There are a group of people calling themselves Christians who do not believe Jesus is God. They seem to believe He was just an elevated angel, and that we are not to worship Him because He is simply the first of all of us as brothers and sisters.
First, we must consider the meaning of the word “God.” Do we mean deity? Or do we mean God, the Father? Often, when we use the word “God,” we're even unclear in our own minds what we mean. If we make this distinction and consider the following passage, I believe the answer becomes clear.
(See also What Is The Trinity?)
Philippians 2:5-7
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
ESV
Philippians 2:5-7
5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
7 but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,being made in human likeness.
NIV
Philippians 2:5-7
[5] Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, [6] who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, [7] but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.
NASB 1995
by Simon Turpin , from Answers in Genesis, on July 26, 2024
https://answersingenesis.org/jesus/son-of-man-human-divine-or-both/
The first Adam was created to have “dominion” over creation (Genesis 1:28) but failed to do what was required of him: obey the Word of God (Genesis 2:17). After Adam failed to obey God’s Word, God gave a promise of a Redeemer (Messiah) through the offspring of the woman (Genesis 3:15). Later texts within the Torah (Numbers 24:17–19) and beyond (Psalm 72:8, 110:2) speak of the future redeemer, the “last Adam,” as having dominion over the earth. Not only would the Redeemer (Messiah) have dominion over the earth, but he would be truly human and truly divine (Isaiah 9:6).
In Daniel 7, the “one like a son of man” is given an everlasting kingdom and dominion over all nations (Daniel 7:14). But is Daniel 7:13–14 evidence for a divine Messiah? In his trial before the Jewish council, Jesus specifically identified himself as the divine “son of man” from Daniel 7 (Mark 14:62; compare 2:20, 28; 8:31; 13:26; Acts 7:56; Revelation 1:13). However, there are many attempts to try to dismiss Daniel 7:13–14 as evidence for the deity of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus. For example, critical scholars and Orthodox Jewish teachers identify the “one like a son of man” in Daniel 7:13 as either an idealized human, the people of Israel, or an angel (see below). How can we answer the different suggestions regarding the identity of the “one like a son of man” and show that the context of Daniel 7 reveals a divine Messiah?
Caiaphas, the High Priest, tore his garments because he claimed Jesus blasphemed by referring to himself as “the son of man.”
Matthew 26:64-66
[64] Jesus said to him, “You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see THE SON OF MAN SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER, and COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN.”
65] Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? Behold, you have now heard the blasphemy; [66] what do you think?” They answered, “He deserves death!”
NASB 1995
Matthew 16:16-17
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
KJV
[16] Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” [17] And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.
NASB 1995
Matthew 17:5
While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
KJV
[5] While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!”
NASB 1995
Mark 1:11
And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
KJV
[11] and a voice came out of the heavens: “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.”
NASB 1995
Mark 9:7
And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
KJV
[7] Then a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!”
NASB 1995
Matthew 27:43
He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.
KJV
[43] “HE TRUSTS IN GOD; LET GOD RESCUE Him now, IF HE DELIGHTS IN HIM; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”
NASB 1995
John 9:35-37
35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?
36 He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?
37 And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.
KJV
[35] Jesus heard that they had put him out, and finding him, He said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” [36] He answered, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?” [37] Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him, and He is the one who is talking with you.”
NASB 1995
Mark 14:61
But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?
KJV
[61] But He kept silent and did not answer. Again the high priest was questioning Him, and saying to Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One? ”
NASB 1995
Mark 14:62
And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
KJV
[62] And Jesus said, “I am; and you shall see THE SON OF MAN SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER, and COMING WITH THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN.”
NASB 1995
John 4:25
The woman saith unto him, I know that Messiah cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.
KJV
[25] The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us.”
NASB 1995
John 4:26
Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
KJV
[26] Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He. ”
NASB 1995
John 5:17-18
But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
KJV
[17] But He answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working.”
[18] For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.
NASB 1995
John 8:58
Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
KJV
[58] Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.”
NASB 1995
Regarding the above passage, someone told me the verse is not supposed to have a comma after the word “was.” He said Jesus was just saying God existed before Abraham.
However, that was never in question. No one believed Abraham existed before God.
His arguments were those of one who didn’t think clearly. Jesus employed two profound concepts by this statement. Jesus intentionally said He existed before Abraham, and at the same time, He said He is the “I AM,” which is about the most powerful way one could say one is God.
John 9:35
Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?
KJV
[35] Jesus heard that they had put him out, and finding him, He said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”
NASB 1995
John 9:36
He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?
KJV
[36] He answered, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?”
NASB 1995
John 9:37
And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.
KJV
[37] Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him, and He is the one who is talking with you.”
NASB 1995
John 9:38
And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.
KJV
[38] And he said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped Him.
NASB 1995
John 10:36
Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?
KJV
[36] do you say of Him, whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’?
NASB 1995
Jesus is not recorded in Scripture as saying, “I am the Son of God,” however, the above verse records that Jesus testified He did say, “I am the Son of God” and that the Father sent Him into the world.
John 11:4
When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.
KJV
4] But when Jesus heard this , He said, “This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.”
NASB 1995
Jesus referred to himself as the Son of God and acknowledged the truth of statements made by others when they said he is the Son of God.
In addition, When Peter asked the disciples “who do you say that I am?,” Simon answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” To which Jesus replied, “…you are Stone, and up on that rock I will build My church…”
That’s pretty strong evidence Jesus claimed to be the Son of God.
The following is taken from The Englewood Encounter, Vol. 22 Num. 9, December 1998, a publication of Englewood Bible Church, 3190 S. Grant, Englewood, CO 80110 762-1663. Article written by Ralph Woerner.
Christ didn’t say, “This is the truth as I perceive it.” He said, “I am the truth.” He didn’t say, “I have come to share some spiritual bread with you.” He said, “I am the bread of life, he that cometh to me shall never hunger.” He didn’t say, “I’ve come to share some spiritual light with you.” He said, “I am the light of the world; he that follows me shall not walk in darkness.” He didn’t say, “Let me tell you something about man’s future resurrection.” He said, “I am the resurrection and the life, he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” He didn’t say, “Let me show you the way to God.” He said, “I am the way to God; no man cometh unto the Father but by me” (John 14:6; 6:48, 8:12; 11:25). … Christ asks men to put their trust in him — to make him the object of their faith. “He that believeth in me,” Christ said, “hath everlasting life…. When I am lifted up [from the earth][01] I will draw all men unto me” (John 12:32).
These statements indicate clearly that Christ claimed he was God’s appointed Saviour.
I ask you, are you human? If you have a son, is he human? The Father is God. He had a son… that would mean His son is God. When we say “God” we’re not referring to His name, we’re referring to His essence. God’s son is not the Father, but his son is the same essence as the Father, that is, he is God in nature, as your son is human, by nature. (See Philippians 2:5-7 listed near the top of this page.)
Testimony transcript of Mario Joseph, former Muslim Imam (Cleric)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsMccnb_270
(Transcript starting at 1:10, going through 5:57)
Once I preached in my parish that Jesus Christ is not God.
For me, God was only Allah,
And I believed Allah never got married,
So no sons for Allah.
Somebody asked me, “Who is Jesus?” from the crowd.
Maybe a Muslim, but he asked me, “Who is Jesus?”
I was preaching that he was not God.
But the question was, “Who is he?”
To know who is He, I read the entire Koran once again.
144 chapters, 6666 verses in the Koran.
When I read it, the name of the Prophet Mohammad I found in Koran 4 places.
But the name of Jesus I found 25 places.
There itself, I was a little confused.
Why was Koran giving more preference to Jesus?
And second thing, I could not see any woman’s name in Koran; Prophet Mohammad mother’s name or wife’s name or children’s name, no.
In the Koran, there is only one woman’s name that I found: Mariam, the mother of Jesus. No other woman’s name.
And in the holy Koran, chapter 3, the name of the chapter is “Family of Mariam,” and the holy Koran chapter 19, the name of the chapter itself is “Mariam.”
One chapter is “Mariam.”
So I was very curious to know why does the Koran say all these things about Mariam?
Holy Koran chapter 3 versed 34 onwards says that Mary was born without original sin, she never committed any sin in her life, she was ever a virgin.
Koran chapter 50 verses 23 says that she went to Heaven with her physical body. Even the Assumption is written in the holy Koran.
And then about Jesus, when I read chapter 3 verses 45 to 55 verses, there are ten points which the Koran makes about Jesus.
The first thing Koran says [about Jesus] [is an Arabic word] which means “word of God.”
And the second thing [is an Arabic word] which means “spirit of God.”
And the third is [is an Arabic word] which means “Jesus Christ.”
So Koran gives the name for Jesus: Word of God, Spirit of God, Jesus Christ.
And then Koran says that Jesus spoke when he was very small, like 2 days old after his birth, he began to speak.
Koran says that Jesus created a live bird with mud.
He took some mud, formed a bird; when he breathed into it, it became a live bird.
So, I think that he can give life. He give life to mud, clay.
And then Koran says that Jesus cured a man born blind, and a man with leprosy, etc.
Curiously, Koran says that Jesus gave life to dead people,
Jesus went to heaven [while] he is still alive, and he will come again.
When I saw all these things in Koran my thinking what the Koran says about Mohammad.
You know, according to Koran, Prophet Mohammed is not the Word of God, not Spirit of God, never spoke when he was 2 days old, never created any bird with mud, never cured any sick people, never raised any dead people, he himself died, and according to Islam, he is not alive and he will not come back.
So there is lot of difference between these two prophets.
I didn’t call Jesus, God, you know. He is a prophet, but he is a prophet greater than Mohammad.
So one day, I went to my teacher, the one who taught me 10 years in Arabic College, and I asked him,
Teacher, how did God create the universe?
Then he said, "God created the universe through the Word.”
THROUGH THE WORD.
Then my question.
"Word” is creator or creation?
Must clear it. [Let me clarify…]
My question: Whether the Word of God is Creator or creation.
Koran says Jesus is Word of God.
If my teacher says that Word of God is Creator,
which means Jesus is creator,
then the Muslims must become Christian.
Suppose if he says the Word is creation.
He will be trapped.
You know why?
He said everything created through the Word.
Suppose if he says the Word is creation, then how did God created the Word?
So, he cannot say the Word is Creator, he cannot say the Word is creation, so he was quite angry, he pushed me out of his room and said, "Word is not the Creator nor the Creation. You get out from me!” he said.
They say the Word is creation, they try to prove…they say the Word is not the Creator, not the creation, but not God. Not God.
Not the Creator, not the creation.
So not God, and not creation also.
So they don’t equal with God. That’s all their problem.
So then when he said that, I told my teacher, “Word is not the Creator, not the creation, that is why Christians say Word is Son of God.”
Then he told me if there is a son for God, I must show him the wife of God.
Without wife, no chance for having a son.
Then I showed him a portion from the Koran.
Koran says:
God can see without eyes.
God can talk without tongue.
God can hear without ears.
It is written in the Koran.
If that is the case, He can have a child without a wife.
So there we had a big argument, and you know at the end what I did?
I took my Koran, put it on my chest, and I said, Allah, tell me what should I do.
Because your Koran says Jesus is still alive, and Mohammad is no more. You tell me whom should I accept.
After my prayer, I opened Koran, I didn’t ask anyone, I asked only my Allah. When I opened Koran, I saw Chapter 10, verse 94.
You know what Koran says?
“If you have any doubt in this Koran which I give to you, go and read the Bible, or ask the people, those who read the Bible. The truth is already revealing that.”
So if you ask me who made me Christian, it’s not any fathers; it’s not any sisters, it’s not any bishops, it’s not any cardinals, it’s not even Pope.
But the holy Koran converted me to Christianity.
Since Jesus Christ is your LORD and Savior, and that no one comes to the Father but through Him, He is King, the name above all other names, “there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved,” how do you benefit by deprecating your LORD? He is King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
Finally, the angel who appeared to Joseph, speaking of Jesus who was to be born, said “ ‘They shall call his name IMMANUEL,’ which translated means GOD WITH US.” (Mattthew 1:23)
That makes it pretty clear, Jesus is God… with us.