Deity of Christ
Muslims believe that Jesus cannot be God because the Bible states that God's name is above all names.
Quick answer
The Christian response emphasizes that the New Testament asserts Jesus has been given the name above every name, indicating his divine sovereignty. This aligns with Old Testament prophecies that affirm the worship due to Yahweh is also given to Jesus, thus supporting the claim of his divinity.
Full argument
The New Testament presents Jesus as possessing the name that is above every name, as stated in Philippians 2:9-11, where it is declared that every knee should bow at the name of Jesus. This is significant because it parallels Old Testament scripture, such as Isaiah 45:23, which states that every knee shall bow to Yahweh. This suggests that Jesus is being acknowledged as Lord in the same manner as Yahweh, thus affirming his divine status.
Furthermore, Jesus himself indicated that the Father had bestowed upon him his own name, as seen in John 17:11-12. This reinforces the idea that Jesus shares in the divine identity, as he is described as the eternal Word in John 1:1, which states that the Word was God. The text further explains that through him all things were made, highlighting his role in creation and his divine nature.
Additionally, the acknowledgment of Jesus as 'My Lord and my God' by Thomas (John 20:28-29) demonstrates that Jesus accepted worship, which is due only to God. This acceptance of worship further solidifies the Christian belief in Jesus' divinity and his position within the Godhead, as he is worshiped alongside the Father, fulfilling the scriptural mandate that Yahweh alone is to be worshiped.
Key verses
Philippians 2:9-11bible
Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is above EVERY name...
Isaiah 45:23bible
To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall take an oath.
John 1:1bible
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 20:28bible
Thomas answered and said to him, 'My Lord and my God!'
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