Jesus addressed as 'God'; Hebrews affirms Christ's full deity and eternal rule
Assemblies of God affirms that Hebrews 1:8 — where the Father addresses the Son as 'Your throne, O God' — is a clear affirmation of Jesus Christ's full deity. The AG reads this verse as definitively establishing that Jesus Christ is God, not merely a created being or an exalted creature. The quote comes from Psalm 45:6-7, which the author of Hebrews applies to the Son, indicating that all Old Testament affirmations of God's eternal throne now apply to Christ.
This verse is one of the most explicit statements in the New Testament of the Son's divinity. The AG uses Hebrews 1 (especially vv. 3, 8) as a central passage in its defense of Trinitarianism against non-Trinitarian movements. The Son is 'the radiance of God's glory and the exact image of his nature' (v. 3) and sits enthroned as God eternally. His throne is not temporary or delegated; it reflects his eternal and underivative divine status.
For the AG, Hebrews 1:8 stands as Scripture's assertion that Jesus Christ shares fully in the divine nature and authority. This is consistent with the AG's confession that Jesus is 'the Son of God' and deserves worship, honor, and allegiance as God.
Key Distinctions
- Christ divinity:
- full deity of Christ affirmed; eternal throne; shares divine authority
- Psalm application:
- Worship status:
Scripture References
Sources
- Assemblies of God Statement of Fundamental Truths, §4: The Deity of the Lord Jesus Christ