Scripture Testimony to the Deity of Christ: Christ is God Over All

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2. Because the voice of inspiration declares, "Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh,... believed on in the world, received up into glory." 1 Tim. 3:1616And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. (1 Timothy 3:16). If Christ were but an inspired teacher, as one of the prophets, how is He God manifest in the flesh? What is there peculiar in His character? How does it differ from that of the prophets?
3. Because Isaiah, in so many words, announces Him as "The mighty God, The everlasting Father" (as this phrase imports, the Author and Possessor of eternity). Isa. 9:66For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6).
4. Because John, in the most explicit manner; testifies to His deity. "The Word was God." John 1:11In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1). What more decisive could the disciple have said? That this is Christ, is learned beyond a doubt from verse 14; "The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father)."
5. Because He is styled the Lord of glory. "Had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." 1 Cor. 2:8.
6. Much has been said and written of late to prejudice the public mind against our most excellent translation [King James Version] of the Holy Scriptures, as though it were unwarrantably partial to Trinitarian views. That it is perfect, would be to say that the translators were more than human. That they were firm Trinitarians is granted, as the great body of holy and learned men have always been; but that on the whole a more fair and just representation of the original was never produced,1 has been acknowledged by all denominations of Christians speaking the English tongue, for more than two centuries. However, we do call attention to two passages where we believe a better rendering is sanctioned by the highest authorities. 2 Pet. 1:11Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: (2 Peter 1:1) may be read, "Through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ." Also, Titus 2:1313Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (Titus 2:13) may be read, "And the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ." This makes our Savior the great God.
7. Because He is pronounced in so many words to be God over." all. "Of whom [the Jewish nation] as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed forever." Rom. 9:55Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. (Romans 9:5). Is anything above Him who is God over all? Note also that His humanity is stressed: "of the seed of David according to the flesh." Rom. 1:33Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; (Romans 1:3). "God over all," and "of the seed of David according to the flesh."
8. Because Christ claims, in unqualified terms, an equality with the Father. Christ, "being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God." Phil. 2:66Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: (Philippians 2:6).
9. Because it cannot be said that "in Him dwelleth all the ' fullness of the Godhead bodily" (Col. 2:99For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. (Colossians 2:9)), unless He be essentially God.
10. Because He is the JEHOVAH whom Isaiah saw in vision. "I saw also the Lord2 sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up.... Above it stood the seraphim.... And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts.... And He said, Go,... Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes." Isa. 6:9, 10, 1-39And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. 10Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. (Isaiah 6:9‑10)
1In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. 2Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. 3And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. (Isaiah 6:1‑3).
That the Being seen in this vision is the supreme God, none will doubt. Now, the evangelist John informs us this was Christ and. His glory. "Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, He hath blinded their eyes.... These things said Esaias, when he saw His [Christ's] glory, and spake of Him." John 12:39-4139Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, 40He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. 41These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him. (John 12:39‑41). Therefore the Holy Spirit has declared Jesus Christ is JEHOVAH Of hosts.
11. Because He proclaims Himself to be God, and invites the ends of the earth to look to Him for salvation. "Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by Myself.... That unto Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear." Isa. 45:22, 2322Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. 23I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. (Isaiah 45:22‑23). The Apostle has declared that the Person who here speaks is Christ, and. quotes the last verse as an argument that all must appear before His judgment seat. "We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ." 2 Cor. 5:1010For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10). "For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God." Rom. 14:1111For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. (Romans 14:11). Here you will observe the titles, Christ, Lord, and God, are used interchangeably, as of equal import.
12. Because the Father addresses the Son as God, in express terms. "Unto the Son He saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever." Heb. 1:88But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. (Hebrews 1:8). Compare Psalm 45:66Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. (Psalm 45:6), from, which this is quoted, and where it is an address to God. But here we have the authority of an inspired apostle, that it was addressed to Christ. Then, without controversy, Christ is God.
13. Because the Lord God of the holy prophets, and Christ, are represented as the same Being by the inspired John. "The Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show unto His servants the things which must shortly be done." Rev. 22:66And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. (Revelation 22:6). Observe, the Lord God sent His angel; then read the 16th verse. "I Jesus have sent Mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches." Do you not perceive here "the Lord God" and "Jesus" are the same? They assume the same style and the same prerogative.
14. Because Isaiah again announces Him in prophecy as Jehovah of hosts. "Sanctify the Logo of hosts Himself; and let Him be your fear.... And He shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling," etc. Isa. 8:13, 1413Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. 14And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. (Isaiah 8:13‑14). Is the Father anywhere represented as a stone of stumbling to the Jews? This language applies only to Christ. Compare 1 Pet. 2:7, 87Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. (1 Peter 2:7‑8), where the Apostle settles the question by interpreting the prophecy as of Christ.
"Unto you therefore which believe He [Christ] is precious: but unto them which be disobedient,... a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense."
15. Because He is the God whom all the Israelites tempted in the wilderness. "Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents." 1 Cor. 10:99Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. (1 Corinthians 10:9). Compare Exod. 17:77And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the Lord, saying, Is the Lord among us, or not? (Exodus 17:7), and Numb. 21:5, 65And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. 6And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. (Numbers 21:5‑6). "The people spake against God,... and the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people." The psalmist says, "They tempted... the most high God." Psalm 78:5656Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies: (Psalm 78:56).
16. Because an apostle has declared that the following sublime description of the LORD God, by the psalmist, was a description of Christ. "The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the LORD is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place. Thou hast ascended on high, Thou hast led captivity captive: Thou hast received gifts for men." Now observe the application as quoted by Paul: "Wherefore He saith, When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.... He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fill all things. And He gave some apostles; and some, prophets"; etc. Psalm 68:17, 1817The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place. 18Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them. (Psalm 68:17‑18); Eph. 4:8, 10, 118Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Ephesians 4:8)
10He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (Ephesians 4:10‑11). Here the psalmist informs us that the Being who ascended up on high and led captivity captive, is God the LORD. The Apostle informs us that this Being, who ascended up on high and led captivity captive, is Christ. Then, on apostolic authority, Christ is God.
17. Because Thomas, in so many words, pronounced Him to be his Lord and his God. "And Thomas answered and said unto Him, My Lord and my God." John 20:2828And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. (John 20:28). For this act of faith Christ commended the adoring disciple. This is not a profane exclamation, but an address to Christ; Thomas answered and said unto Christ, My Lord and my God. Now had not the lowly Savior been worthy of such divine honor, would He not have administered a reproof instead of a blessing?
18. Because He is called "the Lord from heaven" and "Lord both of the dead and living." 1 Cor. 15:4747The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. (1 Corinthians 15:47); Rom. 14:99For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. (Romans 14:9).
19. Because He is denominated, Lord of all. "Preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (He is Lord of all)." Acts 10:3636The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) (Acts 10:36).
20. Because He is also solemnly announced by Paul to the Jews and Gentiles as Lord over all. "The same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him." Rom. 10:1212For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. (Romans 10:12). Compare verse 11 with 1 Pet. 2:6. Is He not the supreme Lord who is Lord of all and God over all?
21. Because it is said He has a name that is above every name (Phil. 2:99Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: (Philippians 2:9)).
22. Because He is addressed as Lord, Creator of heaven and earth. "Unto the Son He saith... Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of Thine hands." Heb. 1:8, 108But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. (Hebrews 1:8)
10And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: (Hebrews 1:10). The 10th verse is connected with the two preceding verses by the conjunction and, and is a continuation of the address to the Son. Compare Psalm 102:25-2725Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. 26They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: 27But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. (Psalm 102:25‑27).
23. Because He is repeatedly proclaimed, "Lord of lords, and King of kings." Rev. 17:14; 19:1614These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. (Revelation 17:14)
16And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. (Revelation 19:16). God is styled precisely in this way in 1 Tim. 6:1515Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; (1 Timothy 6:15), and Deut. 10:1717For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: (Deuteronomy 10:17). He is also above all. "He that cometh from above is above all." John 3:3131He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. (John 3:31). Now who can be His superior, who is Lord of lords, and above all?
24. Because He is called, in so many words, the true God. "We are in Him that is true, even in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life." 1 John 5:2020And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. (1 John 5:20). What more explicit declaration of His deity can even the most incredulous demand?3
25. Because the following passages demonstrably show there was formed a union of deity with humanity at the birth of Christ. "God was manifest in the flesh." 1 Tim. 3:1616And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. (1 Timothy 3:16). When a child, He is denominated mighty God: "Unto us a child is born,... and His name shall be called The mighty God." Isa. 9:66For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6). "Of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed forever." Rom. 9:55Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. (Romans 9:5). He "thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but... was made in the likeness of men." Phil. 2:6, 76Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: (Philippians 2:6‑7). "He... came down from heaven." John 3:1313And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. (John 3:13). "The Word was God.... And the Word was made flesh." John 1:1, 141In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)
14And 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 1:14). He repeatedly alluded to His original glory. These passages, and others like them, allude distinctly to His two natures, and are utterly unmeaning unless there were a union of the divine and the human at the birth of our Savior.
26. Because we are expressly informed that, to know Him is the same as to know the Father (John 14:7, 97If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. (John 14:7)
9Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? (John 14:9)).
27. Because to see Him is the same as to see the Father (John 14:99Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? (John 14:9)).
28. Because Paul offers prayer to Him jointly with the Father, in the same manner and for the same blessings. "Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father,... comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work." 2 Thess. 2:16, 1716Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, 17Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. (2 Thessalonians 2:16‑17). Is it not idolatry to address prayer to Christ if He be not really God? What propriety is there in praying to a being who is not omniscient to know our desires, and omnipotent to satisfy them? To show that the usual mode adopted in Scripture, of placing the name of Christ after the Father, implies no inferiority, it is in this instance placed first.
29. Because Stephen, when full of the Holy Ghost and in most solemn circumstances, prayed to Christ and commended to Him his departing spirit. "And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." Acts 7:59, 6059And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:59‑60).
30. Because Paul besought the Lord (Christ, as is seen in the subsequent verse) thrice, that the thorn in his flesh might depart from him (2 Cor. 12:88For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. (2 Corinthians 12:8)). He also received from Him an answer: "And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee." v. 9. Christ then is both the hearer and answerer of prayer. Is not this the prerogative of God alone?
31. Because it is written, "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord [Christ] shall be saved." Rom. 10:1313For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:13).
32. Because Paul speaks of his dependence on Christ, and of Christ dwelling in him, in a manner in which it would be impious to speak of any one but God. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Phil. 4:1313I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13). "I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Gal. 2:2020I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20). How could this be said of a being who was not omnipotent to aid, and omnipresent to sustain? "I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD." Psalm 71:1616I will go in the strength of the Lord God: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only. (Psalm 71:16).
33. Because we find Him joined with the Father in a solemn petition for divine guidance. "Now God Himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you." 1 Thess. 3:1111Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. (1 Thessalonians 3:11).
34. Because. Paul prays for His never-failing presence with the soul of Timothy, just as we find the accompanying presence of the Father is everywhere prayed for. "The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit." 2 Tim. 4:2222The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen. <<The second epistle unto Timotheus, ordained the first bishop of the church of the Ephesians, was written from Rome, when Paul was brought before Nero the second time.>> (2 Timothy 4:22). Does not this prayer imply omnipresence?
35. Because the same Apostle speaks of Him as the being to whom he habitually looked for success in all his concerns. "But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you." Phil. 2:1919But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. (Philippians 2:19). Was the Apostle's habitual reliance then upon a creature? "Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm." Jer. 17:55Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. (Jeremiah 17:5).
36. Because those Christians whom Paul persecuted before his conversion habitually offered prayers to Christ. "Here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on Thy name." Acts 9:1414And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. (Acts 9:14). "Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this [Christ's] name?" v. 21.
37. Because the custom of addressing their petitions to Christ was so prevalent in the apostolic churches, that Christians of that day were designated by that feature of their worship. "With all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord." 1 Cor. 1:22Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: (1 Corinthians 1:2). Would inspired apostles have offered worship and prayer habitually to one who was not God?4
38. Because we find Christ solemnly addressed alone in prayer eight times in this particular form. "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you." Rom. 16:20, 2420And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. (Romans 16:20)
24The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. (Romans 16:24); 1 Cor. 16:2323The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. (1 Corinthians 16:23); Phil. 4:2323The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. <<To the Philippians written from Rome, by Epaphroditus.>> (Philippians 4:23), etc.
39. Because we find the name of Christ associated with the Father, and equally the object of a most solemn and comprehensive prayer, sixteen times in the epistles and once in the Revelation—also Rom. 1:77To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:7) Cor. 1:3 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:33Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, (Galatians 1:3), etc. And in more than forty different passages through the New Testament do we find, either examples of prayer offered to Christ, or the duty of praying to Him expressly implied.
 
1. At the time the author made this statement, he was no doubt correct. However, since that time, some excellent translations into English have been made, the best of which we judge to be that of John Nelson Darby, 1881. (Bible Truth Publishers.)
2. It may not be amiss to remind the reader that where LORD is printed in large and small capital letters in our common translation of the Old Testament, it is generally Jehovah in the original.
3. Said a Unitarian to a venerable servant of the Lord, "If the doctrine of Christ's deity were true, I am sure so important a doctrine must have been revealed with a clearness no one could have mistaken." "And what language would you have chosen?" said the servant. "I would have called Him the true God," replied the man. "Right," said the servant, "that is the very language of the Apostle." (1 John 5:2020And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. (1 John 5:20).)
4. So prominent and so constant was the worship paid Christ by the primitive Christians, that it did not escape the observation even of the heathen. Says Pliny, in writing to Trajan, "They [Christians] sing in social worship a hymn to Christ as God." Lib. 10. Ep. 97. Eusebius, too (Ecc. Hist. 5:28), in writing against Artemonites, appeals to the ancient songs of Christians thus: "Whatever psalms and hymns were composed by faithful brethren, from the beginning, praise Christ, the Word of God."