Bible Study: What Is the Deity of Christ? Understanding Jesus as Fully God in the Assemblies of God
The deity of Christ is the biblical truth that Jesus Christ is fully God, the eternal Son of God, and the second person of the Trinity. He possesses the same nature, power, and glory as God the Father, existing before time began and remaining God while taking on human flesh.
Why Does the Identity of Jesus Matter So Much?
When you walk into a church in Memphis or join a digital community online, you will likely hear the name of Jesus mentioned more than any other. But who is He, exactly? Is He just a wise teacher from history? A revolutionary prophet? Or something much more?
For some, Jesus is a historical figure to be admired. For others, He is a spiritual guide. But for the Spirit-filled believer, the identity of Jesus is the bedrock of our entire faith. If Jesus is not God, He cannot save us. If He is not God, His death on the cross was just another tragedy, not a triumph over sin.
In this Bible Study, we are exploring one of the most vital "AG 101" topics: the Deity of Christ. Whether you are sitting in a coffee shop in Cordova or tuning in from across the globe through Boundless Online Church, understanding who Jesus is will change how you pray, how you worship, and how you live your daily life.
Definition Block: Deity of Christ
Deity of Christ: The theological doctrine affirming that Jesus Christ is divine, possessing the nature and attributes of God. This means He is not a "created being" or a "lesser god," but is co-equal, co-eternal, and consubstantial (of the same substance) with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit.
The Biblical Foundation: Where Does Scripture Say Jesus Is God?
In the Assemblies of God, we believe the Bible is the final authority. We don't rely on human opinion or modern trends; we look at what God has revealed in His Word. Let’s walk through the "High Christology" passages that prove the deity of Christ.
1. The Eternal Word (John 1:1)
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
John begins his Gospel by taking us back before Genesis. He identifies Jesus as "The Word" (Logos). This verse makes two stunning claims: First, Jesus was with God (distinct person), and second, Jesus was God (same essence). He was not created; He was already there when the "beginning" began.
2. One with the Father (John 10:30)
"I and the Father are one."
Jesus didn't leave His identity to guesswork. When He spoke these words, His audience knew exactly what He meant, so much so that they picked up stones to kill Him for "blasphemy." They understood that by claiming oneness with the Father, He was claiming equality with the Almighty.
3. The Fullness of Deity (Colossians 2:9)
"For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form."
This is perhaps the clearest statement of the deity of Christ in the entire New Testament. Paul explains that Jesus isn't just "partly" God or "sort of" divine. All the fullness, every attribute, every power, every ounce of God’s nature, took up residence in the physical body of Jesus. He is 100% God and 100% man.
4. The Radiance of Glory (Hebrews 1:3)
"The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word."
Think of the sun and its light. You cannot have the sun without the radiance of its light. Hebrews tells us that Jesus is the "exact representation" of God. If you want to know what God the Father is like, you look at Jesus. He doesn't just "reflect" God; He is the radiance of God.
5. The Exalted Lord (Philippians 2:5-11)
Paul describes how Jesus, being in "very nature God," did not cling to His heavenly status but humbled Himself to become a servant. Because of His obedience, God has exalted Him to the highest place. One day, every knee in Memphis, every knee in the nations, and every knee in heaven will bow at the name of Jesus.
The Assemblies of God Perspective: Fundamental Truth #3
The Assemblies of God holds to 16 Fundamental Truths. The third truth is titled: The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ.
As a Pentecostal community, we believe that the deity of Jesus isn't just a dry fact for textbooks. It is a living reality that empowers our worship. According to our statement of faith, we recognize Jesus' deity through:
His Virgin Birth: He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, not by man (Matthew 1:23).
His Sinless Life: Only God could live perfectly (Hebrews 7:26).
His Miracles: He displayed authority over nature, sickness, and death (Acts 2:22).
His Substitutionary Work: He died to pay a debt only God could pay (1 Corinthians 15:3).
His Bodily Resurrection: He conquered death once and for all (Matthew 28:6).
His Exaltation: He is currently seated at the right hand of God (Acts 1:9, 11).
Common Misconceptions About Jesus
When you share your faith with friends in the 901 or online, you might encounter these common misunderstandings. Here is how to respond with grace and truth:
Misconception | The Biblical Truth |
"Jesus never claimed to be God." | Jesus claimed the divine name "I AM" (John 8:58) and accepted worship (Matthew 14:33). |
"He was just a great teacher." | A great teacher doesn't lie about being God. He is either Lord, a liar, or a lunatic. |
"He was a created being." | Scripture says "all things were made through Him" (John 1:3). You cannot create yourself. |
"He stopped being God on Earth." | He laid aside His glory, but never His nature. He remained fully God while fully man. |
Why the Deity of Christ Changes Your Life Today
You might be asking, "How does this help me with my anxiety? How does this help my family in Memphis?"
If Jesus is God, it means:
You are fully known and loved: The Creator of the universe didn't send a messenger; He came Himself to reach you.
His promises are unbreakable: Since He is God, He has the power to back up everything He said. When He says, "I will never leave you," He has the divine authority to keep that word.
Your salvation is secure: A mere human could never take away the sins of the world. Because Jesus is God, His sacrifice has infinite value.
Worship has a target: We don't just sing songs to a hero; we worship the King of Kings.
Whether you are seeking healing, looking for a church family in Bartlett or Arlington, or simply trying to understand the Bible for the first time, start with Jesus. When you see Him as He truly is, the Lord of Glory, everything else begins to fall into place.
Take Your Next Step
Understanding the deity of Christ is the beginning of a lifelong journey. We want to walk that journey with you.
Want to go deeper?
We'd love to connect with you. Visit www.boundlessonlinechurch.org to join our community from anywhere, or if you're in the Memphis area, find us at www.famemphis.org.
If you're in Memphis, Cordova, Arlington, Bartlett, or the 901, join us in person: 🌐 www.famemphis.org
Outside the area? Join our online church community: 🌐 www.boundlessonlinechurch.org
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