Who is Jesus Christ to You?

We get many different answers today to the question: Who is Jesus Christ? But only the Bible gives the truth about His person, nature, and ministry. Who is Jesus Christ to you? What do you believe concerning Him?

In this Article:

1. Introduction
2. What Others Think
3. What the Bible Says
4. Why He Came to this World
5. How You Must Respond

Introduction

As far as the Bible is concerned, Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. He died for our sins and He rose from the dead for our justification. We can only get to God through Him. Had everyone believed the Bible, this would have been a very easy case to settle because the point is quite clear in the Bible.

But not only do some people not believe the Bible, they also have ideas and/or opinions contrary to what the Bible teaches. Many people have taken different positions about who Jesus is or who they think He is not. Who is Jesus Christ to you?

In this article, I will briefly outline some of the common beliefs about the identity of Jesus Christ. You will be able to compare these various positions with the truth of the Bible. The purpose of this lesson is to show you what you need to know about Jesus Christ, and how you must response to the knowledge.

What Others Think about Jesus Christ

Different people and various religious groups have their own explanations of who they think Jesus is, or who He is not. Many believe some of what the Bible says about Jesus Christ, but not all.

For instance, some believe that He was a good teacher who taught good morals, that is true. But many of these people will not agree that Christ died for their sins. Others believe He lived and died, but He wasn’t born of a virgin and He did not rise from the dead.

Again, what do you believe? What you believe about Jesus Christ will determine your life now and in the afterlife.

In this section, I will share with you some teachings by 7 of the major religions in the world today. Take a look at how some of these religious groups view Jesus Christ:

Islam

Jesus (Isa in Arabic) was not God or the Son of God. His virgin birth is likened to Adam’s creation. He was sinless, a worker of miracles, and one of the most respected prophets sent by Allah. He was not crucified or resurrected. He, not Muhammad, will return to play a special role before the future judgment day, perhaps turning Christians to Islam.

Judaism

Jesus is seen as an extremist false messiah or a good but martyred Jewish rabbi (teacher). Many Jews do not consider Jesus at all. Jews (except Messianic Jews and Hebrew Christians) do not believe he was the Messiah, Son of God, or that he rose from the dead. Orthodox Jews believe the Messiah will restore the Jewish kingdom and eventually rule the earth.

Hinduism

Jesus Christ is a teacher, a guru, or an avatar (an incarnation of Vishnu). He is a son of God as are others. His death does not atone for sins and he did not rise from the dead.

Buddhism

Jesus Christ is not part of the historic Buddhism worldview. Buddhists in the West today generally view Jesus as an enlightened teacher, while Buddhists in Asia believe Jesus is an avatar or a Bodhisattva, but not God.

Jehovah Witnesses

Jesus is not God. Before he lived on earth, he was Michael, the archangel. Jehovah made the universe through Him. On earth he was a man who lived a perfect life. After dying on a stake (not a cross), he was resurrected as a spirit; his body was destroyed. Jesus is not coming again; he “returned” invisibly in 1914 in spirit. Very soon, he and the angels will destroy all non-Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Mormonism

Jesus is a separate god from the Father (Elohim). He was created as a spirit child by the Father and Mother in heaven, and is the “elder brother” of all men and spirit beings (including Lucifer). His body was created through sexual union between Elohim and Mary. Jesus was married. His death on the cross does not provide full atonement for all sin, but does provide everyone with resurrection.

New Age

Jesus is not one true God. He is not a savior, but a spiritual model and guru, and is now an “ascended master”. He was a New Ager who tapped into divine power in the same way that anyone can. Many believe he went east to India or Tibet and learned mystical truths. He did not rise physically from the dead, but “rose” into a higher realm.

Source: Christianity Cults & Religions 7th Edition by Rose Publishing.

To which side of these do you lean in your beliefs about Jesus Christ? The following section paints the biblical picture of Jesus Christ. You will be able to compare it with whatever you currently believe and then make an informed decision.

Who is Jesus Christ? – What the Bible Says

A. He is God who Became Man

Jesus Christ is God. He is the second Person in the Godhead. He is God the Son and also the Son of God. He has always existed from the beginning with the Father and was never created.

Rather than being created, the Bible says that everything was created by Him and everything is subject to Him (Colossians 1:16-17).

John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

See also: John 1:3,10; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 3:9; Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 1:2,10; Revelation 3:14.

Jesus Christ is “one” with God. The Trinity describes the concept of One true God who is capable of functioning in three parts/persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These are not three separate Gods. Listen to Jesus Himself:

John 10:27-30 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and my Father are one.

It is not biblical to say that Jesus is separate from God the Father. And if He’s not separate, then He’s God!

Also, being God the Son, He is seen as the “only begotten Son” of God (John 3:16). The same does not apply to everyone. The believers in Christ are called children of God. But this is granted as a result of our faith in Christ which changed our identity from enemies to children of God. 

This is what the Bible refers to as adoption. The believers in Christ are adopted “sons” (children) of God as the following verses establish:

Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

Galatians 4:4-6 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

B. He is the Messiah

Jesus is the Messiah about whom the Old Testament prophets prophesied. For those who still struggle to believe this truth, the following passages might help you:

Matthew 16:15-17 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

Also, Jesus personally identified Himself as the Messiah in His conversation with the Samaritan women by the well:

John 4:25-26 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. 26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

The Anointed Savior is the title of Jesus. The word Anointed is the Hebrew word Mâshîyach (Messiah) and the Greek word Christos (Christ). It undoubtedly refers to the One whose name was Jesus, as revealed by the angel of God (Matthew 1:18-23). The name Jesus means “Saviour”.

Jesus Christ is God with Us

Also in Isaiah 7:14, it was prophesied that His name will be called “Immanuel”. This prophecy was referenced by the angel in Matthew 1:23 where we are given the meaning of the name: “God with us”, that is, God in our midst. There is no arguing the truth that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the Anointed Saviour. (See a prophecy about Him in Daniel 9:25).

This is one of the most important things that God wants us to know about Jesus Christ. The fact that He is the Christ.

It is so important that the Apostle John writes under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that his entire Gospel was written so that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ, that is, the Messiah, the Saviour of the world.

John 20:30-31 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

Think about the above verse and the one below for a moment:

2 Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

The Bible considers liars those who do not believe that Jesus is the Messiah. “Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.” (1 John 2:22).

C. His Incarnation

Jesus was born through the virgin Mary. This was prophesied 700 years before it occurred. In His incarnation, i.e. His becoming Man, Jesus was begotten through the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. See Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-23.

During Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry, He functioned as fully God and fully Man. He had to become a Man and live blameless in order to fulfill the Law and serve as the Mediator between God and Man. In the Scriptures, He is referred to as “the man Christ Jesus.”

1 Timothy 2:5-6 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Why Jesus Christ Came to this World

Jesus Christ came to save the world.

We began to see the purpose of Christ’s coming from what was prophesied about Him even prior to His arrival. (Take a look at Isaiah 53 for instance). While Christ was conceived, an angel visited Joseph and told him exactly why He would be born:

Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

The man that God used to introduce Jesus Christ to the world, John the Baptist, refers to Jesus as “the Lamb of God” (John 1:29,36). This statement has the Old Testament sin offering in view.

The lambs were sacrificed as atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 4:27-35). In the case of Jesus Christ, He was the sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. Hence John the Baptist referred to Him as “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”

Listen to the testimony of Christ Himself:

Matthew 18:11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

Matthew 20:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Apostle Paul, our Apostle today in the Church Age, makes clear the question about why Jesus came. This is what he writes:

1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

See also: Matthew 9:13; Mark 2:17; Luke 5:32; 19:10; John 1:29; 12:47; Acts 3:26; Romans 3:24-26; 5:6,8-10; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 3:5,8; 4:9-10; Revelation 5:9.

What Jesus Christ Did

1. He Lived and Died for Our sins

Christ fulfilled His purpose of coming as described in the Scriptures, and in the above sections. He lived a perfectly righteous life by which He fulfilled the Laws of God on our behalf (Matthew 5:17-18).

He suffered and died the painful death on the cross. His death on the cross was Him offering up Himself as an atonement for the sins of the whole world.

Those who crucified Him were completely ignorant of the fact that they were fulfilling God’s purpose. To them, they thought they got Him and got the last laugh. Little did they know that they were mere tools in the hands of the All-Powerful God.

As a matter of fact, the Bible says that if they had understood the mystery of the cross, they would not have crucified Christ (1 Corinthians 2:7-8).

The part of this story that is difficult for many to believe is that Christ died for their sins. He truly died on the cross as the sacrifice and full payment for the sins of the whole world. His death on the cross provides full atonement for all sins. Don’t take my words for it, read the following passages:

Isaiah 53:4-6, 10-11  Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. 11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

Romans 5:6-8 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

See also: Matthew 20:28; John 6:51; 10:15; Galatians 1:4; 2:20; 3:13; Ephesians 5:2,23-27; 1 Timothy 1:15; 2:6; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 9:14; 1 Peter 3:18; Revelation 1:5; 5:9.

This does not suggest though that everyone is automatically saved. A response is required of you, please read on.

2. He Was Buried and He Rose from the Dead

This is something that Christ talked about with His disciples many times (See Matthew 12:40; Mark 8:31; John 2:19). But prior to the cross, they did not get the point. Even when the news of Christ’s resurrection broke, they were still wondering what happened.

But it is simple: Christ died, He was buried and He rose from the dead the third day, just like He said. Although this was kept a mystery prior to His death, it should not be a mystery to us today since the truth has already been revealed.

The Apostle Paul declares the gospel in one of his Epistles to the Churches:

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.

The above is the simple message of the gospel: Christ died for our sins, He was buried and He rose again the third day. Jesus Christ did not resurrect as a spirit as some claim and teach today.

He resurrected bodily. Later in 1 Corinthians 15, Paul provides a detailed account and proof of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In addition to the individuals to whom Christ appeared after His resurrection, there were over 500 witnesses to his resurrection at the same time. This, as a preacher said, is more than enough to convince a Jury.

Those who refuse to believe this plain message are those who still have their minds blinded by the god of this world, that is, the devil.

2 Corinthians 4:3-4 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

3. He Ascended to Heaven

Christ returned to the Father after completing His atoning works. All is now done. Mission complete. “It is finished”!

Mark 16:19-20 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Luke 24:50-52 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. 51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.

Acts 1:9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.

4. He Will Return

Yes, Jesus Christ is coming back again. But this time He is coming as the righteous Judge to judge the world, to rule and to reign.

Daniel 7:13-14 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. 14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

Matthew 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

Matthew 25:31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory.

Acts 1:10-11 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

See also: Mark 13:26; Luke 21:27; John 14:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 4:16; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Revelation 1:7.

How You Must Respond to Jesus Christ

All the above calls for your response, especially when Christ is the only way to God (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). Your response to Christ and His completed works will determine the life you live now, and that which is to come.

If you have never repented and believed in Jesus Christ, I suggest that you humble yourself now before your Creator and put your trust in Him.

This is not hard to do: simply admit your sins, believe that Christ suffered and died for your sins. And that He rose from the dead the third day for your justification. This is what it means to believe in Jesus Christ. Put your faith in the blood that He shed for your sins, and you will be saved.

If you have already trusted Christ, I encourage you to give your life to serving Him and making Him known to the world around you. This is by far the most rewarding effort.

Thank you for reading!