Bible Question:
Does Jesus have the same character as God?
Bible Answer:
The Bible teaches us that Jesus has been God from eternity past, is God and will be God forever. The reader is encouraged to visit the series called, “Jesus Is God,” and read or listen to the three studies. This article explains that Jesus has the same attributes and character of God.
Our God Is Jesus
The first verse in the Bible that we want to examine is John 1:1 which says,
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 (NASB)
It is important to understand that in the phrase “the Word was God” the Greek grammar reveals that the Greek word for “God” modifies or describes “the Word.” That is, we are told the Word is God. In essence the Greek word for “God” is an adjective and it describes “The Word.” The Word is God.
Next we will discover that “the Word” refers to Jesus Christ. We can see this in John 1:10-11 where we are told that the Word entered our world. The verse also says the Word made the world but we did not recognize him.
He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. John 1:10-11 (NASB)
The fact the Word created the world reveals He was God. Then John 1:14 teaches us that the Word became flesh, that is, the Word took on human flesh.
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 (NASB)
The rest of John 1 continues to tell us that the Word is Jesus Christ. Now we know that Jesus Christ a) existed in eternity past, 2) was and is God and 3) created the world. He was God and is God.
Jesus Has the Same Attributes of God
In Philippians 2:5-6 we are told Jesus existed in the form of God.
. . . Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God . . . Philippians 2:5-6 (NASB)
The Greek word for “form” is morphe. It is an important word that refers to something that is identical in character and nature to something else. This means that Jesus has the same character and nature of God the Father. He has the same attributes of God. We could say He has the very essence of God.
The next verse tells us that Jesus was also in the “form” or morphe of men. Jesus had the same character, nature and essence of both God and man.
. . . taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:7 (NASB)
However, He was without sin (Hebrews 4:15). He was sinless (1 Peter 2:22; 1 John 3:5). He was fully God and fully man, except He was without sin.
Jesus Is Fully God
Another important passage in the New Testament tells us Jesus was completely God.
For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form . . . Colossians 2:9 (NASB)
The Greek word for “fullness” is pleroma. It means to be fully complete. That is, Jesus is completely and fully God.
The Chalcedonian Creed of A.D. 451 summarizes the teaching of the Bible that Jesus Christ was completely God and completely man.
. . . our Lord Jesus Christ, the same perfect in Godhead and also perfect in manhood; truly God and truly man, of a reasonable (rational) soul and body; consubstantial with the Father according to the Godhead, and consubstantial with us according to the Manhood; in all things like unto us, without sin . . .
The word “consubstantial” has the idea of the same substance or essence of God. Jesus was God in every way.
Conclusion:
The first part of the Nicene Creed of A.D. 325 also summarizes the teaching of Philippians 2:5-8 that Jesus is “Very God of Very God.” He is also man.
We believe in one God, the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father, Light of light, Very God of very God, begotten not made, being of one substance with the Father;
He is one substance with the Father.
Are you repentant of your sins and do you want Him to forgive your sins? Jesus can forgive your sins since He died in your place and was resurrected from the dead. If you would like Him to forgive your sins so that you can escape hell, then tell Him. Romans 10:9-11, 13 tells us what we must do to be saved.
. . . if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, “ WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.” . . . for “ WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.” Romans 10:9-11, 13 (NASB)
Suggested Links:
In The Beginning Was The WordBefore God created the universe, where was Christ?
What is the meaning of the eternal sonship of Jesus?
What is the Nicene Creed of A.D. 325 and A.D. 381?
Who Are You?
Jesus Is the Great I Am
Who Is Jesus?
Jesus Is Our Holy God
Jesus Is God
What is the Chalcedonian Creed of A.D. 451?