Who is Jesus Christ?

Published September 1, 2026

Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah, the eternal Word made flesh, the Son of God, Lord, Savior, and risen King. He is truly divine and truly human. He lived without sin, died for our sins, rose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, and will return to judge and reign. Salvation is found in Him alone.

“Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” — Matthew 16:16 (KJV)

Jesus is the promised Messiah

“Christ” is not Jesus’ last name. It comes from the Greek title meaning the Anointed One, corresponding to the Hebrew Messiah. The Old Testament promised a coming King, Servant, Prophet, and Redeemer.

Jesus said the Scriptures testified of Him (John 5:39). His birth, ministry, rejection, suffering, death, resurrection, and reign fulfill God’s promises given across generations.

Jesus is the eternal Word made flesh

John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Verse 14 then says, “the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.”

Jesus did not begin to exist at Bethlehem. He entered human history through birth while possessing glory before the world was (John 17:5). The incarnation means the eternal Word truly became human without ceasing to be divine.

Jesus is the Son of God

The angel told Mary that her holy child would be called “the Son of God” (Luke 1:35). At Jesus’ baptism and transfiguration, the Father testified concerning His beloved Son.

This title does not mean Jesus is merely a created spiritual being. In John 5:18, His claim concerning the Father was understood as making Himself equal with God. His sonship reveals His unique identity and relationship with the Father.

Jesus is truly human

Jesus was born, grew, became hungry and tired, wept, suffered, and died. Hebrews 2:14 says He partook of flesh and blood. His humanity was real, not an appearance.

Because He became human, Jesus can serve as the one mediator between God and men. He understands human weakness and is the faithful High Priest who was tempted, yet remained without sin.

Jesus lived without sin

First Peter 2:22 says He “did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.” Jesus faced genuine temptation but never yielded. His enemies could accuse Him falsely, but they could not establish moral guilt.

A sinful savior could not bear the sins of others. Jesus offered Himself as the spotless Lamb of God.

Jesus revealed the Father

Jesus said, “he that hath seen me hath seen the Father” (John 14:9). His words and works revealed God’s holiness, compassion, authority, truth, and saving purpose.

Colossians 1:15 calls Him “the image of the invisible God.” We should not invent a picture of God that contradicts the character and teaching of Jesus Christ.

Jesus died for our sins

First Corinthians 15:3 says, “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures.” His crucifixion was not merely the death of a martyr. He willingly bore the penalty guilty sinners deserved.

Isaiah 53:5 foretold, “he was wounded for our transgressions.” Through His blood, forgiveness and reconciliation with God are offered to all who repent and believe.

Jesus rose bodily from the dead

On the third day, the tomb was empty and Jesus appeared alive to His disciples. He invited them to touch Him and ate in their presence. The resurrection was physical, not merely a symbol of continuing influence.

Romans 1:4 says He was declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection. Because He lives, His promises are certain and believers have hope beyond death.

Jesus is Lord and King

After His resurrection, Jesus declared, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18). Philippians 2:10–11 says every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

He now reigns and will return openly. The rejected Savior will be revealed as Judge and King.

Jesus is the only Savior

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). Acts 4:12 adds that there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.

Salvation is not found in religious sincerity, moral effort, another mediator, or a different revelation. It is found in Jesus Christ alone.

Every person must respond to Jesus

It is not enough to admire Jesus as a teacher or historical figure. He commands repentance, faith, obedience, and discipleship. John 3:36 contrasts everlasting life through believing on the Son with remaining under God’s wrath.

The central question is personal: Will you receive the biblical Jesus as Lord and Savior, or reject His rightful claim?

The biblical answer

Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah, eternal Word made flesh, Son of God, sinless Man, crucified Savior, risen Lord, and coming King. He reveals the Father and stands as the only mediator between God and humanity.

He is not merely one religious leader among many. Every person’s eternal destiny depends upon his or her response to Him.