Jesus Christ: The Central Figure of Christianity
Jesus Christ: The Central Figure of Christianity
Jesus Christ is the central figure of Christianity, and his identity and significance are rooted in biblical teachings. The Gospel of Mark introduces Jesus as "Jesus Christ, the Son of God" [3]. This designation is reinforced throughout the New Testament, where Jesus is described as the Messiah, the Savior, and the Lord.
The biblical portrayal of Jesus emphasizes his divinity and humanity. He is described as the "image of God" [1], and his role as creator is highlighted in passages such as John 1:3 and Colossians 1:16. The writer of Hebrews notes that Jesus is the "exact representation of God's being" [not directly quoted, but referenced in Hebrews 1:3]. The apostle Paul affirms Jesus' divinity, calling him "Christ, who is God over all" [not directly quoted, but referenced in Romans 9:5].
Jesus' role as mediator between God and humanity is a significant aspect of his identity. He is described as the "one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus" [1 Timothy 2:5]. This mediatorial role is closely tied to his work as Savior, where he is seen as the one who redeems humanity from sin. The New Testament writers emphasize Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, where he "endured the cross, despising the shame" [2].
The significance of Jesus is not limited to his historical life and death. He is also seen as the resurrected and exalted Lord, who is "seated at the right hand of the throne of God" [2]. The apostle Paul notes that Jesus is "the head of the body, the church" [5], emphasizing his ongoing role in the life of the Christian community. The book of Revelation portrays Jesus as the triumphant Lamb, who is worthy of worship and adoration [6].
The centrality of Jesus in Christianity is reflected in the various creeds and confessions that have been formulated throughout history. The Nicene Creed, for example, affirms Jesus as "the Son of God, the only-begotten of the Father, of one substance with the Father" [not directly quoted]. This creed highlights the significance of Jesus' divinity and his relationship to the Father.
Different Christian traditions have understood Jesus' identity and significance in various ways. The Reformed tradition, represented by theologians such as John Calvin, emphasizes Jesus' role as mediator and Savior. The Wesleyan tradition, on the other hand, highlights Jesus' role as the source of sanctification and holiness [4]. Despite these differences, the centrality of Jesus remains a unifying theme across Christian traditions.
The biblical portrayal of Jesus is characterized by a rich diversity of images and metaphors. He is described as the "Lamb of God" [John 1:29], the "Bread of Life" [John 6:35], and the "Good Shepherd" [John 10:11]. These images convey the depth and complexity of Jesus' identity and significance.
The significance of Jesus extends beyond his historical context to the present day. The book of Revelation portrays Jesus as the one who is "alive forevermore" [Revelation 1:18], emphasizing his ongoing relevance and significance. The apostle John notes that Jesus is "the same yesterday, today, and forever" [Hebrews 13:8], highlighting his unchanging nature.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Excellency and Glory of Christ, The — As God -- Joh 1:1-5; Php 2:6,9,10. As the Son of God -- Mt 3:17; Heb 1:6,8. As one with the Father -- Joh 10:30,38. As the First-born -- Col 1:15,18. As the First-begotten -- Heb 1:6. As Lord of lords, &c -- Re 17:14. As the image of God -- Col 1:15; Heb 1:3. As creator -- Joh 1:3; Col 1:16; Heb 1:2. As the Blessed of God -- Ps 45:2. As Mediator -- 1Ti 2:5; Heb 8:6. As Prophet -- De 18:15,16; Ac 3:22. As Priest -- Ps 110:4; Heb 4:15. As King -- Isa 6:1-5; Joh 12:41. As Judge -- Mt 16:27; 25:31,33. As Shepherd -- Isa 40:10,11; Joh”
- Hebrews “Hebrews 12:2 (Geneva1599) — Looking vnto Iesus the authour and finisher of our faith, who for the ioy that was set before him, endured the crosse, and despised the shame, and is set at the right hand of the throne of God.”
- Mark “The beginning of the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. -- Mark 1:1”
- 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 11:3: The head of every man is Christ - The apostle is speaking particularly of Christianity and its ordinances: Christ is the Head or Author of this religion; and is the creator, preserver, and Lord of every man. The man also is the lord or head of the woman; and the Head or Lord of Christ, as Mediator between God and man, is God the Father. Here is the order - God sends his Son Jesus Christ to redeem man; Christ comes and lays down his life for the world; every man who receives Christianity confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father; and ”
- Colossians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Colossians 1:18: And he is the head of the body, the church,.... By "the church" is meant, not any particular congregated church, as the church at Colosse, or Corinth, or any other; but the whole election of grace, the general assembly and church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven in the Lamb's book of life; the church which Christ has given himself for, and has purchased with his blood, and builds on himself the rock, and will, at last, present to himself a glorious church without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; this is compared to an human body, and therefor”
- Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 5:1: 5:1-14 John introduces the Lamb, Jesus Christ, the central figure of Revelation and God’s chosen agent for accomplishing his purposes. 5:1 The scroll, like a dramatic script, details God’s plan for the world (Ps 139:16). • The right hand represents God’s gracious authority and power (see Rev 1:17, 20). • The writing on the inside and the outside means that God’s plans for history are full and complete. • sealed with seven seals: God has put his purposes for history in an impermeable safe (Isa 29:11-12; Dan 8:26). His purposes will be completed only when the sea”