Why is the concept of Christ's deity important for Christians?

The deity of Christ is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, as articulated in John 17 where Jesus displays His divine nature through His equality with the Father. Jesus asserts His existence with the Father before the world began, indicating His eternal nature (John 17:5). Recognizing Christ as God incarnate is critical because only God can effectuate salvation and sustain it for His people. If Christ were merely a man, He would lack the power to save; however, as the God-man, He possesses the authority over all things, including eternal life (John 17:2). This foundational truth of Christ's deity not only affirms the efficacy of His sacrificial death and resurrection but also provides believers with confidence in their salvation, knowing that their hope rests upon a divine Savior.