“Decoding Jesus’ Words: ‘YE ARE GODS’ (Elohim’s)- Examining the True Intent Behind His Statement”.
Is it Blasphemous to Consider Ourselves as divine beings?”
I’ve observed Christians having trouble answering this question. For so long, we have been debating whether it is blasphemous to think of ourselves as divine beings. Perhaps it’s past time for us to stop putting it off and find a solution. One party claims that it is heretical to even consider that we are “Elohim’s,” (gods) whereas the other believes that we are.
Elohim or ‘Elohiym’ is a plural noun for “gods” or “deities.” In the New testament the word ‘Theos’ has a broad usage. Strong’s Concordance defines it as, “a deity, especially … the supreme Divinity; fig. a magistrate.”
To understand the true meaning of Jesus’ statement, it is important to examine the Bible. Yes, Jesus said to the unregenerate, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world (John 8:23). But is that how the Spirit of God addresses them that are born of Him? We have the mind of Christ, haven’t we? (1 Corinthians 2:16)
So let’s investigate to discover its genuine meaning.
When studying the Bible, it’s important to remember that the ministry to the Gentile Church began with Cornelius’ household in Acts 10 and that, according to tradition, the first Gentile church was established in Antioch (Acts 11:20–21), where it is stated that the followers of Jesus Christ were first referred to as Christians (Acts 11:26).
In the book of Acts, not only the conversion from Judaism to fully formed Christianity is being described, but also a brief note of the Law’s position. The disciples, like all Jews, celebrated the feast of Pentecost, and even after the Spirit had come to dwell among them, they continued to visit the temple and keep the prayer times. And according to Acts 10, the earliest followers of Jesus thought that in order to be fully eligible for God’s blessings, one had to adhere to Jewish ceremonial traditions.
So, the principles presented in the Scriptures prior to Acts 10 must be understood in the context of the entire narrative. Remember that while Jesus was on the earth, preaching all the parables and whatnot, he even forbade the Apostles from serving the Gentiles – Matthew 10:5,6 – since the law and the prophets were still in effect.
Jesus said, the law and the prophets were until John (Luke 16:16). Even in Acts 19 it was clear that some disciples were unaware of the existence of the Holy Ghost because they were only familiar with the concept of repentance baptism. In Acts 10 we see that God revealing to Peter in a vision that the gospel should be preached to the Gentiles.
Simply put, while the first tabernacle was still intact, the path to the holiest of all places had not yet become clear (Hebrews 9:8). A testament is invalid if the testator is still alive (Hebrews 9:16,17).
In order to avoid confusion, conflict, and chaos, let’s be careful not to choose one verse from the Synoptic Gospels or other parts of the Bible and exploit it or reject it entirely to support our ideology. Study (spoudazo – make effort, give diligence, endeavour, labour) to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).
When you hear someone quote a passage without comprehending what it really means, don’t lose your calm. You could provide clarification and a correction if you are aware of the term. Why, however, do you believe that you should completely reject it and the idea? It is disheartening to see the “Cessationists,” who contend that the Apostolic age marked the end of spiritual gifts, criticizing those who accept phrases like “ye are gods” without providing a correct context. As long as a passage is in the Bible, it has been inspired by the Holy Spirit – 2 Timothy 3:16, and there should be a deeper meaning behind the words He chose.
The question is: When the word of God describes us as new creatures in Christ, how could we go on distinguishing ourselves as mere men? False humility would portray them as worms and sinners and such, but God says the contrary. Let God be true and EVERY man a liar! Romans 3:4
To emphasize what I am attempting to elaborate on, I would like to incorporate my personal life experience.
Looking back into my life, I just cannot believe how decrepit, depraved, wicked and hopeless I was until God in Christ saved me and planted me in Him. Such a supernatural act of transformation is only possible via the gracious work of God’s word within the human soul.
God in Christ sought me and saved me and made me a NEW creature, transforming me into a new person as the incorruptible word fell into the soil of my heart and revived me – 1Peter 1:23. My former pals were unable to recognize me later. Why? This is how God transformed me–my entire being metamorphosed into a new person. My mentality, my speech, my attitude, my temperament, my behaviour, my attributes, my level of living, and my outlook on life have all changed to a greater extent.
I cannot understand how this transformation in myself has happened, but only God who created me in my mother’s womb could do this kind of recasting. This new species of human would be the result of a “hypostatic union”—a blend of earthly and divine concoction. And when combined with others of the same fold, it becomes a sanctuary for God to dwell in – 1Peter 2:5.
Why did Jesus say, ‘ye are gods’ (‘Elohim’s)? Can the regenerate one’s be assigned to this category or Is it blasphemous to consider ourselves god’s in the light of the Scriptures?
The unregenerate will perish like men (Psalm 82:7/Matthew 8:12) and are referred to as “the natural man” (1 Corinthians 2:14) and “the natural brute creatures” (2 Peter 2:12). But does the Spirit of God speak to those who are His children in that way? Definitely not! The regenerate, they have passed (departed, removed) from death unto life (John 5:24), and having been quickened by His Spirit – Ephesians 2:5 – are seated in heavenly places in Christ as kings and priests unto God the Father – Ephesians 2:6/Revelation 1:6/5:10/1Corinthians 4:8.
In Psalms 82:6, the judges of the Old Testament were referred to be “gods” (Elohim’s). “Gods” were used to refer to magistrates, judges, princes, mighty, and other figures of authority. The word Elohim, which is Hebrew, is translated as “judges” in Exodus 21:6 and 22:8, 9, and 28.
When a human magistrate is referred to as “god,” it implies that they hold authority over others, their civil power is to be feared, and that they derive their power and authority from God, as depicted in verse 8 of Psalms 82, who is considered the ultimate judge of the entire earth. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers (delegated authority). For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation (Romans 13:1-4).
Can a born-again Christian be said to have greater authority and power than the Old Testament saints? The word of God says, as many as received him, to them gave He power (exousia – magistrate, superhuman, potentate, delegated influence: — authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength) to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name (John 1:12).
They were God’s servants, but we are God’s children/sons of God – Galatians 4:7/1 John 3:2. But the children of God are counted among the Elohim’s and Jesus was only reiterating the Old Testament Scripture in John 10:34. I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High (Psalm 82:6). Jesus’ accusers in the Jewish community sought to stone him because they said, “You, being a man, make Yourself out to be god (“Theos,” John 10:33). The verse “you are gods” from Psalm 82:6 is used by Jesus to justify himself. If Jesus had known that it was a reference to false gods, he would not have done so. But he quoted from the prophets to uphold what he was saying.
By the same token, Jesus gave us power (delegated authority) to become sons of God. As he is, so are we in this world (1 John 4:17). Who do you believe to have more authority and power? The church of Jesus Christ or the earthly monarchs?
God hath put all things under Jesus’ feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that fills all in all – Ephesians 1:22,23. Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world and the angels? (1 Corinthians 6:2,3) The saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever – Daniel 7:18 – And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High (Daniel 7:27).
This verse truly has prophetic implications for the Bride of Christ and the planet’s future judges, priests, and kings (Rev 1:6/20:6/1 Cor 6:2).
The church (the body of Christ) wields tremendous power not only to rule and reign as kings but also to judge the world and the angels – 2 Timothy 2:12/1 Corinthians 6:2,3. The gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18) – For, the weapons of her warfare are mighty – 2 Corinthians 10:4. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what the hope of his calling is, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe (Ephesians 1:18,19).
By the revealing of the sons of God in their glorified bodies, the creation itself shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption – Romans 8:18-23. Our spirit/the inner man is created after God in righteousness and true holiness – Ephesians 4:24 – and we who behold the glory of the Lord are changed into the same image (likeness, resemblance, representation) from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:18). Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he (Jesus Christ) shall appear, he not only shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body (Philippians 3:21) but also shall become like him (1 John 3:2) – a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13).
If so, how could we continue to adjudge ourselves as mere men when the Bible declares us to be “new creatures” in Christ – 2 Corinthians 5:17? Should we see us in the light of the Bible or man-made ideology? When God says the opposite, them who practice ‘false humility’ would like to think of themselves as worms, sinners, and such similar things. Which, considering these principles, is defiance.
The redeeming work of God on the cross of Calvary took care of everything that prevented us from being profitable or fruitful. Nevertheless, we are responsible to shrug off or discard that which God hath severed or uprooted. Didn’t Christ disarm the enemy of our souls? Didn’t God in Christ condemn sin in the flesh of His only begotten Son? He did spoil principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, and triumphed over them in it (Colossians 2:15) – He did condemn sin – Romans 8:3.
God made Jesus Christ, who knew no sin, to be sin for us. But why? so that in him, we may become God’s righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).
See how crucial the renewal of our mind is! The Israelites were still held hostage in their minds even after being freed from Pharaoh’s servitude. They believed themselves to be “half-Egyptian,” so to speak. They retreated once more into Egypt in their hearts – Acts 7:39. I wonder if Christians today are behaving in the same way—thus neglecting so great salvation God in Christ hath wrought (Hebrews 2:3).
According to the Scriptures, all of these things happened unto them (Israel) for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come (1 Corinthians 10:11).
Likewise, we must reckon ourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:11). Even when we were dead in sins, God hath quickened us together with Christ (Ephesians 2:5). We are more than conquerors, aren’t we? (Romans 8:37) Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifies (Romans 8:33).
I have learned a great deal as I moved closer to spiritual maturity. When I said, ‘Maturity’ it is a state of coming of full age in the spirit to recognize both good and evil, i.e., I am no more a babe in Christ, being tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine– Hebrews 5:13, 14/1Peter 2:2/1 Corinthians 3:1-3/Ephesians 4:14. The level of exhilaration you experience in the “Academy of the Spirit” cannot be matched by any other adventure in the world.
One of the pinnacles of my spiritual growth was the day the spirit of the WORLD truly left me.
During this stage, you will feel numb toward sin, both its weight and its once-easily-besotted nature that used to captivate us so easily – Hebrews 12:1/1Peter 4:1/2Corinthians 7:1/Romans 7:23; not to mention, the lustre of the world and its allurements too will vanish.
Even though the procedure was occasionally agonizing – Hebrews 12:5-11/1Peter 4:1,12,13, it was immensely satisfying and worth the effort. I can see that, in a sense, I have become incompetent according to the flesh, but my spirit has become alive and well. Therefore, even with the inherent sinful nature, I just cannot consider myself as a ‘mere man’ anymore, but a spiritual person who now possess a holy spirit, which after God is created in His own likeness, in righteousness and true holiness (Ephesians 4:24/Colossians 3:10).
Because of this and in light of what the Bible says, I would venture to consider myself to be a righteous man despite the inherent carnal nature that the fall has ensconced in all of us. For, if we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us (1 John 1:8). For a just man falls seven times and rises up again (Proverbs 24:16).
Similar to how a child must experience multiple falls before learning to walk, we all have a tendency to stumble and go astray throughout our spiritual infancy. I must confess that during those formative years, I made some major mistakes. I loved the world and everything in it, but I was also prideful, haughty, harboured unchaste desires and such.
When I was a child (nepios – an immature Christian, a babe in Christ – yet carnal – 1 Corinthians 3:1-3/1 Peter 2:2), I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man (spiritual maturity), I PUT AWAY childish things (1 Corinthians 13:11). According to Romans 8:13 and Ephesians 3:16, when you grow in the spirit, you develop/attain inner strength (dunamis), which enables you to subdue or mortify the actions of the flesh. Some people think that once you have access to divine power, you will perform feats of strength and marvels. That may be the case, but the main goal of this power bestowment is to conform you to the image of Jesus Christ.
Even though I battled a lot of sin during my developing stage, it did not restore my pre-sanctified status, since I had already been made holy in Christ. I’m not endorsing sin in any way, but what I’m trying to say is that if we are sincere in our hearts and have a great desire to live righteously but are unable to, God will never leave us, no matter what condition we are in.
The wonder of it is that Jesus Christ lives in every true believer, and it is God that works in us both to will and to do according to His good pleasure – Philippians 2:13. Hence, Christ’s abiding presence in me, through His eternal Spirit makes me a holy Temple – Galatians 2:20/Colossians 1:27/1 Corinthians 3:16/6:19. I am crucified with Christ (I am dead with Christ – Romans 6:4,8/ Ephesians 2:5/Colossians 2:20/3:3), nevertheless I live, YET NOT I, but Christ living in every true believer. Christ living in me, is the hope of glory, Galatians 2:20/Colossians 1:27.
I assume I said “believer” in error. The Holy Spirit corrects me: the benchmark for a true believer is someone who was born of God – John 3:7. The Father God will pursue us with love, and He deals with us as Sons if we will but endure His chastening (Hebrews 12:5–11/Proverbs 3:11/Job 5:17/Deuteronomy 8:5/Isaiah 64:8). The Lord has compassion on those who fear him, just as a father has compassion on his children – Psalms 103:13/Deuteronomy 1:31/Jeremiah 3:4,19/ 31:20/Isaiah 63:16/Hosea 11:1/Malachi 3:17. The Scriptures also describe how the Lord would compassionately care for those under his care, just as a mother would – Isaiah 49:15, 66:13, and Psalms 27:10.
You do well if you believe there is only one God; the devils also believe and quake. Ergo, just believing in God does not count for sonship (James 2:19). And the Spirit will bear witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God (Romans 8:16).
When I was a babe in Christ, I considered myself a believer and a servant of God (my understanding of God was deficient); but as I grew in spirit, I came to realize my inheritance in Christ. BECAUSE ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father (Galatians 4:6). Thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ (Galatians 4:7).
I struggled for a long time with the thought that God had just adopted me and that I am a second-class citizen, but it wasn’t until God illuminated my understanding and pressed His truths into my being that I realized I was truly a child of God—born from above.
Paul addresses Onesimus, whom he begets during his time in prison as “which in time past unprofitable” but not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved (Philemon 1:10-16).
Since the presence of sin in us makes us inclined to stray from God, according to Romans 7:17, The Spirit of the Lord will raise a standard against the adversary when he enters like a flood (Isaiah 59:19).
Without the Holy Spirit, we will undoubtedly experience stunted growth and even potentially stop God’s work within us through our disobedience. The outcome depends on whom we yield ourselves to obey – Romans 6:16. The bottom line is that, if we live after the flesh, we shall die but if we through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, we shall live (Romans 8:13).
Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? (Romans 8:33) – And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous (1 John 2:1). Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
This indemnity in Christ doesn’t give us the privilege to be slack in our spiritual life. Just because Christ hath set us free doesn’t make us immune to sin, the devil, and the world. We must be on our guard always, lest we be beguiled, and our minds be corrupted by the serpent (2 Corinthians 11:3).
If we ignore our spiritual position in Christ and allow the false humility that has its carnal origins, that will only make us self-conceited who are rejoicing in pride.
In Christ, who do we become? Joint heirs with Christ and heirs of God (Romans 8:17).
Whom would you trust? The Bible or traditions/man-made doctrines?
The word of God enjoins us to reckon that we are dead with Christ – Romans 6:4,8/Colossians 2:12 – and God hath raised us up together with Christ and made us SIT together in heavenly places in Christ – Ephesians 2:6. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh (2 Corinthians 5:16).
You can see how different we are from the rest of the world in this way! In order to save us from this present evil world, Jesus sacrificed himself in exchange for our sins (Galatians 1:4). By believing in him, God hath separated us from the world, sin, and the devil. As we live according to the Spirit—death, and sin, which once held sway, will lose its hold. You will be free from the power of sin as you acknowledge this truth (Romans 6:14).
Where are we seated right now? We have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable multitudes of angels to the general assembly and assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better than that of Abel (Hebrews 12:22-24).
Therefore, don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (supplant your assumptions with the law of the Spirit of life – Romans 8:2/Colossians 3:16), so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2). Do not love the world or the things that are found in it. We may use this world – Colossians 2:20-23 – but not to misuse it – 1 Corinthians 7:31.
According to 1 John 2:15, a man or woman who loves this world will not possess the love of God the Father. His love will not be in them, period. According to James 4:4, God adjudge people who make friends with this world as His enemies and categorizes them as adulterers (spiritual fornication/infidelity – by coalescing with the spirit of the world – Ephesians 2:2).
Know that it is a solid sign that either you are not living according to the Spirit or that you are still a babe in Christ who needs to mature according to the spirit if you are still struggling to overcome the burden and with the sin, which easily entangles you – Hebrews 12:1/Romans 7:23.
They that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts (Galatians 5:24).
The law of sin and death must be replaced with the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, which entails being renewed in the spirit of our minds, according to Ephesians 4:23/Romans 8:2. Even though we perceive that we are still in this earthly body, we must consider that in the spirit we are seated above the earthly realm. If we disregard or are slothful or are unwilling to work out our own salvation – Philippians 2:12/Proverbs 18:9/24:30,31 – in PUTTING OFF the old man (depravity – filthiness of the flesh and spirit), which is corrupt, and PUT ON the new man, which after God is created, as stated in Ephesians 4:22/Colossians 3:8/2 Corinthians 7:1, and PUT ON the Lord Jesus Christ – Romans 13:14, we would not only fail to see ourselves in the light of the Scriptures but also constantly be aware of our fallen selves and our miserable, sad lives.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom” (Colossians 3:16). It requires a lot of work for the message of Christ to fully abide in us – John 6:27/Proverbs 19:15/24:30. But, if we are preoccupied with how to build/establish our lives in accordance with this world, how can we be able to maintain it for eternal life? After all, John 12:25 states that anybody who loves his life in this world will lose it. Therefore, be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves (James 1:22). Let the word of God become our first love.
We can see that the Bible features two Adams.
Is there a distinctness in both Adams? In every respect, there is. What makes them dissimilar? The first man Adam, (is of the earth); he was made a LIVING SOUL; the last Adam was made a QUICKENING SPIRIT; and he is the Lord from heaven (1 Corinthians 15:45,47). And as is the earthy (the first Adam), such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly (the last Adam), such are they also that are heavenly (1 Corinthians 15:48) – that which is born of the Spirit is spirit (John 3:6)
That being so, what do we learn from this? As is the heavenly (the last Adam), such are they also that are heavenly. According to Timothy–the church of the living God being the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15) – the only entity which came to possession of the extreme great power of God (Ephesians 1:17-23/2Corinthinans 10:4) – how could we belittle and count ourselves but dung. We are nothing more than a bunch of clowns if we don’t learn who we are and whose we are.
The Spirit of God instructs us to examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith (Pistis – persuaded, assurance); prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? (2 Corinthians 13:5)
Why did Jesus furnish the Church, His body with the necessary offices? One purpose is to perfect the saints of God, right? Ephesians 4:11-13
We know that whosoever is born of God sins not – 1 John 5:18 – And he that is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is judged of no man (1 Corinthians 2:15)
We’re all royalty now, aren’t we? 1Pet 2:9/1 Corinthians 4:8/Revelation 1:6/5:10. Were His holiness and divine nature not ours to possess? 2 Peter 1:4/Hebrews 12:10 That is why Jesus Christ is said to as “the King of kings and Lord of lords.”1 Timothy 6:15/Revelation 17:14/19:16 – For the Lord your God (Elohiym) is God of gods (Elohiym), and Lord of lords – Deuteronomy 10:17. It couldn’t possibly imply that Yahweh (Jehovah) is the God of false gods, can it? Now therefore ye are no more strangers (xenos – a guest) and foreigners (paroikos – a by-dweller), but fellow citizens (sumpolites – a native) with the saints, and of the household of God (Ephesians 2:19).
You can see that the Hebrew word “Elohim” or “Elohiym,” when employed in the Bible, does not refer to a false god but rather to judges, mighty, princes, angels, God, etc. We see the Psalmist intones in Psalms 138:1, “before the gods (elohim’s) will I sing praise unto thee”.
When the book of Exodus 21:6/22:8,9 and 1 Samuel 2:25 render ‘elohim’ as “judges”—Psalms 8:5 (Strong’s number H430) translates ‘elohim’ as angles – KJV – inevitably ‘elohim’ can mean someone in authority, an angel or a child of God. God stands in the congregation of the mighty; he judges among the gods. I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High (Psalm 82:1,6).
Let’s recapitulate some of the main points:
Every time you see ‘Elohim’ being appended to humans it signifies a position of honour and authority. The glory of his inheritance in the saints, and the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe – Ephesians 1:18-19. Behold, I give unto you power (exousia – mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence, authority) to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you (Luke 10:19). But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (John 1:12)
‘El, with its derived words ‘Elim, ‘Elohim, and ‘Eloah, is one of the most traditional and extensively used terms for Deity known to the human race. It is a collective phrase that refers to all deities as a whole. Even among men, it may signify a position of honour and authority.
The King James Version translates variously: judges, vast, mighty, God, gods, and angels.
Its New Testament counterpart is ‘Theos’.
In Acts 12:22 (ASV), the Jews referred to Herod as “Theos” because they were yelling, “The voice of a god (“Theos”) and not of a man!”
He called them gods, unto whom the word of God came – John 10:35 – At one point, Satan is even mentioned – 2 Corinthians 4:4.
Simply put, the Bible uses the Greek word for “god,” Strong’s 2316 “Theos,” to refer to more than just Jehovah.
For instance: According to the ancient Testament The Hebrew word “Elohim” (god) can refer to any important person (e.g. Abraham, Genesis 23:6). Aaron and Pharaoh both referred to Moses as “Elohim” (Exodus 7:1). (Exodus 4:16; compare Judges 5:8; 1 Samuel 2:25; Psalms 82:1) – to describe individuals who represent God or who are in His presence (1 Samuel 28:13). Elohim’s are the name given to angels (Psalms 8:5). So were judges referred to in Exodus 21:6. It is, therefore, a general term denoting majesty and authority, and it only started being employed as a proper name for the God of Israel in the later stages when the previous proper name Yahweh was deemed to be too sacred to be spoken.
Now the issue is at hand. Do we serve as God’s representatives here on earth? 2 Corinthians 5:20 Is He with us right now? Are we in His presence? The correct response is that we serve as both God’s ambassadors and His abode/spiritual house – 1 Peter 2:5/Ephesians 2:22/1 Corinthians 3:16/6:19. What does that make us then? Elohim’s, yes?
Jesus is not claiming that humans are divine or on par with God; rather, he is stating that they can be referred to as “gods” in a restricted sense since they serve as God’s emissaries on earth.
When the people of Lystra would have worshipped Paul and Barnabas as heathen gods, the apostle protests that God is not like men, and bases His majesty upon His creatorship of all things – Acts 14:15. God alone is to be worshipped. “God (Elohim) stands in the divine assembly (‘ăḏaṯ-‘êl); He judges among the gods (Elohim’s)” Psalms 82
Every time ‘Elohim’ is alluded to God it denotes one thing—that the God of Israel is the highest, the most exalted, among the ‘Elohim’s’. I am the Lord (Yhovah), and there is none else, there is no God (‘Elohim) beside me (Isaiah 45:5).
The term “gods” is used to describe the spiritual potential of a regenerate Christian; in other words, born again Christians have the potential to reflect the character and nature of God in their lives. This potential is realized through a process of spiritual growth and transformation, which involves developing a deeper understanding of God’s nature and character and aligning one’s own life with these values. This interpretation is supported by Jesus’ own words in John 10:34-36, where he quotes Psalm 82:6 and suggests that all human beings have the potential to be “sons of God.”
The verse also implies that unlike other creatures, human beings have a special relationship with God. As Jesus said, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). This statement suggests that Jesus had a unique relationship with God, which was based on his divine nature. However, Jesus also said that his followers could have a similar relationship with God. He prayed, “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me” (John 17:22-23).
- Jesus answered them, is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods (Theos)? (John 10:34,35)
- He called them gods, unto whom the word of God came (John 10:35)
- The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master (Luke 6:40) – we speak wisdom among them that are perfect (that are made whole, mature in spirit) (1 Corinthians 2:6/3:1-3/1Peter 2:2/Hebrews 5:13,14)
- And the Lord said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god (‘Elohim) to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet (Exodus 7:1).
- I have said, Ye are gods (‘Elohim); and all of you are children of the most High (Psalm 82:6)
- God stands in the congregation of the mighty; he judges among the gods (Psalm 82:1)
- Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people (1 Peter 2:9)
- Know ye not that we shall judge the world and the angels? (1 Corinthians 6:2,3)