This is a challenging and often controversial question: what does the Bible say about becoming a god? Scripture can be long, complex, and sometimes confusing, but when examined carefully, it invites deep thought about our identity, our relationship with God, and what it truly means to be His children.
The Underlying Question
When people ask whether humans can become gods, the question beneath the question is usually this: Is God the Father of our spirits? In other words, are we fundamentally different from God—like ants compared to humans—or are we His spiritual offspring? This perspective shapes how we understand many biblical passages.
What Jesus Said About People Being Gods
In John 10:30–34, Jesus declares, “I and my Father are one.” In response, the Jews attempt to stone Him for claiming to be God. Jesus answers them by appealing to their own law:
“Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?”
Here, Jesus quotes Psalms 82:6, which states:
“I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the Most High.”
By referencing this passage, Jesus uses Scripture to challenge their assumptions and reframes the discussion around divine identity and spiritual heritage.
How Perspective Shapes Understanding
If you believe you are truly a child of God, then passages like Psalms 82 and Jesus’ words in John 10 make sense. However, if you believe God is entirely separate from humanity in nature, these scriptures may seem confusing or symbolic at best. Scripture often depends on how we understand our relationship to God.
Why the Bible Uses the Term “Most High God”
The Bible frequently refers to God as the Most High God. This phrase appears throughout Scripture:
- Melchizedek was a priest of the Most High God (Genesis 14)
- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego served the Most High God (Daniel 3)
- Paul preached about the Most High God (Acts 16)
- Even demons recognized Jesus as the Son of the Most High God (Mark 5)
This distinction raises an important question: if there is only one being referred to as “god,” why does Scripture need the qualifier “Most High”? Other passages deepen this idea:
- Believers are made kings and priests unto God (Revelation 1:6)
- God the Father refers to Jesus as God (Hebrews 1:8)
- Satan is called the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4)
The title “Most High God” helps distinguish God the Father from others who are also called gods in Scripture.
Jesus’ Command to Become Like the Father
In Matthew 5:48, Jesus commands:
“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”
This command raises a logical question: why would Jesus command something impossible? If humans were fundamentally incapable of becoming like God, such a command would make no sense. However, if humans are spiritual children of God, the command becomes an invitation to grow into divine likeness.
Scriptures That Teach We Are Children of God
Several passages reinforce the idea that God is the Father of our spirits:
“Shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?” (Hebrews 12:9)
“For we are also his offspring.” (Acts 17:28–29)
Acts also introduces the term Godhead, suggesting a divine unity rather than a solitary, isolated being.
Created in God’s Image
Genesis describes the creation of humanity using plural language:
“Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” (Genesis 1:26)
This language supports the idea that humanity reflects divine attributes and potential.
Joint Heirs with Christ
Perhaps one of the strongest teachings comes from Paul:
“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.” (Romans 8:16–17)
Jesus reinforces this promise in Revelation 3:21, where He invites those who overcome to sit with Him on His throne, just as He sits with the Father on His throne.
What the Bible Ultimately Teaches
When Scripture is taken together, several conclusions emerge:
- Jesus is the Son of God.
- God is the Father of our spirits.
- We are heirs and joint heirs with Christ.
- Scripture itself declares, “Ye are gods,” and “children of the Most High.”
Conclusion
So, what does the Bible say about becoming a god? According to Scripture, humans are not merely creations distant from God, but His spiritual offspring. While interpretations vary, the Bible consistently teaches divine inheritance, growth, and likeness. As Psalms 82 declares:
“I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the Most High.”
This teaching invites believers to see themselves not as insignificant beings, but as children of God with divine potential.
