Explaining the Identity of Jesus Christ to Non-Believers
Explaining who Jesus is involves understanding His divine and human nature, as well as His role in redemption. Jesus is the Son of God, fully divine and fully human, who came to earth to save sinners from the wrath of God. Paul writes in Romans 8:28 that "we know that for those who love God all things work together for good," which underscores God's sovereignty and Jesus' role in working all things for the good of those who love Him. This truth addresses the heart of the Christian faith, which is that Jesus is the only mediator between God and humanity, and that through His life, death, and resurrection, He has secured salvation for all who trust in Him.
Jesus' identity is rooted in His divine nature, which is equal with God the Father, and His human nature, which makes Him relatable to humanity. This dual nature is essential to understanding His role in redemption, as He is both the sacrifice for sin and the high priest who intercedes on behalf of sinners. The gospel connection is clear: Jesus' death and resurrection are the means by which sinners are reconciled to God, and His ongoing intercession ensures that believers are kept in faith until the end.
From a pastoral perspective, this truth brings comfort and assurance to believers, who can trust that Jesus is actively working on their behalf to bring about their salvation. It also underscores the importance of faith in Jesus, as the only means of salvation, and encourages believers to trust in His sovereignty and goodness, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Ultimately, explaining who Jesus is involves pointing to His divine and human nature, His role in redemption, and the gospel connection that brings salvation to all who trust in Him.