Who Is Jesus Christ? - A Biblical and Theological Exploration
Jesus Christ is the central figure of Christianity and the foundation of the Christian faith. But who is He truly? This question has been asked for centuries and has eternal significance. According to the Bible and historic Reformed theology, Jesus is not merely a good teacher or prophet, but He is the Son of God, the Savior, and Lord of all.
1. Jesus Christ: Fully God and Fully Man
The Bible teaches that Jesus is both fully divine and fully human — a truth central to Christian orthodoxy.
- Divinity of Christ: John 1:1 declares, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Jesus, the Word, is eternal and divine.
- Humanity of Christ: John 1:14 says, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Jesus took on human nature, experiencing hunger, fatigue, sorrow, and temptation — yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15).
According to Reformed theologians like John Calvin, this union of divinity and humanity is essential for Christ to be our Mediator. He had to be God to conquer sin and death, and man to represent us.
2. The Mission of Jesus Christ: To Save Sinners
Jesus did not come merely to set a moral example. He came with a divine purpose: to redeem fallen humanity.
Luke 19:10 says, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” This salvation was accomplished through His perfect life, substitutionary death, and victorious resurrection.
As the Apostle Paul writes in Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
According to the Westminster Confession of Faith, Jesus fulfilled all the requirements of the law and bore the wrath of God in our place. His death was a propitiation — a turning away of God's wrath — for all who believe (Romans 3:25).
3. Jesus Christ in Reformed Theology
In Reformed theology, Jesus Christ is the centerpiece of redemptive history. Everything in Scripture points to Him.
Reformed theologians emphasize the sovereignty of Christ in salvation. Jesus is not merely an offer — He is the effective Savior of His people. As stated in Matthew 1:21, “You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
Christ is also our Prophet, Priest, and King:
- Prophet: He reveals God’s will and speaks with divine authority (Hebrews 1:1–2).
- Priest: He intercedes for us and offered Himself as the final sacrifice (Hebrews 9:11–14).
- King: He rules over His church and the universe with power and righteousness (Revelation 19:16).
4. Why Knowing Jesus Matters Today
To know Jesus Christ is to know eternal life. As Jesus said in John 17:3, “And this is eternal life, that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”
He is not just a figure of history. He is alive today, reigning at the right hand of God (Hebrews 1:3), and calling all people to repentance and faith (Acts 17:30–31).
Philippians 2:10–11 reminds us that one day “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”
5. Conclusion: Who Do You Say Jesus Is?
Jesus asked His disciples in Matthew 16:15, “But who do you say that I am?” This is the most important question any person will ever answer.
If Jesus is who He says He is — the Son of God, the Savior, the risen Lord — then He demands not only our belief but our entire lives.
Come to Him in faith, trust in His finished work on the cross, and follow Him. In Christ, we find forgiveness, purpose, and eternal hope.
Written to honor biblical truth and Reformed theology, this article is intended for spiritual growth and encouragement in the faith.
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