“THE ONLY TRUE GOD”

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

John 17:3

Some deny Jesus' deity and cite verses to try and give substance to their beliefs. Tonight's verse happens to be one of them. Let's find out.

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.”

For some, verse 3 raises questions concerning Jesus’ deity. In fact, some even use it to deny the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. They reason that if Jesus were God, then He would not have called the Father “the only true God.” And if the Father is the only true God, then it follows that Jesus cannot be God. Does this logic hold up?

Jesus declares that having eternal life means knowing God and Himself, i.e., having a deep, personal relationship with God and Jesus. Therefore, Jesus does not present Himself as someone inferior to the Father. He calls the Father “the only true God” in contrast to false idols, which can neither talk nor save. This does not mean that the Bible denies Jesus being the true God. In fact, 1 John 5:20 uses the same phrase and applies it to Jesus. Moreover, Jesus’ Name being mentioned alongside the Father’s as the mutual Givers of eternal life means They are equal.

Jesus also refers to Himself as “Jesus Christ,” thus declaring Himself as Israel’s long-awaited Messiah. Consequently, Jesus never denied claiming to be the Anointed One. This verse debunks the notion that Jesus never claimed to be the Messiah.

Throughout history, many have claimed to be the Messiah and  Savior of the world. However, they failed to substantiate their claims and therefore proved themselves to be no more than charlatans. They are all dead, but Jesus is alive, thus proving the truthfulness of His claims.

So, if you’re a believer and think that Jesus is somewhat inferior to the Father, repent of your sin and be convinced that Jesus is God and is equal with the Father in every conceivable way. Jesus is God. He alone can save you from your sins and an eternity of suffering. He loved you so much that He gave His own life on the Cross to purchase your salvation.

Will you finally let go of your doubts and come to Him?

Pursue the Savior today!

Photo by Greg Rakozy on Unsplash