Who is Jesus?
Many religions and creeds make claims that Jesus was simply a prophet, a wise man or a good teacher. But the Bible tells us that Jesus was and is so much more:
Jesus is the son of God and the Savior of the world. He came to redeem all people from the curse of sin and provide a way for relationship with God.
The Bible reveals clearly who Jesus is and how we can have relationship with Him. Below, we will break down this statement to explain who Jesus really is.
Jesus is the son of God
The Bible clearly states that Jesus is the Son of God. In Matthew 3:17, when Jesus was baptized, a voice from heaven declared, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him, I am well pleased." This proclamation by God Himself affirms Jesus' divine nature and confirms His status as the Son of God.
Additionally, John 3:16 is one of the most well-known verses in the Bible, stating, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This verse emphasizes the unique relationship between God the Father and Jesus, establishing Jesus' identity as the Son sent by God to offer salvation to humanity.
Hebrews 1:1-2 declares that in the last days, God has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things. This passage affirms Jesus' divine position as the Son who surpasses all prophets and messengers, highlighting His unparalleled role in God's plan of redemption.
Supporting Scriptures:
Matthew 3:17 • John 3:16 • Hebrews 1:1-2
and the Savior of the world.
In John 4:42, after Jesus spent time in Samaria, the Samaritans testified, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world." This acknowledgment by the Samaritans confirms Jesus' role as the Savior, who brings salvation not only to a specific group but to the entire world.
In Acts 4:12, Peter boldly proclaims, "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." This verse establishes the exclusive and universal role of Jesus as the sole Savior, emphasizing that salvation can only be attained through faith in Him.
1 Timothy 1:15 states, "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst." This verse highlights the purpose of Jesus' coming to Earth—to save sinners and offer them the gift of eternal life through faith in Him.
Supporting Scriptures:
John 4:42 • Acts 4:12 • 1 Timothy 1:15
He came to redeem all people
Jesus' purpose was to redeem all people from the bondage of sin. In Mark 10:45, Jesus Himself stated, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." This verse emphasizes Jesus' sacrificial mission, coming to give His life as a ransom to redeem humanity.
Titus 2:14 explains that Jesus "gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." This verse emphasizes that Jesus willingly offered Himself as a sacrifice to redeem people from the power of sin and transform them into a new kind of people - the people of God.
1 Peter 1:18-19 states, "For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect."
These verses underline the costly nature of our redemption, highlighting that Jesus' sacrifice through His death on the cross was the only means to redeem humanity from the empty and sinful existence.
Supporting Scriptures:
Mark 10:45 • Titus 2:14 • 1 Peter 1:18-19
from the curse of sin
Jesus' redemptive work was focused on delivering people from the curse of sin.
Galatians 3:13 declares, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.'" This verse explains that Jesus took upon Himself the curse that was upon humanity due to sin, thereby redeeming us and freeing us from the condemnation of the law.
1 Peter 2:24 states, "He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds, you have been healed." This verse emphasizes that Jesus bore our sins in His body, taking the punishment that we deserved, and through His sacrifice, we are granted freedom from the power and penalty of sin.
Romans 6:23 affirms, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." This verse contrasts the consequence of sin (death) with the gift of God (eternal life), emphasizing that Jesus' redemption provides the means for humanity to be saved from the consequences of sin and receive the gift of eternal life.
Supporting Scriptures:
Galatians 3:13 • 1 Peter 2:24 • Romans 6:23
and provide a way for relationship with God.
Jesus' redemptive work also establishes a way for a restored relationship between humanity and God.
In John 14:6, Jesus declares, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." This verse unequivocally asserts that Jesus is the exclusive path to God the Father, emphasizing that a genuine relationship with God can only be established through faith in Jesus.
Romans 5:8 highlights the depth of God's love demonstrated through Jesus' sacrifice: "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." This verse underscores that Jesus' sacrificial death bridges the gap caused by sin, enabling us to experience a reconciled relationship with God through His love and grace.
Ephesians 2:13 states, "But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ." This verse illustrates how Jesus' bloodshed on the cross brings those who were far from God into a close and intimate relationship with Him, eradicating the separation caused by sin and allowing believers to experience communion with God through faith in Jesus.