Does the New Testament say that Jesus is God?
1. Direct Statements Declaring Jesus as God
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. John 1:1, 14
"The Word" is understood to refer to Jesus (see verse 14). This is a foundational text for the belief that Jesus is both divine and incarnate.
“Thomas said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’” John 20:28
Thomas addresses Jesus directly as "God" after seeing Him resurrected. Jesus does not correct him.
“...while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ…" Titus 2:13
The Greek construction (Granville Sharp rule) strongly supports that "God and Saviour" both refer to Jesus.
“But about the Son he says, ‘Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever…’" Hebrews 1:8
God the Father addresses the Son as "God" using a quote from Psalm 45.
“...through the righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ…" 2 Peter 1:1
Again, the Greek grammar indicates that "God and Saviour" is a single reference to Jesus.
2. Jesus’ Divine Titles and Claims
“Very truly I tell you," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!” John 8:58
Jesus uses the divine name "I am" (echoing Exodus 3:14). His hearers understood this as blasphemy and attempted to stone Him (John 8:59).
“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form…" Colossians 2:9
Paul asserts that the entirety of God’s nature dwells in Jesus.
3. Worship of Jesus
Worship is reserved for God alone (Matthew 4:10), yet Jesus is worshiped multiple times without rebuking it:
“Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, 'Truly you are the Son of God.’" Matthew 14:33
“Io him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honour... The four living creatures said, 'Amen,' and the elders fell down and worshiped.” Revelation 5:13–14
4. Jesus as Creator and Sustainer
“Through him all things were made…”. John 1:3
"For in him all things were created... and in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:16–17
These are attributes of God, yet they are ascribed to Jesus.
5. Jesus Shares Divine Names and Titles
"I AM" – The Divine Name of God
“Jesus... said, 'I am he'... they drew back and fell to the ground.” John 18:5–6
The phrase "I am" (Greek: ego eimi) again echoes God's name in Exodus 3:14, and His enemies fall back, showing power in His self-identification.
Alpha and Omega
“I am the First and the Last... I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever!” Revelation 1:17–18; 22:13
In Revelation 22:13, Jesus says:
"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
These are divine titles also used by God in Revelation 1:8, yet refer to Jesus as well.
6. Jesus Performs Divine Actions
He Forgives Sins
“Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Mark 2:5–7
Jesus tells the paralysed man, "Son, your sins are forgiven.” The religious leaders recognise that only God can forgive sins, yet Jesus does so.
He Judges the World
“The Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son…" John 5:22–23
Jesus is the final judge—something Scripture attributes to God alone (see Joel 3:12).
7. Jesus Receives Prayer and Worship
Prayer to Jesus
“While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’" Acts 7:59
Prayer is addressed directly to Jesus.
Worship of the Lamb
"To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honour and glory and power..." Revelation 5:11–14
The Lamb (Jesus) receives the same worship as God the Father, from all creation.
8. Jesus Is Equated With God in Trinitarian Formulas
The Great Commission
“ . . . baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" Matthew 28:19
Jesus is placed on equal footing with the Father and the Spirit.
Apostolic Blessing
"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” 2 Corinthians 13:14
9. Old Testament References to YHWH Applied to Jesus
Isaiah 40:3 / Mark 1:3
Isaiah speaks of "a voice calling: 'In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord [YHWH]'"
Mark 1:3 applies this to John preparing the way for Jesus, implying that Jesus is YHWH.
Joel 2:32 / Romans 10:9–13
Joel says,
“Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.”
Romans 10:13 applies this verse to Jesus, showing Paul identifies Him with the divine name.
10. Jesus Possesses Divine Attributes
Jesus is eternal John 1:1–2; 8:58; Hebrews 13:8
Jesus is all-knowing John 16:30; Colossians 2:3
Jesus is all-powerful Matthew 28:18; Hebrews 1:3
Jesus is creator John 1:3; Colossians 1:16–17; Hebrews 1:2
Jesus is sustains the universe. Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:3
Jesus is sinless Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:22
Jesus gives life John 5:21; 11:25; 14:
Summary
Throughout the New Testament:
Jesus is called God directly.
Jesus claims divine titles (e.g., "I Am", "Alpha and Omega").
Jesus does what only God does—forgives sins, judges, creates, sustains.
Jesus receives worship and is prayed to.
Old Testament texts about YHWH are applied to Him.
He shares the divine nature and is part of Trinitarian expressions.
