The identity of Jesus is a crucial issue in the Bible. Jesus asked His apostles: "Who do men say that I ... am?" and "Who do you say that I am?" (Matthew 16:13, 15). Is / was Jesus human or God? Of course, there are statements all through the New Testament that say He is both, beginning with Matthew chapter 1. Jesus was born of woman, as every human being, yet conceived by the Holy Spirit and called Immanuel - God with us" ​(Matthew 1:23).

This has been a matter of controversy through the centuries, beginning in New Testament times.  Is Jesus God (Deity)?  Was Jesus a real human being?  Do these questions even matter?  That is why the letters of the New Testament deal with the issue.  For this writing, I will keep things simple and short.  The subject deserves additional study and there are many scriptures that should be included.  I have chosen two that speak clearly and simply.  For these two questions, I will address two passages.

Was Jesus a human being?  What about His birth, life and death?  Was it just like ours?  Some false teachers prompted God to respond to this subject in John's second letter.  "For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh.  This is a deceiver and an antichrist"  (2 John 7).  Keep reading and you find that this question can make or break one's fellowship with God!

Is Jesus God?  Did and does Jesus possess the character and qualities of Deity?  The Book of Hebrews was written to convince Christians to faithfully hold fast to Jesus because He alone is worthy of loyalty.  The book opens with a declaration of His Deity in chapter one.  The whole chapter deserves a careful reading, but notice the following.  "You are My son, today I have begotten You ... Let all the angels of God worship Him ... Your throne, O God, is forever and ever;  a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom ... Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions ..."  (Hebrews 1:5-9).  Incidentally, chapter two goes on to emphasize that Jesus lowered Himself and became like us." God's word answers our questions.  Read.  Read.  Read.