Jesus Christ, according to the Bible, is the central figure of Christianity, regarded as the Son of God and the Savior of humanity. In both Protestant and Orthodox theology, He is recognized as fully divine and fully human, a core doctrine known as the hypostatic union. The Gospel of John begins by affirming His divine nature, stating, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1, NIV). This passage emphasizes His preexistence and deity, aligning with the belief that Jesus is the second person of the Holy Trinity, co-eternal with God the Father and the Holy Spirit.
Jesus’ incarnation, life, death, and resurrection are pivotal to His mission of redeeming humanity from sin. Philippians 2:6-8 highlights His humility and obedience, stating that "being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant." Through His sacrificial death and subsequent resurrection, Jesus provides salvation and eternal life to all who believe in Him, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and establishing a new covenant between God and humanity.
In Christianity, the figure of Jesus Christ is central, not only as a historical figure but as the cornerstone of faith. Understanding who Jesus is according to the Bible involves exploring His identity, nature, and the purpose of His life and work. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Jesus Christ as depicted in the Scriptures, focusing on His divine nature, His role as Savior, and what this means for believers today.
The Bible unequivocally affirms the divinity of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of John, Jesus makes a profound statement about His identity:
"I and the Father are one." (John 10:30, ESV)
This claim was understood by His contemporaries as a declaration of equality with God, prompting accusations of blasphemy. The Gospel further emphasizes this in John 1:1,14:
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." (John 1:1, 14, ESV)
These verses establish that Jesus, referred to as the "Word," is God incarnate. The apostle Thomas also recognized Jesus' divinity, declaring:
"My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28, NIV)
While fully divine, Jesus was also fully human. This dual nature is crucial for understanding His mission. The Apostle Paul writes:
"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness." (Philippians 2:6-7, NIV)
The humanity of Jesus is essential because it allowed Him to experience life as humans do, including suffering and temptation, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15).
The name "Jesus" itself signifies His mission:
"You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21, ESV)
"Jesus" means "Yahweh saves" or "Yahweh is salvation," highlighting His role as the Savior.
Central to Jesus' mission was His sacrificial death on the cross, through which He provided atonement for sin. The Apostle Peter affirms this:
"He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness." (1 Peter 2:24, ESV)
Jesus’ resurrection is equally crucial, demonstrating His victory over sin and death:
"But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him." (Acts 2:24, NIV)
Jesus serves as the mediator between God and humanity. Paul writes to Timothy:
"For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people." (1 Timothy 2:5-6, NIV)
In the Epistle to the Hebrews, Jesus is described as the ultimate High Priest:
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin." (Hebrews 4:15, NIV)
This role emphasizes Jesus' continual intercession for believers and His unique ability to bridge the gap between humanity and God.
The life and teachings of Jesus call believers to a life of love, sacrifice, and service. Jesus summarized the law with two commandments:
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind... Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-39, NIV)
Belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior gives believers assurance of eternal life. Jesus promises:
"I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die." (John 11:25, NIV)
Jesus Christ, as depicted in the Bible, is both fully God and fully man, the Savior of the world, the mediator between God and humanity, and the eternal High Priest. His life, death, and resurrection provide the foundation for Christian faith and offer a model for living a life pleasing to God. Understanding who Jesus is according to Scripture not only deepens our faith but also compels us to live in a way that reflects His teachings and His love for all humanity. As believers walk in faith, they are called to embody the love and grace that Jesus exemplified, holding fast to the hope of salvation that He offers.