.213, 416-417, Aid to Bible understanding pg.918, 920,
1152,1241-1242.
If Jesus was the brother of Lucifer who is a fallen angel as the Mormon church claims. Or Michael the Archangel as the Jehovah
Witnesses claim. In both cases this would make him an angel. Angels are not to be worshipped Col.2:18. Jesus himself
created angels Col.1:13-17. He cannot be the brother of his own creation nor can he himself be his own creation. Also if he is a
mighty god separate from Jehovah. Or one of many Gods as the Mormons claim. He would have to be a false god. The Bible is
very clear about the fact that there is only one God. Isaiah 44:6-8. If you have questions about either one of these church
organizations please feel free to send your questions to us.
What did the Christians think in the 1st century after Jesus? Did they believe the same as what Christians teach today about
Jesus? The Christian's in the first century would have a better understanding of what the writers of the New Testament actually
meant. I say this because some of what are known as the Ante-Nicene Fathers personally knew the writers of the New
Testament. For example Ignatius was a personal disciple of one or more of the original apostles. (This can be found in the
book "A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs") Therefore it stands to reason that, if we are interpreting the New Testament
correctly our beliefs about who Jesus was should not have changed from what was believed about Jesus in the 1st century.
The following quotes can be found in The Ante-Nicene Fathers, Translations of the Writings of the Fathers down to AD 325,
Rev. Alexander Robertd, D.D., and James Donaldson, LL.D., editors, (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing
Company) 1989. These have been copied from the CD ROM available through Logos.
Ignatius was the head of the church of Antioch. (died A.D.110)
The epistle of Ignatius to the Romans chapter 3." For our God, Jesus Christ, now that He is with the Father, is all the more
revealed in His glory. Christianity is not a thing of silence only, but also of manifest greatness.
Justin Martyr is recognized to be one of the most important Christian writers A.D.110-166.
The first Apology of Justin chapter 63. "the Father of the universe has a Son; who also, being the first-begotten Word of
God, is even God. And of old He appeared in the shape of fire and in the likeness of an angel to Moses and to the other
prophets; but now in the times of your reign, having, as we before said, become Man by a virgin, according to the counsel of
the Father, for the salvation of those who believe on Him, He endured both to be set at nought and to suffer, that by dying and
rising again He might conquer death. And that which was said out of the bush to Moses, "I am that I am, the God of Abraham,
and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and the God of your fathers," (see Exodus 3:1-6, Mk.12:18-31) There are many
other quotes that could be brought up and things that could be said, but this should be adequate for our purpose.
To find a lot more references of what the early church believed and wrote I would recommend getting the book called "A
Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs" by David W. Bercot at cbd.com and a CD Rom titled "Early Church Fathers Protestant
Edition" by Logos Research Systems to be able to read all references in the dictionary in full context.
This CD can be purchased at www.logos.com
We would expect God to be seen as Creator, Judge, Savior being able to forgive sins, omniscient- all knowing, omnipotent - all
powerful, omnipresent - the ability to be every where at once, eternal having always existed, and worshipped. As I will show all
of these things can be found in Jesus Christ.
Jesus is Creator:
Col 1:13-16 For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom
we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. And He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation. For by Him
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 by Him and for Him.
(see also Jn.1:3, Heb.1:8-10, 1 Cor.8:6, Is.44:24)
Jesus is Judge:
John 5:22 "For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son,"
(see also 2 Tim. 4:1, Rom.14:10)
Jesus is Savior he can forgive sins:
Mark 2:5 And Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven."
We can forgive someone for sinning against us, but we cannot forgive someone for sinning against God as Jesus did here.
Acts 5:30-31 "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. "He is the one
whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
(see also Mk.2:10, Col.2:13)
Jesus is Omniscient (all knowing or all wise):
1 Cor 1:24 to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
Jesus is shown in the New Testament to have knowledge far beyond our human understanding. We do not know the heart of
every man but in John 2:24-25 it says Jesus knew all men and what was in man. In John.6:64 we are told Jesus knew from the
beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him. Then in Jn.13:1 we find Jesus knew his
hour had come to die and go to the Father.
In Jn.16:30 the disciples said "Now we know that You know all things" Again in Jn.18:4 it says Jesus knew all the things that
were about to happen to him. While Jesus was on the cross we are told he knew the Old Testament prophecies concerning
himself and our redemption had been fulfilled. Nobody else knew that at that time, yet, he did Jn.19:28.
Peter declared that Jesus knew his heart and all things Jn.21:17. What man has ever had this kind of knowledge? This
knowledge is far beyond even any of the prophets in the Bible. They may have foretold future events but none of them knew the
heart and thoughts of every man. These are only a few examples that could be shown that Jesus knew such things.
Jesus is Omnipotent (all powerful, unlimited authority):
Matt 28:18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
In the following references we find that Jesus will return with power. Power flowed through him to heal people who merely
touched him. Jesus had power over demons. He was able to give power to his disciples to heal others. Peter declared there
was power in Jesus name. Jesus is the power of God. It was through Jesus that Paul received power. Jesus has the power to
subject everything unto himself. It is by his power that we will be raised from the dead. He upholds all things by the word of His
power.
Jesus has the keys i.e.. the power over death and Hades. The time will come when Jesus will abolish all other rule, authority
and power. (see also Mk 13:26,5:30, Lk. 4:36, 6:19, 9:1, Acts 4:7-10, Rom.1:4, 1 Cor 1:24, 15:23-25, 2 Cor 12:9,
Phil 3:20-21,Heb 1:3, 2 Pet 1:16, Rev 1:17-18)
Jesus is Omnipresent (present at all places at all times):
Matt 18:20, 28:20 Jesus said "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst." He also
told his disciples "and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
John 1:48-50
Nathanael said to Him, "How do You know me?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, when you were
under the fig tree, I saw you." Nathanael answered Him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel."
Jesus answered and said to him, "Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater
things than these."
Here in the text Nathanael knew Jesus was not physically there when he was under the fig tree. Because Jesus said he saw
him there he believed Jesus was the Son of God. Notice Jesus did not just say he knew Nathanael was under the fig tree he
said he saw him there.
Paul declared that Jesus dwells in the hearts of believers. Paul further stated if this is not true of an individual they do not
belong to him. Rom.8:9. (see also 2 Cor.13:5, Gal.2:20, Eph.3:17, Col.1:27, Rev.3:20)
Jesus is eternal (he has always existed):
Micah 5:2 "But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will go forth for me
to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity."
(see also Jn.1:1-2, 17:5, 8:58, Rev.1:17,2:8, 22:13)
Jesus is worshipped: (see also Mt.2:2 & 8)( lamb on throne, Rev.4:10, 7:17, Jn.1:29-36)
Heb 1:6 And when He again brings the first-born into the world, He says, "And let all the angels of God worship Him."
Matt 14:33 And those who were in the boat worshipped Him, saying, "You are certainly God's Son!" (Worship
belongs to God alone. Mt.4:10)
THE TERM SON OF GOD: As I stated earlier the term Son of God means different things to different people. I have tried to
show who the Son of God is, but it is also important to recognize that everyone that uses this term is not speaking about the
same thing. Following are 3 examples.
(1) Historic Christianity- Which is the teachings that can be traced back through the Protestant Reformation, the Catholic
Church, the Apostolic Fathers and the original church referred to as the way in Acts 19:23. There are many Christian
denominations and non-denominational churches that would fall into this category. It is these churches that teach the doctrine
that is now titled the Trinity. To us the Son of God is: God the Son the 2nd Person in the Trinity, God in human form.
(2) The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: Also referred to as L.D.S or the Mormons. To them the Son of God
is: The literal son of Elohim through a physical relation with Mary. He is also the brother of Lucifer and our elder brother. He is
one of many God's. They declare that God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit are 3 separate Gods. This can be
verified in their books in the following locations: Religious truths defined pg.44, Mormon Doctrine pg.546-547, Doctrines of
Salvation vol.1 pg.102, Evidences and Reconciliation's p.209, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith- Section Six 1843-44-
p.370, Discourses of Brigham Young, p.22
(3) The Watchtower Society: Their churches are known as Kingdom Hall and the people are commonly referred to as
Jehovah Witnesses. To them the Son of God is a mighty god but not Jehovah who is the only Almighty God. Jesus is a created
being also known as Michael the Archangel. They say Jesus should not be worshipped. This can be verified in their books in
the following locations: Reasoning from the scriptures pg.213, 416-417, Aid to Bible understanding pg.918, 920,
1152,1241-1242.
If Jesus was the brother of Lucifer who is a fallen angel as the Mormon church claims. Or Michael the Archangel as the Jehovah
Witnesses claim. In both cases this would make him an angel. Angels are not to be worshipped Col.2:18. Jesus himself
created angels Col.1:13-17. He cannot be the brother of his own creation nor can he himself be his own creation. Also if he is a
mighty god separate from Jehovah. Or one of many Gods as the Mormons claim. He would have to be a false god. The Bible is
very clear about the fact that there is only one God. Isaiah 44:6-8. If you have questions about either one of these church
organizations please feel free to send your questions to us.
What did the Christians think in the 1st century after Jesus? Did they believe the same as what Christians teach today about
Jesus? The Christian's in the first century would have a better understanding of what the writers of the New Testament actually
meant. I say this because some of what are known as the Ante-Nicene Fathers personally knew the writers of the New
Testament. For example Ignatius was a personal disciple of one or more of the original apostles. (This can be found in the
book "A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs") Therefore it stands to reason that, if we are interpreting the New Testament
correctly our beliefs about who Jesus was should not have changed from what was believed about Jesus in the 1st century.
The following quotes can be found in The Ante-Nicene Fathers, Translations of the Writings of the Fathers down to AD 325,
Rev. Alexander Robertd, D.D., and James Donaldson, LL.D., editors, (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing
Company) 1989. These have been copied from the CD ROM available through Logos.
Ignatius was the head of the church of Antioch. (died A.D.110)
The epistle of Ignatius to the Romans chapter 3." For our God, Jesus Christ, now that He is with the Father, is all the more
revealed in His glory. Christianity is not a thing of silence only, but also of manifest greatness.
Justin Martyr is recognized to be one of the most important Christian writers A.D.110-166.
The first Apology of Justin chapter 63. "the Father of the universe has a Son; who also, being the first-begotten Word of
God, is even God. And of old He appeared in the shape of fire and in the likeness of an angel to Moses and to the other
prophets; but now in the times of your reign, having, as we before said, become Man by a virgin, according to the counsel of
the Father, for the salvation of those who believe on Him, He endured both to be set at nought and to suffer, that by dying and
rising again He might conquer death. And that which was said out of the bush to Moses, "I am that I am, the God of Abraham,
and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and the God of your fathers," (see Exodus 3:1-6, Mk.12:18-31) There are many
other quotes that could be brought up and things that could be said, but this should be adequate for our purpose.
To find a lot more references of what the early church believed and wrote I would recommend getting the book called "A
Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs" by David W. Bercot at cbd.com and a CD Rom titled "Early Church Fathers Protestant
Edition" by Logos Research Systems to be able to read all references in the dictionary in full context.
This CD can be purchased at www.logos.com
Major Christian Doctrines
Explained & Defended
Explained & Defended
DYING TO SELF Matthew 10:38-39
I thought of the words of an Indian
as my heart was dying that day.
Now these words have struck me,
in a different sort of way.
A Jewish man said the same thing,
2000 years ago.
And to this Jewish man,
this very life I owe.
The words of these men are deep;
though their meanings are worlds away.
If I follow the words of one; I cannot go astray.
These words I must follow,
I said to myself with a sigh.
The words are simply this,
IT IS A GOOD DAY TO DIE !
By R. Kiser
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