Jesus is God

Ok, here's a 'little' theological mind dump for ya.

How much have you thought about the fact that Jesus is God? I've noticed that the divinity of Jesus is something that is lightly discussed among Christians in the circles that I run in. Not that people deny it or don't teach it. It's just not heavily discussed.

Well, it's true. Jesus claimed to be God (John 10:30). Prophets predicted that he would be God (Is 9:6) . The Angels announced that He shall be called "God with Us".  It's well understood among conservative Christianity (I know not exactly what they phrase means but I do know it to be general enough to make the point) that Jesus is considered one with God. You've probably heard a sweet analogy about the trinity being like a 3 leaf clover or like water in that it can exist in 3 states yet be one. These analogies are helpful but don't fully dive into the power that come from understanding the Jesus IS devine...Jesus is God.

Phil 2 teaches that he was equal with God yet chose to release the privilege of being equal with God so that he could fulfill the needed task of humbly coming to earth to redeem humanity. Yet in this human state he never looses the "God-ness" that makes him capable of being the savior. His miracles were a testimony to his power over nature. He claimed the power of sin and demons in a way that no-one else could. In fact, it was his very name that sent demons running. In his punishment and sacrifice durring the final days of his life he exhibited a singleminded resoluteness that is unparalleled. Even in torment on the cross he is quoted saying something that I would have never considered saying...."Father, forgive them..."  If that's not the love of God I don't know what is. Sure, lots of Good men have remained composed durring torture....but then, by his own power, he rose from the dead.

I love CS Lewis (others have noted too) simplicity here. Jesus was either a Liar, a Lunatic, or Lord. In addition to that I'd say he was either a Liar, a Lunatic, or God.

Titus 3:11-13 acknowledges him as both God and Savior.

11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

Knowing more about the 1st century Jewish mind has also helped in understanding this question. The tile for Jesus, "Lord"that is often used to to translate a Jewish title "Adoni" which was the substitute name that Jews used for God (instead of the forbidden name "YHWH") becomes one of the most commonly used titles for Jesus. Our Jehovah's witness friends constantly criticize Christians for removing God's name (Jehovah) from the Bible. It is an interesting fact to note that the word Adoni (now showing up in many of our English translations as a capital LORD) is a more Biblically accurate title that even that of "Jehovah".

Jesus clearly accepted the title of God.

Charles Spurgeon said in a sermon on Isaiah 9, (or listen)

The mistake of those who profess Christ but do not call him Mighty God.
We do continually affirm that an error, with regard to the divinity of Christ, is absolutely fatal, and that a man cannot be right in his judgment upon any part of the gospel unless he think rightly of him who is personally the very center of all the purposes of heaven, and the foundation of all the hopes of earth.

He goes on to say that if Jesus were not God, he would rather become a Muslim than remain a Christian. Because that would make Jesus a liar and Mohammed a better leader of his disciples. Muslims have no question in their mind over this issue. Jesus would have been wrong to be so unclear if his intentions were not to leave us believing that he is God. 

Ok...This is by no means a scholarly presentation of this thought but I hope it is helpful to you. I've been in a bit of a personal battle lately over this topic.