Christian beliefs about Jesus
Jesus as the Messiah
MessiahThe promised deliverer of the Hebrew nation at the end of times. is a Hebrew word meaning ‘anointTo rub water or oil on a person as a ceremony of blessing. Typically an honour reserved for royalty. one’. Christians believe that Jesus is the Messiah because through his crucifixionRoman method of execution by nailing someone to a cross, often until they die of asphyxiation; used on Jesus and many others. and resurrectionThe Christian belief that Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after the crucifixion. The rising from the dead of believers on the Last Day in a new, or risen, life. he brought salvationThe healing of a broken relationship between people and God. to humankind.
Jesus did not describe himself as the Messiah, but his apostleOne who was sent out by Jesus to preach the gospel or 'good news'. did many times. For example, in the gospelThe teachings of Jesus and the apostles. of Matthew (16:13–17), one of Jesus’ discipleA person who follows and learns from someone else., Simon Peter, says to him, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus as the Son of God
Most Christians believe that Jesus, as well as being fully human, is also fully God. Most Christians believe that Jesus is the second person of the Holy TrinityThree persons in one God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. and is the Son of God.
Jesus as a lord and saviour
‘Lord’ is a term of respect used when referring to a male ruler with power and authority over others. The Gospel of Matthew states that Jesus is ‘Lord’ and has all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18)
Christians acknowledge that all people, at some point in their lives, will sinAct of rebellion or disobedience against the known will of God in Judaism, Christianity or Islam., which makes them deserving of God’s anger and punishment. However, Christians believe that because God is omnibenevolentThe belief that God is all loving. he sent JesusThe central figure of Christian history and devotion. The second person of the Trinity. to save humankind in two ways:
- Through his teachings, and by setting an example of selfless love, Christians believe that Jesus guides people to live less sinful lives.
- Through his sacrifice of dying on the cross, Christians believe that Jesus atoneA person atones when they show they are sorry for doing something wrong. for the sins of human beings. This means that he paid the penalty for the sins committed by humans and made it possible for God to forgive them.
Christians believe that Jesus’ resurrection from the dead proved that he was indeed the Son of God. They also believe that his death was sufficient to pay the penalty for the sins of humanity.
Question
What does ‘Messiah’ mean?
‘Anointed one’. Christians use this term to refer to Jesus.