Skepticism related to Jesus of Nazareth generally takes one of two forms: those who don’t even believe He ever existed, and those who acknowledge Jesus as an historical figure but deny He is God. The case for the Deity of Christ is centered on the Resurrection, but there are many other cumulative circumstantial factors to consider. I’ve written quite a bit about the Deity of Jesus, and I’ve assembled these articles to help you make the collective case. All these resources are available as downloadable PDF files:
1. The Conception of Jesus Demonstrated His Deity:
Articles related to the Virgin Conception of Jesus
The Essential Nature of the Virgin Conception
The “virgin conception” is an essential belief of the authors of Scripture and the early Church.
Was the Virgin Conception Borrowed from Prior Mythologies?
There are several problems with the notion the virgin conception was borrowed from prior pagan mythologies.
Why Doesn’t Mark Say Anything About Jesus’ Birth?
The absence of a birth narrative in Mark does not demonstrate the account (including the virgin conception) is a work of fiction.
Why Didn’t Paul Mention the Virgin Conception?
Paul’s writings simply cannot be used in isolation to determine what he knew (or didn’t know) about the virgin conception.
2. The Behavior of Jesus Demonstrated His Deity:
Articles related to the miraculous activity of Jesus
What Does Christianity Say About the Nature of Jesus? Five Critical Claims
The Deity of Christ is a Christian essential. It has been affirmed by believers based on the eyewitness testimony of those who saw Jesus rise from the dead.
Did Jesus Work Miracles as a Child?
Islamic tradition describes Jesus as a miracle worker even in His youth. Is this true? Where did this information originate, and can we trust it?
Yes Jesus Fulfilled Prophecy, But He Also Spoke Prophetically
While most of us are familiar with the prophecies Jesus fulfilled, it’s important for us to acknowledge the prophecies Jesus uttered.
Why Didn’t Jesus Reveal Scientific Facts to Demonstrate His Deity?
Why didn’t Jesus describe something beyond the knowledge of His contemporaries (i.e. the role of DNA or the nature of the Solar System) as a prophetic proof?
3. The Statements of Jesus Demonstrated His Deity:
Articles related to the statements and authoritative claims of Jesus
The Circumstantial Statements of Jesus’ Divinity
Even if you’re inclined to deny Jesus ever directly said He was God, it’s unreasonable to argue against this indirect, circumstantial case.
Jesus’ Words Gave Him Away
The prophets spoke for God, But Jesus clearly spoke as God.
Jesus Specifically Said, “I am God”
When Jesus took on God’s holy title as his own, He was stating the modern equivalent of “I am God”.
4. The Authority of Jesus Demonstrated His Deity:
Articles related to the authority and worship offered to Jesus
Jesus’ Authority Was Based in His Deity
Jesus’ authority is grounded in His power; a Divine power separating Him from other wise rabbis. Jesus’ authority was based on His Deity.
The Disciples Were Not Afraid to Worship Jesus (Even Though They Should Have Been)
From His first days on earth to His last, Jesus was worshiped as God.
The Early “High Christology” of Jesus
The earliest document evidence we have related to Jesus describes Him as a miracle worker who claimed to be God and rose from the dead.
5. The Resurrection of Jesus Demonstrated His Deity:
Articles defending and establishing the Resurrection of Jesus
A Brief Review of Explanations Offered for the Resurrection (Free Bible Insert)
What are the possible explanations offered for Jesus' Resurrection? Which is most reasonable?
How Do We Know That Jesus Really Died?
The experience the disciples had with Jesus was very different than the experience the disciples had with Paul at the point of his stoning.
The Post Resurrection Behavior of Jesus Eliminates the Possibility of an Imposter
The post-Resurrection version of Jesus was just as supernatural and divine as the pre-Resurrection Jesus.
The Evidentially Diverse Resurrection Appearances of Jesus (Free Bible Insert)
The diversity of the Resurrection appearances ought to give us confidence in their reliability.
6. The History of Jesus Demonstrates His Deity:
Articles related to transmission of the evidence describing to the Deity of Jesus
The Case for the Historicity and Deity of Jesus (Free Bible Insert)
A helpful brief summary of the cumulative case for the historicity and deity of Jesus (also available as a free downloadable Bible Insert).
Why I Know the Story of Jesus Wasn’t Changed Over Time
How do we know the story of Jesus wasn't corrupted over time? What is the New Testament "Chain of Custody"?
The Deity of Jesus is Not a Late Legend
The earliest believers, in the earliest chapters of Christian history, proclaimed Jesus was God.
The cumulative circumstantial case for the Deity of Jesus can be assembled from the facts related to His birth, life, ministry, statements, and resurrection. Like other cases I’ve worked over the years, the evidence is powerful when considered collectively. I hope these resources, as I’ve assembled and organized them here, will help you defend the truth of the Christian worldview so you can become a better Christian Case Maker.
J. Warner Wallace is a Cold-Case Detective, a Christian Case Maker, and the author of Cold-Case Christianity
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