What is the biblical basis for Jesus being called Lord and the Father being called God?

The biblical basis for Jesus being called "Lord" and the Father being called "God" is deeply rooted in the scriptures and is fundamental to Christian theology, particularly within the framework of Christology. This distinction, yet unity, between Jesus and the Father, is essential to understanding the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, which posits one God in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit.

Jesus as "Lord"

The title "Lord" (Greek: Kyrios) ascribed to Jesus is a significant affirmation of His divine status and authority. This designation is not merely an honorific but a declaration of His divine nature and sovereignty. Several key passages in the New Testament underscore this:

1. Philippians 2:9-11: "Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." This passage highlights the exaltation of Jesus and the universal acknowledgment of His lordship, which brings glory to God the Father.

2. Romans 10:9: "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." This verse emphasizes the confession of Jesus as Lord as a central component of Christian faith and salvation.

3. John 20:28: When Thomas encounters the risen Christ, he exclaims, "My Lord and my God!" This declaration by Thomas directly addresses Jesus as both Lord and God, recognizing His divine nature.

4. Acts 2:36: Peter, in his sermon at Pentecost, declares, "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah." This statement confirms that Jesus, through His resurrection and ascension, has been affirmed by God as Lord.

The term "Lord" also has Old Testament roots, where it translates the Hebrew word Adonai, often used as a substitute for the divine name, YHWH. By applying this title to Jesus, the New Testament writers are identifying Him with the God of Israel, attributing to Him divine authority and worship.

The Father as "God"

The designation of the Father as "God" (Greek: Theos) is also well-attested throughout the New Testament. This title underscores the role of the Father as the ultimate source and sovereign ruler of all creation:

1. John 17:3: In Jesus' high priestly prayer, He says, "Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." Here, Jesus distinguishes the Father as the "only true God" while also affirming His own role as the sent one.

2. 1 Corinthians 8:6: Paul writes, "Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live." This verse clearly distinguishes the roles of the Father and the Son while affirming their unity in the divine work of creation and sustenance.

3. Ephesians 4:6: "One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." This passage emphasizes the Father’s overarching sovereignty and presence in all things.

4. John 20:17: After His resurrection, Jesus tells Mary Magdalene, "I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God." Jesus refers to the Father as "my God," indicating His relationship with the Father and affirming the Father’s divine status.

The Unity and Distinction in the Trinity

The New Testament presents a complex yet coherent picture of the relationship between Jesus and the Father. While Jesus is called "Lord" and the Father is called "God," these titles do not imply a hierarchy or division in the divine essence. Instead, they reflect the distinct persons within the Godhead and their relational roles.

The doctrine of the Trinity, while not explicitly named in the Bible, is derived from the totality of scriptural witness. Key passages that highlight this unity and distinction include:

1. Matthew 28:19: In the Great Commission, Jesus instructs His disciples to baptize "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." The singular "name" coupled with the threefold designation reflects the unity and diversity within the Godhead.

2. John 1:1-14: The prologue of John's Gospel identifies Jesus (the Word) as both with God and as God, affirming His divine nature and distinct personhood. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us" (John 1:1, 14).

3. 2 Corinthians 13:14: Paul's benediction encapsulates the Trinitarian relationship: "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."

Historical and Theological Affirmations

The early church wrestled with understanding and articulating the relationship between Jesus and the Father, leading to the formulation of the Nicene Creed in 325 AD. The Creed affirms that Jesus is "begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father," thus maintaining the unity of essence while recognizing the distinct persons within the Trinity.

The writings of early church fathers, such as Athanasius and Augustine, further expounded on this relationship. Athanasius, in his defense against Arianism, argued that Jesus must be fully divine to accomplish the work of salvation, as only God can save. Augustine, in his work "On the Trinity," explored the relational dynamics within the Godhead, emphasizing the co-equality and co-eternity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

The biblical basis for Jesus being called "Lord" and the Father being called "God" is firmly rooted in the New Testament's witness to the person and work of Christ and the relational dynamics within the Trinity. These titles reflect the distinct roles and relationships within the Godhead while affirming the unity of essence. The early church's theological reflections and creedal formulations further solidify this understanding, providing a coherent and compelling framework for Christian faith and worship.