For many people, the word “repentance” seems negative, but the Bible presents repentance not as a burden, but as a gift that leads to life, freedom, and joy.
In this episode we explore:
The difference between worldly sorrow and true repentance
How repentance is both grief and joy at the same time
Why repentance is a gift that God gives
How to get out of a rut when you feel stuck in cycles of sin
What repentance looks like in everyday life
How repentance transforms our relationships and character
We also discuss powerful biblical examples—from the prodigal son to Judah—and how repentance is not just the way into the Christian life, but the way we continue walking with Jesus.
If you’ve ever struggled with guilt, felt stuck in sin, or misunderstood repentance, this conversation will help you see it as a pathway to deeper joy in Christ.
What if repentance isn’t something to dread—but something to celebrate?In this episode of Theology for the People, host Nick Cady sits down with author and pastor Chris Brauns to talk about his new book The Way of Repentance: Embracing God’s Gift for a Transformed Life.For many people, the word “repentance” seems negative, but the Bible presents repentance not as a burden, but as a gift that leads to life, freedom, and joy.In this episode we explore:The difference between worldly sorrow and true repentanceHow repentance is both grief and joy at the same timeWhy repentance is a gift that God givesHow to get out of a rut when you feel stuck in cycles of sinWhat repentance looks like in everyday lifeHow repentance transforms our relationships and characterWe also discuss powerful biblical examples—from the prodigal son to Judah—and how repentance is not just the way into the Christian life, but the way we continue walking with Jesus.👉 If you’ve ever struggled with guilt, felt stuck in sin, or misunderstood repentance, this conversation will help you see it as a pathway to deeper joy in Christ.
This episode is audio only for the safety of the people to whom Matt ministers, but the audio can be found on YouTube here:
One definition of “begotten” is to create or produce, to bring into existence.
If God and Jesus are both eternal, and they have no beginning of existence and no end of existence, how is Jesus God’s begotten son?
The answer to this question lies in understanding the Greek word translated “begotten” and the attempt to explain something important that challenges the limits of human language.
“Begotten” Does Not Mean “Created”
When the early church clarified its beliefs about Jesus at the Council of Nicaea (325 AD), it used a very precise phrase:
γεννηθέντα, οὐ ποιηθέντα (gennēthenta, ou poiēthenta) = “Begotten, not made.”
That phrase is crucial.
“Made” means created—something that comes into existence
“Begotten” means sharing the same nature as the one who begets
gennaō (γεννάω) = “to beget” implies the same nature
poieō (ποιέω) = “to make” implies a different nature
So when Christians say Jesus is begotten, they are explicitly saying that He is not a created being.
This language was chosen in response to teachers like Arius, who argued that the Son (Jesus) was a created being. The church’s answer was clear: Jesus is not made—He is begotten.
Why Say that Jesus is “Begotten” at All?
We get this language from the Bible, and from Jesus’ own words. For this reason, it’s important that we not dismiss them, but receive them and try to understand them.
In passages like John 1:14, 1:18, and 3:16, Jesus is called the “only begotten Son.”
The Greek word behind this phrase is: μονογενής (monogenēs)
While it has traditionally been translated in English as “only begotten,” its meaning is slightly different. It most directly means: “one of a kind,” “unique,” or “only one of His kind”
So when John calls Jesus the monogenēs Son, he is emphasizing that:
Jesus is the unique Son of God
He is not one Son among many
He is the Son in a completely different category
This fits with what the creed later clarifies: Jesus is not just another “child of God” – He is the Son of God in a way that no one else is.
“Begotten” Speaks of Relationship, Not Beginning
Theologians have used the phrase “eternal generation” to describe this truth:
The Father is eternally Father
The Son is eternally Son
The Son is from the Father—but not after the Father
In other words: There was never a time when the Son did not exist. So “begotten” does not describe a moment in time, but rather aneternal relationship within the Godhead.
Why Not Just Say “Born”?
The Greek word gennaō can also be translated “born,” so this raises a question about why English translations of the Bible and creeds use the word “begotten” instead?
The reason is an attempt at theological precision.
“Born” tends to imply a moment in time
“Begotten” emphasizes shared nature, without implying that there was a “starting point” when it began.
So, begotten is carefully chosen to preserve the idea that the Son is unique and that He shares in the Father’s nature, but was not created.
The Unique Son: Jesus Is the Son by Nature; We Become Sons by Adoption
This brings us to an important distinction. The Bible says that we become sons or children of God through faith in Jesus (John 1:12, 1 John 3:1)
As sons of God, we share in the inheritance which is ours as sons, and Jesus is our brother. But there is a difference between the way that we are sons of God and the way that Jesus is the Son of God.
Jesus is the only begotten Son
Believers are adopted as sons (Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:4–7)
Jesus is:
Son by nature
Eternal
Shares the same divine essence as the Father
We (believers) are:
Sons and daughters by adoption
Not sons from eternity past, but:
Brought into God’s family by grace
John 1:12 says: “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God”
We become children of God. Jesus never became the Son, He has always been the unique Son of God – in a way that no one else is or ever will be.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just a technical theological point, it’s actually essential to the gospel.
If Jesus were made, then He would be a creature. But if Jesus is “begotten, not made,” then He is fully God.
And that matters because:
Only God can fully reveal God
Only God can truly save
The message of the gospel is that the eternal Son of God came to us, so that we, who are not sons by nature, might become sons by grace.
Going Deeper: “Eternal Generation” versus “Procession”
The doctrine of “Eternal Generation” is the way that theologians explain some of the passages in the Bible which describe the Son as being from the Father, while not being created by the Father. This is different from “procession,” which is the term traditionally used for the Holy Spirit.
But as for the Son coming from the Father, consider these examples:
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
“For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself.” (John 5:26)
“He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.” (Hebrews 1:3a)
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)
The Bible describes the Son as being “from” the Father, but not as a created being or someone who came into existence at some point—rather, as the eternal Son who has always been in perfect relationship with the Father.
Here are four basic assertions about the Trinity that are universally accepted by Christians [1]:
There is one and only one true and living God.
This one God eternally exists in three Persons—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
These three Persons are completely equal in attributes, each sharing the same divine nature.
While each Person is fully and completely God, the Persons are not identical.
It is in an attempt to write down what the Bible, and Jesus Himself stated regarding the nature of God, that we use the terms “begotten” and explain it using the language of “eternal generation.”
Drawing from the insights of Worship Matters by Bob Kauflin, they explore 9 essential tensions that every church must navigate when it comes to worship and music.
What does it look like to be:
Spirit-led and Scripture-rooted?
Emotionally expressive and doctrinally grounded?
Skilled and sincere?
Rather than choosing one side or the other, healthy worship holds these tensions together in a way that honors God and serves the church.
Whether you’re a pastor, worship leader, musician, or church member, this conversation will help you think more clearly about what worship is—and what it’s for.
👉 Topics include:
The purpose of music in gathered worship
Balancing excellence and authenticity
Choosing songs that shape theology
Leading people, not just performing for them
Why tension is not a problem—but a necessity
If you care about Christ-centered, congregational worship, this episode is for you.
In this episode of Theology for the People, host Nick Cady sits down with Michael Payne, Worship Pastor at White Fields Community Church, to talk about what makes worship in the church both biblical and healthy.Drawing from the insights of "Worship Matters" by Bob Kauflin, they explore 9 essential tensions that every church must navigate when it comes to worship and music.What does it look like to be:Spirit-led and Scripture-rooted?Emotionally expressive and doctrinally grounded?Skilled and sincere?Rather than choosing one side or the other, healthy worship holds these tensions together in a way that honors God and serves the church.Whether you're a pastor, worship leader, musician, or church member, this conversation will help you think more clearly about what worship is—and what it’s for.👉 Topics include:The purpose of music in gathered worshipBalancing excellence and authenticityChoosing songs that shape theologyLeading people, not just performing for themWhy tension is not a problem—but a necessityIf you care about Christ-centered, congregational worship, this episode is for you.
This episode is audio only for the safety of the people to whom Matt ministers, but the audio can be found on YouTube here:
What does persecution actually look like in the places where the gospel is least known? And how should Christians think about persecution in relation to missions?
In this episode of the Theology for the People Podcast, I speak with Matt Rhodes. Matt is a missionary and author, who has been serving for 15 years as a church planter in North Africa among a Muslim-majority tribals communities. Matt shares stories from the field and discusses the central thesis of his book Persecution and Missions: A Practical Theology.
One of Matt’s key insights is that persecution is not merely an occasional obstacle to mission—it is often a structural reality in places where the gospel is advancing. In many communities, the greatest barrier to faith in Christ isn’t intellectual objections but the social and familial cost of conversion. Whereas many people espouse the benefits that persecution has on the church, Matt points out that the threat of persecution does keep many from even considering the claims of Christ out of fear of reprisal.
In this episode Matt and I discuss:
Why persecution often prevents people from even exploring Christianity
The immense social cost faced by converts from Muslim backgrounds
Common mistakes Western missionaries make when discipling persecuted believers
The tension between contextualization and compromise in missions
How the New Testament frames persecution through the lens of the Exodus and the Promised Land
Why missionaries must be honest about the cost of following Jesus
The dangers of wealth, financial incentives, and dependency in missions
Matt also shares practical wisdom from his experience serving in a village context in North Africa and offers specific ways listeners can pray for believers who face intense pressure for their faith.
This conversation offers an important reminder: following Jesus has always come with a cost—but the hope of resurrection and eternal reward makes that cost worthwhile.
What does persecution actually look like in the places where the gospel is least known? And how should Christians think about persecution in relation to missions?In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick Cady speaks with missionary and author Matt Rhodes about his 15 years serving as a church planter in North Africa among a Muslim-majority tribal community. Matt shares stories from the field and discusses the central thesis of his book Persecution and Missions: A Practical Theology.One of Matt’s key insights is that persecution is not merely an occasional obstacle to mission—it is often a structural reality in places where the gospel is advancing. In many communities, the greatest barrier to faith in Christ isn’t intellectual objections but the social and familial cost of conversion.Nick and Matt discuss:Why persecution often prevents people from even exploring ChristianityThe immense social cost faced by converts from Muslim backgroundsCommon mistakes Western missionaries make when discipling persecuted believersThe tension between contextualization and compromise in missionsHow the New Testament frames persecution through the lens of the Exodus and the Promised LandWhy missionaries must be honest about the cost of following JesusThe dangers of wealth, financial incentives, and dependency in missionsMatt also shares practical wisdom from his experience serving in a village context in North Africa and offers specific ways listeners can pray for believers who face intense pressure for their faith.This conversation offers an important reminder: following Jesus has always come with a cost—but the hope of resurrection and eternal reward makes that cost worthwhile.📘 Matt’s book: Persecution and Missions: A Practical Theology
This episode is audio only for the safety of the people to whom Matt ministers, but the audio can be found on YouTube here:
In this episode of the Theology for the People Podcast, I speak with Shane Angland to explore a question that I have thought about for a long time: Did the early church fathers view Scripture the way Protestants do today—or is the Protestant view of the Bible a Reformation novelty?
Shane and I walk through patristic theology and discuss how figures like Irenaeus, Athanasius, Chrysostom, Jerome, and Augustine spoke about the inspiration, authority, sufficiency, and clarity of Scripture. We also examine the “rule of faith” and whether it functioned like a controlling magisterium—or more like a summary of Scripture’s core teaching that guided interpretation.
Along the way, we discuss:
What “patristics” are, and where the patristic era generally begins and ends
Whether the fathers believed Scripture could contain errors
How early Christians handled difficult passages (textual issues, translation, and humility)
The unity of Scripture and the Christ-centered reading of the whole Bible
The Reformation’s claims about Sola Scriptura and the perspicuity (clarity) of Scripture
Augustine’s On Christian Doctrine and why it’s really about how to interpret the Bible
Whether the church creates Scripture’s authority or recognizes it
How medieval developments changed the relationship between Scripture and tradition
If you’ve ever wondered whether the Reformation recovered an earlier Christian approach to the Bible—or introduced something new—this conversation is for you.
The Bible in Patristic Thought: Authority, Clarity, and the Rule of Faith – with Shane Angland –
Theology for the People
In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick Cady is joined by recurring guest Shane Angland to explore the question: Did the early church fathers view Scripture the way Protestants do today—or is the Protestant view of the Bible a Reformation novelty?Nick and Shane walk through patristic theology and discuss how figures like Irenaeus, Athanasius, Chrysostom, Jerome, and Augustine spoke about the inspiration, authority, sufficiency, and clarity of Scripture. They also examine the “rule of faith” and whether it functioned like a controlling magisterium—or more like a summary of Scripture’s core teaching that guided interpretation.Along the way, they discuss:What “patristics” are, and where the patristic era generally begins and endsWhether the fathers believed Scripture could contain errorsHow early Christians handled difficult passages (textual issues, translation, and humility)The unity of Scripture and the Christ-centered reading of the whole BibleThe Reformation’s claims about sola Scriptura and the perspicuity (clarity) of ScriptureAugustine’s On Christian Doctrine and why it’s really about how to interpret the BibleWhether the church creates Scripture’s authority or recognizes itHow medieval developments changed the relationship between Scripture and traditionIf you’ve ever wondered whether the Reformation recovered an earlier Christian approach to the Bible—or introduced something new—this conversation is for you.
I have recently started posting more on the Theology for the People YouTube channel. You can watch this interview on video here:
A bill that would have decriminalized sex work among consenting adults in Colorado was abandoned just hours before it was set to come up for a first vote in the state Capitol this week.
State Sen. Lisa Cutter, a Democrat who represents Jefferson County and one of the bill’s co-sponsors, told Denver7 Tuesday Senate Bill 97 was being pulled from the Senate Judiciary Agenda scheduled for Wednesday because it failed to garner enough votes to make it out of committee.
Why the Bill Failed
According to news sources, the withdrawal comes after weeks of intense pushback from law enforcement, religious leaders, and advocates for trafficking survivors. While proponents framed the bill as a way to increase safety for sex workers, the reality was much darker. As we discussed in our previous post, decriminalization without regulation—essentially a “hands-off” approach by the state, threatened to turn Colorado into a magnet for traffickers by dramatically increasing the demand for prostitution.
As discussed in that post, prostitution is not a victimless crime; it tends to prey upon the vulnerabilities of the hurting and those in desperate situations, and almost always involves abuse and exploitation. For those who believe in the inherent dignity of human beings due to us being created in the image of God, this is an answer to prayer and a testament to the power of people in the community making their voices heard.
Still Much to Be Done
While we celebrate this result, the withdrawal (for now) of this bill does not mean the end of the sex trade or the suffering of those trapped within it. Our church will continue to support organizations like the Anonymous Ways Foundation and other efforts to provide a “way out” for those on the streets.
In this episode of the Theology for the People Podcast, I speak with Bruce Zachary, founding and teaching pastor of Calvary Nexus in Camarillo, California, to explore the Passover Seder meal—what it is, why it matters, and how it points powerfully to Jesus the Messiah.
Bruce shares his story of growing up in an observant Jewish home and later coming to faith in Christ after visiting Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa and encountering the Book of Hebrews.
From there, the conversation dives into the biblical foundation of Passover in Exodus 12, the symbolism of the Seder plate, the meaning of the afikomen, and the significance of the four cups from Exodus 6:6–7—especially the “cup of redemption” connected to Jesus’ words at the Last Supper.
We also discuss how Christians should approach the Seder respectfully, how it helps connect the Old and New Testaments, and why Passover is one of the richest pictures of God’s redemptive plan—from Exodus to the cross and beyond.
📍 Upcoming Event: Bruce will be leading a Passover Seder at White Fields Community Church in Longmont, Colorado on March 27, 2026. The event is open to the public. Register here.
More from Bruce: Messages and free resources, including several ebooks, are available at calvarynexus.org
Nick and Bruce help lead a global church planting network called Cultivate. Visit: cultivatechurchplanting.com
In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick Cady sits down with Bruce Zachary, founding and teaching pastor of Calvary Nexus (Camarillo, California), to explore the Passover Seder meal—what it is, why it matters, and how it points powerfully to Jesus the Messiah.Bruce shares his story of growing up in an observant Jewish home and later coming to faith in Christ after visiting Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa and encountering the Book of Hebrews. From there, the conversation dives into the biblical foundation of Passover in Exodus 12, the symbolism of the Seder plate, the meaning of the afikomen, and the significance of the four cups from Exodus 6:6–7—especially the “cup of redemption” connected to Jesus’ words at the Last Supper.Nick and Bruce also discuss how Christians should approach the Seder respectfully, how it helps connect the Old and New Testaments, and why Passover is one of the richest pictures of God’s redemptive plan—from Exodus to the cross and beyond.📍 Upcoming Event: Bruce will be leading a Passover Seder at White Fields Community Church in Longmont, Colorado on March 27, 2026. The event is open to the public. Register here.More from Bruce: Messages and free resources, including several ebooks, are available at calvarynexus.orgNick and Bruce help lead a global church planting network called Cultivate. Visit: cultivatechurchplanting.com
I have recently started posting more on the Theology for the People YouTube channel. You can watch this interview on video here:
Colorado lawmakers recently introduced a bill to decriminalize prostitution in our state. Senate Bill 26-097, titled “Decriminalize Adult Commercial Sexual Activity,” is framed as a move toward personal liberty, but if it is passed, it will put people, especially women, at greater risk of sexual exploitation.
Those who are concerned with justice, compassion, and the protection of the vulnerable should be alarmed by this bill, and take steps to oppose it.
Last Sunday, at White Fields Church, we were joined by László (Laci) Németh, founder of the Anonymous Ways Foundation (Névtelen Utak Alapítvány) in Budapest, Hungary. Our church has supported their work for years, and when Laci heard about this bill, he was very concerned, because, as he stated in our service, wherever prostitution has been decriminalized, it has led to an increase in the sexual exploitation of women.
What This Bill Would Do
SB26-097 would effectively legalize the sex trade. However, SB26-097 is a decriminalization bill, which is even more reckless than actual legalization because it removes all penalties without adding any oversight or safety regulations. In addition to decriminalizing prostitution, this bill would:
Allow brothel operations. Permitting the establishment of businesses that profit from the sale of sexual acts.
Normalize exploitation. Treating the sex trade as just another sector of the economy, rather than a system built on the brokenness of the human condition.
Why This is a Problem
The proponents of this bill often frame it as a matter of “empowerment” or “safety” for sex workers. However, theology and history both tell a very different story.
In the book of Genesis, we are introduced to the profound truth that forms the bedrock of Christian ethics: every human being is created in the image of God (Imago Dei). This means that people are not products and bodies are not commodities, because human dignity is intrinsic. We are embodied souls, and therefore what we do with our bodies affects our souls.
The Myth of Increased Safety
The primary argument for decriminalization is that it brings the industry “out of the shadows,” supposedly making it safer for those involved. Yet, global data shows the opposite. In regions where prostitution has been decriminalized or legalized, we don’t see a decrease in violence or exploitation. Instead, we see an explosion in demand.
When legal barriers are removed, the market for that service grows. In the context of the sex trade, more buyers will lead to a need for more “supply.” But where does that supply come from? It doesn’t come from a sudden influx of empowered individuals choosing a career path. It comes from the vulnerable. It comes from women and children (boys and girls) trapped by poverty, addiction, and trauma. It comes immigrants and undocumented or trafficked individuals, in other words: from the very people whom God calls His people to protect. (see: “God’s Heart for the Vulnerable”)
By making it easier to buy sex, the state will be creating an infrastructure for human exploitation. You cannot expand the sex industry without expanding the recruitment of people into it—many of whom are not there by “choice” in any meaningful sense of the word.
The ministries and non-profits providing actual outreach to women and men on the streets (like the ones linked above), tell us that these people are not asking for the state to make their “workplace” more official, they are asking for a way out. They are looking for alternative employment, healing, and restoration of their dignity. By legalizing this industry, the state won’t be helping these women exit; it will be helping to keep them in it.
A Righteous Society
Additionally, God’s people are to be those, who like Jesus: love righteousness and hate wickedness (Hebrews 1:9). Sometimes people claim that “you can’t legislate morality,” but in reality, every law speaks to morality on some level, and criminalizes actions which are immoral or unethical.
If we really believe that God’s ways are best and lead to human flourishing, then we should want all people, created in the image of God, to experience that flourishing. If what the Bible says is true, and sin leads to heartbreak and destruction, then we should not allow laws which allow or encourage people to hurt themselves or others.
What You Can Do
As Christians, we are called to champion righteousness and “defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:9). SB26-097 fails this biblical mandate because it ignores the link between the sex trade and human exploitation.
This bill is currently being considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee. It will not be put to a public vote, but will be decided by our state legislators.
Here’s what you can do:
Email Colorado State Representatives, to tell them that you oppose this bill, and ask them not to approve it.
Pray: Pray for our lawmakers, that they would have the wisdom to see the human cost of this legislation. Pray for the women, men, and children currently trapped in the sex trade.
In this episode of the Theology for the People Podcast, I speak with Murray Smith of Christ College in Sydney, Australia about one of Jesus’ most debated teachings: the Olivet Discourse (Mark 13, Matthew 24-25, Luke 21).
Murray gives us his take on the state of evangelical Christianity in Australia, and then we turn to discussing Murray’s recent book: Jesus’ Speech on the Mount of Olives: a 12-Week Study, which is designed to help Christians read this passage with clarity and hope.
Murray lays out the three major interpretive approaches(preterist / futurist / “both-and”), he explains why “full preterism” is outside of orthodox Christian confession, and then he walks us through why he believes Jesus speaks about both the destruction of Jerusalem and the final return of Christ.
Additionally, we discuss:
Why this passage is so debated—and yet so important
How Jesus’ cosmic “signs” function as accompanying realities of His coming
What it means to “be ready” according to the parables in Matthew 24-25
Why healthy eschatology produces hope, urgency, discipleship, and mission
Though Murray and I have differences in how we interpret this passage, we both hope that studying it will help believers recover a living, formative, and practical hope in the return of Jesus.
Passages referenced: Mark 13; Matthew 24–25; Luke 21; Daniel 7; 1 Thessalonians 4; 2 Peter 3; Revelation 21–22
Links to my recent messages on the Olivet Discourse:
The Olivet Discourse: Jesus’ Most Debated Sermon, and Why It Matters – with Murray Smith –
Theology for the People
In this episode of Theology for the People, Nick Cady speaks with Murray Smith (Christ College, Sydney) to talk about one of Jesus’ most debated teachings: the Olivet Discourse (Mark 13, Matthew 24–25, Luke 21).Murray gives a candid snapshot of the state of evangelical Christianity in Australia, and from there, the conversation turns to Murray’s book Jesus’ Speech on the Mount of Olives, a 12-week study designed to help Christians read this passage with clarity and hope. Murray lays out the three major interpretive approaches (preterist / futurist / “both-and”), he explains why “full preterism” is outside orthodox Christian confession, and then walks us through why he believes Jesus speaks about both the destruction of Jerusalem and the final return of Christ.Nick and Murray also discuss:Why this passage is so debated—and yet so importantHow Jesus’ cosmic “signs” function as accompanying realities of His comingWhat it means to “be ready" according to the parables in Matthew 24–25Why healthy eschatology produces hope, urgency, discipleship, and missionThough Nick and Murray have differences in how they view this passage, they both hope that studying it will help believers recover a living, formative, practical hope in the return of Jesus.Passages referenced: Mark 13; Matthew 24–25; Luke 21; Daniel 7; 1 Thessalonians 4; 2 Peter 3; Revelation 21–22Links to Nick's recent messages on the Olivet Discourse:The Great Tribulation & the King's ReturnLiving Ready for Jesus' ReturnHow to Prepare for the End of the WorldWhat to Expect on Judgment Day
I have recently started posting more on the Theology for the People YouTube channel. You can watch this interview on video here:
Psalm 82 is one of the most curious and potentially confusing passages in the Bible, because of this interesting statement: “I said, ‘You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you’” (Psalm 82:6).
Who is this Psalm speaking to or about? If there is only one true and living God, then who are these “gods”? To make things even more interesting: Jesus quotes this passage from Psalm 82 in the Gospel of John, where he uses it in defense of His claim to be the Son of God!
In this post, we’ll explore the two main interpretive views of Psalm 82 and consider why Jesus referenced this passage in John 10.
What is Psalm 82 Describing?
Psalm 82 opens with these words:
“God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment.” (Psalm 82:1 ESV)
This brings up some important questions: “Who is in this ‘divine council’?,” and “Who are these ‘gods’?” – not to mention: “Why is God judging them?”
The rest of the psalm gives some clues to help us answer these questions. First of all, God rebukes these “gods” for ruling unjustly, showing partiality to the wicked, and failing to defend the weak and the needy (verses 2–4). He then pronounces judgment:
“I said, ‘You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you; nevertheless, like men you shall die, and fall like any prince.’” (Psalm 82:6–7)
The psalm concludes with a plea for God Himself to rise up and judge the earth, because all nations ultimately belong to Him (vs 8).
So the central question is: Who are these “gods” whom God rebukes and condemns?
View 1: The “gods” are Human Judges or Rulers
The most widely held view throughout Jewish and Christian history is that Psalm 82 refers to human rulers—especially judges—within Israel. But of course, this view leaves the question: “Why call human judges or rulers ‘gods’?”
The Rationale for this View:
“Elohim” Can Refer to Human Authorities While elohim is most often used for God, it can also be used in a representative or functional sense. In passages like Exodus 21:6 and Exodus 22:8–9, elohim appears to refer to human judges acting in God’s name.
The Context Is a Courtroom Psalm 82 is filled with courtroom language: judging, ruling unjustly, defending the poor, showing partiality. These are precisely the responsibilities assigned to human judges under the Mosaic Law.
The Moral Failure Fits Human Leaders The rebuke (failing to protect the weak and ruling unjustly) seems to apply to the actions of corrupt human rulers. Throughout the prophets, God consistently condemns Israel’s leaders for these exact sins (e.g., Isaiah 1, Micah 3).
“You Will Die Like Men” Emphasizes Their Mortality Verse 7 states that despite their lofty position, these “gods” will die like ordinary humans. This makes sense if the Psalm is addressing rulers who have forgotten that their authority is temporary and accountable to God.
Summary of View 1
In this reading, Psalm 82 teaches that human judges, entrusted with God’s authority, have abused their power and/or neglected their calling. God reminds them that even though they function as His representatives on Earth (cf. Romans 13:4,6), they are not divine—and they will face judgment for their transgressions.
View 2: The Divine Council (Heavenly Beings)
A second view, popularized in recent decades by scholars such as Michael Heiser and others who have studied the ancient Near East, argues that Psalm 82 refers to supernatural beings, who are members of a heavenly “divine council.”
The Rationale for this View:
The Language of a “Divine Council” Psalm 82:1 describes God standing “in the midst of the gods,” which some argue mirrors ancient Near Eastern imagery of a heavenly council of spiritual beings.
“Sons of the Most High” This phrase is sometimes associated with heavenly beings elsewhere in Scripture (e.g., Job 1–2).
Cosmic Scope of Judgment Some proponents argue that the Psalm envisions God judging spiritual rulers over the nations, not merely human officials in Israel.
Not Polytheism
It’s important to note that proponents of this view are not polytheists and do not believe in the existence of other gods. The True and Living God is not just onegod among equals; instead, God is judging other created spiritual beings who are called “gods” only in the sense that they are spiritual beings given power to rule, yet they are utterly subordinate to Him and are subject to death and judgment.
To support this view, Michael Heiser points to Deuteronomy 32:7-9 as an important corollary:
Remember the days of old; consider the years of many generations; ask your father, and he will show you, your elders, and they will tell you. When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance, when he divided mankind, he fixed the borders of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God. But the LORD’S portion is his people, Jacob his allotted heritage. (Deuteronomy 32:7-9)
Heiser states that this verse is describing how God divided the nations of mankind into regions, over which He then appointed spiritual beings (i.e. angels) to govern over them, and God gave them authority to oversee those human populations in the regions determined for their habitation (cf. Acts 17:26). Finally, God declared that the nation of Israel would be under his own purview, since they were his own special people whom he had created for his purposes.
An explanation of this view can be found in this video:
Jesus and Psalm 82 in John 10:34–36
Rather than hiding from or avoiding this potentially controversial choice of words in Psalm 82, Jesus brings up this passage in John 10, in a conversation with the Jewish Religious Leaders. In John 10, Jesus had just said, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). The Jewish leaders responded to that by picking up stones to kill Jesus for committing blasphemy. Jesus responded by saying:
“Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods’? If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be broken—do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’?” (John 10:34–36)
What Jesus Was (and Was Not) Doing
Jesus was not saying, “I am just one god among many.” Nor was He saying, “Everyone is divine.”
Instead, Jesus was making a legal and rhetorical argument—known as a qal wahomer (“from the lesser to the greater”).
Here’s the logic:
If Scripture can refer to human (or otherwise created) authorities as “gods”—because they were entrusted with God’s word and authority—
Then how can it be blasphemy for the one whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world to call Himself “the Son of God”?
His argument is that: If those created beings were called “sons of God,” and that was put in the Bible – then, how can it be wrong for Jesus to call himself the Son of God, since he (Jesus) is even greater than them?
If Psalm 82 is referring to human figures, then Jesus’ point is that fallible humans were called “gods” in the Bible when they were endowed with authority from God. If Psalm 82 is referring to spiritual beings, Jesus is claiming that created and fallible angels (literally: “messengers”) from God can be referred to as “gods” without it being blasphemy, and therefore since he has been sent by the Father as the ultimate messenger of His Word, then it is not blasphemy for him to call himself the “Son of God.”
Rather than undermining Jesus’ deity, this passage strengthens that claim. Jesus distinguishes Himself from those “gods” because:
They received the word of God, but He is the Word made flesh.
They were appointed temporarily, but He was consecrated and sent by the Father.
They would die like men, but He would lay down His life and take it up again.
Theological Implications
Psalm 82 reminds us that God takes justice seriously. Authority — whether religious, political, or spiritual — is always accountable to Him. Leaders who exploit power or ignore the vulnerable will be subject to divine judgment.
John 10 reminds us that Jesus is not merely a representative of God or a messenger from God; He is God the Son.
And what’s incredible about this, is that the One who judges unjust rulers is the same one who came to take the judgment for our sins, by being judged in our place on the cross.
The irony of Jesus’ crucifixion therefore, is that the religious leaders who accused Jesus of blasphemy were actually the exact kind of people Psalm 82 was referring to: leaders who misused their God-given authority. All the while, the true judge of Psalm 82 was allowing himself to be condemned, so that sinners like us could be saved.
Theology for the People 