At the heart of the OT faith is the confession that YHWH God is one:

“Hear (Shema), O Israel! Yahweh is our God, Yahweh is one (YHWH echad)!” Deuteronomy 6:4

“And Yahweh will be king over all the earth; in that day Yahweh will be the only one (YHWH echad), and His name one.” Zechariah 14:9

The Jews refer to Deut. 6:4 as the Shema, which is the first word in the verse.

The Greek renders the words YHWH echad as kyrios heis (estin).

“Jesus answered, ‘The foremost is, “Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord (kyrios ho theos hemon kyrios heis estin);”’” Mark 12:29

“And the Lord (kyrios) shall be king over all the earth: in that day there shall be one Lord (kyrios heis), and his name one,” Zecharian 14:9 LXX

What this shows is that a Greek-speaking Jew would be aware that Kyrios heis or its equivalent, namely, heis Kyrios (“one Lord”) are simply the Greek way of saying YHWH echad (“the LORD is one”). As such, no monotheistic Jew could ever apply these words to a mere creature

Yet, remarkably, the first Christians who were predominately Jews ascribed this Greek phrase to the risen and exalted Christ!

Case in point:

“Now about eating food that was offered to false gods: We know that the false gods in this world don’t really exist and that no god exists except the one God (oudeis theos ei me heis). People may say that there are gods in heaven and on earth—many gods and many lords, as they would call them. But for us, ‘There is only one God, the Father (heis theos, ho pater). Everything (ta panta) came from him, and we live for him. There is only one Lord, Jesus Christ (heis kyrios ‘Iesous Christos). Everything (ta panta) came into being through him, and we live because of him.’” 1 Corinthians 8:4-6 GW

It is evident that the earliest Christians took the confession of Deuteronomy 6:4 and split it up in order to include the Son within the identity of YHWH God.

In other words, the first disciples of the risen Lord Christianized the Jewish confession of monotheism in order to describe the Father as the one God and the Son as the one YHWH, which the Shema profess.

As one popular reformed apologist puts it:

We close by looking at our final passage, which has again been presented as if it denies the deity of Christ, when in reality it is beyond understanding outside of that truth:

Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that there is no such thing as an idol in the world, and that there is no God but one. For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him. (1 Corinthians 8:4-6)

Here some wish us to believe that, just like in John 17:3, Paul’s use of the phrase “one God, the Father” excludes Jesus from the realm of deity. Of course, we immediately recognize that there is a real problem here: that’s not all Paul says. If “one God, the Father” is meant to be taken exclusively, then does it not follow that “one Lord, Jesus Christ” also excludes the Father from the realm of Lordship? When we see the distinctive use of the terms “God” and “Lord,” we should realize that the Scriptures are not here introducing a competition or contest between the two. God is just as much Lord as the Lord is God. The two terms are merely being used to describe different Persons in their relationship to one another. They are not being used to say that God is more “Lord” than the Lord is “God.”

But there is something much deeper and glorious in this text that is often missed because we do not hear the words of the New Testament in their ancient context. Paul was a monotheistic Jew, a leader among his people. Each day he, and every Jew like him, repeated the Shema, the prayer that defined the Jewish people. But as an educated Jew, he was able to speak both Hebrew (Aramaic) and Greek, and hence knew the prayer in both languages. Many of his fellow Jews outside of Israel, however, would know it more proficiently in the language of the day, koine Greek. The passage comes from Deuteronomy 6:4: “Hear, O Israel! Yahweh is our God, Yahweh is one!”

But in the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, which was the Bible of the early church, the Septuagint, it reads  

‘Akoue, Israel kyrios ho theos hemon kyrios heis estin

When one reads Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 8:6 with this famous prayer in mind, it is unquestionable that the apostle is purposefully drawing from the famous Shema and, in doing so, modifying it in light of the revelation that has taken place in the Incarnation of the Son! He takes the very words of the verse and expands them. He identifies the Father as theos, and says all things are made from Him and we exist for Him. This would fit with the old form of the Shema. But then he moves right on, takes the very important term kyrios (which in the original represents the divine Name itself, Yahweh), and applies it to Jesus, and says that all things are through Him and we exist through Him! And to make sure no one misses the point, he takes the very same term used in the Shema to affirm monotheism, the important Hebrew term we looked at previously, echad, rendered in the Septuagint as heis, and applies it to both the Father and the Son (one God, one Lord). Here, the apostle expands the definitional prayer of the Old Covenant people of God in light of the New Covenant revelation of the Son, all the while protecting and maintaining the assertion of monotheism. And he does it plainly with the understanding that his audience, the believers in Corinth, already know and understand this revelation!

Surely here we see how the New Testament is not seeking to reveal something new called the Trinity, but is written with this divine truth already as the common possession of the people of God.    

In conclusion, Warfield expressed it very clearly when he wrote,

In the very act of asserting his monotheism Paul takes our Lord up into this unique Godhead. “There is no God but one,” he roundly asserts, and then illustrates and proves this assertion by remarking that the heathen may have “gods many, and lords many,” but “to us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we unto him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and we through him” (I Cor. vii. 6). Obviously, this “one God, the Father,” and “one Lord, Jesus Christ,” are embraced together in the one God who alone is. Paul’s conception of the one God, whom alone he worships, includes, in other words, a recognition that within the unity of His being, there exists such a distinction of Persons as is given us in the “one God, the Father” and the “one Lord, Jesus Christ.”⁴⁷ (James R. White, The Forgotten Trinity: Recovering the Heart of Christian Belief [Bethany House Publishers, Grand Rapids, MI 2019], 5. Jesus Christ: God in Human Flesh, pp. 91-93; bold emphasis mine)

The following chart contrasts the Greek of Deuteronomy 6:4 with that of the Greek of 1 Cor. 8:6 in order to help the readers see this connection between YHWH and Jesus.  

“our God (ho theos hemon)”   “The Lord… is one Lord (kyrios… kyrios heis estin).”

“and that there is no God but one (oudeis theos ei me heis)… one God, the Father (heis theos ho pater).”   “one Lord Jesus Christ (heis kyrios ‘Iesous Christos).”

That Jesus is being described as the one YHWH can be further demonstrated from the fact that 1 Cor. 8:6 teaches that the Father created all things by the agency of Christ:

“yet for us there is only one God, the Father, from whom everything came into being and for whom we live. And there is only one Lord, Jesus the Messiah, through whom everything came into being and through whom we live.” 1 Corinthians 8:6 ISV

Here are a few more translations of this very important text:

“to us there is only one God, the Father, from whom everything comes, and for who we live. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom everything exists, and by whom we ourselves are alive” PHILLIPS

“But for us, ‘There is only one God, the Father. Everything came from him, and we live for him. There is only one Lord, Yeshua Christ. Everything came into being through him, and we live because of him.’” NOG

“But we know there is only one God. He is the Father. All things are from Him. He made us for Himself. There is one Lord. He is Jesus Christ. He made all things. He keeps us alive.” NLV

“But for us, There is one God, the Father, by whom all things were created, and for whom we live. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created, and through whom we live.” NLT

Now the only way that the Father could have created all things by the Lord Jesus is if Christ was already existing alongside of him before the creation ever came into being. This in turn would require the Son to be an uncreated divine Person who is separate and distinct from every created thing.

In fact, the Hebrew Scriptures emphatically insist that YHWH alone created and sustains all things:

“You alone are Yahweh. You have made the heavens, The heaven of heavens with all their host, The earth and all that is on it, The seas and all that is in them. You give life to all of them And the heavenly host bows down to You.” Nehemiah 9:6

Thus says Yahweh, your Redeemer, and the one who formed you from the womb, ‘I, Yahweh, am the maker of all things, Stretching out the heavens by Myself And spreading out the earth all ALONE,’” Isaiah 44:24

“Who ALONE stretches out the heavens, And tramples down the waves of the sea;” Job 9:8

“It is I who made the earth and created man upon it. I stretched out the heavens with My hands, And I commanded all their host… For thus says Yahweh, who created the heavens (He is the God who formed the earth and made it; He established it and did not create it a formless place, but formed it to be inhabited), ‘I am Yahweh, and there is none else.’” Isaiah 45:12, 18

This next one is quite interesting,

“Hear Me, O Jacob, even Israel whom I called; I am He, I am the first, I am also the last. Also, My hand founded the earth, And My right hand spread out the heavens; When I call to them, they stand together.” Isaiah 48:12-13

Since in the book of Revelation, it is Jesus who describes himself as that very First and Last!

“And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, ‘Do not fear; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forever and ever, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.’” Revelation 1:17-18

1 Cor 8:6 isn’t the only passage which speaks of Christ creating and preserving all creation:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men… There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens everyone. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him… And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:1-4, 9-10, 14

“Who rescued us from the authority of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For in Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and FOR Him. And He IS before all things, And in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church; Who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.” Colossians 1:13-18

“God, having spoken long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, 2 in these last days spoke to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds, who is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power; who, having accomplished cleansing for sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high… And, ‘You, Lord, in the beginning founded the earth, And the heavens are the works of Your hands; They will perish, but You remain; And they all will wear out like a garment, And like a mantle You will roll them up; Like a garment they will also be changed. But You are the same, And Your years will not come to an end.’” Hebrews 1:1-3, 10-12

Remarkably, Hebrews has the Father glorifying Christ with the words of the following Psalm, which describes YHWH as the immutable Creator and Sustainer of creation!

A Prayer of the afflicted when he is faint and pours out his complaint before Yahweh. O Yahweh, hear my prayer! And let my cry for help come to You… But You, O Yahweh, abide forever, And the remembrance of Your name from generation to generation… Of old You founded the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. Even they will perish, but You will remain; And all of them will wear out like a garment; Like clothing You will change them and they will be changed. But You are the same, And Your years will not come to an end.” Psalm 102:1, 12, 25-27

This merely reinforces the fact of Jesus being that very YHWH God confessed in the Shema, even though he is not the Father or the Holy Spirit.

And since YHWH is uncreated by nature, having no beginning or end,

“A Prayer of Moses, the man of God. Lord, You have been our dwelling place from generation to generation. 2 Before the mountains were born Or You brought forth the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.” Psalm 90:1-2

“Your throne is established from of old; You are from everlasting.” Psalm 93:2

“But the lovingkindness of Yahweh is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children,” Psalm 103:17

“Are You not from everlasting, O Yahweh, my God, my Holy One? We will not die. You, O Yahweh, have placed them to judge; And You, O Rock, have established them to reprove.” Habakkuk 1:12

Jesus, therefore, has no beginning to existence and his years will never end since he is that one YHWH God who became a human being for the salvation of his creation.

Unless noted otherwise, biblical citations taken from the Legacy Standard Bible (LSB).

FURTHER READING

Paul says there is only one God, and that is the Father, this means that Jesus is not God

The Christianization of the OT Shema

The Christian Shema: Confessing Jesus as Yahweh God the Son

THE CHRISTIAN SHEMA

JESUS CHRIST: THE ONE LORD OF THE SHEMA

JESUS: THE ONE AND ONLY ADONAY YHWH

The Use of Exclusive Language and the Deity of Christ [Part 1]

Jesus – The Shema’s One Lord [Part 1], [Part 2], [Addendum]

The Binitarian Nature of the Shema [Part 1]

In John 10:34-36 the Lord Jesus quotes Psalm 82:6 where certain judges are called gods in order to expose the duplicity of his opponents for unjustly condemning him of blasphemy for claiming to be one with the Father:

“Jesus answered them: ‘Is it not written in your Law, “I said: ‘You are gods’”? If he called “gods” those against whom the word of God came—and yet the scripture cannot be nullified—do you say to me whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, “You blaspheme,” because I said, “I am God’s Son”?’”

Interestingly, according to the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (WBTS) the “gods” of Psalm 82:6 are human rulers, specifically Israelite judges.

I cite a slew of references from some of the publications churned out by the WBTS where they explicitly acknowledge this point. All emphasis will be mine:  

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. (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/)

10:34

in your Law: Here referring to the entire Hebrew Scriptures, not just to the Law of Moses. The quote that follows is taken from Ps 82:6. “Law” is used in the same sense at Joh 12:34; 15:25.

gods: Or “godlike ones.” Jesus here quotes from Ps 82:6, where the Hebrew word ʼelo·himʹ (gods) is used of men, human judges in Israel. They were “gods” in their capacity as representatives of and spokesmen for God. Similarly, Moses was told that he was to “serve as God” to Aaron and to Pharaoh.​—Ex 4:16, ftn; 7:1, ftn. (John Study Notes—Chapter 10 New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition) https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1001070678)

Among other mighty ones called “gods” in the Bible, is Jesus Christ, who is “the only-begotten god.” But he himself plainly said: “It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.” (John 1:18; Luke 4:8; Deut. 10:20) The angels are “godlike ones,” but one of them stopped John from worshiping him, saying: “Be careful! Do not do that! . . . Worship God.” (Ps. 8:5; Heb. 2:7; Rev. 19:10) Mighty men among the Hebrews were called “gods” (Ps. 82:1-7); but no man was purposed by God to receive worship. When Cornelius began to do obeisance to Peter, that apostle stopped him with the words, “Rise; I myself am also a man.” (Acts 10:25, 26) Certainly the false gods invented and fashioned by men down through the centuries since the rebellion in Eden are not to be worshiped. The Mosaic law warns strongly against turning from Jehovah to them. (Ex. 20:3-5) Jehovah the true God will not forever tolerate rivalry from false, worthless gods.—Jer. 10:10, 11. (Aid to Bible Understanding, God, p. 666)

63. Why did the Jews want to stone Jesus, and what did Jesus quote from the Psalms to show whether they were justified in doing so?

63 In saying this, are we not forgetting John 10:31-39, according to which the Jews wanted to stone Jesus for saying: “I and the Father are one”? No, we are not forgetting. The Jews, who believed in the one God whose name is Jehovah, there wanted to stone Jesus. Why? Not because he taught such a thing as a Trinity and that he was one-third of it, but because he spoke of himself as the Son of God, the Son of their God Jehovah. Jesus said to them with their stones in their hands: “Many good works, from my Father, I have shown you; for which of them do you stone me?” The Jews replied: “It is for no good work that we stone you, but for blasphemy, because you, a man, make yourself god.” (Torrey) Jesus then referred the Jews to their own Holy Scriptures, to Psalm 82:6, and said: “Is it not written in your law, I have said, Ye are gods? If God said, that those to whom he was speaking were gods (and the scripture cannot be annulled), do you accuse of blasphemy him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, because I said, I am the Son of God? If I do not do the works of my Father, do not believe me; but if I do them, even if you believe not me, believe the works, that you may perceive and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.”—Torrey.

64. (a) What did Jesus there argue that he himself was? (b) Who were the ones whom Psalm 82 addressed as “gods”?

64 The very argument of Jesus here proves he did not claim to be God. Had he claimed to be God, then the Jews would have been right in stoning him for blasphemy. But Jesus argues that he claimed to be less than God. To prove this, Jesus quoted to them from Psalm 82, verses 1, 2, 6, 7 (AV) of which read: “God [Elohím] standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods [elohím]. How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? . . . I have said, Ye are gods [elohím]; and all of you are children of the most High. But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.” In this psalm the Most High God speaks to the unjust judges on earth, mere men, and calls them “gods,” or elohím in the Hebrew, and he tells them to correct their legal practice. Because those judges fail of their duty, it becomes necessary for the Most High God to arise and judge the peoples of the earth.

65. Despite their being “gods,” what will happen to those judges and for whose death were such kind of Jewish gods responsible?

65 Their being called “gods” will not save these judges; neither will their considering themselves to be “sons of the Most High” or sons of God. That gives them no immortality. They are still mortal and will die just like other men. They will fall in death just like other judicial princes on earth, and this by the execution of God’s judgment. God’s word was against them in adverse judgment. It was human gods like these, among the Jews, that caused Jesus to be put to death at the hands of the Romans.—Ex. 22:28, AV; Dy.

66, 67. What did Jesus not claim to be, and what did he not say to the Jews about his Father and himself?

66 Jesus told those who wanted to stone him that he had not claimed to be God or a god, even though Psalm 82:6 had called some men, some Israelite judges, “gods.” Jesus had been speaking to the Jews about God as being his Father, which would mean that he, Jesus, was the Son of God. Jesus said to them: “No one will snatch them [my sheep] out of my hand. What my Father has given me is something greater than all other things, and no one can snatch them out of the hand of the Father. I and the Father are one.”

67 After Jesus said that, his very argument that followed proved that he was not claiming to be God, nor was he saying that he and his heavenly Father were one God, a trinitarian God in which he and his Father were two Persons along with a third Person, “God the Holy Ghost.” Jesus did not say, I and the Father and the Holy Ghost are one. He mentioned no “Holy Ghost.”—John 10:28-30.

68. Using Psalm 82:6, how did Jesus prove that he did not claim to be God by saying: “I and the Father are one”?

68 Jesus argued that his statement, “I and the Father are one,” did not mean claiming to be God. How so? Because Jesus told those Jews that he was calling himself less than God his Father. He told those Jews that their own law in Psalm 82:6 called the men against whom God’s word came in criticism “gods,” and that the Jews could not annul this scripture that called human judges by the title of “gods”; nor could they deny that this scripture said this, and they could not take this scripture out of the inspired Scriptures. And yet, when Jesus Christ, who performed so many wonderful good works among the Jews, spoke of God as his Father and spoke of himself as merely the Son of God, they said he blasphemed and were ready to stone him as a blasphemer. Still he was more than those men whom Psalm 82 had called “gods,” because he, Jesus, was the one whom the heavenly Father had sanctified and sent into the world. If it was not blasphemy for Asaph to compose a psalm calling human judges in Israel “gods,” then it was far less a blasphemy for Jesus to speak of himself as merely the Son of God and not as a god.—Psalm 82,  superscription. (The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom—1962, Part 2.Prehuman Existence, pp. 565-567)

It is ironic that the Society denies that Jesus made himself out to be a god here since this is precisely what they teach about him. More on this point shortly.

Here’s a few more references:

False charge of blasphemy. Because of Jesus’ references to God as his Father, certain opposing Jews leveled the charge of blasphemy against him, saying, “You, although being a man, make yourself a god.” (Joh 10:33) Most translations here say “God”; Torrey’s translation lowercases the word as “god,” while the interlinear reading of The Emphatic Diaglott says “a god.” Support for the rendering “a god” is found principally in Jesus’ own answer, in which he quoted from Psalm 82:1-7. As can be seen, this text did not refer to persons as being called “God,” but “gods” and “sons of the Most High.”

According to the context, those whom Jehovah called “gods” and “sons of the Most High” in this psalm were Israelite judges who had been practicing injustice, requiring that Jehovah himself now judge ‘in the middle of such gods.’ (Ps 82:1-6, 8) Since Jehovah applied these terms to those men, Jesus was certainly guilty of no blasphemy in saying, “I am God’s Son.” Whereas the works of those judicial “gods” belied their being “sons of the Most High,” Jesus’ works consistently proved him to be in union, in harmonious accord and relationship, with his Father.​—Joh 10:34-38. (Insight on the Scriptures, Son(s) of God, Volume 2, p. 1001)

When charged by opposers with ‘making himself a god,’ Jesus’ reply was: “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said: “You are gods”’? If he called ‘gods’ those against whom the word of God came, and yet the Scripture cannot be nullified, do you say to me whom the Father sanctified and dispatched into the world, ‘You blaspheme,’ because I said, I am God’s Son?” (Joh 10:31-37) Jesus there quoted from Psalm 82, in which human judges, whom God condemned for not executing justice, were called “gods.” (Ps 82:1, 2, 6, 7) Thus, Jesus showed the unreasonableness of charging him with blasphemy for stating that he was, not God, but God’s Son.

This charge of blasphemy arose as a result of Jesus’ having said: “I and the Father are one.” (Joh 10:30) That this did not mean that Jesus claimed to be the Father or to be God is evident from his reply, already partly considered. The oneness to which Jesus referred must be understood in harmony with the context of his statement. He was speaking of his works and his care of the “sheep” who would follow him. His works, as well as his words, demonstrated that there was unity, not disunity and disharmony, between him and his Father, a point his reply went on to emphasize. (Joh 10:25, 26, 37, 38; compare Joh 4:34; 5:30; 6:38-40; 8:16-18.) As regards his “sheep,” he and his Father were likewise at unity in their protecting such sheeplike ones and leading them to everlasting life. (Joh 10:27-29; compare Eze 34:23, 24.) Jesus’ prayer on behalf of the unity of all his disciples, including future ones, shows that the oneness, or union, between Jesus and his Father was not as to identity of person but as to purpose and action. In this way Jesus’ disciples could “all be one,” just as he and his Father are one.​—Joh 17:20-23. (Ibid., Jesus Christ, Volume 2, pp. 54-55)

Note how the last paragraph blatantly misrepresents the doctrine of the Trinity, which does not teach that Jesus and the Father are the same Person. That would be modalism, not Trinitarianism.

At this point I will demonstrate that, contrary to the Society’s assertion, the Jews correctly understood that Jesus was in fact making himself out to be God, even though he was a Man who was/is not the Father. Their error lay in thinking that Christ was blaspheming for doing so.  

As the context shows, the unity that Jesus was claiming to have with the Father was that of essence and power. Note carefully what Christ actually says:

“My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them everlasting life, and they will by no means ever be destroyed, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.  What my Father has given me is something greater than all other things, and no one can snatch them out of the hand of the Father. I and the Father are one.” John 10:27-30

Jesus describes believers as his sheep who hear his voice and are kept secure in his hand, and to whom he gives everlasting life. Christ assures his interlocutors that no one is capable of snatching the sheep out from his hand nor from his Father’s hand because he and the Father are one.

It is clear that Jesus is claiming to be one with the Father in divine power since Christ attributes to himself the very functions and abilities, which the Hebrew Bible attributes to Jehovah alone.

For instance, believers are the sheep of Jehovah’s hand, i.e., under his care, and they are to obey Jehovah’s voice:

“O come in, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before Jehovah our Maker. For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasturage and the sheep of his hand. Today if YOU people listen to his own voice,” Psalm 95:6-7 New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (1984 Edition)

The prophetic Scriptures further proclaim that Jehovah is the One who gives life and raises the dead, and that no creature is able to snatch or deliver anything out from Jehovah’s hand:

“See now that I—I am he, And there are no gods apart from me. I put to death, and I make alive. I wound, and I will heal, And no one can rescue from my hand.” Deuteronomy 32:39

“There is no one holy like Jehovah, There is no one but you, And there is no rock like our God… Jehovah kills, and he preserves life; He brings down to the Grave, and he raises up.” 1 Samuel 2:2, 6

“Also, I am always the same One; And no one can snatch anything out of my hand. When I act, who can prevent it?” Isaiah 43:13

This is precisely why the Jews wanted to stone Jesus for blasphemy since they correctly realized that Christ had just attributed to himself the very unique power and divine functions, which belong to Jehovah alone:

“Again the Jews lifted stones to stone him. Jesus answered ‘I showed you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you stoning me?’ The Jews answered ‘We are not stoning you in reference to a good work, but to a blasphemy and because you, being a man, are claiming to be God.’” John 10:31-33 The Bible in Living English

What makes this rather amusing is that, contrary to what the Society says, Jesus’ citation of Psalm 82:6 actually confirms this fact. It does not undermine it.

This is because the God whom the Psalmist describes as arising to condemn these so-called gods for corrupting the earth due to their injustice is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ himself!

I quote this specific Psalm in its entirety:

“God (elohim) standeth in the congregation of God (el); He judgeth among the gods (elohim)…  I said, Ye are gods, And all of you sons of the Most High. Nevertheless ye shall die like men, And fall like one of the princes. Arise, O God (elohim), judge the earth; For thou shalt inherit (tinchal) all the nations.” Psalm 82:1, 6-8 American Standard Version

Note how the Greek versions (known as the Septuagint [LXX]) translate the Hebrew:

“God (ho theos) stands in the assembly of gods; and in the midst [of them] will judge gods… Arise, O God (ho theos), judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit (kleronomeseis) all nations.” Psalm 81:1, 8 LXX

Pay attention to the fact that the God whom Asaph mentions is the One who will judge the earth and inherit the nations in order to make them his possession.

And yet, astonishingly, the NT emphatically states that it isn’t the Father who comes to judge, but rather it is the Son that will arise to judge the creation!

“For the Father judges no one at all, but he has entrusted all the judging to the Son… Most truly I say to you, the hour is coming, and it is now, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who have paid attention will live… And he has given him authority to do judging, because he is the Son of man. Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, and those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment.” John 5:22, 25, 27-29

“He sent out the word to the sons of Israel to declare to them the good news of peace through Jesus Christ—this one is Lord of all… Also, he ordered us to preach to the people and to give a thorough witness that this is the one decreed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness, that everyone putting faith in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” Acts 10:36, 42-43

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of the Christ, so that each one may be repaid according to the things he has practiced while in the body, whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:10

“I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his manifestation and his Kingdom:” 2 Timothy 4:1

The inspired Scriptures further attest that Jesus is the Heir who inherits all the nations as his everlasting possession:

“Lastly he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ On seeing the son, the cultivators said among themselves, ‘This is the heir (ho kleronomos). Come, let us kill him and get his inheritance (ten kleronomian autou)!’ So they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.” Matthew 21:37-39

“Jesus approached and spoke to them, saying: ‘All authority has been given me in heaven and on the earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.’” Matthew 28:18-20

“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 (kleronomon panton), 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.” Hebrews 1:1-3

“Why are the nations agitated And the peoples muttering an empty thing? The kings of the earth take their stand And high officials gather together as one Against Jehovah and against his anointed one. They say: ‘Let us tear off their shackles And throw off their ropes!’ The One enthroned in the heavens will laugh; Jehovah will scoff at them. At that time he will speak to them in his anger And terrify them in his burning anger, Saying: ‘I myself have installed my king On Zion, my holy mountain.’ Let me proclaim the decree of Jehovah; He said to me: ‘You are my son; Today I have become your father. Ask of me, and I will give nations as your inheritance (nachalataka) And the ends of the earth as your possession. You will break them with an iron scepter, And you will smash them like a piece of pottery.’ So now, you kings, show insight; Accept correction, you judges of the earth. Serve Jehovah with fear, And rejoice with trembling. Honor the son, or God will become indignantAnd you will perish from the way, For His anger flares up quickly. Happy are all those taking refuge in Him.” Psalm 2:1-12

The NT applies Psalm 2 to the risen and exalted Christ:

“On hearing this, they raised their voices with one accord to God and said: ‘Sovereign Lord, you are the One who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all the things in them, and who said through holy spirit by the mouth of our forefather David, your servant: “Why did nations become agitated and peoples meditate on empty things? The kings of the earth took their stand and the rulers gathered together as one against Jehovah and against his anointed one.” For truly both Herod and Pontius Pilate with men of the nations and with peoples of Israel were gathered together in this city against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, to do what your hand and counsel had determined beforehand to occur. And now, Jehovah, give attention to their threats, and grant to your slaves to keep speaking your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand for healing and while signs and wonders occur through the name of your holy servant Jesus.’ And when they had made supplication, the place where they were gathered together was shaken, and they were one and all filled with the holy spirit and were speaking the word of God with boldness.” Acts 4:24-31

“So we are declaring to you the good news about the promise made to the forefathers. God has completely fulfilled it to us, their children, by resurrecting Jesus; just as it is written in the second psalm: ‘You are my son; today I have become your father.’” Acts 13:32-33

“For example, to which one of the angels did God ever say: ‘You are my son; today I have become your father’? And again: ‘I will become his father, and he will become my son’?” Hebrews 1:5

“So, too, the Christ did not glorify himself+ by becoming a high priest, but was glorified by the One who said to him: ‘You are my son; today I have become your father.’” Hebrews 5:5

“And the dragon kept standing before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she did give birth, it might devour her child. And she gave birth to a son, a male, who is to shepherd all the nations with an iron rod. And her child was snatched away to God and to his throne… I heard a loud voice in heaven say: ‘Now have come to pass the salvation and the power and the Kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ, because the accuser of our brothers has been hurled down, who accuses them day and night before our God!” Revelation 12:4a-5, 10

“And out of his mouth protrudes a sharp, long sword with which to strike the nations, and he will shepherd them with a rod of iron. Moreover, he treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.” Revelation 19:15

In fact, what the Society missed from Jesus’ words in John 10 is his implicitly identifying himself as that very Word of God who came to condemn the so-called gods for their unrighteousness. Note the words of our Lord carefully:

“Jesus answered them: “Is it not written in your Law, “I said: ‘You are gods’”? If he called “gods” those against whom the word of God came (ho Logos tou Theou egeneto) —and yet the scripture cannot be nullified—do you say to me whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, “You blaspheme,” because I said, “I am God’s Son”?’” John 10:34-36

Now contrast this with what is said of Christ being the Word who will come to destroy God’s enemies:

“Originally was the Word (ho Logos), And the Word was with God; And the Word was God. The same was originally with God. All things through him came into existence, And without him came into existence not even one thing: That which hath come into existence in him was life, And the life was the light of men… It was—The real light that enlighteneth every man—Coming into the world. In the world he was And the world through him came into existence, And the world knew him not… And the Word became flesh (kai ho Logos sarx egeneto) And pitched his tent among us, And we gazed upon his glory,—A glory as an Only-begotten from his Father. Full of favour and truth… No one hath seen God at any time: An Only Begotten God, The One existing within the bosom of the Father He hath interpreted [him].” John 1:1-4, 9-10, 14, 18 The Emphasized Bible

“I saw heaven opened, and look! a white horse. And the one seated on it is called Faithful and True, and he judges and carries on war in righteousness. His eyes are a fiery flame, and on his head are many diadems. He has a name written that no one knows but he himself, and he is clothed with an outer garment stained with blood, and he is called by the name The Word of God (Ho Logos tou Theou). Also, the armies in heaven were following him on white horses, and they were clothed in white, clean, fine linen. And out of his mouth protrudes a sharp, long sword with which to strike the nations, and he will shepherd them with a rod of iron. Moreover, he treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his outer garment, yes, on his thigh, he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.” Revelation 19:11-16

What this shows is that Jesus is that very Word of God whom the Father had sent to condemn those human judges of Psalm 82, since he has been the One who has been saving and/or judging mankind from the beginning of creation!

Finally, the Society is wrong that Jesus is not be worshiped and that only the Father is to be worshiped since Christ himself stated that the Father demands that everyone give to the Son the exact same honor which the Father receives:

“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 5:23

In fact, John sees an astounding vision where he beholds and hears every created thing in all of creation giving the Son the exact same worship which is given to the Father, and for the exact same duration!

“When he took the scroll, the four living creatures and the 24 elders fell down before the Lamb, and each one had a harp and golden bowls that were full of incense. (The incense means the prayers of the holy ones.) And they sing a new song, saying: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals, for you were slaughtered and with your blood you bought people for God out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and you made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God, and they are to rule as kings over the earth.’ And I saw, and I heard a voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders, and the number of them was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, and they were saying with a loud voice: ‘The Lamb who was slaughtered is worthy to receive the power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.’ And I heard EVERY CREATURE in heaven and on earth and underneath the earth and on the sea, and ALL THE THINGS IN THEM, saying: ‘To the One sitting on the throne and TO THE LAMB be the blessing and the honor and the glory and the might forever and ever.’ The four living creatures were saying: ‘Amen!’ and the elders fell down and worshipped.” Revelation 5:8-14

That every created thing worships the Lamb in the exact same manner which the Father is worshiped proves that the Son is no mere creature. Rather, Jesus must be an uncreated, divine Person who became flesh, being essentially one with the Father, thereby making him worthy to receive the exact same power, riches, wisdom, blessing, honor, glory, strength and might which the One seated on the throne receives.

There’s simply no way around this divinely revealed truth.

Unless indicated otherwise, scriptural references taken from the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (2013 Revision).

FURTHER READING

JWS, JESUS & THE MIGHTY GOD

JWS AGREE: ISAIAH SAW CHRIST!

JWS, PETER & CHRIST’S DEITY

NWT: A PERVERTED TRANSLATION

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

 ⁸  There is none like you among the gods, O Jehovah, Neither are there any works like yours.

Hebrews 1:6

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!