Hope and Prophecy

Was Jesus God in the Old Testament?

Yes. The New Testament identifies Jesus as the eternal Word through whom creation occurred and presents Him as the fulfillment of Old Testament descriptions of the coming Messiah. Several Old Testament passages also describe the Messiah in divine terms.

Biblical explanation

John 1:1-3 teaches that the Word existed in the beginning, was with God, was God, and created all things. Verse 14 identifies this Word as Jesus becoming flesh. Jesus Himself claimed preexistence. In John 8:58 He said, "Before Abraham was, I am." His audience understood this as an extraordinary claim and attempted to stone Him. Jesus also said that Abraham rejoiced to see His day (John 8:56). Old Testament prophecy contains striking descriptions of the Messiah. Isaiah 9:6 calls the promised child "The mighty God." Micah 5:2 describes the ruler coming from Bethlehem whose origins are "from everlasting." Psalm 110 presents the Messiah as David's Lord, while Jesus Himself used this passage to demonstrate that the Messiah was more than merely David's descendant (Matthew 22:41-46). The New Testament repeatedly applies Old Testament passages about the LORD to Jesus. Compare Isaiah 40:3 with Matthew 3:3 and Isaiah 45:23 with Philippians 2:10-11.

Key takeaway

The great controversy reveals God's character as Christ ministers as our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary. The dead await the resurrection, Christ's return will be visible and personal, and prophecy calls believers to faithful mission rather than date-setting or fear.

Bible references