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To argue that Jesus is not God, various theological perspectives and scriptural interpretations can be examined. This perspective is often associated with Unitarian and Islamic views, among others, which emphasize the strict monotheism of God and distinguish Jesus as a distinct being. Here are five arguments with examples from the Bible to support this claim:
1. **Jesus’ Subordination to God**: One of the primary arguments is that Jesus consistently demonstrates subordination to God, suggesting a clear distinction between himself and God. In the Gospel of John, Jesus says, “The Father is greater than I” (John 14:28). This statement implies a hierarchy in which the Father holds a superior position to Jesus, contradicting the idea of them being co-equal parts of a single deity.
2. **Jesus Prays to God**: The act of Jesus praying to God serves as another compelling argument. Prayer, by nature, implies communication from a subordinate to a superior. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prays, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). Here, Jesus expresses a distinct will from that of the Father, submitting his desires to God’s will, indicating a clear distinction between his own identity and that of God.
3. **Jesus’ Knowledge and Limitations**: Instances where Jesus demonstrates limited knowledge or power suggest that he is not omniscient or omnipotent, attributes traditionally ascribed to God. In Mark 13:32, Jesus says, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” This admission of limited knowledge shows that Jesus does not possess the same level of omniscience as God, reinforcing the argument that he is not God.
4. **Jesus as the Mediator**: The role of Jesus as a mediator between God and humanity also supports the argument that he is distinct from God. In 1 Timothy 2:5, it is stated, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.” This verse explicitly identifies Jesus as a mediator, a role that inherently positions him between God and humans, rather than as God himself. The concept of mediation implies a separation between the mediator and the parties being mediated.
5. **Jesus’ Humanity and Mortality**: The human experiences of Jesus, including his suffering and death, argue against his divinity. Philippians 2:8 states, “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” The very notion of God suffering and dying is contradictory to many theological perspectives which hold that God is eternal and cannot die. Jesus’ humanity, as depicted in the scriptures, underscores his distinction from the divine, immortal nature of God.
These arguments, drawn from the Bible, illustrate a clear distinction between Jesus and God, suggesting that Jesus should not be equated with God. The subordination, prayer, limitations in knowledge and power, mediatory role, and human experiences all contribute to a coherent interpretation that sees Jesus as a distinct being who serves and obeys God, rather than being God himself. This perspective aligns with certain theological traditions that emphasize strict monotheism and the distinct roles and natures of God and Jesus.
