The Deity of Christ: Part 4 - YHWH

TBC Glassboro Sermons and More · The Deity Of Christ: Part 4 - YHWH

There are a number of proof texts from Scripture which support Christ’s deity.  Previously, the Scriptures have demonstrated that Christ is God because He descended from heaven (John 3:13), bears the title Eternal Father (Isaiah 9:6), created all things (John 1:3), is the Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2:28), performed miracles only God could perform (Luke 7:22), and received worship (Matthew 4:10).

As well, Christ is God because Christ is called by names and titles given only to God.  The apostle John equates Isaiah’s statements about YHWH to Christ.

• These things Isaiah said because he saw His glory, and he spoke of Him. - John 12:41

The name YHWH is derived from the Hebrew verb haya (hāyâ) meaning to be or exist. God revealed Himself to Moses as the I AM or YWHW. 

• God said to Moses, I AM (hāyâ) WHO I AM (hāyâ); and He said, Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, I AM (hāyâ) has sent me to you. - Exodus 3:14  

The declaration I AM WHO I AM ties to the I AM claims of Jesus.

• …I am the bread of life… - John 6:35
  
• …I am the Light of the world… - John 8:12
  
• …I am the door… - John 10:9
  
• …I am the good shepherd… - John 10:11
  
• …I am the resurrection and the life… - John 11:25
  
• …I am the way, and the truth, and the life… - John 14:6
  
• …I am the true vine… - John 15:1  

When Jesus refers to Himself as I AM, He is claiming to be YHWH.  It is recognition of Jesus as YHWH that results in salvation.

• that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; […] for Whoever will call on the name of the Lord (YHWH) will be saved. - Romans 10:9, 13; cf. Joel 2:32

By quoting Joel 2:32, in Romans 10, Paul affirmed Christ’s equality with YHWH.