Who Is Jesus Christ According to the Bible?

Jesus Christ is the corner stone of Christianity, and understanding who He is according to the Bible is essential to grasping the Christian faith. Jesus is not merely a historical figure or moral teacher but the Son of God, the Savior of humanity, and the fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation. The Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments, gives a comprehensive view of who Jesus is, what He came to accomplish, and why He continues to be the cornerstone of Christian belief. This article will explore the biblical understanding of Jesus Christ, His identity, His mission, and His ongoing significance.

Jesus Christ is the corner stone of Christianity. Jesus is not merely a historical figure or moral teacher but the Son of God, the Savior of humanity, and the fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation.

Jesus as the Son of God

The most important aspect of Jesus’ identity according to the Bible is His divine nature. The Bible teaches that Jesus is the Son of God, sharing in the same divine nature as God the Father. In the Gospel of John, it is written, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). A few verses later, John clarifies that "the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us" (John 1:14), referring to Jesus as the eternal Word of God who took on human form. This establishes that Jesus existed before the world began and that He shares the same divine essence as God Himself.

Jesus is also repeatedly referred to as God's Son throughout the Gospels. At Jesus' baptism, God publicly affirmed this, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17). The title "Son of God" is not simply a reference to Jesus' special relationship with God but also signifies His unique and divine authority. Jesus Himself acknowledged this divine identity, particularly when He told His followers, "I and the Father are one" (John 10:30), indicating that He shared in God's nature and purpose.

Jesus as Fully God and Fully Man

A critical biblical teaching about Jesus is that He is both fully God and fully human. This concept, known as the Incarnation, is foundational to Christian belief. Philippians 2:5-7 says, "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 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" In this passage, we see that Jesus willingly chose to take on human nature, experiencing life as a human being while retaining His divine nature.

As a man, Jesus experienced hunger, fatigue, sorrow, and even death. Yet, the Bible teaches that He lived a sinless life. Hebrews 4:15 emphasizes that Jesus "has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet He did not sin." This perfect sinlessness qualified Him to be the perfect sacrifice for humanity’s sins. His human experience also allows Him to fully understand and empathize with our struggles, making Him not just a distant deity but a compassionate Savior who knows what it means to be human.

Jesus as the Messiah

Jesus is identified throughout the Bible as the Messiah, the Anointed One promised by God in the Old Testament. The term "Messiah" refers to a figure who would deliver God’s people and establish His kingdom. The Jewish people in Jesus' time expected the Messiah to be a political or military leader who would free them from Roman rule. However, Jesus came as a different kind of Messiah—one who would bring spiritual salvation rather than political liberation.

In Luke 4:18-21, Jesus reads a passage from the prophet Isaiah and then declares, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing," openly identifying Himself as the promised Messiah. He fulfilled numerous Old Testament prophecies, including being born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), coming from the lineage of King David (Isaiah 11:1), and being the suffering servant who would bear the sins of the people (Isaiah 53:5). Jesus' role as the Messiah was to bring about reconciliation between God and humanity by offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for sin.

Jesus as the Savior of Humanity

The most significant role that Jesus plays in the Bible is that of the Savior. The Bible teaches that all people are separated from God because of sin. Romans 3:23 states, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Sin creates a barrier between people and God, and the consequence of sin is eternal separation from Him. However, Jesus came into the world to provide a way for humanity to be forgiven and reconciled with God.

John 3:16 offers one of the clearest explanations of Jesus’ role as Savior: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." Jesus' death on the cross was the means by which this salvation was achieved. According to the Bible, Jesus took upon Himself the punishment that humanity deserved for sin. He died in our place, offering forgiveness and new life to all who believe in Him.

The Bible also teaches that Jesus' resurrection is key to His saving work. In 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, the Apostle Paul writes, "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures." Jesus' resurrection demonstrates His victory over sin and death and guarantees that those who put their faith in Him will also share in eternal life.

Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life

Jesus' teachings emphasized that He is the only way to a restored relationship with God. In John 14:6, Jesus makes an exclusive and powerful statement: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." This declaration asserts that Jesus is the only path to salvation and that He alone can bridge the gap between humanity and God.

This statement underscores the uniqueness of Jesus in the Bible. He is not merely one teacher among many or one path among several; rather, He is the definitive answer to humanity’s deepest needs for truth, life, and connection with God. His life and teachings provide the foundation for Christian belief, and His sacrifice offers the only means of salvation. Through faith in Jesus, believers are granted forgiveness and the promise of eternal life with God.

Jesus as the Good Shepherd

Another important image of Jesus in the Bible is that of the Good Shepherd. In John 10:11, Jesus declares, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." This metaphor highlights Jesus’ deep love and care for His followers. As a shepherd knows each sheep by name and protects them, Jesus knows His followers personally and provides for them.

This imagery also emphasizes the sacrificial nature of Jesus’ mission. Just as a shepherd would risk his life to protect his flock, Jesus laid down His life for humanity. His death on the cross was the ultimate act of love and sacrifice, offering salvation to all who believe in Him. The Good Shepherd leads His followers, guiding them through life and offering eternal security in His care.

Jesus as the Judge

While Jesus is often associated with love, mercy, and salvation, the Bible also teaches that He will return as the judge of all humanity. In Acts 17:31, the Apostle Paul explains that God "has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the man He has appointed." This man is Jesus, who will return at the end of time to judge both the living and the dead.

Jesus' role as judge is consistent with His identity as the Son of God and the Savior. While He offers salvation to all, those who reject Him will face judgment. In 2 Timothy 4:1, Paul writes that Jesus "will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom, I give you this charge." The Bible teaches that this judgment will be based on faith in Christ, and those who trust in Him will be welcomed into eternal life, while those who reject Him will face the consequences of their sin.

Jesus as the Head of the Church

The Bible describes Jesus as the head of the Church, which is often referred to as His body. In Ephesians 1:22-23, Paul writes that God "placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church, which is His body." This means that Jesus is the leader and authority of the global community of believers.

As the head of the Church, Jesus provides guidance, strength, and direction to all Christians. The Church is called to follow Jesus' teachings, live according to His example, and carry out His mission of spreading the Gospel. Jesus continues to sustain and lead His followers through the presence of the Holy Spirit, empowering them to be His representatives on earth.

Jesus as the Eternal King

Jesus is also portrayed as the eternal King who will reign forever. The Bible teaches that after His resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven and now sits at the right hand of God, where He reigns as King over all creation. Philippians 2:9-11 declares, "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

The Bible also teaches that Jesus will return one day to fully establish His kingdom on earth. Revelation 19:16 describes Him as the "King of kings and Lord of lords." His eternal reign will bring an end to sin, suffering, and death, and His kingdom will be marked by justice, peace, and righteousness. As King, Jesus is the rightful ruler of all, and His kingdom will never end.

Conclusion

According to the Bible, Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Messiah, the Savior of the world, and the eternal King. He is both fully God and fully human, sent by God to redeem humanity from sin and offer eternal life. His life, death, and resurrection form the cornerstone of Christian belief, and His teachings continue to guide and inspire Christians today. Jesus is the only way to a restored relationship with God, the Good Shepherd who cares for His followers, and the righteous Judge who will return to establish His eternal kingdom.

Understanding who Jesus is according to the Bible is key to understanding the Christian faith. Jesus is not merely a historical figure or a great moral teacher; He is the living Savior who invites all people to come to Him for forgiveness, new life, and a relationship with God.