The figure of Jesus Christ holds a central and profound significance in the Christian faith. The Bible serves as the primary source for understanding His identity. This exploration delves into the multifaceted aspects of Jesus as revealed in the Scriptures, examining His divinity, humanity, role as the Savior, teachings, and impact on the human race.
Table of Contents
Divinity
The divinity of Jesus is a foundational belief in Christianity, and the Bible affirms this in many passages. The Gospel of John presents Him by the words: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This identifies Him as the eternal and divine manifestation of God, emphasizing His pre-existence before the creation of the world.
12. The Deity of Christ
Humanity
While the divinity of Christ is unequivocally stated, the Bible also highlights his humanity. The Gospel of Matthew traces His genealogy, emphasizing his human lineage, connecting him to Abraham and David (Matthew 1:1-17). This genealogy establishes His authentic humanity, placing Him within the historical and cultural context of the Jewish people. Moreover, the Gospel of John vividly portrays His human experiences, such as hunger (John 4:6) and weariness (John 4:7). These instances underscore His genuine human nature, demonstrating that He shared in the human nature.
What is the nature of Jesus?
Salvation
A central theme in the Bible is Christ’s role as the Savior and Redeemer. In Matthew 1:21, an angel declares to Joseph, “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” This proclamation establishes His purpose on earth—to provide salvation and redemption for humanity.
The Gospel of John emphasizes the saving mission of Christ, proclaiming, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, NKJV). This verse encapsulates the essence of His sacrificial death, portraying Him as the means by which humanity can be saved and attain eternal life.
Salvation is available for all those that accept the sacrifice of Christ on their behalf to atone for their sins (John 1:12). Those that reject His offer of salvation will have to die for their sins because the penalty of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Accepting Christ comes by confessing Him verbally, believing in Him, and walking in His path (Romans 10:9). As the Savior lives in the heart, the believer then can live a life of obedience to Him by His grace (John 14:15) as he abides in Him (John 15:5) through daily study of His word (John 5:39) and prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
15. Salvation Only Through Christ
Teachings
The Bible preserves the teachings of Jesus, offering profound insights into morality, spirituality, and the nature of God’s kingdom. The Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew chapters 5 to 7, is a collection of Jesus’ teachings. In this sermon, the Savior imparts wisdom on various topics, including humility, love for enemies, prayer, and the pursuit of righteousness.
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus summarizes the essence of his teachings, stating, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15, NKJV). This succinct proclamation encapsulates the core message of Jesus—calling people to repentance, faith, and the acceptance of the coming kingdom of God.
https://bibleask.org/bible-answers/ sections III & IV.
Fulfilled Prophecies
The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ fulfills over 100 Old Testament prophecies including the exact year of His baptism and crucifixion. These prophecies were written hundreds of years before His coming. God wants His people to have enough evidence to believe in Christ and accept Him as their Savior (Isaiah 46:9-11).
13. Prophecies Relating to Christ
Did Christ fulfill the Messianic prophecies?
Is there a prophecy for the year of Christ’s crucifixion?
Miracles
The Bible documents numerous miracles and signs performed by Jesus, showcasing His divine authority. These miracles show Him healing all sickness (Luke 5:15-26), feeding thousands of people (Luke 9:12-17), having authority over nature (Luke 8:22-25), casting out demons (Luke 4:33-37), and raising the dead (Luke 7:11-16). No other man on earth ever did such mighty works. Through such miracles, Jesus demonstrates mercy, compassion, divine authority, and the inauguration of God’s kingdom, inviting people to recognize Him as the Messiah – the Savior of the world.
36. Miracles of Christ
Crucifixion
The climactic events of Jesus’ crucifixion is central to the Christian faith, and the New Testament provides detailed accounts of these pivotal moments. The Gospel of Matthew recounts the crucifixion with poignant detail, including the darkness that covered the land and the tearing of the veil in the temple (Matthew 27:45, 51).
What happened at the crucifixion of Jesus?
Resurrection
The Bible narrates the resurrection of Jesus, as a cornerstone of the Christian faith. In Matthew 28:5-6, an angel announces to the women at the tomb, “He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” This triumphant declaration affirms the resurrection, validating Jesus’ claims of divinity and sealing the hope of eternal life for believers.
38. The Resurrection of Christ
Ascension
The New Testament also addresses the ascension of Jesus, marking his return to heaven after His resurrection. In the Book of Acts, Luke records the event, stating, “Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight” (Acts 1:9, NKJV). The ascension serves as a transition, preparing the disciples for the coming of the Holy Spirit and emphasizing the continuation of Jesus’ work through His followers.
What is the significance of the ascension of Christ?
Heavenly Ministry
Jesus is the Christian’s high Priest (Hebrews 8:1-2, 9:11). He now ministers on behalf of all believers in the heavenly Sanctuary ( Hebrews 7:27-28). He also promises that He is preparing a place for His faithful for when He returns to take them to heaven (John 14:1-3). Jesus will carry on His work of intercession until all have had an opportunity to hear the gospel (Matthew 24:14).
Second Coming
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus Himself foretells this event, saying, “For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be” (Matthew 24:27, NKJV). This anticipation of Jesus’ return underscores the eschatological aspect of Christian faith, calling believers to readiness and faithful living.
72. Christ’s Second Coming
Impact on Humanity
The Bible presents Jesus Christ as the figure whose impact extends beyond the pages of scripture, shaping the course of human history. The spread of Christianity, influenced by Jesus’ teachings, has left an indelible mark on civilizations, fostering the development of ethical principles and social structures. The words of Jesus have resonated through the centuries, transforming countless sinners to Godly men that practice compassion, justice, and mercy. His teachings on love, forgiveness, and the Kingdom of God continue to be the source of guidance and inspiration for many worldwide.
Conclusion
Jesus Christ emerges as a complex and multifaceted figure, embodying both divinity and humanity. His identity as the divine Savior, Redeemer, and Teacher is intricately woven throughout the Gospels, providing a comprehensive understanding of His purpose and significance. From the miraculous signs to the sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, the Bible illuminates the transformative impact of His life on human history and culture. Ultimately, the identity of Jesus in the Bible transcends mere historical or theological study—it beckons individuals to respond to the call of repentance, faith, and a transformative relationship with the living God.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
