The question of whether Jesus is Yahweh, the name used for God in the Old Testament, is an important one that Christians have long wrestled with. The Bible contains ample evidence to support the belief that Jesus is indeed Yahweh, the eternal God who took on human form. While there are a few passages that seem to distinguish between Jesus and Yahweh, a comprehensive analysis of Scripture reveals that Jesus is Yahweh.
The Deity of Jesus
First, it is important to establish what the Bible says about Jesus’ divine nature. There are numerous verses that state that Jesus is God:
- John 1:1 states that the Word (Jesus) was God.
- John 10:30 records Jesus saying “I and the Father are one.”
- John 20:28 depicts Thomas calling Jesus “my Lord and my God.”
- Romans 9:5 refers to Christ as “God over all.”
- Titus 2:13 describes Jesus as “our great God and Savior.”
- Hebrews 1:8 has the Father calling the Son “God.”
- 2 Peter 1:1 calls Jesus “our God and Savior.”
These and other verses clearly equate Jesus with God, ascribing divine titles and attributes to Him. Jesus is eternal (Micah 5:2), all-knowing (John 16:30), omnipresent (Matthew 18:20), and omnipotent (Matthew 28:18). He performs divine functions like forgiving sins (Luke 5:20-24), raising the dead (John 11:38-44), and judging all people (John 5:22). Scripture is clear that Jesus is fully God.
Jesus as Yahweh
So if Jesus is God, is He specifically Yahweh of the Old Testament? Several lines of biblical evidence indicate that He is:
- The name Yahweh is applied to Jesus. In Zechariah 12:10, a future prophecy of the Messiah, He is called “Yahweh.” And in Isaiah 40:3, the voice calling in the wilderness is identified as both Yahweh and Jesus in the Gospels (Mark 1:3).
- Jesus exhibits the characteristics of Yahweh. For example, both forgive sins (Mark 2:5-7; Psalm 103:3). And the glory of Yahweh filling the temple in Isaiah 6 is ascribed to Christ in John 12:41.
- Certain titles of Yahweh are given to Jesus. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 17:14; 19:16), the alpha and omega (Revelation 1:8; 22:13), the first and the last (Revelation 1:17; 22:13), and the beginning and the end (Revelation 21:6; 22:13).
- Jesus does works that only Yahweh can do. He raises the dead, calms storms, casts out demons with a word, and rises from the dead by His own power (John 2:19-21). No mere human or created being could do such things that are unique to Yahweh (Psalm 86:10).
There are also several places in the New Testament where Old Testament passages about Yahweh are attributed to Jesus:
- Joel 2:32 says all who call on the name of Yahweh will be saved, while Romans 10:13 attributes this to Jesus.
- Psalm 102:25-27 speaks of Yahweh creating the heavens and earth, while Hebrews 1:10-12 applies this to Jesus.
- Isaiah 45:22-23 has every knee bowing to Yahweh, while Philippians 2:10-11 has this happening at Jesus’ name.
These examples reveal that Jesus is identified with Yahweh frequently throughout Scripture. When the Bible authors applied Yahweh passages from the Old Testament to Christ, they were indicating His full deity and equality with the one true God.
Examining the Distinction Between Jesus and Yahweh
The biggest challenge to the view that Jesus is Yahweh comes from verses that seem to distinguish between Jesus and God the Father. For example:
- Jesus prays to God the Father (Matthew 26:39).
- Jesus has a God (John 20:17).
- The Father is greater than Jesus (John 14:28).
- Jesus is at the right hand of God (Acts 2:33).
- God puts all things under Jesus’ feet (1 Corinthians 15:27).
These kinds of passages have led some to believe that Jesus cannot be Yahweh. However, this fails to understand the Incarnation – when the eternal Son of God took on human flesh. Jesus voluntarily humbled Himself and took on certain limitations in order to accomplish redemption (Philippians 2:5-11). So there is no contradiction in Jesus both being God and submitting Himself as a man to the authority of the Father.
We also must remember that Yahweh exists as a Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. All three Persons make up the one Being of God. So it makes sense that Jesus as the Son would be distinct from the Father, yet still fully God as Yahweh. This explains how Jesus can be both God and have a God over Him.
In summary, while Jesus relates differently to the Father within the Trinity during His time on earth, this does not contradict His divine identity as Yahweh in human flesh. The two truths must be held together to properly understand who Christ is.
The Implications of Jesus as Yahweh
Recognizing that Jesus is Yahweh God has several important implications:
- It means that Jesus is eternal, with no beginning. He was not created. As Yahweh, He is without origin (Micah 5:2).
- It highlights the incredible humility and condescension of God to take on flesh and die for sinners. Yahweh experienced human limitations and death when He became Christ.
- It reinforces why Jesus is the only way of salvation. He is the same Yahweh who says “there is no other god besides me” (Isaiah 45:5). To reject Christ is to reject Yahweh.
- It gives Christ preeminence over all creation as both Creator and Redeemer. All people must ultimately bow to Him as Yahweh (Philippians 2:9-11).
- It amplifies the majesty, glory, and sovereignty of Christ. As Yahweh God, He is all-powerful, all-knowing, and present everywhere. He reigns over all.
Understanding that Jesus is Yahweh enriches our worship and empowers our witness for Christ. There is no greater revelation than the incarnation of Yahweh as the promised Messiah and Savior.
Conclusion
While a surface reading of Scripture may seem to distinguish between Jesus and Yahweh at points, a more in-depth study reveals that Jesus is identified with Yahweh in nature, titles, works, and worship. The Bible proclaims that the man Jesus Christ is Yahweh in the flesh, the eternal Creator God who took on a human body and nature to redeem sinners. Recognizing this profound truth is essential for grasping the glory of Christ and responding to Him appropriately as Lord, God, and Savior.