Who is Jesus?

Who is Jesus?

Who is Jesus to us? He is the eternal God, whose unfathomable love compelled him to step into our existence, not as a distant deity but as one who shares in our human experience, celebrating our joys and shouldering our sorrows (John 1:1, 14). His coming to earth was not merely a divine visitation but an unfathomable commitment to dwelling among us, directly bringing God’s presence into our lives, healing what was fractured, and restoring our severed communion with the Father.

God Made Man

Imagine the Creator of all, becoming like his creation—taking on flesh, born of the Virgin Mary, engaging in the full spectrum of human life. He navigated our complexities, rejoiced in our happiness, and endured our tribulations, all while upholding a flawless existence under God’s law—a benchmark unreachable by us (Luke 1:31).

More than An Example

Jesus’ earthly journey wasn’t simply an exemplary path but the actualization of divine perfection, meeting every divine requirement in our place. In every action and decision, Jesus wasn’t merely demonstrating the way; he was being the Way, achieving the required perfect righteousness beyond our grasp due to our inherent frailties.

Roles and Responsibilities

From before the very beginning of time itself, Jesus’s destiny was to be our complete substitute, sacrifice, mediator, prophet, priest, and king. These roles were foundational to his mission, not mere add-ons but essential elements designed to cross the chasm of sin and death created between us and God. As we explore his life and ministry, these roles intricately weave together, completely portraying his identity and the redemptive work he accomplished for us.

Substitute

In Jesus, divinity and humanity converge in a unique union, positioning him as the sole figure capable of being our total substitute. Again, his existence was not merely exemplary but fundamentally redemptive, conforming perfectly to God’s directives—a trajectory we, on our own, invariably deviate from (Galatians 4:4). As our substitute, Jesus didn’t just fulfill or strive to fulfill some of the law’s demands; he met all of them, presenting the ideal human allegiance to God’s will, in our place giving us his perfect record.

Sacrifice

Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross wasn’t an addition to our efforts but the entire payment for our transgressions, accomplishing what we could never achieve—the absolute forgiveness of sins, total reconciliation with God, and the bestowal of eternal blessings. This act was definitive, settling our debt and ensuring our complete forgiveness, bringing us back into harmony with God, and guaranteeing our eternal heritage (Galatians 3:13).

Mediator

In his role as mediator, Jesus does more than merely bring us to the threshold of God’s presence; he escorts us through, standing by our side not just until judgment day but during it and through it, advocating on our behalf (1 Timothy 2:5). He ensures that we are not just heard but fully represented before the Father.

Prophet

In his prophetic capacity, Jesus transcends mere guidance; He encapsulates and conveys the entirety of God’s will. As the ultimate prophet, he provides us with a clear and comprehensive understanding of God’s will. There’s no additional revelation to await, no further wisdom to unearth beyond what he has imparted (Hebrews 1:1-2; 2 Timothy 3:15–17).

Priest

Jesus’s priesthood fulfills the Old Testament orders, serving as our eternal High Priest. His singular, comprehensive offering on the cross addresses every facet of our redemption, ensuring a total reconciliation with God (Hebrews 7:27; 1 John 2:2). This is not a cooperative effort where we contribute to our salvation; it’s a gift of complete redemption, freely bestowed by him. Consequently, in Jesus, we have the ultimate mediator between us and God, rendering the need for modern priests or additional mediators obsolete, as he alone is our sufficient and eternal High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16).

King

As our eternal King, Jesus’ reign is marked by active, benevolent engagement in our lives. He’s not a remote ruler but an intimately involved shepherd, guiding us to live under God’s benevolence daily. Through him, we gain direct, unobstructed access to God, embraced not as mere subjects but as dearly loved children, fully integrated into God’s familial embrace (Ephesians 1:22–23; Hebrews 10:19-22). His sovereignty extends over all creation and every creature, holding all power and dominion in the universe. As Colossians 1:16-17 explains, everything was created through him and for him, and he holds all things together, asserting his authority and governance over the cosmos and its inhabitants. His kingship is not just a title; it’s an active, dynamic rule where his will and purposes are carried out with perfect wisdom and power, demonstrating his loving sovereignty in every aspect of existence.

In every dimension of his being and mission, Jesus stands as the all-encompassing answer to our deepest yearnings, drawing us into a relationship with God that is profound, personal, and eternally secure, all by virtue of what he has entirely accomplished on our behalf.

What is the narrative of Jesus in the Bible?

The narrative of Jesus begins with his preexistence as the Word of God. Before anything was made, Jesus, the Word, was with God, and he was God (John 1:1-3). As the uncreated one, he was actively involved in creation (Genesis 1-2), with all things being made through him.

The Bible’s beginning establishes Jesus not merely as a figure of the New Testament but as an eternal presence, central to the universe’s very creation and essential to understanding the relationship between God and humanity both before and after the fall into sin.

The Old Testament foreshadows and anticipates Jesus through prophecies, types, and symbols. From the first promise of a savior in Genesis 3:15 to the representation of Jesus in figures such as Melchizedek, Joseph, Moses, and King David, the Old Testament is rich with anticipation of and shows the need for the Messiah. The sacrificial system, festivals, and the tabernacle/temple all point towards Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice for sin, the true Passover Lamb, and the ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 10:1).

The Gospels present the historical narrative of Jesus’ life on Earth. From his miraculous birth, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23), through his teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection, the Gospels provide a detailed account of his earthly ministry. Jesus’ life and work fulfill Old Testament prophecies, culminating in his ultimate accomplishment: the full atonement for the sins of the world, demonstrating his role as the promised Messiah (Luke 24:7).

After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, the narrative continues in the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles, detailing the gospel’s spread and the church’s establishment. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus continues his work in the world, equipping, empowering, and encouraging his followers to be witnesses to all nations (Acts 1:8). The Epistles further elaborate on the theological significance of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, teaching believers about the nature of Christ, the meaning of faith, and what it looks like to live in response to God’s grace.

The narrative of Jesus in the Bible culminates in the book of Revelation, where he is revealed as the triumphant King and the Lamb who was slain, now reigning forever. Revelation presents Jesus’ future victory over all evil, the final judgment, and the establishment of a new heaven and a new Earth where God will dwell with his people (Revelation 21:1-4). This book closes the biblical narrative with the assurance of Jesus’ ultimate victory and eternal reign, offering hope to all believers.

The narrative of Jesus Christ stretches from the beginning of creation to the end of the age, revealing him as the central figure in God’s redemptive plan for humanity. From the Old Testament’s shadows to the New Testament’s fulfillment and the promised future victory in Revelation, Jesus stands as the Savior, the Lord, and the King over all creation. This comprehensive view of Jesus throughout the Bible invites believers to see him not just as a historical figure or a distant deity but as the living Word, intimately involved in their lives and the entire cosmos, granting the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal fellowship with God.

What is Jesus’ relationship with Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit?

Jesus’ relationship with the Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit is foundational to understanding the Christian doctrine of the Trinity: one God in three persons. This concept, while profound and mysterious, asserts that God exists as three distinct persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—yet is one in essence and being.

Jesus, as the Son, shares an eternal, intimate relationship with the Father, characterized by mutual love and purpose (John 10:30). He is not a lesser deity but fully God, equal in divinity and essence with the Father. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus articulates this deep connection, emphasizing his unity with the Father in nature and will. He often spoke of doing the Father’s will and being sent by the Father to accomplish the pivotal work of humanity’s redemption and the offering of eternal life (John 6:38).

The Holy Spirit, described as the Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:9), holds an equally integral role within the Trinity. Sent by both the Father and the Son, the Holy Spirit’s mission is to nourish, guide, and comfort believers, playing a crucial role in their lives (John 14:16-17, 26).

This relationship demonstrates the harmonious operation of the Trinity, where each person—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—engages distinctively in the divine plan yet works together seamlessly. This reflects the unity and diversity within the Godhead.

This trinitarian relationship underscores a fundamental Christian belief: while the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct in their relational roles and interactions, they are united as one God. This unity in diversity illustrates the complex yet beautiful nature of God’s existence, inviting believers to delve deeper into the mystery of the divine character and work. Through this relationship, we see the comprehensive scope of God’s engagement with the world, from creation through redemption to ongoing sanctification, all orchestrated within the dynamic unity of the Trinity.

Why did the Savior need to be fully God?

The eternal divinity of Jesus Christ is not just a theological tenet; it’s the cornerstone of the Christian faith, filling his words, actions, and promises with unparalleled power and authority. When Jesus speaks, it is with the voice of God (John 1:1). His miracles and teachings aren’t mere acts of a divine being but the expressions of God himself, offering us eternal truths on which we can unequivocally rely.

This divine authority is vividly illustrated in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. It wasn’t just a man offering his life for others; it was God incarnate, extending his limitless love to bear the enormity of human sin and suffering (Hebrews 9:14). This act of sacrifice is instilled with infinite value, providing atonement for the sins of the world across all ages, highlighting the tremendous depth of his grace and mercy.

The resurrection of Jesus underscores his divine nature even further. His triumph over death was not merely a miraculous event but a definitive demonstration of his godhood, asserting his dominion over life and death (1 Corinthians 15:57). This pivotal event offers us a living hope, anchoring our faith in the promise of eternal life with him.

Moreover, recognizing Jesus as always fully God deepens our understanding of his mediatory role. He is not simply an intermediary; he is the omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-knowing), and omnipresent (always-everywhere) God who engages intimately with us, guiding, protecting, and interceding on our behalf (1 Timothy 2:5). His divine nature ensures his ability to save us completely and eternally (Hebrews 7:25), offering us unwavering assurance in the efficacy of his redemptive work.

In essence, the eternal godhood of Jesus Christ is foundational to our salvation narrative. He is fully God from the outset, equipped with the sovereign authority and power essential for humanity’s redemption. Through his divine essence, he reveals God to us (John 1:18), mediates on our behalf, and secures our salvation, affirming his worthiness of our worship and complete trust. In him, we find not just a savior but the living God, extending his eternal love and giving us the gift of everlasting life.

Why did the Savior need to be fully man?

Jesus needed to be fully man to represent humanity in his life, death, and resurrection. Jesus didn’t need to become a man for his own exaltation; he was already God, the one and only true God. God condescended so that he could be under the law, his law. By assuming human nature, Jesus subjected himself to our human weaknesses and temptations yet lived without sinning (Hebrews 4:15). Thus, his humanity allowed him to serve as our substitute, fulfilling the righteous requirements of God’s law on our behalf (Romans 8:3-4) and bearing the punishment for our sins through his death (1 Peter 2:24). This act of love eliminates the gap between sinful humanity and the holy God, reconciling the world.

What is the meaning of Jesus’ incarnation?

The incarnation is a central tenet in Christianity, illuminating the profound mystery of where God embraced humanity in the person of Jesus Christ. This event unravels the remarkable truth that Jesus is not an ordinary figure but God himself, stepping into his creation. He is not a human being who eventually progressed to divinity; he is the eternal Word, always divine, existing from the beginning with God and as God (John 1:1-3; Hebrews 13:8).

When discussing the incarnation, we delve into the heart of God’s narrative, revealing that Jesus, eternally divine, chose to become human, to live and walk among us. This act is a testament to God’s immense love and dedication to humanity. He didn’t merely observe from afar; he entered our world, shared our experiences, and embraced our nature while maintaining his divine essence. When Jesus became human (Philippians 2:6-8), he didn’t cease to be God but added humanity to his divine nature. Jesus’ unique union of divine and human natures is distinct and unparalleled.

Through Jesus’s life on earth—his teachings, sufferings, and ultimate sacrifice—we witness an unprecedented display of God’s love. He wasn’t just representing humanity; he was fully human, embodying our frailties and yet living a sinless life (Hebrews 4:15), a feat impossible for any other. This sinlessness was crucial, as it established Jesus as the only qualified being to offer a perfect sacrifice for our sins (Romans 3:23), highlighting his unique nature as both fully divine and fully human.

The incarnation wasn’t a mere visitation but God’s personal intervention in human history. Jesus took on our sins, triumphed over death, and accomplished what we could never achieve—our redemption and reconciliation with God. This divine mission underscores a God who is not distant or detached but deeply involved with his creation, willing to go to extraordinary lengths to restore our broken relationship with him.

How is Jesus uniquely different from all other humans?

In his time on earth, Jesus demonstrated divine powers that set him apart as the very embodiment of God among us. He forgave sins with authority that only God possesses (Mark 2:5-7), calmed the raging seas with a word (Mark 4:39), and conquered death, not only by resurrecting others but by raising himself from the grave through his own divine power (John 10:18, John 11:25). These miraculous acts are not just historical footnotes; they are compelling affirmations of his unique deity, a testament that Jesus is not an elevated or exalted human but God in the flesh.

The New Testament bestows upon Jesus titles that shed light on his divine nature, distinguishing him profoundly from us. When Colossians 1:15 refers to Jesus as the “Firstborn over all creation,” it’s crucial to understand that this term does not imply that Jesus was created or had a beginning. Instead, “firstborn” here signifies a position of supremacy and authority, an acknowledgment of his eternal preexistence and his role as sovereign over all creation.

This concept of firstborn is about rank and privilege, much like the firstborn in many cultures who receives inheritance and honor, not about temporal beginnings. It denotes Jesus’s preeminence in all things, affirming his deity and his integral involvement in creation—as Colossians 1:16 emphasizes, “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.”

Further affirming his eternal nature, Jesus is called the “Alpha and Omega” in Revelation 22:13, titles that signify the beginning and the end. These titles reinforce the concept of Jesus’s timelessness and his encompassing dominion over time and existence, qualities that are attributes of God alone.

While we are encouraged to mirror Christ’s virtues, this call to imitation is about adopting his qualities of love, humility, and allegiance to God, not about transitioning into divinity ourselves. (Ephesians 5:1-2) This crucial distinction underscores that, unlike beliefs that suggest we are “gods in embryo” on a progressive path to godhood, the Bible delineates a clear demarcation between the divine Creator and his creation. Jesus, in his divine-human nature, is uniquely God incarnate, not a being who achieved godhood through progression. We are and always will be human.

Becoming more like Christ is a transformative sanctification process driven by the Holy Spirit’s work within us. It’s a path of character and spiritual refinement, aligning our lives with the virtues of Jesus, the pinnacle of holiness and love. Yet, this spiritual growth does not blur the ontological lines that separate us from Christ; we grow in his likeness, but our essence remains distinctly human, beautifully created,yet fundamentally different from our Savior God.

The Holy Spirit’s work of sanctification sets the stage for believers’ ultimate glorification, a future transformation where those who are in Christ will shed the remnants of sin and reflect the perfected humanity of Jesus’ resurrected body (1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 1 John 3:2). However, this divine promise does not imply that we will become divine; it assures us of a perfected fellowship with God, where we remain his beloved creation, not equals in divinity but eternal recipients of his love.

A believer’s relationship with Christ invites them into a deep, transformative communion, where they reflect his character and live in the reality of his love. Yet, the New Testament consistently affirms that Jesus stands alone in his divine-human nature. He is our Savior and Mediator, not because he is the first among equals on a path to godhood, but because he is the unique, eternal God who has lovingly bridged the vast expanse between humanity and the divine. This extraordinary truth first elevates our understanding of Jesus’ unparalleled nature. Second, this truth enriches our sense of identity and purpose as his cherished, distinct creations, called to celebrate and engage in a profound relationship with our matchless Savior.

Recognizing Jesus as God—the one and only true God—radically transforms our relationship with him. It’s not based on striving to achieve exaltation through our efforts or obedience but on receiving God’s incredible gifts of love, mercy, and reconciliation through Jesus Christ. This grace invites us into a relationship with God exactly as we are, redeemed and loved through Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection.