The World English Bible (WEB) is a translation which primarily uses the Majority Text (MT), otherwise known as the Byzantine text, in its translation of the New Testament (NT). As the name itself suggests, the MT is based on the majority of the extant Greek manuscripts of the individual books of the NT. In light of this fact, I have chosen to quote passages from the WEB where the essential Deity of the Lord Jesus is affirmed and proclaimed.

PASSAGES WHERE CHRIST IS IDENTIFIED AS THE OMNIPRESENT GOD AND LORD/YAHWEH FROM HEAVEN

“For to us a child is born. To us a son is given; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, on David’s throne, and on his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from that time on, even forever. The zeal of Yahweh of Armies will perform this.” Isaiah 9:6-7 – cf. 10:20-21; Deuteronomy 10:17; Nehemiah 9:32; Psalm 24:8; Jeremiah 32:18

“Behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that I will raise to David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely; and this is his name by which he shall be called: Yahweh our righteousness.” Jeremiah 23:5-6

“No one has ascended into heaven, but he who descended out of heaven, the Son of Man, who is in heaven.” John 3:13

“Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen, and have believed.’” John 20:28-29

Compare Thomas’ confessions with the words of David:

“Wake up! Rise up to defend me, my God! My Lord, contend for me!” Psalm 35:23

Other passages where Christ is explicitly called God and identified as the Lord of/from heaven, i.e. Yahweh, include the following:

“Take heed, therefore, to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of the Lord and God which he purchased with his own blood.” Acts 20:28

“who are Israelites; whose is the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service, and the promises; of whom are the fathers, and from whom is Christ as concerning the flesh, who is over all, God, blessed forever. Amen.” Romans 9:4-5

“So also it is written, ‘The first man, Adam, became a living soul.’ The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. However that which is spiritual isn’t first, but that which is natural, then that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, made of dust. The second man is the Lord from heaven.” 1 Corinthians 15:45-47

“Without controversy, the mystery of godliness is great: God was revealed in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, and received up in glory.” 1 Timothy 3:16

“looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works.” Titus 2:13-14

“Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained a like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ:” 2 Peter 1:1

“For there are certain men who crept in secretly, even those who were long ago written about for this condemnation: ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into indecency, and denying our only Master, God, and Lord, Jesus Christ (ton monon despoten Theon kai Kyrion hemon Iesoun Christon).” Jude 1:4

This passage (along with the previous two) employ(s) a Greek grammatical construction where all three descriptive nouns, e.g., Master, God and Lord, describe the Person of Christ. The following textual note, though addressing the reading found in versions that are based on the earlier Greek witnesses, explains what this rule is and how it impacts our understanding of the Deity of the Lord Jesus:

tc Most later witnesses (P Ψ M sy) have θεόν (theon, “God”) after δεσπότην(despotēn, “master”), which appears to be a motivated reading in that it explicitly links “Master” to “God” in keeping with the normal NT pattern (see Luke 2:29; Acts 4:24; 2 Tim 2:21; Rev 6:10). In patristic Greek, δεσπότης(despotēs) was used especially of God (cf. BDAG 220 s.v. 1.b.). The earlier and better witnesses (P א A B C 0251 33 81 323 1241 1739 al co) lack θεόν; the shorter reading is thus preferred on both internal and external grounds.

sn The Greek term for Master (δεσπότης, despotēs) is the same term the author of 2 Peter used (2 Pet 2:1) to describe his Lord when he prophesied about these false teachers. Since δεσπότης is used only ten times in the NT, the verbal connection between these two books at this juncture is striking. This is especially so since both Peter and Jude speak of these false teachers as denying the Master (both using the same verb). The basic difference is that Peter is looking to the future, while Jude is arguing that these false teachers are here now.

tn The terms “Master and Lord” both refer to the same person. The construction in Greek is known as the Granville Sharp rule, named after the English philanthropist-linguist who first clearly articulated the rule in 1798. Sharp pointed out that in the construction article-noun-καί-noun (where καί[kai] = “and”), when two nouns are singular, personal, and common (i.e., not proper names), they always had the same referent. Illustrations such as “the friend and brother,” “the God and Father,” etc. abound in the NT to prove Sharp’s point. For more discussion see ExSyn 270-78. See also Titus 2:13 and 2 Pet 1:1. (NET Bible https://netbible.org/bible/Jude+1; underline emphasis ours)

Even though there are three nouns, instead of two, the rule nonetheless still applies. We, thus, have a text of inspired Scripture where the risen Christ is identified as the the only Master, God and Lord that a true believer (and every other person for that matter) has and trusts in!

And here are the NET notes for Titus 2:13 and 2 Peter 1:1:

tn The terms “God and Savior” both refer to the same person, Jesus Christ. This is one of the clearest statements in the NT concerning the deity of Christ. The construction in Greek is known as the Granville Sharp rule, named after the English philanthropist-linguist who first clearly articulated the rule in 1798. Sharp pointed out that in the construction article-noun-καί-noun (where καί [kai] = “and”), when two nouns are singular, personal, and common (i.e., not proper names), they always had the same referent. Illustrations such as “the friend and brother,” “the God and Father,” etc. abound in the NT to prove Sharp’s point. The only issue is whether terms such as “God” and “Savior” could be considered common nouns as opposed to proper names. Sharp and others who followed (such as T. F. Middleton in his masterful The Doctrine of the Greek Article) demonstrated that a proper name in Greek was one that could not be pluralized. Since both “God” (θεός, theos) and “savior” (σωτήρ, sōtēr) were occasionally found in the plural, they did not constitute proper names, and hence, do fit Sharp’s rule. Although there have been 200 years of attempts to dislodge Sharp’s rule, all attempts have been futile. Sharp’s rule stands vindicated after all the dust has settled. For more information on Sharp’s rule see ExSyn 270-78, esp. 276. See also 2 Pet 1:1 and Jude 4. (https://netbible.org/bible/Titus+2; underline emphasis ours)

tn The terms “God and Savior” both refer to the same person, Jesus Christ. This is one of the clearest statements in the NT concerning the deity of Christ. The construction in Greek is known as the Granville Sharp rule, named after the English philanthropist-linguist who first clearly articulated the rule in 1798. Sharp pointed out that in the construction article-noun-καί-noun (where καί [kai] = “and”), when two nouns are singular, personal, and common (i.e., not proper names), they always had the same referent. Illustrations such as “the friend and brother,” “the God and Father,” etc. abound in the NT to prove Sharp’s point. In fact, the construction occurs elsewhere in 2 Peter, strongly suggesting that the author’s idiom was the same as the rest of the NT authors’ (cf., e.g., 1:11 [“the Lord and Savior”], 2:20 [“the Lord and Savior”]). The only issue is whether terms such as “God” and “Savior” could be considered common nouns as opposed to proper names. Sharp and others who followed (such as T. F. Middleton in his masterful The Doctrine of the Greek Article) demonstrated that a proper name in Greek was one that could not be pluralized. Since both “God” (θεός, theos) and “savior” (σωτήρ, sōtēr) were occasionally found in the plural, they did not constitute proper names, and hence, do fit Sharp’s rule. Although there have been 200 years of attempts to dislodge Sharp’s rule, all attempts have been futile. Sharp’s rule stands vindicated after all the dust has settled. For more information on the application of Sharp’s rule to 2 Pet 1:1, see ExSyn 272, 276-77, 290. See also Titus 2:13 and Jude 4. (https://netbible.org/bible/2+Peter+1; underline emphasis ours)

PASSAGES WHERE CHRIST IS WORSHIPED 

In the following passages, Christ is worshiped in contexts where he is either performing functions which the OT attributes to Yahweh alone, i.e. walking on water, calming the storm, healing the blind etc., or in recognition of his being the unique Son of God and sovereign Creation and Sustainer of the whole creation.

“‘Where is he who is born King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east, and have come to worship him.’… He sent them to Bethlehem, and said, ‘Go and search diligently for the young child. When you have found him, bring me word, so that I also may come and worship him.’… They came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Opening their treasures, they offered to him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:2, 8, 11

“Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat, and to go ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. After he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain by himself to pray. When evening had come, he was there alone. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, distressed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It’s a ghost!’ and they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying ‘Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid.’ Peter answered him and said, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters.’ He said, ‘Come!’ Peter stepped down from the boat, and walked on the waters to come to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was strong, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got up into the boat, the wind ceased. Those who were in the boat came and worshiped him, saying, ‘You are truly the Son of God!’” Matthew 14:22-33

“But she came and worshiped him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.’” Matthew 15:25

“As they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, ‘Rejoice!’ They came and took hold of his feet, and worshiped him.” Matthew 28:9

“Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and finding him, he said, ‘Do you believe in the Son of God?’ He answered, “Who is he, Lord, that I may believe in him?’ Jesus said to him, ‘You have both seen him, and it is he who speaks with you.’ He said, ‘Lord, I believe!’ and he worshiped him.” John 9:35-38

These next passages are truly remarkable:

“and what is the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to that working of the strength of his might which he worked in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places, FAR ABOVE ALL rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in that which is to come. He put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things for the assembly, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.” Ephesians 1:19-23

“Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is ABOVE EVERY NAME; that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11

“God, having in the past spoken to the fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, has at the end of these days spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds. His Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purified us of our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high… When he again brings in the firstborn into the world he says, ‘Let all the angels of God worship him.’ Of the angels he says, Who makes his angels winds, and his servants a flame of fire.’ But of the Son he says, ‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your Kingdom. You have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.’ And, ‘You, Lord [the Son], in the beginning, laid the foundation of the earth. The heavens are the works of your hands. They will perish, but you continue. They all will grow old like a garment does. You will roll them up like a mantle, and they will be changed; but you are the same. Your years will not fail.’ But which of the angels has he told at any time, ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet?’” Hebrews 1:1-3, 6-13

Remarkably, Jesus is worshiped and glorified in the exact same way that Yahweh God is worshiped in the Hebrew Bible, and for the same exact reason!

For instance, Yahweh is worshiped by the angelic hosts for being the Creator and Sustainer who preserves all creation:

“Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, ‘Stand up and bless Yahweh your God from everlasting to everlasting! Blessed be your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise! You are Yahweh, even you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their army, the earth and all things that are on it, the seas and all that is in them, and you preserve them all. The army of heaven worships you.’” Nehemiah 9:5-6

Furthermore, it is Yahweh and his name alone that are exalted far above all creation:

“that they may know that you ALONE, whose name is Yahweh, are the Most High over all the earth.” Psalm 83:18

“For you, Yahweh, are most high above all the earth. You are exalted far above all gods.” Psalm 97:9

“Who is like Yahweh, our God, who has his seat on high,” Psalm 113:5

“let them praise Yahweh’s name, for his name ALONE is exalted. His glory is above the earth and the heavens.” Psalm 148:13

As if this weren’t shocking enough, both Philippians and Hebrews ascribe the following OT references, where Yahweh is described as the unchanging Creator and Sustainer of all creation, before whom every knee and tongue confesses in worship,

“Hear my prayer, Yahweh! Let my cry come to you… But you, Yahweh, will remain forever; your renown endures to all generations… Of old, you laid the foundation of the earth. The heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will endure. Yes, all of them will wear out like a garment. You will change them like a cloak, and they will be changed. But you are the same. Your years will have no end.” Psalm 102:1, 12, 25-27

“I have sworn by myself. The word has gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and will not be revoked, that to me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall take an oath.” Isaiah 45:23

To the risen Lord of glory!

What’s more, John depicts every creature in the entire creation granting Jesus the same exact worship that they give to God!

“Now when he had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. They sang a new song, saying, ‘You are worthy to take the book, and to open its seals: for you were killed, and bought us for God with your blood, out of every tribe, language, people, and nation, and made us kings and priests to our God, and we will reign on earth.’ I saw, and I heard something like a voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousands of ten thousands, and thousands of thousands; saying with a loud voice, ‘Worthy is the Lamb who has been killed to receive the power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing!’ I heard EVERY CREATED THING which is in heaven, on the earth, under the earth, on the sea, AND EVERYTHING IN THEM, saying, ‘To him who sits on the throne, AND TO THE LAMB be the blessing, the honor, the glory, and the dominion, forever and ever! Amen!’ The four living creatures said, ‘Amen!’ The elders fell down and worshiped.”

The fact that John differentiates Jesus from every created being in existence, and has every creature worshiping Christ in the same exact way that they worship the One on the throne, affirms that the risen Lord is no mere creature, but is the uncreated Son of God who is one with the Father in essence and glory!

Could there be any doubt that the God-breathed Scriptures identify Jesus as Yahweh God Almighty in the flesh, even though he is not the Father or the Holy Spirit?

PASSAGES WHERE CHRIST IS INVOKED IN PRAYER

“Whatever you will ask in my name, that will I DO, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you will ask anything in my name, I WILL DO IT.” John 14:13-14

“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. This is the boldness which we have toward HIM, that, if we ask anything according to HIS will, he listens to us. And if we know that HE listens to us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions which we have asked of HIM.”

“They stoned Stephen as he called out, saying, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!’ He kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, ‘Lord, don’t hold this sin against them!’ When he had said this, he fell asleep.” Acts 7:59-60

“But Ananias answered, ‘Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he did to your saints at Jerusalem. Here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.’… Immediately in the synagogues he proclaimed the Christ, that he is the Son of God. All who heard him were amazed, and said, “Isn’t this he who in Jerusalem made havoc of those who called on this name? And he had come here intending to bring them bound before the chief priests!’” Acts 9:13-14, 20-21

“to the assembly of God which is at Corinth; those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both theirs and ours:” 1 Corinthians 1:2

Astonishingly, not only is Jesus invoked by his followers but he also does things from heaven, which the Hebrew says only Yahweh does!

For instance, it is Yahweh who hears prayers, and it is his name alone that believers are to call upon:

“He left from there to go to the mountain on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to Yahweh and called on Yahweh’s name.” Genesis 12:8

“Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and called there on the name of Yahweh, the Everlasting God.” Genesis 21:33

“You who hear prayer, to you all men will come.” Psalm 65:2

“Exalt Yahweh our God. Worship at his footstool. He is Holy! Moses and Aaron were among his priests, Samuel among those who call on his name; they called on Yahweh, and he answered them. He spoke to them in the pillar of cloud. They kept his testimonies, the statute that he gave them.” Psalm 99:5-7 – cf. 116:1-4, 13, 17; 145:18

“You shall call on me, and you shall go and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:12 – cf. Joel 2:32

Yahweh is also the One who receives the spirits of human beings when they die since he is the One who gave them their spirits in the first place:

“Into your hand I commend my spirit. You redeem me, Yahweh, God of truth.” Psalm 31:5

“and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.” Ecclesiastes

The foregoing should it make it clear to the readers that no matter what manuscript a person reads or translates from, the uniform testimony of all the extant copies of the Holy Bible in all of its various languages is that Jesus Christ is God Almighty in the flesh, who is one with the Father and the Holy Spirit in glory, power and honor.

 

 

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