We Are Gods as Believers | by Dominion The Poet

But Not Gods for Worship

The Bible contains profound truths about the identity and authority of believers in Christ. One such truth is the declaration that we are “gods” (John 10:34–35; Psalm 82:6). However, this must be understood in context — while believers share in God’s divine authority and purpose, we are not gods to be worshiped. This article explores what it means to be “gods” and “lords” under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Biblical Foundation: What Does “Ye Are Gods” Mean?

The Biblical Declaration

Jesus said: “Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:34–35).
This references Psalm 82:6, where God addresses judges and rulers as “gods” because of their delegated authority and responsibility to execute His justice.

Understanding “Gods” in Context

The term “gods” does not mean believers are divine in essence or equal to God. Rather, it signifies:
Delegated Authority: Believers are representatives of God on earth, called to reflect His character and rule (Genesis 1:26–28).
Spiritual Identity: As children of God, believers partake in His divine nature through the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:4).

The Limitation of “Gods”

While we carry God’s authority and bear His image, we are created beings, not to be worshiped. Only God is infinite, eternal, and worthy of worship (Isaiah 42:8).

We Are Lords, But Jesus Is the Lord of Lords

Believers as Lords

Scripture speaks of believers as kings and priests, emphasizing their authority in Christ:
“And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth” (Revelation 5:10).
This lordship involves stewardship, spiritual authority, and reigning with Christ in His Kingdom (Romans 5:17).

Jesus: The Lord of Lords

While believers are lords, Jesus is the supreme Lord over all:
“These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings” (Revelation 17:14).
Our authority is derived from and subject to His ultimate authority.

Humility in Authority

Believers must exercise their God-given authority with humility and submission to Christ, recognizing that we are servants of the true King (Philippians 2:9–11).

The Danger of Misunderstanding Our Identity

Avoiding Self-Exaltation

Some distort the concept of being “gods” or “lords” to elevate themselves, seeking worship or undue reverence.
This mirrors the sin of Satan, who sought to exalt himself above God (Isaiah 14:12–15).

Worship Belongs to God Alone

Even Jesus, during His earthly ministry, resisted being worshiped outside the context of His divinity, directing glory to the Father (John 17:4).
True believers recognize that all worship belongs to God:
“Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Matthew 4:10).

Guarding Against Idolatry

Idolatry occurs when we elevate ourselves or others above God. This includes spiritual pride, self-centeredness, or seeking personal glory.
Believers are called to reflect God’s glory, not claim it for themselves (Isaiah 43:7).

Living as Gods Under God

Reflecting God’s Nature

As believers, we are called to mirror God’s character in holiness, love, and justice.
Key Verse: “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48).

Exercising God-Given Authority

Believers have authority over sin, sickness, and the powers of darkness through Christ:
“Behold, I give unto you power… over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Luke 10:19).
This authority must always be exercised in alignment with God’s will and Word.

Walking in Submission to Christ

True spiritual authority flows from submission to Jesus as Lord:
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

Serving Others with Humility

Jesus exemplified servant leadership, washing His disciples’ feet and calling His followers to do the same (John 13:14–15).
Our identity as “gods” and “lords” should lead us to serve, not dominate, others.

The Call to Worship the True God

While believers are elevated in Christ, we must never forget that worship is reserved for God alone.

The Uniqueness of God

God alone is infinite, eternal, and self-existent. He declares:
“I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another” (Isaiah 42:8).

Jesus as the Focus of Worship

Jesus, as the Son of God, is worthy of worship because He is divine:
“And every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:11).

Gratitude for God’s Grace

Our response to God’s grace and identity as His children should be one of thanksgiving and worship:
“Let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28, NIV).

Conclusion

As believers, we are “gods” and “lords” in the sense that we share in God’s authority and divine nature through Christ. However, we must never forget that our identity and authority are derived from Him. We are not gods to be worshiped but servants called to reflect His glory and submit to His will.

Jesus is the Lord of lords, the King of kings, and the only one worthy of worship. Let us live in humility, gratitude, and devotion, honoring Him in all that we do.

But Not Gods for Worship

Biblical Foundation: What Does “Ye Are Gods” Mean?

The Biblical Declaration

Jesus said: “Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:34–35).
This references Psalm 82:6, where God addresses judges and rulers as “gods” because of their delegated authority and responsibility to execute His justice.

Understanding “Gods” in Context

The term “gods” does not mean believers are divine in essence or equal to God. Rather, it signifies:
Delegated Authority: Believers are representatives of God on earth, called to reflect His character and rule (Genesis 1:26–28).
Spiritual Identity: As children of God, believers partake in His divine nature through the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:4).

The Limitation of “Gods”

While we carry God’s authority and bear His image, we are created beings, not to be worshiped. Only God is infinite, eternal, and worthy of worship (Isaiah 42:8).

We Are Lords, But Jesus Is the Lord of Lords

Believers as Lords

Scripture speaks of believers as kings and priests, emphasizing their authority in Christ:
“And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth” (Revelation 5:10).
This lordship involves stewardship, spiritual authority, and reigning with Christ in His Kingdom (Romans 5:17).

Jesus: The Lord of Lords

While believers are lords, Jesus is the supreme Lord over all:
“These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings” (Revelation 17:14).
Our authority is derived from and subject to His ultimate authority.

Humility in Authority

Believers must exercise their God-given authority with humility and submission to Christ, recognizing that we are servants of the true King (Philippians 2:9–11).

The Danger of Misunderstanding Our Identity

Avoiding Self-Exaltation

Some distort the concept of being “gods” or “lords” to elevate themselves, seeking worship or undue reverence.
This mirrors the sin of Satan, who sought to exalt himself above God (Isaiah 14:12–15).

Worship Belongs to God Alone

Even Jesus, during His earthly ministry, resisted being worshiped outside the context of His divinity, directing glory to the Father (John 17:4).
True believers recognize that all worship belongs to God:
“Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Matthew 4:10).

Guarding Against Idolatry

Idolatry occurs when we elevate ourselves or others above God. This includes spiritual pride, self-centeredness, or seeking personal glory.
Believers are called to reflect God’s glory, not claim it for themselves (Isaiah 43:7).

Living as Gods Under God

Reflecting God’s Nature

As believers, we are called to mirror God’s character in holiness, love, and justice.
Key Verse: “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48).

Exercising God-Given Authority

Believers have authority over sin, sickness, and the powers of darkness through Christ:
“Behold, I give unto you power… over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Luke 10:19).
This authority must always be exercised in alignment with God’s will and Word.

Walking in Submission to Christ

True spiritual authority flows from submission to Jesus as Lord:
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

Serving Others with Humility

Jesus exemplified servant leadership, washing His disciples’ feet and calling His followers to do the same (John 13:14–15).
Our identity as “gods” and “lords” should lead us to serve, not dominate, others.

The Call to Worship the True God

While believers are elevated in Christ, we must never forget that worship is reserved for God alone.

The Uniqueness of God

God alone is infinite, eternal, and self-existent. He declares:
“I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another” (Isaiah 42:8).

Jesus as the Focus of Worship

Jesus, as the Son of God, is worthy of worship because He is divine:
“And every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:11).

Gratitude for God’s Grace

Our response to God’s grace and identity as His children should be one of thanksgiving and worship:
“Let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28, NIV).

Conclusion

Jesus is the Lord of lords, the King of kings, and the only one worthy of worship. Let us live in humility, gratitude, and devotion, honoring Him in all that we do.