Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God who became man — fully God and fully human in one person. He lived a sinless life, died for sinners, rose bodily from the dead, and is the only Savior and Lord of all. Jesus is not merely a great teacher or prophet. The New Testament presents him as the eternal Word who 'was God' and 'became flesh' (John 1:1, 14). He is the second person of the Trinity, who took on a true human nature without ceasing to be God.[^1] In his earthly life Jesus taught with authority, performed miracles, forgave sins, and claimed a unique relationship with the Father. He was crucified under Pontius Pilate, died, and was buried — and on the third day rose bodily from the grave, witnessed by many.[^2] His resurrection vindicates his claims and guarantees salvation for those who trust him. He has ascended to the Father's right hand and will return to judge the living and the dead.[^3]

Who is Jesus Christ?

Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God who became man — fully God and fully human in one person. He lived a sinless life, died for sinners, rose bodily from the dead, and is the only Savior and Lord of all.

Detailed answer

Jesus is not merely a great teacher or prophet. The New Testament presents him as the eternal Word who 'was God' and 'became flesh' (John 1:1, 14). He is the second person of the Trinity, who took on a true human nature without ceasing to be God.¹

In his earthly life Jesus taught with authority, performed miracles, forgave sins, and claimed a unique relationship with the Father. He was crucified under Pontius Pilate, died, and was buried — and on the third day rose bodily from the grave, witnessed by many.²

His resurrection vindicates his claims and guarantees salvation for those who trust him. He has ascended to the Father's right hand and will return to judge the living and the dead.³

Biblical basis

John 1:1-14ESV
Colossians 1:15-20ESV
Philippians 2:5-11ESV
Hebrews 1:1-4ESV

Theological explanation

The Council of Chalcedon (451) confessed that Jesus is one person in two natures — truly God and truly man — 'without confusion, without change, without division, without separation.'⁴

Because he is fully God, his sacrifice has infinite worth; because he is fully man, he can represent humanity and be our mediator (1 Timothy 2:5).⁵

Common errors

1.That Jesus was only a man whom God adopted, or only God appearing to be human — Scripture affirms both natures fully.
2.That Jesus never claimed to be God — his words and deeds repeatedly assume divine authority.

Pastoral application

a.Trust Jesus as Savior and follow him as Lord of all of life.
b.Worship Jesus as God, knowing that to honor the Son is to honor the Father (John 5:23).

Notes

1.John 1:1, 14; Colossians 1:15–20; Philippians 2:5–11. The New Testament ascribes to Jesus the divine name, works, and worship.
2.1 Corinthians 15:3–8 lists the principal resurrection appearances; the Apostles' Creed places the passion "under Pontius Pilate" as a historical confession.
3.Acts 1:9–11; Hebrews 1:3; 2 Timothy 4:1. Ascension and return belong to the same Christological confession as incarnation and resurrection.
4.The Definition of Chalcedon (451): "…to be acknowledged in two natures, inconfusedly, unchangeably, indivisibly, inseparably…"
5.1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 2:14–18. The mediator must share our nature and possess the dignity of God.

Bibliography

Athanasius. On the Incarnation. Translated by a Religious of C.S.M.V. With an introduction by C. S. Lewis. Crestwood, NY: St Vladimir's Seminary Press, 1996.
Lewis, C. S.. Mere Christianity. Book 2, on the "trilemma" concerning Jesus' claims. New York: HarperOne, 2001.
Macleod, Donald. The Person of Christ. Contours of Christian Theology. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1998.
Wells, David F.. The Person of Christ: A Biblical and Historical Analysis of the Incarnation. Westchester, IL: Crossway, 1984.