Is Jesus Truly God?: How the Bible Teaches the Divinity of Christ

by Gregory R. Lanier

"Greg Lanier unfolds the rich Trinitarian framework within which the Old and New Testaments present Jesus as God's divine Son."
--Scott R. Swain, author, The Trinity: An Introduction; coeditor, The Oxford Handbook of Reformed Theology

The question of Jesus's divinity has been at the epicenter of theological discussion since the early church. At the First Council of Nicaea in AD 325, the church fathers affirmed that Jesus is "true God from true God." Today, beliefs such as this one are confessed through creeds in churches around the world, and yet there remains confusion as to who Jesus is.

New Testament scholar Greg Lanier traces the rich roots of creedal Christology through the Scriptures, explaining six ways that the Bible displays Jesus's divinity. As you discover the overwhelming biblical evidence for the divinity of Christ, you will be drawn to the inescapable conclusion that the man Jesus Christ is more than just a footnote in history--he is truly God.

Genres: Theology, Biblical Studies, Christian

144 pages, Paperback

Published August 11, 2020

About the author

Gregory R. Lanier (Ph.D. University of Cambridge) is Associate Professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary (Orlando). He specializes in early Christology, Synoptic Gospels, Greek OT (Septuagint), and textual criticism. He also serves part-time as an associate pastor at River Oaks Church (Lake Mary, FL). He lives in Orlando with his wife and three children.

Reviews

[Dr. David Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

The topic of Christ’s deity has been a hot topic for over two thousand years. Christ’s divine nature has been debated in church history and affirmed in the ecumenical councils. In our day, the deity of Christ is a hotly debated subject that occupies the attention of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, and Muslims. Each group denies the biblical teaching that Jesus Christ is God in the flesh.

Greg Lanier’s book, Is Jesus Truly God? wrestles with this important issue. The author presents a robust, biblically-charged Christology that focuses on six major issues:

1. The preexistence of Jesus.

2. Sonship of Jesus.

3. The Old Testament assertion of Christ’s deity.

4. Worship ascribed to Jesus.

5. The relationship of Jesus to God the Father and God the Holy Spirit.

6. Jesus as theos.

Each of the six issues noted above is set forth in a chapter where the author affirms the divinity of Christ in a winsome and understandable way.

The great strength of Lanier’s book is its brevity. The arguments are tight, clear, succinct, biblical, and even devotional.

Readers who dig deeply into Dr. Lanier’s book will be challenged, informed, and refreshed. They will also be better prepared for their next encounter with a Jehovah’s Witness, Mormon, or Muslim.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the New Testament regularly speaks of each divine person in distinct ways (the trinity), not one of them can be fully understood without the others. Their identities constitute one another. Divine oneness is forged by their relations to each other. The creeds eventually come to express this by describing the Father as unbegotten, the Son as begotten of the Father, and the Spirit as proceeding from the Father and Son.

This short text packs a load of punch in the divinity of Christ. The trinity becomes the focus point as it should to this claim The identity of each person of the trinity expresses itself in the other. The text with scripture in both testaments reflects the work of the trinity. Do you read the scriptures with the trinity in mind? Do you worship with the trinity in mind? This text does not add anything new to the scriptures but it reveals what is already there. Jesus is truly God.

The six major ways are as follows:

The pre-existence of Jesus
Christ is the fully the divine "Son"
Old Testament applies that Jesus is the awaited Messiah
Describing early worship offered to Jesus
The relation of the son to the Father and the Holy Spirit
Describing Jesus as God.

We may know in our head that Jesus is God but it is just important to know why and the ramifications of the trinity. Highly recommend.

A Special thank you to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Gailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Trinity should be an enriching reality that shapes how one lives"

When discussing the divinity of Jesus Christ, you will often be challenged to quickly produce an explicit chapter and verse upon which the doctrine either stands or falls. While there are sufficient verses in the Bible to support this essential foundation of our faith, Greg Lanier suggests that we should use a different approach. Instead, we should look at the entire biblical narrative (particularly the OT), examine Jesus' pre-existence, observe the special relationship He had with the Father and the Spirit, and take note of how the early church worshiped Him as Lord.

Lanier draws a fascinating conclusion that the New Testament writers do not provide a detailed argument for Jesus' divinity, because there was no argument to be had. Jesus's divinity was obvious to the New Testament writers and instead chose to articulate what this truth means to us Christians. As such, we can articulate a holistic and structured argument for the divinity of Christ based on the very fabric of the bible that will allow us to stand our ground in discussions with deniers.

It is remarkable how much is compacted into this small book. To me, it was the perfect jumping-off point for not only providing an answer to questions that come my way but for understanding God even more.

[Alexandru Croitor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, but packed; straight to the point and conclusive.

The book is "apologetic", but not in the "dealing with Muslims, Mormons, JWs" sense; rather, it focuses on how the Bible talks about the preexistence of the Son of God, the unique relationship between the Son and the Father, the way early Christians applied Old Testament references of YHWH to Christ, the way early Christians worshipped not only God the Father through the Son, but actually God the Son. It unpacks the beautiful complexities of the Godhead and the way theos is "directly" applied to Jesus (the grammar behind some of these passages).

I find it hard to read the Bible and not see the wonderful Trinitarian framework that undergirds it. Yes, not as developed and "refined" as stated in the creeds, but definitely there. I also believe that it is "healthy" to assume this Trinitarian Christology - the apostles did it; their writing elaborates on its implications, not on defending it per se.
Nonetheless, it is God's grace that makes one able to perceive this doctrine and I can't be more thankful for the sound teachers that God uses to unpack this truth. Kudos!

[Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know what? This was actually a really good book. It went in depth when it should have and didn't spend too much time on things it shouldn't have. It gave the perfect balance to things, while also showing that without a doubt that the NT affirms that Christ is God. It goes beyond the typical understanding of John 1:1 and shows us that, as the author concludes, "this confession of the full lordship and the full divine status of Jesus Christ exploded overnight and was shared by all christians. It shows up everywhere in the new testament, even in places one might not expect. It was the air they breathed."

[Jeremiah Vanderwall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Lanier brought up problems that I didn’t even know existed and then dealt with them so gracefully. He shows the ways that Jesus the Son of God is not only mentioned but also working in the Old Testament. I also loved how he showed the ways in which the disciples adjusted their own interpretation of the OT. Lanier’s knowledge of the Greek grammar and semantic range is so helpful and he explains everything in a way that is so understandable.

Very well written and such good information!

[Coalición por el Evangelio]

La divinidad de Jesucristo ha sido objeto de estudio desde los inicios de la iglesia, pero aún hoy podemos seguir reflexionando en esta doctrina esencial. Por eso resulta tan valioso el libro «¿Es Jesús realmente Dios?: Cómo la Biblia enseña la divinidad de Cristo» (B&H en español, 2021), de Greg Lanier. Quizá te preguntes: Si ya se ha escrito mucho sobre la divinidad de Cristo, ¿qué trae a la mesa el autor de este libro? Su preparación teológica especializada en cristología temprana, mesianismo judío, canon bíblico y estudios sobre la Septuaginta, lo capacitan para ayudar a la Iglesia a responder a las preguntas sobre esta doctrina de primer orden.

Lee la reseña completa en Coalición por el Evangelio.

[Josh Olds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is Jesus Truly God? This is possibly the most important question that could ever be asked. Indeed, the whole of the Christian faith hinges upon how this question is answered. Every other religion as their gurus and good teachers, their important figures and founders. Christianity’s claim is different. Not only is Jesus the Christ—the Messiah—but he is also divine. Jesus is God Himself.

This is an incredible claim. His claim to Godhood is the central reason that he was killed (Jn. 10:33). The Jewish leaders hated his teachings and disliked his power and authority, but this claim that they did not understand and could not allow. Almost every religion will agree that Christ was a good teacher. He seems to make his way into other religions as if all people from all faith backgrounds must reckon with his existence. So is he truly God? Greg Lanier, building on the creedal Christology of the early church, develops six different arguments for Christ’s divinity.

My one criticism of this book isn’t its theology, but its tone. I’m not quite sure who the audience is supposed to be. The tone is academic enough that it may scare off the average lay reader, but the content is fairly standard and rudimentary. The problem in dealing with such a foundational part of Christianity is that whatever you have to say, it’s been said a million times. And if you stray from what’s been said a million times, there’s a fair chance you’re very, very wrong.

So then we have two options. Either we become very thorough and nuanced—really play it up as an academic treatise—or we reiterate the basics and find some manner in which to relate this information in a specific context. This book sort of splits the two, talking about Christology in fairly basic overview but yet being rather academic in the process. I suppose it could be a good introduction to academic theology, I just wonder how narrow that niche is. Or, perhaps, I underestimate the desires of the average reader. I say all of this just so you know that this isn’t a simple “pastor’s book.” It’s a bit deeper and more robust than that.

The six areas that Lanier discusses are

The preincarnate Christ
The Father-Son relationship
Seeing Christ in the OT
Christ worshipped as God in the early church
Christ as part of the Trinity
Calling Jesus “theos” (Greek for God)
I think the most unique and, therefore, strongest aspect of the book is this final chapter, where Lanier deals specifically with the claim that Jesus is never explicitly referred to as God in the New Testament. Lanier takes seven clear instances (Titus 2:13; 2 Peter 1:1; Hebrews 1:8; 1 John 5:19-20; John 1:1,10:33, 20:28) and five debated instances (John 1:18, Acts 20:28, Galatians 2:20, 1 Timothy 3:16. Romans 9:5) and outlines the use of theos in those passages as it refers to Jesus.

Overall, Is Jesus Truly God? is a firm and clear explanation of Trinitarian Christology. With precision and brevity, Lanier presents the Messiah Jesus as the divine God.

[Kenson Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knowing about our Lord Jesus Christ, is a subject in which christians must invest much of our time and all our interest. Usually books on Christology are quite technical, but this book entitled "Is Jesus Truly God?" It's a great introduction to who Jesus is, but particularly his divinity.

Dr. Lanier starts from a very important concept within Christology, such as preexistence, also considering the Son in the Trinity, and what the Old Testament announces about him, and how all the Scriptures affirm that Jesus is the truly the Son of God.

This book makes a great contribution in the midst of a time in which skepticism and very harmful theological currents are influencing not only society but also some Christian communities. Many are wondering about the identity of Jesus and if he is truly divine.

In addition, the reader should consider that this book is not merely an informative book, but also contributes to rethinking our lives as believers in light of the testimony of the Scriptures. Bible school teachers and pastors will greatly benefit from this book to make even more accurate expositions about Christ as our divine savior.

It should be noted that the book makes reference to important theological works that the reader can also consult for a better reading. The writing style is clear, enjoyable and understandable.

Do you want to know what the Scriptures say about Jesus as God? This book can be a supplement to your search.

I received this book for free from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review for the book.

[Jacob Schwander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an important thorough book on must-needed theology. I was really blown away by the detail presented in this book and the hope and impact it should have on many believers. Sadly our understanding of important key theological topics has started to dwindle. Christianity has started to prioritize other things instead of equipping and soaking ourselves in what God’s word reveals. Theology is so important. We must grasp these truths about Christ and we must believe that scripture affirms these too. Loved this quote “The Son of God manifested in the flesh of Jesus Christ can be considered really and truly God, in the way later formalized in the creeds, only if he is and always has been the “one God” of Israel disclosed in the Old Testament. He could not become this; he had to always be this. And that is precisely what the New Testament authors labor to convey in reading the Old Testament afresh in this direction.”

Also loved this too. “It is no exaggeration to say that Jesus’s earthly identity and ministry cannot be understood in any other way than thoroughly Trinitarian. What makes this all the more compelling is how the Gospel authors never stop to explain the Trinity—they just assume it.”

Loved this book.

[E · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is fine, though of course the topic couldn't be any more germane to the cosmos. Lanier aims to mine the insights of deeper books while being accessible to any reader. He mostly succeeds, though he suddenly jumps into the theological deep end every now and then (which, come to think of, the typical "lay reader" should probably do once and a while! come on in, the water's fine). In the book Lanier provides a solid defense of a positive answer to his title question. My only quibble would be how he deals with the NT's citations of OT passages applied to Christ. I don't think Lanier and I read the OT in quite the same way. Why people insist on writing such sentences as, "Psalm 16 wasn't really written about David"? Oh really? Try explaining that one to its psalmist. But nevertheless, a good piece of work that you can hand out to your doubting friends and also read yourself to shore up your own understanding of this most critical of topics.

[Kendall Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent lay-level summary of some insights of the recent scholarship in this area. I found some of Lanier’s exegesis strained. For example, he sometimes seems to assume that the only options are that these texts can be read as saying that Jesus is merely a man or that he is the divine second person of the Trinity. But there are many (such as Arius) who would read these texts in neither way. Lanier fails to respond to such positions. Furthermore, I thought that his doctrinal approach left much to be desired. I don’t think he frames the issue well or explains well what he means in calling Jesus “fully divine.” He has a tendency to treat divinity as a general ontological class that happens to be occupied by only three entities. His Trinitarian theology is relatively simplistic as well. It only comes into the analysis fairly late and strikes me as as a bit tri-theist.

[Peter Stonecipher · Rating 4 out of 5]

While some of Lanier's arguments for Jesus' divinity are well-known, his exploration of less explicit biblical statements and grammatical nuances are the value of this work. Helpfully walks the line between scholarly and accessible to the lay person.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really solid exploration of the way Scripture speaks of Christ's Divinity. Somewhat technical, it seems like it would be a helpful book for a college student coming out of mormonism or Islam or another religion that has a less than divine Jesus.

[Whit Dabney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good research and use of scripture to prove his points while also understanding there is not true telling of the belief we as Christians hold about the trinity but giving every bit of evidence of suggestion that it is very much true!

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent starting point to explore some of the ways in which the New Testament conceptualizes the divinity of Jesus. Review to follow.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was nothing really new for me here. But I am glad I found a simple work I can bring people in my congregation through to defend the deity of Christ.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good little book. It is laser-focused on its subject, concisely deals with lots of Scripture, and would be a welcome slim volume in any serious Christian’s library.

[Danielle Camorlinga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply presented and brief, this is a great intro or refresher to the Biblical basis for Christ’s divinity.

[David West · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written, concise treatment of the relevant issues and passages. Highly recommend.

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little wooden, but good primer on how to read Christologically in a variety of ways.

[Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short book that packs a punch. The biblical data leaves Christians with no other safe conclusion… Jesus is YHWH. We may never have thought it up on our own, but God has revealed Himself as triune.

[Adam Balshan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars [Theology]
(W 2.94, U 3.2, T 2.67)
Exact rating: 2.94