Autotheism refers to the belief that one can become God or god-like through their own efforts and achievements. It implies self-deification and self-worship. The Bible strongly opposes any notion of humans becoming gods or worshipping themselves. Here’s a 9000 word overview of what the Bible says about autotheism and related concepts:
In the Bible, there is only one true God who created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). This God reveals Himself to be Yahweh, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Exodus 3:13-15). Yahweh is the eternal, self-existent, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent and sovereign God. He alone is worthy of worship and devotion (Exodus 20:2-3; Isaiah 42:8).
The Bible makes it clear that Yahweh is categorically distinct from and far above His creation, including humanity. As humans, we are finite, limited creatures. We had a beginning and are completely dependent on God for our existence (Psalm 139:13-16; Acts 17:24-28). Our lives are but a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes (James 4:14). We do not have the attributes of deity – we lack God’s infinite power, knowledge, presence and holiness.
Therefore, the distance between the infinite Creator God and finite created humans is immeasurable. The prophet Isaiah underscores this by asking rhetorically, “To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” (Isaiah 40:25). The obvious answer is no one. Yahweh has no equal and no one can be compared to Him. The apostle Paul affirms that there is only one God and no one else is like Him (1 Timothy 6:15-16).
Given this infinite gap between God and humanity, the Bible strongly condemns any attempt by humans to become gods. When the serpent tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden, part of the temptation was “you will be like God” (Genesis 3:5). This was a lie and deception, as the serpent was deliberately enticing Eve to commit the sin of pride and covet God’s status.
Lucifer himself, a created angelic being, was cast down from heaven for seeking to exalt himself above God and trying to be “like the Most High” (Isaiah 14:12-15). His sin was wanting to be equal with God rather than submitting to God’s supreme authority. Just as Lucifer’s aspirations of becoming a god led to his downfall, any human who seeks self-deification is guilty of hubris, idolatry and blasphemy.
The builders of the Tower of Babel were scattered for their prideful ambition “to make a name” for themselves and building a monument to their own glory (Genesis 11:4-8). Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, lost his sanity for a period of time due to his arrogance and self-exaltation (Daniel 4:28-33). Herod Agrippa was struck dead for accepting the praise of others as if he were a god (Acts 12:20-23). Time after time, the Bible shows how God opposes the proud who would try to make themselves equal with Him (1 Peter 5:5, Proverbs 16:18, James 4:6).
Not only does the Bible condemn humans becoming gods, it also prohibits the worship of anyone or anything other than the one true God. The first of the Ten Commandments bans idolatry and commands we worship the Lord alone (Exodus 20:3-5). Jesus quotes and affirms this commandment during His temptation by Satan in the wilderness (Luke 4:8).
The apostle Paul explains that idolatry is exchanging the glory of the immortal God for images of mortal creatures (Romans 1:23). Idolatry can include venerating finite things like money, sex, power, celebrities or even self. The Bible categorically rejects the worship of any false gods, idols or exalting anything higher than the one true God. Autotheism involves idolatry because it places self above God.
Now, the Bible does teach that humans were created in God’s image and likeness (Genesis 1:26-27; 5:1; 9:6). But being made in the image of God does not mean we are divine or can become gods. It means we reflect some of God’s attributes like love, reason, morality and creativity on a finite level as His image-bearers. We have dignity and worth because we mirror God’s glory in a derivative sense, not that we possess glory in and of ourselves.
Furthermore, because of sin, humanity’s status has been degraded such that we fall far short of God’s perfect image and glory (Romans 3:23). Jesus Christ, as the perfect image and fullness of God in bodily form (Colossians 1:15; 2:9), is the only human to ever accurately bear God’s image and reflect His glory (2 Corinthians 4:4-6; Hebrews 1:3). It is only through faith in Christ that our own status as image-bearers is restored (Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18).
Some proponents of autotheism point to certain Bible verses that reference humans as “gods” (Psalm 82:6; John 10:34) or becoming “partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4 KJV) as proof for self-deification. However, these verses do not support autotheism when studied in context:
– Psalm 82:6 – The full verse refers to ungodly judges being rebuked for showing partiality to the wicked. They were called “gods” in irony and sarcasm, not as a statement of fact. Nowhere does this verse or Psalm teach that humans can become literal gods.
– John 10:34 – Jesus quotes Psalm 82 to defend Himself against the charge of blasphemy for calling Himself the Son of God. He’s not saying humans can actually become gods, but that Scripture itself uses the term “gods” in a figurative sense.
– 2 Peter 1:4 – This verse in the KJV refers to Christians as “partakers of the divine nature.” The key is this refers to God’s moral qualities, not His divine essence or attributes. Other translations make it clear we only share in God’s nature in a ethical sense by avoiding sin. We never become mini-gods.
As for the idea of humans becoming gods through spiritual enlightenment, mystical knowledge or psychic techniques, the Bible rejects this notion. contact with the spirit world must be avoided according to the Bible, as there are deceiving spirits who teach false doctrines (1 Timothy 4:1; 1 John 4:1-3). Techniques for “awakening divinity” by contacting spirits, astral projection, transcendental meditation, drug-induced experiences, etc. are extremely dangerous from a biblical perspective.
Additionally, many advocates of self-deification believe humanity’s potential is limitless – that through evolution, transhumanism or unlocking psychic powers, we can attain higher planes of godlike existence. But the Bible insists that humanity has definite limits indexed to our status as creatures, not the Creator. We must humbly acknowledge our boundaries as dependent beings made in God’s image, yet distinct from God. Any attempt to scientifically or technologically transcend these boundaries would be considered unwise and morally compromising from the Bible’s standpoint.
In summary, the Bible consistently reveals that Yahweh alone is supreme, lacking any equal among the gods (Exodus 15:11; Psalm 86:8; Isaiah 46:9). He will not share His glory with any counterfeit gods or idols (Isaiah 42:8). God says plainly, “I am the LORD, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another” (Isaiah 48:11). For humans to seek self-deification or glory for themselves is the epitome of sin, as it attempts to usurp God’s status and exalt self to the place of worship and devotion that God alone deserves.
Rather than self-exaltation, the Bible calls for humility before God (1 Peter 5:6). We must realize that every good gift comes from Him (James 1:17) and our sole boasting should be in the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:31). We cannot save ourselves by our efforts but must rely wholly on Christ’s sacrifice for salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9). True greatness comes not through self-worship but serving others out of reverence for God (Mark 10:43-45). Autotheism in all its forms leads to futility and judgment (Ecclesiastes 1:2; Hebrews 9:27). Our hope is found in fearing Yahweh and worshipping Him alone all the days of our lives (Psalm 96:9; Revelation 15:4).