“KNOW JESUS, KNOW GOD”

“And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” 

John 17:3

A holistic approach to Bible study is necessary to reach a truthful conclusion about Jesus' identity. Some interpret one verse and use it to support their preconceived ideas about who Jesus is. For the most part, the Father's deity is never in question. But how do we reconcile  the teaching that Jesus is God when He called the Father "the one true God?"

John chapter 17 is a heartfelt prayer known as Jesus’ “High Priestly Prayer.” After delivering His Farewell Discourse, Jesus now prays for Himself, the disciples, and future believers. This moment is also the start of Jesus’ “time.”

In our previous blog, we learned that Jesus is back in heaven, possessing the original state of glory He previously shared with the Father.

Also, let’s not forget that Jesus is one with the Father—they share the same essence. While they are two separate Persons, they are one essence. So, if Jesus is one with the Father, and if the Father is the one true God, then it follows that Jesus is the only true God. 

The Bible provides solid evidence for Jesus' deity, including His "I AM" statement in John 8:58, where He links Himself directly to Yahweh's divine name revealed to Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 3:14. In fact, the religious leaders immediately picked up stones to execute Him for blasphemy because they clearly understood His point. In John 10:30, He states His equality with the Father. In Mark 2:5-7, He forgives sins. In John 20:28, He accepts worship. This goes without saying His countless miracles, including His control over nature, sickness, demons, and death.

Furthermore, the Bible says that Jesus is the only true God and eternal life Himself. 

20 “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” 

1 John 5:20 

The evidence is overwhelming. A careful student of the Bible cannot deny the truth: Jesus is God. He provided more than enough proof for you and me to believe in Him. Through Him alone can we know who God is; apart from Him, we can never know the One who created all things.

Pursue the Savior today!

Photo by Ethan Cull on Unsplash