Is Jesus God or the Son of God?

This question sits at the very heart of Christianity and has been discussed for centuries: Is Jesus God, or is He the Son of God?

The Christian faith answers something that may seem paradoxical at first—but is deeply meaningful once understood.

Jesus is the Son of God

In the Bible, Jesus is repeatedly called the Son of God. At His baptism, a voice from heaven declares,

“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).

Jesus Himself often referred to God as His Father and prayed to Him, showing a real relationship between the Father and the Son.

Being the “Son of God” does not mean Jesus was created or lesser than God, as human sons are to their fathers. In Jewish understanding, calling someone the “Son” implied sharing the same nature.

That’s why the religious leaders reacted strongly when Jesus used this title, they understood He was claiming equality with God (John 5:18).

Jesus Is Also Fully God

At the same time, Scripture clearly teaches that Jesus is God. John 1:1 states;

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

A few verses later, this “Word” is revealed to be Jesus.

Jesus forgave sins (something only God can do), accepted worship, calmed storms, raised the dead, and declared;

“Before Abraham was born, I AM” (John 8:58) – a direct reference to God’s divine name revealed in Exodus.

After His resurrection, Thomas calls Him, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28), and Jesus does not correct him.

How Can Both Be True?

Christianity explains this through the Trinity:

One God
Three Persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Jesus is not the Father, but He is fully God in nature. He is the eternal Son who took on human flesh to reveal God to humanity and to bring salvation.

Why This Matters

If Jesus were only a good teacher, His death would be tragic. But because He is God the Son, His sacrifice has the power to forgive sins and offer eternal life.

Christianity stands on this truth: God Himself stepped into human history to save humanity.