Definitions:
even adj. 1 constantly or completely flat. 2 on the same level or line. 3 free from variation. 4 equal in measure or quantity. 5 divisible by two. 6 exactly expressible without fractional parts. 7 leaving no balance or debt on either side….. 9 still or yet…. 11 just or exactly…. 12 fully or quite. 13 indeed….
as adv. 1 to such a degree or extent. 2 for example…. 5 in the degree, manner, etc., of or that….
honor n. 1 high public esteem…. 3 a source of credit or distinction. 4 high respect, as for worth, merit, or rank. 5 such respect manifested…. 10 to hold in high respect. 11 to confer honor or distinction upon. 12 to show a courteous regard for….
worship n. 1 reverent honor given to a deity. 2 the expression of such honor, as by prayers. 3 great admiration or regard…. 5 to show religious worship to. 6 to feel admiration or regard for. –vt. 7 to take part in worship.
(The Random House Dictionary, 1980, Random House, Inc., pp. 299, 46-47, 420, 1008)
Most believers of monotheistic religions know that they should honor God. The Jews believe in God, and worship Him. They know Him as the ‘Father’. Muslims also believe in one God, whom they call Allah. They also know Him as the ‘Father’. But neither the Jews nor the Muslims honor the ‘Son’, Jesus the Christ. Jehovah’s Witnesses seemingly give to the Father full honor, but to His Son they give far less. Christians in general are followers of Christ. They know the Father as God, but not all Christians are sure just how much honor they should give to the Son.
It is a lack of understanding of the Bible that keeps many Christians in the dark about the true nature of Jesus Christ and His relationship to the Father. How much honor should we give to the Son? The Bible provides us with an answer in John 5:23. Here, Jesus Himself informs us “That all men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father.” (KJV)
How should we honor the Son?
This verse contains powerful evidence of the deity of Jesus Christ. The focal point of this power rests on two key words, “even as”. To grasp a full understanding of the meaning of this verse, we need to know exactly what these two words mean. Their definitions are given above. Let’s apply these definitions to the verse:
…even…
By definition 1:
We should give to the Son, honor that—together with our honor of the Father—is flatly homogeneous, constantly even in all areas and instances.
By definition 2:
We should give to the Son, honor that is on the same level or line as that which we give to the Father.
By definition 3:
We should give to the Son, honor that is free from variation from that which we give to the Father (identical without any difference).
By definition 4:
We should give to the Son, honor that is equal in measure or quantity as that which we give to the Father.
By definition 6:
We should give to the Son, honor that is expressed exactly as that which is expressed to the Father, without any fractional part of it left over.
By definition 7:
We should give to the Son, honor that—when compared to that given to the Father—is equal and balanced and leaves no debt (either more or less) on either side.
By definition 9:
We should give to the Son, honor that is, no matter what, yet as that of the Father.
By definition 11:
We should give to the Son, honor that is just as that given to the Father; exactly as that given to the Father.
By definition 13:
We should give to the Son, honor that is indeed as that given to the Father.
…as…
By definition 1:
We should give to the Son, honor that is to a degree as such: as the honor given to the Father; and to the same extent that we give to the Father, we must give also to the Son.
By definition 2:
We should give to the Son, honor that is exemplified by that given to the Father. In other words, how much honor should we give to the Son? Let us use, as an example, the exact same honor given to the Father.
By definition 5:
We should give to the Son, honor that is in the same degree, in the same manner, as that given to the Father.
By applying the definitions of the two key words to the verse, it becomes clear that the honor given to the Son must be identical to the honor given to the Father. And now, in case anyone might ask, we will pose the following question:
How should we honor the Father?
Throughout the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, God has been known as the ‘Father’. Likewise, this ‘Father’ in the heavens, has always been called GOD. God, the only TRUE deity, is the highest being in existence. He is above ALL creation. And because of this fact, we must give Him honor, which is above ALL honor—the highest form of honor, called worship. God the Father—as distinct from God the Son and God the Holy Spirit—is most recognized by monotheistic religions as God. Only Christianity recognizes the Son as God also—and even in this religion there is debate among its denominations as to this. Clearly, though, the Father in the heavens must be worshipped. Most, if not all monotheistic religions accept this as true.
Once again: How should we honor the Son?
With this fact in mind, we must now put one and one together. God the Father must be honored in the highest way possible—with worship. The Son, as we have seen, must be honored the same exact way as the Father. Therefore, if we follow logic to its ultimate conclusion, what answer will we surely find? That the Son, Jesus Christ, must be honored in the same exact way as the Father—with WORSHIP.
But what if we don’t?
John 5:23 concludes by saying that, “He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.” This is very serious! In essence, this verse is instructing us to worship the Son exactly as we worship the Father. But he that doesn’t worship the Son doesn’t worship the Father either—and this is truly blasphemy. What a rude awakening this must surely be to those who are just now understanding it! The Son is God just as the Father is God, and this is why we should worship our Lord Jesus Christ as our God and Savior; and with the Father and the Holy Spirit together as the One Composite Triune GOD.
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