Jesus As God
JESUS AS GOD
In only one instance is there a clear cut example of Jesus allowing the title “God” to be used of Himself. That instance is found in John 20:28 where Thomas sees the resurrected Christ and addresses Him as My Lord and My God. On the other hand, Jesus says a number of things about Himself that ought only be said about God.
He says that He is Lord of the Sabbath.
He claims the power to forgive sins.
He accepts worship.
Instances in which the New Testament specifically states that Jesus is God are also very rare, though they are not unknown.
Text|Greek|Translation|
John 1:1|Qeoj|The Word was God|
John 20:28|O Qeoj mou|Thomas said, “My Lord and my God.”|
Romans 9:5|Qeoj|...the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever.|
Titus 2:13|O megaj Qeoj|Our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.|
Hebrews 1:8|O Qeoj|But of the Son He says, “Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever.”|
2 Peter 1:1|tou/ qeou/ h`mw/n kai. swth/roj VIhsou/ Cristou|...the righteousness of God and our savior, Jesus Christ.|
John 1:18|monogenh.j qeo.j|...the only begotten God, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.|
Why are there so few instances in which Jesus is specifically described as God in the New Testament? It is because the term God (Qeoj) is normally used of the Father or of God in general while the term Lord (kurioj) is normally used of Jesus. Thus the Bible avoids language that would allow for modalism in favor of that which points us to the doctrine of the trinity.