Are Christians “Little Gods”?
Short answer: No.
This idea may sound spiritual or empowering, but it is not biblical.
Throughout Scripture, God draws a clear and consistent distinction between the Creator and His creation. Yet in some Christian circles, a teaching has emerged that claims believers possess a divine nature in the sense that they are “little gods.” This belief is often presented as a deeper revelation of faith, but when examined in the light of Scripture, it does not hold up.
Let’s walk through where this idea comes from and what the Bible actually teaches.
Where the Idea Comes From
The belief that humans can become gods does not originate in historic, biblical Christianity. It appears in various belief systems, including Mormon theology, and later entered some Christian spaces through the Word of Faith movement. In that context, believers are sometimes taught that because they are made in God’s image, they share in His divine status and can exercise godlike authority through their words.
While Scripture does teach that humans are created in God’s image, it never teaches that we share His essence or divinity. Being image-bearers is not the same as being divine.
Psalm 82 and a Common Misuse of Scripture
One of the most frequently cited passages in support of the “little gods” idea is Psalm 82:6:
“You are gods, and all of you are children of the Most High.” (Psalm 82:6, GNT)
At first glance, this verse can seem confusing. But Scripture must always be read in context.
Just one verse later, God says:
“But you will die like mortal men; you will fall like all other rulers.” (Psalm 82:7, GNT)
Psalm 82 is not teaching human divinity. It is a rebuke. God is addressing unjust human judges and rulers who were entrusted with authority but abused it. They are called “gods” in the sense that they held positions of authority and judgment, not because they were divine in nature. God reminds them that despite their power, they will die like every other human being.
This passage highlights human accountability, not human godhood.
Why Jesus Quoted Psalm 82
Jesus refers to Psalm 82 when He is accused of blasphemy in John 10. His opponents were angry because He called God His Father, making Himself equal with God.
Jesus responds by saying:
“The scripture says, ‘You are gods.’ If those people who received God’s message were called ‘gods’ (and the scripture cannot be set aside), how can you say that I blaspheme because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’?” (John 10:34–36, GNT)
Jesus is not affirming that humans are divine. He is exposing the inconsistency of His accusers. If Scripture could refer to human judges as “gods” in a limited, functional sense, how much more appropriate is it for the One sent by the Father to speak truthfully about His identity?
Rather than elevating humans, this passage reinforces the uniqueness of Christ.
Jesus Alone Is God in the Flesh
Scripture is clear that Jesus is not a “little god.” He is God.
“The Word became a human being and lived among us.” (John 1:14, GNT)
Jesus did not become less than God when He took on human nature. He did not share His divinity with humanity. He entered humanity to redeem it. The doctrine of Christ affirms that Jesus is fully God and fully man, a reality that belongs to Him alone.
Any teaching that suggests believers share in God’s divine essence ultimately diminishes who Jesus is and blurs the line Scripture carefully maintains between God and His creation.
God Alone Is God
Throughout the Bible, God speaks plainly about His uniqueness.
“You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, the sky and all the stars.” (Nehemiah 9:6, GNT)
“I am the LORD, and there is no other; there is no god but me.” (Isaiah 45:5, GNT)
Human beings are created, dependent, and finite. We are redeemed by grace, not elevated to divinity. We are adopted as children of God, not transformed into gods ourselves.
A Biblical Conclusion
The “little gods” teaching does not come from a careful reading of Scripture. It arises from isolated verses, removed from their context, and shaped by ideas Scripture consistently rejects.
The Bible teaches that God alone is divine. Jesus alone is God incarnate. Believers are saved, forgiven, adopted, and transformed, but never deified.
True biblical faith does not exalt the self. It magnifies Christ.
