Who is Jesus Christ?

Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Messiah, and central figure in Christianity. According to the New Testament of the Holy Bible, Jesus was born into the world as a human, lived a sinless life, and was crucified and died on the cross to atone for the sins of humanity. We Christians believe that on the third day after His death, Jesus rose from the dead, thus conquering death and sin, and that His resurrection is evidence of His divine nature. The life and teachings of Jesus Christ form the foundation of Christian doctrine and morality, and have had a profound impact on global civilization and culture.

Genealogy of Jesus

The family genealogy of Jesus Christ is mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke. Matthew's gospel lists His genealogy from Abraham to Joseph, his earthly father. It highlights that there were 14 generations from Abraham to David, 14 from David to the exile in Babylon, and 14 from the exile to Christ.

Luke's gospel traces Jesus' ancestry back to Adam, the first man. Both genealogies are significant because they establish Jesus' lineage and position as the long-awaited Messiah prophesied in the Hebrew Scriptures.

Meaning of "Jesus Christ"

The name Jesus is derived from the Hebrew name Yeshua or Yehoshua, which means "God saves" or "Yahweh is salvation." On the other hand, the title Christ is derived from the Greek word Christos, which means "anointed one." Therefore, the name Jesus Christ can be translated to mean "God saves, the anointed one," which reflects His role

Childhood Events

Jesus was born in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth. He grew up in a devoutly religious home and had numerous siblings. According to the Gospel of Luke, He was 12 years old when He went to the temple in Jerusalem with His parents for the Passover festival.

While they were there, Jesus sat among the teachers of the law, listening to them and asking questions. The teachers were astonished by His understanding and answers to their questions. This account shows Jesus' remarkable wisdom even at a young age, and it is believed by many to be a foreshadowing of His later teachings as an adult.

Mission and Purpose

There are several reasons why God sent Jesus to earth. Here are four of the most important reasons:

1.) To Reveal God to Us

Jesus came to earth to reveal the nature of God to us. In John 14:9, Jesus says, "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father." Through Jesus' life, teachings, death, and resurrection, we can understand who God is and what God is like.

2.) To Save Us from Our Sins

Jesus came to die on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins. John 3:16 says, "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." That means that if we believe in Jesus and accept him as our Savior, we can be forgiven for our sins and have eternal life.

3.) To Teach Us How to Live

Jesus' teachings guide us on how to live a good and meaningful life. In John 10:10, Jesus says, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." By following His teachings, we can experience a whole and abundant life.

4.) To Fulfill Bible Prophecy

Many prophecies in the Old Testament foretold the coming of a Messiah who would save God's people. Jesus fulfilled these prophecies and is the long-awaited Messiah.

Baptism

The baptism of Jesus Christ is a significant event in His life. According to the Gospels, He was baptized by John the Baptist in the River Jordan, after which the Holy Spirit descended upon Him as a dove, and the voice of God declared Him to be His son. The baptism symbolized Jesus giving His will to God, marking the inauguration of His public ministry. The baptism of Jesus is significant because it affirms the doctrine of the Trinity, with each member of the Godhead present at the baptism.

Ministry

Jesus began his public ministry at 30, traveling and preaching throughout the region. He performed many miracles, attracting followers and opposition from religious and political leaders.

The length of Jesus' public ministry was approximately three and a half years. The tradition that Jesus' ministry lasted 3.5 years is based on early Christian interpretations of the prophecy of the seventy "sevens" in the book of Daniel. This estimate is supported by the mention of three Passovers in the Gospel of John, which has led some scholars to conclude that His ministry lasted over three years. While there is no definitive answer on the exact length of Jesus' public ministry, it is ultimately agreed that it was a relatively short time during which He profoundly impacted history and the course of human events.

This period of Jesus' life is marked by His miracles, message of repentance and the coming of the Kingdom of God, and His calling of disciples to follow Him. During His ministry, Jesus spoke in parables, confronted the religious authorities of His time, and carried out acts of healing and exorcism. The ultimate purpose of His ministry was to proclaim the good news of salvation and to reconcile humanity with God through his death, burial, and resurrection.

Accomplishments of Jesus Christ

Jesus began His public ministry with His baptism by John the Baptist and accomplished many things that time. Here are a few of His accomplishments:

Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom of God throughout Galilee and Judea, calling people to repentance and faith. He preached in synagogues, on hillsides, by the seashore, and in other public places.

He chose 12 disciples to follow Him and continue His teachings after He was gone.

Jesus performed countless miracles, including healing the sick, raising the dead, and feeding the hungry, which demonstrated His divine power. That proved he was more than just another human teacher or prophet.

He became known as a teacher and healer, attracting large crowds wherever he went.

He provided definitive teaching for the world, impacting ethics, morals, and spirituality through teaching in parables, using everyday examples to convey profound spiritual truths.

He challenged the religious traditions of His day and called for a deeper, more authentic faith, which made enemies with the religious authorities, who were threatened by His teachings and popularity.

He foretold His death and resurrection, the ultimate victory over sin and death.

Jesus preached a message of love, forgiveness, and compassion for all peoples, regardless of their background or social status.

Jesus was known for his ability to speak with authority and clarity, commanding the attention of all who heard him.

Jesus strongly emphasized serving others, as exemplified by washing his disciples' feet and feeding the hungry.

He warned of the dangers of material wealth and called for a simple lifestyle focused on spiritual growth.

He challenged his followers to love their enemies, pray for those persecuting them, and live lives of radical obedience to God.

He ultimately gave His life on the cross, a sacrifice that brings salvation and hope to all who believe in Him.

He established the Church as a community of believers and commissioned his disciples to continue spreading his message to the world.

The 12 Disciples

The names of these twelve disciples, as given in the New Testament, were Simon Peter, Andrew, James (the son of Zebedee), John, Philip, Bartholomew (also known as Nathanael), Matthew (also known as Levi), Thomas, James (the son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus (also known as Judas, son of James), Simon (the Zealot), and Judas Iscariot. Each of these disciples had a unique personality and background.

Jesus chose these men to be his closest followers and continue His mission after His death and resurrection. They became leaders and teachers of the Christian faith and played a crucial role in spreading the gospel's message worldwide.

Death, Burial, and Resurrection

The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ are central to the foundation of our faith. Jesus predicted he would be betrayed at the Last Supper and handed over to the authorities. He was arrested, tried, and sentenced to death by crucifixion. He died on a Roman cross and was placed in a tomb.

On the third day after his death, the tomb was empty, and Jesus appeared to his disciples, alive and risen from the dead. He spent 40 days with his followers, teaching and commissioning them to spread the gospel.

The death and resurrection of Jesus are seen as a sacrifice that atones for the sins of humanity and offers the promise of eternal life. We Christians believe that by accepting Him as our Savior, we can receive forgiveness for our sins and be reconciled to God. The resurrection is also seen as a victory over death and a promise that faithful believers will one day be resurrected and live with Christ forever.

The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ continue to be a central focus of Christian belief and practice, inspiring believers worldwide to live out their faith and share the message of hope with others.

The Second Coming of Christ

The Second Coming of Jesus Christ is a future event when He returns to judge the living and the dead. The Second Coming is a fundamental tenet of Christianity and is mentioned in several books of the Bible, such as Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, and Revelation.

The Second Coming's exact timing, manner, and purpose are subjects of debate and interpretation among Christians. The Second Coming is associated with several other events, such as the resurrection of the dead, the final judgment, and the establishment of the Kingdom of God.

The Second Coming is often described as a glorious and powerful event marked by signs and wonders in the heavens and earth. The time before the Second Coming is depicted as a time of great tribulation and distress for the world. Yet, it is a time of deliverance and redemption for those who trust in Him.

The Second Coming is the culmination of God's plan of salvation and the ultimate victory of righteousness over evil. It will fulfill many prophecies of the Old Testament, such as those of Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and Zechariah.

The Second Coming is anticipated with hope and longing by all Christians, who look forward to the restoration of all things and the reunion with Christ Jesus. The Second Coming is also a call to vigilance and preparation, as Christians are encouraged to be ready for the coming of the Lord, which will happen in the future.

Life Lessons

Jesus taught many valuable life lessons during his earthly ministry. Here are some examples:

Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:30-31).

Forgive others, even those who wronged you (Matthew 6:14–15).

Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will also be given to you (Matthew 6:33).

Treat others as you would like to be treated, practicing the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12).

Be generous and give to those in need (Luke 6:38).

Turn the other cheek and resist retaliation (Matthew 5:38-42).

Be humble and serve others, following His example (Matthew 20:26–28).

Put aside earthly concerns and focus on spiritual growth and eternal life (Luke 10:41–42).

Trust God and have faith, even under challenging circumstances (Mark 11:22–24).

Jesus Christ as the Messiah

These verses speak to the central importance of Jesus Christ and his role as the Savior and Redeemer of humanity.

John 14:6: "I am the way and the truth and the life.' "No one comes to the Father except through me."

Romans 10:9: "If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

Romans 6:23: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Acts 2:38: "Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.'" "And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

Matthew 28:18: "Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."

John 3:3: "Jesus replied, 'Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.'"

John 3:16: "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."

John 20:31: "But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name."

Colossians 1:15–20: "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him, all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things; in Him, all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the Church; He is beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy. God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him and, through Him, to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross."

Lutheran Creeds

Our churches teach the Word, the Son of God (John 1:14). He was born of the Virgin Mary in His human nature. Divine and human nature are indistinguishably linked in one person.

There is only one Christ, the true God and true man, who was born of the Virgin Mary, suffered, died, and was buried. He did this to reconcile the Father to us and to be a sacrifice for not only original sin but also all human sins (John 1:29).

On the third day, he descended into hell and rose again. He ascended into heaven and sat at the right hand of the Father. He rules over all creatures and reigns there forever.

The Holy Spirit is sent into the hearts of those who believe in Jesus Christ to rule, comfort, and make them alive. He protects them from the devil and the power of sin.

The Apostles Creed

The Second Article of the Apostle's Creed affirms the centrality of Jesus Christ and points to God's redemptive work through His life, death, and resurrection. The article also declares Jesus' identity as the only Son of God and our Lord.

The Second Article states, "I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead."

The Athanasian Creed

The Athanasian Creed, also known as the Quicumque Vult, begins with a declaration of belief in the Holy Trinity: that one God exists in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. It then declares that the Son and the Holy Spirit are of the same substance as the Father and that all three persons of the Trinity are equal in power and glory.

The creed affirms the dual nature of Jesus Christ, that He is both fully God and fully human. It declares that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary and that He suffered, died, was buried, and rose again from the dead. It further states that He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father and that He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

Summary of Confessional Beliefs

We hold to the doctrine, proclaim it, and confess that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Lord and that by placing our faith in Him, we are saved, forgiven of our sins, and granted eternal life.

In our confession, we acknowledge that "our works cannot reconcile us to God, nor can they earn forgiveness of sins and grace, but that we receive forgiveness and grace only by faith when we believe that we are received into favor for the sake of Christ, who alone has been appointed to be the mediator and propitiation through whom the Father is reconciled"

We hold that there is only one path to heaven: trust in Jesus Christ and that those who die without that faith will spend eternity in hell.

In addition to their bodies being revived on the last day, we believe individuals who follow Christ will have a joyous relationship with Him between their deaths and His second coming.