Deity of Christ
Muslims believe that Jesus is not divine and that worship should only be directed to Allah (Yahweh).
Quick answer
Christians respond by emphasizing that the New Testament, particularly Philippians 2:9-11, exalts Jesus to a divine status, indicating that every knee should bow to Him, which aligns with the worship due to Yahweh alone. This suggests that Jesus shares in the divine nature and authority of God.
Full argument
The New Testament presents a clear declaration of Jesus' divine status, particularly in Philippians 2:9-11, where it states that God has highly exalted Jesus and given Him a name above every name. This name, understood to be Yahweh, indicates that Jesus is to be acknowledged and worshiped as God. Furthermore, the passage draws a parallel to Isaiah 45:22-23, where it is proclaimed that every knee shall bow to Yahweh, establishing that the honor and glory attributed to Jesus in the New Testament aligns with the attributes of the one true God. Bart D. Ehrman, a biblical scholar, notes that this hymn reflects an early Christian belief in Jesus' exaltation to divine status, suggesting that the early church recognized Jesus as equal to God. Thus, the acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord is not merely a title but a declaration of His divine nature, reinforcing the Christian belief in the Trinity and the divinity of Christ.
Key verses
Philippians 2:9-11bible
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name...
Isaiah 45:22-23bible
Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else...
John 1:1bible
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
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