JWS, JESUS & THE MIGHTY GOD

The Book of Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah is the Mighty God who will be born as a Child:  

“However, the gloom will not be as when the land had distress, as in former times when the land of Zebʹu·lun and the land of Naphʹta·li were treated with contempt. But at a later time He will cause it to be honored—the way by the sea, in the region of the Jordan, Galʹi·lee of the nations. The people who were walking in the darkness Have seen a great light. As for those dwelling in the land of deep shadow, Light has shone on them… For a child has been born to us, A son has been given to us; And the rulership will rest on his shoulder. His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God (el gibbor), Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. To the increase of his rulership And to peace, there will be no end, On the throne of David and on his kingdom In order to establish it firmly and to sustain it Through justice and righteousness, From now on and forever. The zeal of Jehovah of armies will do this.” Isaiah 9:1-2, 6-7 – Cf. Matt. 4:12-17; Luke 1:26-43, 79

The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of the Jehovah’s Witnesses admit that Jesus is being described as the Mighty God in this prophetic text. However, the Society seeks to undermine the implication this has by stating that Jesus is never identified as the Almighty God.

Here’s what they write in respect to this point:

“Mighty God” and “Eternal Father”

25. What does the name “Mighty God” tell us about the heavenly Jesus?

25 Jesus is also “Mighty God” and “Eternal Father.” This does not mean that he usurps the authority and position of Jehovah, who is “God our Father.” (2 Corinthians 1:2) “He [Jesus] . . . gave no consideration to a seizure, namely, that he should be equal to God.” (Philippians 2:6) He is called Mighty God, not Almighty God. Jesus never thought of himself as God Almighty, for he spoke of his Father as “the only true God,” that is, the only God who should be worshiped. (John 17:3; Revelation 4:11) In the Scriptures, the word “god” can mean “mighty one” or “strong one.” (Exodus 12:12; Psalm 8:5; 2 Corinthians 4:4) Before Jesus came to earth, he was “a god,” “existing in God’s form.” After his resurrection, he returned to an even higher position in the heavens. (John 1:1; Philippians 2:6-11) Further, the designation “god” carries an additional implication. Judges in Israel were called “gods”​—once by Jesus himself. (Psalm 82:6; John 10:35) Jesus is Jehovah’s appointed Judge, “destined to judge the living and the dead.” (2 Timothy 4:1; John 5:30) Clearly, he is well named Mighty God.

26. Why can Jesus be called “Eternal Father”?

26 The title “Eternal Father” refers to the Messianic King’s power and authority to give humans the prospect of eternal life on earth. (John 11:25, 26) The legacy of our first parent, Adam, was death. Jesus, the last Adam, “became a life-giving spirit.” (1 Corinthians 15:22, 45; Romans 5:12, 18) Just as Jesus, the Eternal Father, will live forever, so obedient mankind will enjoy the benefits of his fatherhood eternally.​—Romans 6:9. (Isaiah’s Prophecy—Light for All Mankind, Chapter Ten The Promise of a Prince of Peace, pp. 130-131 https://www.jw.org/en/library/books/Isaiahs-Prophecy-Light-for-All-Mankind-I/The-Promise-of-a-Prince-of-Peace/)

There are several problems with the arguments set forth by the Society.

First, the biblical doctrine of the Trinity does not teach that Jesus usurps the authority and position of Jehovah God the Father. Rather, the Trinity teaches that Jesus is one with the Father in essence, and therefore equal with him in authority and position.

Second, nowhere do Jesus and the inspired NT writings ever deny that the Son is the Almighty God. This is nothing more than an argument from silence.

Moreover, Jesus’ affirmation that the Father is the only true God isn’t a rejection of his also being the true God, but a contrast between the One who is God from those beings who are wrongly worshiped as such.

The teachings of Christ and his Spirit-filled followers are clear that the Son is essentially coequal with the Father and the Spirit. As such, this means that the Father is the only true God in union with–not in opposition to–his Son and Spirit (Cf. John 1:1-4, 9-10, 14; 10:27-33; 1 John 1:1-3; 5:20-21; Jude 1:4). I will have more to say in regards to this a little later.

This brings me to my next point.

In the very next chapter, the prophet Isaiah went on to identify Jehovah as the Mighty God:

“In that day those remaining of Israel And the survivors of the house of Jacob Will no longer support themselves on the one who struck them; But they will support themselves on Jehovah, The Holy One of Israel, with faithfulness. Only a remnant will return, The remnant of Jacob, to the Mighty God (el gibbor).” Isaiah 10:20-21

The prophet also hammers the point of there being no other god besides Jehovah God:

“Hez·e·kiʹah took the letters out of the hand of the messengers and read them. Hez·e·kiʹah then went up to the house of Jehovah and spread them out before Jehovah.  And Hez·e·kiʹah began to pray to Jehovah and say: ‘O Jehovah of armies, the God of Israel, sitting enthroned above the cherubs, you alone are the true God (ha elohim) of all the kingdoms of the earth. You made the heavens and the earth. Incline your ear, O Jehovah, and hear! Open your eyes, O Jehovah, and see! Hear all the words that Sen·nachʹer·ib has sent to taunt the living God. It is a fact, O Jehovah, that the kings of As·syrʹi·a have devastated all the lands, as well as their own land. And they have thrown their gods into the fire, because they were not gods but the work of human hands, wood and stone. That is why they could destroy them. But now, O Jehovah our God, save us out of his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone are God, O Jehovah.’” Isaiah 37:14-20

“‘You are my witnesses,’ declares Jehovah, ‘Yes, my servant whom I have chosen, So that you may know and have faith in me And understand that I am the same One. Before me no God (el) was formed, And after me there has been none. I—I am Jehovah, and besides me there is no savior.’” Isaiah 43:10-11

“This is what Jehovah says, The King of Israeli and his Repurchaser, Jehovah of armies: ‘I am the first and I am the last. There is no God (elohim) but me. Who is there like me? Let him call out and tell it and prove it to me! From the time I established the people of long ago, Let them tell both the things to come And what will yet happen. Do not be in dread, And do not become paralyzed with fear. Have I not told each of you beforehand and declared it? You are my witnesses. Is there any God (eloah) but me? No, there is no other Rock; I know of none.” Isaiah 44:6-8

I am Jehovah, and there is no one else. There is no God (elohim) except me. I will strengthen you, although you did not know me, In order that people may know From the rising of the sun to its setting That there is none besides me. I am Jehovah, and there is no one else… Make your report, present your case. Let them consult together in unity. Who foretold this long ago And declared it from times past? Is it not I, Jehovah? There is no other God (elohim) but me; A righteous God (el) and a Savior, there is none besides me. Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth, For I am God (el), and there is no one else. By myself I have sworn; The word has gone out of my mouth in righteousness, And it will not return: To me every knee will bend, Every tongue will swear loyalty.” Isaiah 45:5-6, 21-23

“Remember the former things of long ago, That I am God (el), and there is no other. I am God (elohim), and there is no one like me. From the beginning I foretell the outcome, And from long ago the things that have not yet been done. I say, ‘My decision will stand, And I will do whatever I please.’ I am calling a bird of prey from the sunrise, From a distant land the man to carry out my decision. I have spoken, and I will bring it about. I have purposed it, and I will also carry it out.” Isaiah 46:9-11

The rest of the inspired Scriptures agree since it denies that there can be any other god by nature:

“Nevertheless, when YOU did not know God, then it was that YOU slaved for those who by nature are not gods (tois physei me ousin theois).” Galatians 4:8 New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (1984 Edition)

Paul is referring to the gods whom the heathen worship which, according to him, are actually demons:

“What then am I saying?—That an idol-sacrifice is anything? Or that an idol is anything? On the contrary—That the things which the nations sacrifice Unto demons and not unto God they sacrifice; And I wish not that ye should become sharers together with the demons! Ye cannot be drinking—a cup of the Lord and a cup of demons; Ye cannot be partaking of a table of the Lord and a table of demons. Or are we to provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we mightier than he?” 1 Corinthians 10:19-22 The Emphasized Bible

According to the Scriptures these demon gods whom the nations served are actually the fallen angels:

“Let all those serving any carved image be ashamed, Those who are making their boast in valueless gods. Bow down to him, all YOU gods. *+” Psalm 97:7

Footnote

“Gods.” Heb., ʼelo·himʹ; LXXSyVg, “his angels.”

Cross References

Exodus 12:12

12  And I must pass through the land of Egypt on this night and strike every firstborn in the land of Egypt, from man to beast; and on all the gods of Egypt I shall execute judgments. I am Jehovah.

Exodus 18:11

11  Now I do know that Jehovah is greater than all the [other] gods by reason of this affair in which they acted presumptuously against them.”

Psalm 86:8

  There is none like you among the gods, O Jehovah, Neither are there any works like yours.

Hebrews 1:6

 But when he again brings his Firstborn into the inhabited earth, he says: “And let all God’s angels do obeisance to him.” (New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (1984 Edition) https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/bi12/books/psalms/97/#v19097007)

Note how the Society itself cross references Hebrews 1:6 to indicate that this is the passage which Paul is quoting from.

What this means is that none of the angelic host are divine in nature, not even the righteous ones among them such as Michael or Gabriel.

Note how this works out logically:

  1. The beings which the Gentiles worshiped are not really gods in nature.
  2. The gods worshiped by the nations are demons.
  3. These demons are the rebellious angelic creatures, which includes Satan.
  4. Therefore, created angelic beings are not gods in an ontological sense.

What this shows is that there is only one true Mighty God in existence, namely, Jehovah. Therefore, Jesus cannot be the Mighty God without being Jehovah, since Jehovah alone is the Mighty God. And since Jehovah is also the Almighty God, this means that Jesus must therefore be Almighty as well!

This is further brought out from the fact that the Scriptures affirm that none of the angelic creatures are like Jehovah or as mighty as he, nor are they capable of doing the works he does in the same manner in which he does them:

There is none like you among the gods (elohim), O Jehovah, There are no works like yours. All the nations that you made Will come and bow down before you, O Jehovah, And they will give glory to your name. For you are great and do wondrous things; You are God (elohim), you alone.” Psalm 86:8-10

“The heavens praise your marvels, O Jehovah, Yes, your faithfulness in the congregation of the holy ones. For who in the skies can compare to Jehovah? Who among the sons of God (bibne elim) is like Jehovah? God is held in awe in the council of holy ones; He is grand and awe-inspiring to all who are around him. O Jehovah God of armies, Who is mighty like you, O Jah? Your faithfulness surrounds you.” Psalm 89:5-8

And yet the God-breathed writings proclaim that Jesus is exactly like the Father since he can do whatever the Father does in the exact same manner in which the Father does them. This even includes creating and sustaining the entire creation!

“For this reason the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things during the Sabbath. But he answered them: ‘My Father has kept working until now, and I keep working.’ This is why the Jews began seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath but he was also calling God his own Father, making himself equal to God. Therefore, in response Jesus said to them: ‘Most truly I say to you, the Son cannot do a single thing of his own initiative, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever things that One does, these things the Son does also in like manner. For the Father has affection for the Son and shows him all the things he himself does, and he will show him works greater than these, so that you may marvel.For just as the Father raises the dead up and makes them alive, so the Son also makes alive whomever he wants to. For the Father judges no one at all, but he has entrusted all the judging to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.’” John 5:17-23

“who delivered you out of the jurisdiction of darkness and transferred you into the kingdom of the Son of his love, in whom we have redemption, the pardon of sins,—Who is image of the invisible God, firstborn of all creation, because in him EVERYTHING was created in the heavens and on earth, the visible and the invisible, be it thrones or lordships or governments or dominions—everything has been created through him and to come to him, and before everything HE IS, and IN HIM everything holds together. And he is the head of the body, the church, he who is the beginning, the firstborn out of the dead, in order that he may take the first place in every respect, because in him all the fullness was pleased to make its home and through him to reconcile everything to him, making peace through the blood of his cross, through him whether it were the things on earth or the things in the heavens,” Colossians 1:13-20 The Bible in Living English

Jesus is further described as being the very exact imprint/representation of the Father’s infinite, uncreated Being:

“Long ago God spoke to our forefathers by means of the prophets on many occasions and in many ways. Now at the end of these days he has spoken to us by means of a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the systems of things. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the EXACT REPRESENTATION of his very being, and HE sustains all things by the word of his power. And after he had made a purification for our sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high… But about the Son, he says… And: ‘At the beginning, O Lord [the Son], you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the works of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; and just like a garment, they will all wear out, and you will wrap them up just as a cloak, as a garment, and they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will never come to an end.’” Hebrews 1:1-3, 8a, 10-12

Remarkably, the inspired Apostle has the Father quoting the following Psalm about Jehovah’s being the unchangeable Creator and Sustainer of all creation,

“A prayer of the oppressed one when he is in despair and pours out his concern before Jehovah. O Jehovah, hear my prayer; Let my cry for help reach you. But you remain forever, O Jehovah, And your fame will endure for all generations… I said: ‘O my God, Do not do away with me in the middle of my life, You whose years span all generations. Long ago you laid the foundations of the earth, And the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; Just like a garment they will all wear out. Just like clothing you will replace them, and they will pass away. But you are the same, and your years will never end.” Psalm 102:1, 12, 24-27  

And attributing it to his Son!

In other words, it is the Father himself who glorifies the Lord Jesus for being that very immutable Creator and Sustainer of the entire creation, thereby identifying Christ as Jehovah God Almighty who became a human being for the salvation of the world!  

Since the Father himself testifies that Jesus is Jehovah this means that the Son is indeed God Almighty. There’s simply no way around this.

To sum up the biblical arguments:

  1. Jesus is the Mighty God.
  2. Only Jehovah is the Mighty God.
  3. Jesus is, therefore, Jehovah God in the flesh (even though he is not the Father or the Spirit).
  4. Jehovah is also the Almighty God.
  5. Therefore, Jesus is the Almighty God since he is Jehovah who became Man.

Unless noted otherwise, all scriptural references taken from The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures.

FURTHER READING

Jesus Christ – The Mighty God: More OT Evidence for the Deity of the Messiah

Jesus as the Mighty God of Isaiah 9:6

Jesus is the Eternal Father but He is not God the Father!

JESUS IS NOT A CREATED ANGEL

JUDAISM’S RAMBAM CONFIRMS: THE MESSIAH IS THE MIGHTY GOD AND GOD’S BEGOTTEN SON!

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