Q& A: Why does the Bible say we are gods?

In John 10:34-35, Jesus quoted an Old Testament passage which said, “…You are gods, And all of you are sons of the Most High” (Psalm 82:6).

The New American Standard Life Application Study Bible has the following to say about these verses: “Jesus referred to Psalm 82:6, where the Israelite rulers and judges are called ‘gods’ (see also Exodus 4:16; 7:1). If God called the Israelite leaders gods because they were agents of God’s revelation and will, how could it be blasphemy for Jesus to call Himself the Son of God? Jesus was rebuking the religious leaders because He is the Son of God in a unique, unparalleled relationship of oneness with the Father.”

About these verses Brother Copeland has said:

“You’re created in the same spiritual class as God (in His image—Genesis 1:26). The difference between you and me and God Almighty is that He’s sovereign, and we’re not. There are certain things in your life that you’re lord over, and nobody can do anything about those things but you. God will hold you responsible as an underlord of His in certain things in your household, certain things with your body. Now, your body belongs to Him—He paid for it. But if you don’t do something about it in His Name, there’s nothing going to be done about it. God, on the other hand, is sovereign. He doesn’t have anyone over Him, and there’s nobody He has to answer to. But there’s no such thing as a sovereign human being.”

As believers we can recognize that God is supreme and He created us in His image and likeness. We are not sovereign, but when we obey God’s direction we are empowered with His authority, power and spiritual gifts. Jesus said that all power had been given unto Him, then He directed us to take that power and use it to stop the works of the devil (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 10:18-20).