The Godhead: The Lord Jesus Christ

By: Scott Morton

As was previously discussed, there are a number of issues which individuals have created related to who the Godhead is and what the Bible actually says about this topic. This article is going to be looking specifically at the Lord Jesus Christ, as there are a number of errors which man has created related to Him.

There are some who would teach He is a created being. This usually takes the form of saying He is the archangel Michael or another angel created specifically for this purpose. This ignores passages such as:

Colossians 1:16-19

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: [17] And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. [18] And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. [19] For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

This passage shows how the Lord Jesus Christ created all things. He cannot be a created being if he is one who created everything. This doesn't make any sense, as then someone would have to be saying He created Himself, or they would have to say that this passage is wrong and would have to try to change the words.

Another error which has come up related to the Lord Jesus Christ is something which is known as kenosis. This term speaks of the Lord Jesus Christ emptying Himself of all attributes of deity during His time on earth and was nothing more than a man. The passage which is used to define this is:

Philippians 2:5-8

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: [6] Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: [7] But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: [8] And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

The focus is on the words made himself of no reputation. Someone who is teaching this goes into the Greek to show how this really should be emptied Himself and then explains how He emptied Himself of all the attributes of deity. By doing this, they are changing the words and meaning of the text, which would state that we do not have a Bible which we can rely on.

The idea of no reputation means that the Lord Jesus Christ did not use the attributes of His divine nature to benefit Himself, provide for Himself, glorify Himself, or act independently of the plan of God (laid out before the foundation of the world- Romans 16:25) by any compromise of the spiritual life. In other words He did not use his divine nature as a way to help Him get through situations as a man. Every display of His deity was in accordance with the plan developed and individuals were able to identify Him as God according to the prophecies which had been laid out.

We will be focusing on what the Bible actually says on this topic. We will be able to see that the Bible says some things which are pretty clear. The first of these is that He was without sin:

2 Corinthians 5:21

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

1 Peter 1:19

But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

1 Peter 2:21-22

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: [22] Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

1 John 3:5

And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

These four passages are just a sample of what is said about Him. This is true for both our program in this dispensation and the prophetic program. The Lord Jesus Christ was the sacrifice to take care of the issue of sin. In order to do that, He had to be a perfect sacrifice and had to be without sin Himself. This is an important issue because a growing number of people believe the Lord Jesus Christ did commit sin during His life. If He had then He would not have been able to be the proper sacrifice.

We see how this has a further impact with Israel related to the priesthood:

Hebrews 7:22-28

By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. [23] And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: [24] But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. [25] Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. [26] For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; [27] Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. [28] For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.

Hebrews 4:14-16

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. [15] For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. [16] Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

These two passages show they were to have viewed the Lord Jesus Christ. They were to have understood Him from the context of being the High Priest who was going to establish Israel in the position they were supposed to be as they were entering the kingdom. The nation rejected Him in all of His office (Prophet, Priest, and King), leading to them being temporarily set aside during this dispensation. There is coming a point in the future where this program will be picked up with again and God will fulfill all of the promises which have been made unto them.

The Bible shows a number of things about the Lord Jesus Christ. It shows how He was fully man and also is fully God. We will look at some of these passages to demonstrate how this is true:

Identified as God

John 8:58

Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

John 1:1-3

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] The same was in the beginning with God. [3] All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Isaiah 40:3-9

The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. [4] Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: [5] And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. [6] The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field: [7] The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass. [8] The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. [9] O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!

Matthew 3:16-17

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: [17] And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Source of life

John 4:14

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

John 6:30-35

They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? [31] Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. [32] Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. [33] For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. [34] Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. [35] And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

John 14:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Demonstrated attributes of God

Matthew 28:18-20

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. [19] Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. This is a promise and demonstration of the omnipresence of God.

John 18:1-6

When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. [2] And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. [3] Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. [4] Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? [5] They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. [6] As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. On top of the fact that the power of God was displayed (individuals going backwards and falling to the ground when He declares who He is), the passage also shows the omniscience of God (knowing all things).

Hebrews 1:1-3

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, [2] Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; [3] Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; The author of the book of Hebrews looks back to the earthly ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. He records the omnipotence of God when speaking of the power which He had.

Demonstrated Miracles

John 11:39-44

Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. [40] Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? [41] Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. [42] And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. [43] And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. [44] And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

Identified as the Creator

Colossians 1:13-16

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: [14] In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: [15] Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: [16] For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

Identified as man

John 1:14

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

John 19:4-5

Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. [5] Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!

Was born as any other individual

Luke 2:1-14

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. [2] (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) [3] And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. [4] And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) [5] To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. [6] And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. [7] And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. [8] And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. [9] And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. [10] And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. [11] For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. [12] And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. [13] And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, [14] Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Became tired

John 4:6

Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.

Became Hungry

Matthew 4:1-4

Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. [2] And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. [3] And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. [4] But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Displayed emotions

John 11:33-36

When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, [34] And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. [35] Jesus wept. [36] Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!

While we could speak more about these things, the passages above are sufficient to describe the Lord Jesus Christ. It is clear from the Word of God that He was full God and full man during the earthly ministry recorded in the four gospels. To say anything else would be to deny what the Word of God clearly teaches about this.

The main question that should come up is how did people at the time not realize He was God if He was displaying the attributes. The answer to this is found in what Paul tells us about what happened:

Philippians 2:5-8

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: [6] Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: [7] But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: [8] And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

This passage shows how he took the form of a servant. He became a man and was of no reputation. By being of no reputation does not mean that He did not have the attributes of God. It does mean He voluntarily hid them so individuals would not flock to Him because of the glory before the time. We see how the Lord Jesus Christ even describes this in the temptation done by Satan:

Matthew 4:6-7

And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. [7] Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

In order for these temptations to have been real, this is something which actually could have been done. This would have been the display of the glory of God and would have revealed exactly who He was in a dramatic fashion. It is clear this is before the appointed time and this is why the Lord Jesus Christ does not do this.

The Bible does make it clear that He is God, even when man does not want to acknowledge this:

Matthew 1:20-23

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. [21] And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. [22] Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, [23] Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

In this passage we see one of the names which is given to the Lord Jesus Christ. His name was God with us. They knew from the prophecies He was God.

Luke 2:46-51

And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. [47] And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. [48] And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. [49] And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? [50] And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. [51] And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

He was going about His Father's business. This was the plan which had been laid out related to the reconciliation of the earth. It was not carpentry. He knew the plan and was going about to bring everything to fruition. As part of the plan He was subject unto Joseph and Mary, as this is exactly what the law said He should do. As God He did not need to do so, but as a man He did. This is where He hides His deity. The issue is He would not be dependent on the attributes of deity to overcome temptation related to sin. He had to be tempted in the same manner as us in order to overcome sin and be the perfect sacrifice to take care of the sin issue.

Hebrews 5:8

Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;

This is where the confusion does start to come in for people. The question is how could the Lord Jesus Christ have to learn obedience. He is God and this does not make sense to most people. This is where the issue of what He has to do related to sin comes into focus.

Matthew 3:5-16

Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, [6] And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. [7] But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? [8] Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: [9] And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. [10] And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. [11] I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: [12] Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. [13] Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. [14] But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? [15] And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. [16] And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

This would almost seem to be confusing and contradictory on the surface. The baptism which was being done by John is identified here as being done for the remission of sins. The Lord Jesus Christ did not have any sins which needed to be taken care of, which is why John is hesitant to baptize Him. He states this has to be done in order to fulfill all righteousness. This is because He needed to be identified as a priest, which Exodus 29:4-7 would show. There needed to be a washing and an anointing occurring, which both happen in this passage. The obedience we are seeing is related to the Word which was given, law and prophecy.

We can see how the Lord Jesus Christ took care of the issues of temptation:

Hebrews 2:18

For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Matthew 4:1-11

Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. [2] And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. [3] And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. [4] But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. [5] Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, [6] And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. [7] Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. [8] Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; [9] And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. [10] Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. [11] Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

This is a demonstration of the issue of sin being dealt with. Where the 1^st Adam failed in the garden (Genesis 3) and caused sin to reign (Romans 5:12), the last Adam took care of this by being obedient to the law and defeating sin and death. He followed everything which was found in the law, which is why it can be said He knew no sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). When individuals state He was not under the law in the Gospels and had ushered in grace they are wrong. He tells individuals what He was there to do:

Matthew 5:17-18

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. [18] For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

John 8:29

And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.

John 17:1-4

These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: [2] As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. [3] And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. [4] I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

All of these passages show how the Lord Jesus Christ was finishing the work which he was sent to do. He was sent to be the sacrifice to take care of the sin issue. In order to do that He had to be without sin, which means He fulfilled the things of the law. This was Israel's program and he did every part of it, which is something no man was able to do. This is why man needed Him to be that sacrifice.

It was only through what He did that the dispensation of grace would even have been possible. The above verses talk about what happened under the law program related to the earthly program. We are promised to be with Him in the heavenly places for all eternity. This is why we can see what is said to us:

2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. [18] And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; [19] To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. [20] Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. [21] For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Romans 3:23-28

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; [24] Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: [25] Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; [26] To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. [27] Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. [28] Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

These things could only be said to us. We cannot find them in prophecy spoken to Israel. This is a relationship we have with Him based on what He did on the cross. It is only our belief in what He did (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) which allows us to access these things.

Israel did get to see one more thing that was miraculous. Three of the Apostles were able to see a brief glimpse of His glory:

Matthew 17:1-9

And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, [2] And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. [3] And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. [4] Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. [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. [6] And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. [7] And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. [8] And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. [9] And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.

This text shows a number of different things related to the resurrection and things of the kingdom which we are not going to be focusing on here. The main point of what we will be focusing on is the things of verse 2. We see the face of the Lord Jesus Christ shining as the sun and his clothing becoming white as the light. This is the demonstration of the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. It was so glorious they were afraid of Him at that moment, especially when God the Father was declaring who He is and showing what is going on.

The issue of light is associated with the glory. We see the Apostle Paul speak of this in 1 Corinthians 15 when speaking of the glorified body which we are going to receive when we get to the heavenly places. There is a light associated with this body and it clearly is identified as being part of the glory.

John 12:27-28

Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. [28] Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

The name of God is glorified. This is associated with the Lord Jesus Christ because He is God. This has already been established and we see how there is glory associated with what is being done.

All of this shows how the Lord Jesus Christ is God. When it is said He is the same (Hebrews 13:8) then this means He always has been and always will be God. There is nothing which can take away from this fact, no matter what somebody tries to teach.