Jesus Christ, a historical figure who lived in the Middle East around 2,000 years ago, is the central figure of Christianity. We believe He is far more than just a prophet, teacher, or wise human being. He is the Son of God, the Messiah promised in the Old Testament, who came to Earth to offer salvation to all of humanity.
Jesus: God in the Flesh
Jesus boldly claimed equality with God. In John 10:30, He declared, "I and the Father are one." This wasn't a metaphorical statement; the Jewish leaders understood His words as a claim to divinity and wanted to stone Him.
Further, in John 8:58, Jesus applied the sacred name of God – "I AM" – to Himself, a statement echoing back to God's revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:14. Many times throughout the Gospels, Jesus' actions and statements demonstrate His divine nature.
Why Jesus' Identity is Crucial
Understanding that Jesus is the Son of God has profound implications:
- Authority: If Jesus were just a man, His words and claims might be questioned. But His divinity gives His teachings absolute authority.
- Messiah: The Old Testament is filled with prophecies about a coming Messiah, a Savior. Jesus fulfilled these prophecies, solidifying His divine identity.
- Salvation: Jesus' death and resurrection offer the only path to forgiveness of sins and eternal life with God. His sacrifice was necessary and powerful because of His divine nature.
Evidence for Jesus' Divinity
The Bible gives compelling evidence of Jesus' divinity:
- Miracles: Jesus demonstrated power over nature, healed the sick and disabled, and even raised the dead – acts that only God can perform.
- Resurrection: Jesus' resurrection from the dead, the cornerstone of Christianity, is a unique event demonstrating His victory over sin and death.
- Fulfilled Prophecies: The life of Jesus mirrors numerous specific prophecies found in the Old Testament, further validating His role as the Messiah.
Knowing Jesus as Savior
If you want to explore the Christian faith or have questions about Jesus, the best resource is the Bible. As you read the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), you'll encounter Jesus directly, His words, and His actions. Millions of Christians throughout history and today can attest to the life-changing power of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.