Deity of Christ
Jesus cannot be God because he distinguishes himself from the Father, who is the only true God.
Quick answer
The Christian response emphasizes that exclusive language in the Bible does not negate the Deity of Christ. Both the Father and the Son possess the essential attributes of God equally, and the distinctions in their roles do not undermine their divine nature.
Full argument
In John 17:3, Jesus refers to the Father as the only true God, which some interpret as a denial of Christ's divinity. However, this interpretation overlooks the broader context of the New Testament, where both the Father and the Son are affirmed as fully divine. The use of exclusive language, such as 'one' and 'only,' serves to highlight specific roles within the Trinity without diminishing the divine nature of each Person. For example, while the Father sends the Son, this does not imply that the Son is less divine; rather, it reflects the distinct roles within the Godhead. Furthermore, passages like 1 Corinthians 8:6 affirm that Jesus is the one Lord through whom all things were created, reinforcing his divine status alongside the Father.
Key verses
John 17:3bible
Now this is eternal life: That they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
1 Corinthians 8:6bible
For us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.
John 1:1bible
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
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