The common argument against Jesus’ deity follows this logic:

• God is omniscient.

• Jesus is not omniscient.

• Therefore, Jesus is not God.

However, this objection misunderstands the nature of Christ’s incarnation and the meaning of the Greek word “oida” (οἶδα) used in Mark 13:32 and Matthew 24:36.

1. The Greek Word “Oida” Can Mean “Declare”

The word “oida” (οἶδα), translated as “know,” can also mean “declare” or “make known.”

Paul uses “oida” in 1 Corinthians 2:2:

“For I decided to know (oida) nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”

Paul obviously knew more than Christ crucified, but he chose only to declare that message.

Thus, an alternative translation of Jesus’ words in Mark 13:32 and Matthew 24:36 could be:

“But concerning that day or that hour, no one declares it, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

This aligns with the immediate context—the disciples were asking Jesus to reveal the day and hour. Jesus, in His role as a servant, made it known that it was the Father’s prerogative to declare it.

2. Jesus did Exercise Omniscience

The Bible overwhelmingly affirms that Jesus is omniscient, even in His humanity:

In the Gospels:

• • John 16:30 – “Now we can see that you know all things.”
  • John 2:24-25 – “He knew all people… He knew what was in each person.”
  • Mark 2:8 – “Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit what they were thinking in their hearts.”

• Luke 6:8 – “Jesus knew what they were thinking.”

• Matthew 12:25 – “Jesus knew their thoughts.”

In the Epistles:

• • Colossians 2:2-3 – “Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

• 1 Corinthians 1:24 – “Christ [is] the wisdom of God.”

• Revelation 2:23 – “I am He who searches hearts and minds.”

If Jesus is omniscient in these passages, it is inconsistent to assume He literally did not know the day or the hour. Rather, He chose not to reveal it in accordance with His role.

3. The Incarnation: Jesus Voluntarily Restricted Certain Divine Privileges

Philippians 2:5-7 explains that in the incarnation, Jesus voluntarily humbled Himself and did not fully exercise all divine attributes:

• Jesus remained fully God (Colossians 2:9),
• But He chose not to exercise all His divine privileges.

Just as Jesus grew in wisdom (Luke 2:52) in His humanity, He also chose to limit His knowledge at times.

4. Now why would Jesus do this and limit Himself? And are there other examples in the Bible?

Jesus voluntarily limited Himself during His incarnation to fulfill His role as the Messiah—the perfect mediator between God and humanity.

He did so to take on human weaknesses and to identify with us.

Hebrews 4:15 – “For we have not a 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.”

We can also see God in the Old Testament limit Himself in order to interact with His creation, as seen with Moses.

Exodus 33:20-23 – “Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live… I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by.”

• This parallels how Jesus, in His incarnation, veiled His full divine power so that humanity could interact with Him without being overwhelmed.

1. James 1:13 vs. Jesus’ Temptation—No Contradiction

James 1:13 states:

“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.”

But notice what James actually says:

• “God cannot be tempted with evil.“

The verse does not say God cannot be tempted in any way. Instead, it clarifies that God has no internal sinful desires that could be tempted by evil.

Jesus had no sinful nature, so His temptation was external—Satan tempted Him from the outside just like he tempted Adam and Eve.

1. Did God “Experience” Temptation?

The word “tempted” (πειράζω – peirazō) in Matthew 4:1 can mean:

• To entice toward sin (which cannot happen to God),
• To test or prove (which is what happened to Jesus).

Jesus was not tempted internally (because He had no sin), but He was tested externally as part of His mission to defeat Satan as the second Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45).

We can also see God being “tempted” in the Old Testament also:

• Numbers 14:22 (KJV) – “Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice;”
  • God says that the Israelites had tempted Him 10 times by constantly doubting His faithfulness. They tested Him by refusing to trust in His promises, despite seeing miracles.
• 1 Samuel 8:7-9 (KJV) – “And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them… yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.”
  • The Israelites “tested” God by rejecting His kingship and demanding a human king instead. They doubted His rule and put Him on trial, just as Jesus was later put on trial before men.

• • In Exodus 17:2 (KJV) – “Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD?”
    • Here, Israel tempted (tested) God by questioning His ability to provide for them.
    • This is the same Greek word (peirazō) used in Matthew 4:1, where Jesus was “tempted.”
    • The Israelites challenged God’s provision, just as Satan challenged Jesus’ provision in the wilderness by saying, “Turn these stones into bread” (Matthew 4:3).

• Psalm 95:8-9 (KJV) – “Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work.”

• • • Israel tested God at Massah and Meribah by demanding water instead of trusting Him.
    • God was not tempted to sin, but He was tested and provoked by their doubt and complaints.

• Psalm 78:41 (KJV) – “Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.”

• The Israelites tested God’s patience and power through their repeated rebellion and lack of faith.
• This was not a temptation to sin, but rather a provocation and a demand for proof of His faithfulness.

And there are more examples throughout the Old Testament.

1. Jesus prayed to the Father

To pray historically means “to ask” or communicate. When Jesus prays, He engages in communication with the Father. This is not a problem for trinitarians who believe the persons of the trinity can communicate with one another. Historic meaning of “Pray”

Notice the vast difference between our prayers and Jesus prayers, for us to pray to the Father we need to go through Jesus, we can’t communicate with the Father unless we communicate through the son (1 Timothy 2:5, John 16:2324), Jesus however needs no mediator, he has direct unlimited communication to the Father because he’s from the Father(John 16:28) and has always existed with the Father (John 1:1, John 17:5). 

1. Jesus having a different will from the Father?

Jesus experienced fear; and yet despite His fear, he still submitted to the will of the Father.

In Matthew 26:39, we see Jesus expressing anguish before His crucifixion:

“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

What does this show? That Jesus, in His humanity, experienced the natural fear of suffering and death.

• Luke 22:44 – “And being in agony, he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.”
• This is a real human reaction to intense suffering.

Yet, what did Jesus do? He still submitted to the Father’s will.

1. This objection contradicts Shincheonji’s own teachings about Jesus

John 10:30 – “I and the Father are one.”

SCJ itself teaches that Jesus’ will was always in perfect alignment with the Father, so if they claim Jesus had a separate, opposing will, they contradict their own teaching.

Jesus’ will was always aligned with the Father’s, as seen in John 5:19:
“The Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”

Does this sound like Jesus has an opposing will? Absolutely not!

So when Jesus says “not my will, but yours be done,” He is not saying He has a separate, conflicting will—He is saying that His mission is to fully submit to the Father’s will, which He has already declared to be one with.

If SCJ claims that Jesus’ will was always aligned with the Father (John 10:30), then they contradict their own interpretation when using Matthew 26:39 to argue that Jesus had a “different will.”

So, which one is it?

• If they affirm John 10:30 and John 5:19, then Matthew 26:39 cannot be used against Jesus’ deity.
• If they deny John 10:30, then they contradict their own doctrine.

This misunderstands both:

1. What Jesus was actually saying (quoting Psalm 22)
2. The meaning of the word “God” in the New Testament when referring to different persons of the Godhead.

1. The Meaning of “God” in the New Testament

The title “God” in the New Testament can refer to:

• The Father (John 17:3).
• The Son (Hebrews 1:8, John 1:1).
• The Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3-4).

In Matthew 27:46, Jesus addresses the Father as “God,” but this does not mean He is denying His own divinity.

Jesus is often called “God” in Scripture (John 1:1, John 20:28, Titus 2:13, Hebrews 1:8), so distinguishing the Father as “God” does not mean Jesus isn’t God.

2. Jesus Was Quoting a Messianic Prophecy (Psalm 22)

When Jesus cried out “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”, He was quoting Psalm 22:1—a prophetic psalm about the suffering of the Messiah.

Psalm 22:1-2 – “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?”

• This does not mean the psalmist was actually abandoned by God.
• Instead, it expresses deep suffering—which later results in vindication (Psalm 22:24).

When Jews heard Jesus quote Psalm 22:1, they would instantly recognize He was invoking the entire psalm, not just making a statement of despair.

3. Psalm 22 Perfectly Describes Jesus’ Crucifixion

Psalm 22 prophetically describes the crucifixion hundreds of years before it happened:

Psalm 22:16-18

“Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet. I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me. They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.”

• “Pierced my hands and my feet” → Jesus was crucified.
• “People stare and gloat over me” → The crowd mocked Him.
• “They divide my garments and cast lots for my clothing” → Roman soldiers did exactly this (John 19:23-24).

4. The Triumph of Psalm 22: Jesus Was Not Truly Forsaken

Those who argue that Jesus was actually abandoned by God ignore the ending of Psalm 22:

Psalm 22:24 – “For He has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; He has not hidden His face from him but has listened to His cry for help.”

The psalm ends in triumph, declaring that God did NOT actually forsake His servant.

So, when Jesus quoted this, He was:

• Fulfilling prophecy.
• Declaring His suffering.
• Pointing to His coming victory.

5. If Jesus Was Truly Forsaken, His Will Would Be Different From the Father’s

SCJ insists that Jesus and the Father have perfect unity in will, purpose, and action.

John 5:19 – “The Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”

John 6:38 – “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.”

If Jesus was actually forsaken, this means that at some point, the Father and the Son had a different will—the Father rejecting Jesus, and Jesus seeking the Father.
This contradicts SCJ’s own doctrine that Jesus was in perfect unity with the Father at all times.

Would SCJ claim that Jesus ceased to be one with the Father when He cried, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”?
If so, then SCJ would be admitting that Jesus and the Father were divided—which contradicts John 10:30, John 5:19, and John 6:38.

6. If Jesus Was Truly Forsaken, He Would Have Been Cut Off From God’s Spirit

SCJ teaches that:

• Only those who remain in God’s Word and will receive the Spirit.
• Those who depart from God’s truth are cut off from Him.

John 14:10 – “The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.”

If Jesus was truly forsaken, that means the Father left Him, and His Spirit departed from Jesus.

• • This would mean that Jesus was no longer the Messiah during that moment.

• This would mean Jesus lost His authority.

• This would mean Jesus was no longer God’s instrument.

This is one of many examples of SCJ shooting themselves in the foot theologically in an attempt to disprove the Deity of Christ.

John 5:19 – “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees His Father doing, because whatever the Father does, the Son also does.”

1. No One Can See God in His Essence (Yet Jesus Does)

The Old Testament teaches:

Exodus 33:20 – “You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”

John 1:18 – “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made Him known.”

Key Point: No mere human or creature can see God in His essence. But Jesus sees the Father and does exactly what He does. This means Jesus has direct access to God’s divine being, something only God can have.

If Jesus were a mere creature, He could not see the Father fully—yet He does.

1. No One Can Do What God Does (Yet Jesus Does)

The Old Testament is clear that only God can do certain things:

Psalm 86:8-10 – “Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours… For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.”

Isaiah 43:13 – “Yes, and from ancient days I am He. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?”

Key Point: No one can do what God does. Yet in John 5:19, Jesus says whatever the Father does, He does also.

3. Jesus Is Not Saying He Is Inferior—He Is Claiming Equality

Some misinterpret “the Son can do nothing by Himself” as a limitation. But this actually proves Jesus’ divine unity with the Father.  Jesus is saying He is so perfectly one with the Father that He cannot act independently—He is in perfect unity with God. No mere prophet or created being would ever say, “Whatever God does, I do.”

John 5:23 – “That all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father.”

4. The Full Context of John 5 Shows Jesus Is God

In John 5:16-18, the Jewish leaders wanted to kill Jesus because Jesus was breaking the Sabbath and making the claim that He was equal with  asd f18 For this reason they tried all the more to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

John 5:18 – For this reason they tried all the more to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

John 5:19-23 then proves Jesus’ equality with the Father:

• He does what the Father does (v.19).
• He has the power to give life, just as the Father does (v.21).
• He will judge all humanity (v.22).
• He must be honored just as the Father is honored (v.23).

1. The context of John 5:30 says otherwise

John 5:30: “By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.” This verse does not imply that Jesus lacks acknowledgment or authority but highlights His submission to the Father’s will. Jesus is not seeking approval but affirming that He operates in complete unity with the Father.

2. Jesus Has the Father’s Eternal Acknowledgment

John 17:5 – Jesus shares divine glory with the Father before creation.

John 8:29 – The Father is always with Him because He always does what pleases Him.

John 3:35 – The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in His hands.

John 5:23 – All must honor the Son just as they honor the Father.

3. The Father Publicly Declares His Approval

Matthew 3:17 – “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

Mark 9:7 – “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”

John 17:5 “And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.”

John 8:29: “The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.”

John 3:35: “The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands.”

John 5:23: “That all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.”

Matthew 3:17: “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

Matthew 11:27 – “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

Mark 9:7 – “Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: ‘This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!’”

1 John 3:5: “But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin.”

If the Father is the “source”, how can Jesus be God and co-equal to the Father?

1. The Father is the Source, But He Relies on the Son to Convey the Message

The Father is often spoken of as the source (John 7:16, John 5:26), but He chooses to reveal Himself through the Son. 

John 1:18 – “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made Him known.”

The Son makes the Father known—without the Son, the world would not know the Father fully.

Does this mean that the Father is inferior to the Son?

Obviously not! The Father and Son function in perfect unity, just as the Father being the source does not mean the Son is inferior, the Son being the revealer does not make the Father inferior.

2. The Father and Son Share the Same Divine Nature

John 16:15 – “All things that the Father has are mine.”

The Son possesses everything the Father has, meaning He is not lacking anything that makes God, God.

Colossians 2:9 – “For in Christ all the fullness of Deity dwells bodily.”

Hebrews 1:3 – “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being.”

Just as light radiates from the sun without being separate from it, Jesus radiates the very essence of God.

So, just as the Father being the source does not make the Son inferior,
the Son being the revealer does not make the Father inferior.

Both are co-equal, sharing the same divine nature, yet distinct in their roles within the Trinity.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.”

At first glance, some interpret this as meaning that believers will perform more powerful miracles than Jesus. However, when examined in context, this cannot mean that the disciples would surpass Jesus in power or divine ability.

1. Jesus Performed the Greatest Work of All

• Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus performed extraordinary miracles, including:
  • Healing the sick (Mark 1:34)
  • Raising the dead (John 11:43-44)
  • Walking on water (John 6:19)
  • Calming the storm (Mark 4:39)
  • Raising Himself from the dead (John 2:19, John 10:17-18)

Which disciple has ever raised himself from the dead? None.

• Jesus’ greatest work was His sacrifice on the cross, paying for the sins of the world and securing eternal salvation for all who believe (John 3:16).
• The atonement and resurrection are one-time acts that no one else could or will ever repeat.

Thus, Jesus’ “greater works” statement cannot mean greater in quality or power.

2. The Meaning of “Greater” (Greek: meizon)

The Greek word “meizon” has a broader meaning than just “superior”—it can also refer to quantity rather than quality. In this context, “greater” refers to the wider scope and number of works performed by the disciples, not their superiority over Jesus’ miracles.

Jesus’ ministry was localized to a specific time and place (primarily within Israel), but after His resurrection and ascension:

• The Gospel would be proclaimed worldwide (Acts 1:8).
• Millions would be reached across generations.
• The Holy Spirit would empower believers to continue the mission of Christ (John 16:7-14).

The disciples’ “greater works” are not more powerful works but more extensive works—reaching people across different regions, cultures, and millennia.

3. These Works Are Accomplished by Jesus Through the Spirit

Jesus clarifies that these “greater works” would occur “because I am going to the Father.” His ascension would lead to the coming of the Holy Spirit, who would empower the disciples to continue His mission:

• John 16:7 – “If I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you.”
• Acts 1:8 – “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses…”

Thus, these “greater works” are not accomplished by the disciples’ power but through the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus.

4. How This Argument Backfires on SCJ

Shincheonji misuses John 14:12 to argue that their leader (Lee Man-Hee) has surpassed Jesus’ work. However, since Jesus’ greatest work was His atoning sacrifice, SCJ must answer:

• Has Lee Man-Hee died for the sins of the world? No.
• Has Lee Man-Hee raised himself from the dead? No.
• Has Lee Man-Hee performed miracles greater than Jesus? No documented evidence.

Their argument collapses on itself—if John 14:12 meant greater in quality, then their leader fails the test.

Instead, the proper interpretation supports historic Christianity—the Gospel’s reach expands through believers, empowered by Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

1. The Meaning of “Greater” (Greek: meizon)

The Greek word “meizon” does not exclusively refer to superiority in essence—it can also refer to rank, position, or authority. Examples of how meizon is used in Scripture:

• • Matthew 11:11 – “Among those born of women, there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist.” John was greater in rank and role, not in nature—he was still human like everyone else.

• John 13:16 – “No servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.” This refers to position, not essence—a slave and a master share the same human nature, but they differ in authority.

• John 14:12 – Jesus’ disciples did “greater works” than Him, but not in quality or power, only in scope and reach

Therefore, when Jesus says, “the Father is greater than I,” He is referring to the Father’s greater position and authority during His earthly mission, not a difference in divine essence.

2. Jesus Demonstrates His Divine Attributes in John 14

To understand what Jesus means in John 14:28, we must consider the same chapter, where Jesus affirms His divine attributes:

• Omnipotence & Omniscience – “I will do whatever you ask in my name… You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” (John 14:13-14)
• Omnipresence – “On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.” (John 14:20)

These are divine characteristics, not attributes of a mere human prophet or an inferior being.

Thus, if Jesus were ontologically inferior, how could He claim to hear and answer all prayers and be present within all believers simultaneously?

3. Jesus Claimed Equality with the Father

John 14:28 must also be understood in light of Jesus’ other statements, where He explicitly claims equality with the Father:

• John 5:18 – For this reason they tried all the more to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.
  • The Jews tried to kill Jesus because Jesus was claiming to be equal with the Father.
• John 10:27-30 – “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”
  • Jesus claims the same power as the Father in securing believers, which is an exclusive divine prerogative.
  • The Jews understood this as a claim to deity and attempted to stone Him for blasphemy (John 10:33).

Jesus’ words here echo Yahweh’s statements in the Old Testament:

• Deuteronomy 32:39 – “There is no god besides me… No one can deliver out of my hand.”
• Isaiah 43:13 – “No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?”

Jesus deliberately applies these statements to Himself, proving that He is not less than the Father in essence.

4. The Context of Jesus’ Humility (Philippians 2:5-7)

The Father’s “greatness” in John 14:28 refers to position, not nature, as seen in Philippians 2:5-7:

• “Though He was in the form of God, He did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant.”
  • Jesus voluntarily humbled Himself in His incarnation, but this did not diminish His divine essence.
• Luke 22:27 – “I am among you as one who serves.”
• John 13:3-4 – Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, humbled Himself to wash the disciples’ feet.

Jesus’ earthly submission does not contradict His eternal equality with the Father.

5. Jesus Will Share Divine Glory with the Father

John 17:5 – “Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.”

• Jesus is not returning to a lesser status—He is resuming His full divine glory.

John 17:24 – “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.”

• Jesus speaks of eternal glory, not a created status.

 1. God is Exalted in the Old Testament

God is Exalted After Acts of Deliverance

Exodus 15:1-2 – After delivering Israel from Egypt, the people exalt God in song:

• “I will sing to the LORD, for He has triumphed gloriously… The LORD is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.”

Isaiah 33:5 – “The LORD is exalted, for He dwells on high; He will fill Zion with justice and righteousness.”

• God’s exaltation is tied to His righteous rule.

God is Exalted Through His Sovereignty Over Nations

• Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
  • When God acts in judgment and salvation, He is exalted above all.

• Psalm 97:9 – “For you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.”

• God is exalted in comparison to false gods.

God is Exalted When He Establishes His Kingdom

• Isaiah 2:17 – “The pride of man shall be humbled, and the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.”

• God’s final rule will bring about His exaltation over all.

Thus, in the Old Testament, God is exalted when He acts powerfully, delivers His people, or establishes His sovereign rule.

2. Jesus is Exalted After Accomplishing Redemption

Just as God is exalted after His mighty works, Jesus is exalted after His atoning work:

Jesus is Exalted After His Resurrection

Matthew 28:18-20 – “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

• Jesus is exalted as the risen King, now possessing full authority.

Jesus is Exalted as the Lamb Who Conquered

Revelation 5:12 – “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”

• Jesus is exalted in heaven after completing His work of redemption.

Jesus is Exalted in His Final Rule

• 1 Corinthians 15:27-28 – “For ‘God has put everything under his feet’… then the Son himself will be made subject to Him who put everything under Him, so that God may be all in all.”
  • Jesus’ exaltation culminates in the final subjugation of all things.

3. What This Means

• In the Old Testament, God is exalted after accomplishing a great act.
• In the New Testament, Jesus is exalted after accomplishing redemption.
• This does not mean Jesus was inferior before His exaltation, but that His human obedience and sacrificial work led to the recognition of His divine authority.

Thus, just as God was exalted after delivering Israel, Jesus is exalted after delivering humanity from sin—further proving His divine identity.

“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”

Some argue that since Jesus is the mediator between God and mankind, this must mean that He is not God—otherwise, how could He stand between God and humans if He Himself were God?

This is a misuse of the text and fails to grasp the biblical teaching of the Incarnation and the unique role Jesus plays as both fully God and fully man.

1. What is a Mediator?

A mediator is someone who bridges the gap between two parties. In this case, the gap is between a holy God and sinful mankind. Only someone who is fully God and fully human can truly mediate between both.

If Jesus were merely a man, He could not bring man and God together—because all men are sinful (Romans 3:23). But if Jesus were only divine, He would not truly represent humanity. Thus, the Incarnation is the only way Jesus can rightly serve as a mediator.

2. Jesus is the Perfect Mediator Because He is Both God and Man

Jesus is fully God – He shares in the divine nature (John 1:1, Colossians 2:9). Jesus is fully human – He took on flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14, Philippians 2:5-7). Because He is God, He can represent God perfectly. Because He is man, He can represent humanity perfectly.

Biblical Proof of Jesus’ Dual Nature in Mediation

• Hebrews 2:17 – “For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.”

• Jesus had to become fully human in order to mediate and make atonement.

• Hebrews 4:15 – “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are—yet without sin.”
  • Jesus understands our weaknesses because He became one of us—but remained sinless.

If Jesus were only human, He would have sinned like everyone else and been unqualified to mediate.

If Jesus were only divine, He would not have been able to stand in our place as a true representative of mankind. Thus, only the God-Man, Jesus Christ, can be the mediator between God and humanity.

3. The Role of Jesus as Mediator Does Not Deny His Deity

Some mistakenly assume that because Jesus mediates, He must be less than God. This is false for several reasons:

Jesus is the Mediator, Not Because He is Less Than God, But Because He Became Human

If Jesus’ role as mediator meant He couldn’t be God, then the Father and the Spirit would also be excluded from divine status, since they too act as intercessors (Romans 8:26-27, Romans 8:34).

Jesus is the High Priest Who Mediates in a Divine Manner

• Hebrews 7:24-25 – “But because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”
  • Jesus’ role as mediator is eternal—this is something only God can do!
• 1 John 2:1 – “If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.”
  • Jesus is our advocate, standing before the Father on our behalf.

Would a mere human be able to eternally intercede for all believers before God? Absolutely not. Jesus can do this only because He is God in the flesh.

Revelation 1:1 (ESV)

“The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John.”

Does this verse contradict Jesus’ divinity? Not at all! Instead, it reinforces the Trinitarian model of the Father as the source, the Son as the revealer, and the Spirit as the completer of God’s work.

1. The Trinity’s Role in Revelation: From the Father, Through the Son, By the Spirit

The structure of divine revelation follows the same pattern seen throughout Scripture:

From the Father – The Father is the ultimate source of all things, including revelation.

• John 5:26 – “For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son also to have life in Himself.”
• James 1:17 – “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.”

Through the Son – The Son, as the Logos, is the means by which God reveals Himself.

• John 1:1-3 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Through Him all things were made.”
• John 1:14 – “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”
• Hebrews 1:2 – “In these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things.”

Thus, Jesus’ role is not that of a mere recipient—He is the eternal Word through whom revelation is delivered to mankind.

By the Holy Spirit – The Spirit applies and brings revelation to completion.

• John 14:26 – “The Holy Spirit… will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you.”
• Romans 8:11 – The Spirit applies the work of Christ to believers.
• Titus 3:5 – The Spirit regenerates and renews believers.

Thus, Revelation follows the same Trinitarian structure—it originates from the Father, is delivered through the Son, and is made known by the Spirit.

2. Jesus’ Role as the Revealer Does Not Make Him Inferior

Just because Jesus reveals what the Father gives does not mean He is less than God. Consider:

• John 12:49 – “I have not spoken on My own authority, but the Father who sent Me has Himself given Me a commandment—what to say and what to speak.”
• John 14:10 – “The words I say to you I do not speak on My own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in Me, who is doing His work.”

Does this mean Jesus lacks divine authority? No!

Another way of looking at this: because the Father relies on the Son to reveal Him, does that make the Father inferior to the Son?

It means that Jesus, as the incarnate Son, is perfectly united with the Father in will and purpose.

If we apply the same logic, then the Holy Spirit must also be inferior, since Jesus says:

• John 16:13-14 – “He (the Spirit) will not speak on His own, but will speak only what He hears.”

Does this mean the Spirit is not God? No—it simply shows that each Person of the Trinity has a distinct role.

The answer lies in understanding the incarnation—the moment when Jesus, the eternal Son of God, took on human nature. From that moment, the Father became His God, not because Jesus was a created being, but because He voluntarily entered into a real human relationship with God as the perfect man.

To see that this was foretold in the Old Testament, we must start with Messianic prophecies that show how the Father would become the God of the Messiah when He entered creation.

1. Old Testament Prophecies: The Father Becomes the Messiah’s God

The Old Testament already revealed that the Messiah would take on human nature and, in doing so, the Father would become His God:

Psalm 22:10 – The Father Became His God at the Incarnation

“On You was I cast from My birth, and from My mother’s womb You have been My God.”

• This Messianic prophecy shows that from the moment of His conception, the Father became the God of the Messiah.
• This does not mean Jesus was a created being—rather, it confirms that He entered into true humanity, making the Father His God.

 Jeremiah 32:27 – The God of All Flesh

“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?”

• God is the God of all flesh—so when Jesus took on flesh, the Father became His God.
• This explains why Jesus, in His humanity, refers to the Father as “My God.”

 Micah 5:2-4 – The Eternal One Will Call Yahweh “My God”

“But you, O Bethlehem… from you shall come forth for Me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from everlasting… He shall stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD His God.”

• This passage confirms that the Messiah is eternal (“from everlasting”), yet Yahweh becomes His God.
• This directly prophesies the Incarnation—the eternal Christ would take on human nature and call the Father “My God.”

2. Jesus Calls the Father “My God” Because He Took on Flesh

Since Jesus took on real humanity, He naturally relates to the Father as a true human being. The New Testament confirms this:

John 20:17 – Jesus’ Relationship With the Father After the Resurrection

“I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God.”

• Even after the resurrection, Jesus still refers to the Father as “My God”.
• Why? Because He continues to exist as a glorified man.

Revelation 3:12 – The Glorified Christ Still Calls the Father “My God”

“The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God… and I will write on him the name of My God.”

Even in His glorified state, Jesus remains fully human—thus, the Father is still His God. However, this does not mean Jesus is inferior, just as the Holy Spirit revealing Christ does not make the Spirit inferior.

3. Jesus is Still Fully God While Calling the Father “My God”

While Jesus acknowledges the Father as His God, the Bible still clearly teaches that Jesus is Himself fully God:

Hebrews 1:8 – “But of the Son He says, ‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.'”

• The Father calls Jesus “God.”

John 1:1, 14 – “The Word was God… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”

• Jesus was God from eternity, but He took on flesh.

Colossians 2:9 – “For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells bodily.”

• Jesus is fully God, even as a glorified man.

Thus, while Jesus, as the incarnate Son, relates to the Father as His God, He remains one in essence with the Father.

4. Jesus Remains the God-Man Forever

1 Timothy 2:5 – “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”

• Jesus remains human forever, continuing to act as the mediator.

Philippians 2:9-11 – “God has highly exalted Him… that every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”

• Even after His resurrection, Jesus is worshiped as Lord.

Revelation 22:3 – “The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it.”

There is one throne, showing that Jesus and the Father reign together.

“Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.”

Some interpret this as Jesus denying His goodness and, by extension, His divinity. However, a closer examination of the passage reveals that Jesus was not rejecting the title “good” but leading the man to recognize His true identity.

1. The Old Testament: Only God is Absolutely Good

The Bible consistently teaches that only God possesses absolute, perfect goodness:

• Psalm 100:5 – “For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever.”
• Psalm 34:8 – “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”
• 1 Chronicles 16:34 – “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever!”

By saying “No one is good except God alone,” Jesus is affirming this Old Testament truth—only God is truly, absolutely good in nature.

2. Was Jesus Denying His Goodness?

If we assume Jesus was rejecting the title “good,” then we face a major problem:

If Jesus is not good, then He must be partly bad or sinful. However, Scripture clearly affirms Jesus’ sinlessness and moral perfection:

• • John 8:46 – “Can any of you prove me guilty of sin?”

• 2 Corinthians 5:21 – “He knew no sin.”

• Hebrews 4:15 – “He was tempted in every way, just as we are—yet He did not sin.”

• 1 Peter 2:22 – “He committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth.”
• 1 John 3:5 – “In Him is no sin.”

Thus, Jesus cannot be denying that He is good—because He is perfectly good and sinless.

3. Jesus’ Real Intent: Leading the Man to Recognize His Deity

Rather than denying His goodness, Jesus challenges the rich man’s understanding. The man calls Jesus “Good Teacher,” but does he realize what that means? If only God is truly good, and Jesus is truly good, then what does that imply? Jesus is leading the man to recognize that He is God in the flesh.

This technique is similar to how Jesus often leads people to deeper truths through questions (e.g., Matthew 16:13-17, John 3:3-10).

4. Jesus Affirms His Own Goodness Elsewhere

Jesus does not hesitate to call Himself “Good” in other passages:

• John 10:11, 14 – “I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”
• In calling Himself “the Good Shepherd,” Jesus is claiming absolute goodness.

In the Old Testament, Yahweh is described as the Shepherd (Psalm 23:1, Ezekiel 34:11-16). By identifying as the Good Shepherd, Jesus is implicitly claiming divinity.

5. The Rich Man’s Idolatry and Jesus’ Divine Authority

Jesus continues the conversation by listing the commandments:

• The man claims he has kept them all since youth.
• But Jesus omits the first four commandments (which focus on loving God).
• Instead of saying, “Follow God,” Jesus tells the man:

“Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor… then come, follow Me.” (Mark 10:21)

This is crucial—Jesus places Himself in the position of God. In Jewish thought, calling someone to give up everything and follow them was something only God could demand.

The man walks away sorrowful because his true god is his wealth, exposing his failure to love God above all.

6. Conclusion: Jesus Was Not Denying His Deity—He Was Revealing It

• Jesus was not rejecting the title “good” but challenging the man to recognize its meaning.
• If only God is good, and Jesus is good, then Jesus must be God.
• Jesus later affirms His own goodness as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11).
• Jesus demands the man’s total allegiance, just as God demands first place in our lives.

Thus, rather than disproving Jesus’ divinity, Mark 10:18 actually reinforces it—Jesus is God in the flesh, the Good and Perfect One, calling people to follow Him as Lord.

This objection completely misunderstands both:

1. What death actually means in the Bible
2. What it means for Jesus to be both God and man

Now let me break it down step by step so there’s no confusion.

1. Death in the Bible Means Separation, Not Annihilation

When people say, “How can God die?” they assume death means ceasing to exist. That is NOT what death means in the Bible.

James 2:26 – “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”

Death is the separation of the spirit from the body, NOT the end of existence.

Let me ask you this: When you die, do you cease to exist? Of course not! Your body dies, but your soul continues to live.

So when Jesus “died,” His divine nature didn’t die—only His human body experienced death.

2. God Took on Flesh So He Could Experience Death

Hebrews 2:14 – “Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil.”

God cannot die in His divine nature because He is eternal (1 Timothy 6:16). But God CAN take on human nature, which can die. This is why Jesus became flesh—so that He could experience death on our behalf. If Jesus were ONLY God and NOT also a man, then He could NOT die for our sins.

3. Jesus’ Death and Resurrection Prove He Is God!

If someone argues “God can’t die, so Jesus isn’t God,” ask them this:

Then how did Jesus raise Himself from the dead?

John 10:17-18 – “I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again.”

Jesus chose to lay down His life.  Jesus chose to take it up again. If Jesus were just a man, how could He have the authority to raise Himself from the dead?

Only God has power over life and death—and Jesus has that power!

4. The Bible Says “God” Died

Acts 20:28 – “Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.”

Who purchased the church? God. With whose blood? God’s blood.

Wait… but doesn’t God not have blood?

God took on flesh in Jesus Christ—so through Jesus, God shed His own blood for us.

1 Corinthians 2:8 – “None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”

Who was crucified? The Lord of Glory—a title used for Yahweh in the Old Testament!

So according to the Bible, God did die—through the human nature of Jesus.

 5. If Jesus Was Just a Man, His Death Would Be Useless

Psalm 49:7-8 – “No man can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for them—the ransom for a life is costly; no payment is ever enough.”

If Jesus was just a man, His death would only pay for Himself. But because Jesus is God, His death has infinite value—paying for the sins of the world!

If you say God can’t die, then you are left with an even bigger problem: Only a perfect sacrifice can atone for sin—so if Jesus wasn’t God, how could His death save anyone?

6. The Old Testament Proves That God Can Die in Human Form

Some might still object, saying:

“Nowhere in the Old Testament does it say God will die!”

Zechariah 12:10 – “They will look on ME, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child.”

Who is speaking? Yahweh. Who was pierced? Jesus.

God Himself is saying HE will be pierced! This is a prophecy of Jesus’ crucifixion, proving that God can die in human flesh.