1. Who Is the Lord Jesus Christ?
Jesus Christ is the central person of the Christian faith. The Bible teaches that Jesus is the Son of God, the Word who became flesh, the promised Messiah, Lord, and Saviour of humanity. He is not presented merely as a good teacher or prophet, but as the One through whom God brought salvation to the world. The Gospel of John begins by describing Jesus as the eternal Word:
John 1:1 -“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John then explains that this eternal Word became human: John 1:14 – “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” Jesus Himself also spoke about His unique relationship with the Father: John 10:30 -“The Father and I are one.” The apostle Paul describes Christ in similarly profound terms: Colossians 1:15–17 – Christ is the image of the invisible God, and all things were created through Him and for Him. Therefore, according to the Bible, Jesus Christ existed before His human birth. His birth in Bethlehem was not the beginning of His existence; it was His coming into the world in human form for God’s salvation.
2. The Promise of Christ Before His Birth
The coming of Christ was not an unexpected event. The Old Testament contains promises and prophecies concerning the coming Messiah. Isaiah prophesied that a child would be born who would have a unique identity: Isaiah 7:14 -“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” The name Immanuel means “God with us.” Isaiah also declared: Isaiah 9:6 – “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be on his shoulders.” The prophet Micah identified Bethlehem as the place from which the ruler would come: Micah 5:2 -Bethlehem would produce a ruler whose origins are from ancient times. The Old Testament also foretold that God’s servant would suffer for the sins of others: Isaiah 53:5–6 -He would be wounded because of people’s transgressions, and the Lord would lay upon him the iniquity of us all. These passages help Christians understand that the life, death, and mission of Jesus were part of God’s previously revealed plan.
3. How Jesus Christ Was Born
The New Testament describes the miraculous birth of Jesus. The angel Gabriel was sent to a virgin named Mary: Luke 1:26–27 – God sent the angel Gabriel to Mary, a virgin pledged to Joseph, a descendant of David. The angel announced: Luke 1:31–32 – Mary would conceive and give birth to a son and would call His name Jesus. He would be great and would be called the Son of the Most High. Mary asked how this could happen because she was a virgin. The angel answered: Luke 1:35 – “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.” Matthew gives Joseph’s perspective. When Joseph discovered that Mary was pregnant, an angel appeared to him in a dream: Matthew 1:20–21 — The child was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and Joseph was instructed to name Him Jesus because “he will save his people from their sins.” Jesus was therefore born through the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit, not through an ordinary human conception.
4. Where Jesus Was Born
Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea. Because of a census ordered during the time of Caesar Augustus, Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem: Luke 2:1–5 – Joseph went with Mary to Bethlehem because he belonged to the house and line of David. Jesus was born there: Luke 2:6–7 – Mary gave birth to her firstborn son, wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger because there was no guest room available for them. The birth of Jesus was announced to shepherds by angels: Luke 2:10–11 – “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today… a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” This announcement identifies three important truths about Jesus: He is Saviour, Messiah, and Lord.
5. Why Was Jesus Born?
The central reason Jesus came into the world was to save people from sin and reconcile humanity to God. The angel told Joseph: Matthew 1:21 – “You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Jesus Himself explained His mission: Luke 19:10 – “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” The Gospel of John gives another famous explanation: John 3:16 – God so loved the world and gave His one and only Son so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. Jesus did not come merely to improve people’s social conditions, provide earthly prosperity, or establish an earthly political kingdom. His fundamental mission was salvation from sin and restoration of humanity’s relationship with God.
6. Why Does Humanity Need Salvation?
The Bible teaches that sin separates human beings from God. Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Sin is not merely making occasional mistakes. It represents humanity’s rebellion against God’s will and righteousness. The consequence of sin is death: Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Human beings cannot overcome the problem of sin simply through their own religious activities, good works, wealth, knowledge, or social status. The Bible therefore presents Jesus Christ as the way God provides salvation. John 14:6 – Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me.”
7. The Sinless Life of Jesus
Jesus lived among people and experienced ordinary human life, but the Bible teaches that He was without sin. Hebrews 4:15 – Christ was tempted in every way as humans are, “yet he did not sin.” Peter similarly states: 1 Peter 2:22 – “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” Jesus taught people to repent, believe in God, love one another, forgive others, care for the needy, and live according to God’s will. He demonstrated compassion toward the sick, poor, rejected, and suffering. His miracles included healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, calming storms, feeding crowds, and raising the dead. These signs were not merely displays of supernatural power. They pointed people toward His identity and His authority. John 20:30–31 — Jesus performed many signs, but those recorded were written so that people may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and by believing have life in His name.
8. Why Did Jesus Die on the Cross?
The death of Jesus is at the heart of the Christian Gospel. Jesus was betrayed, arrested, falsely accused, condemned, crucified, and died. However, according to the Bible, His death was not simply an unfortunate political execution. He willingly gave His life for the salvation of humanity. Jesus said: Mark 10:45 – “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus also said: John 10:11 – “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” His death therefore had a substitutionary and sacrificial meaning: Christ gave Himself for sinners. Paul summarizes the Gospel: 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 -Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.
9. Jesus’ Blood and the Forgiveness of Sins
The New Testament repeatedly connects Christ’s sacrificial death with forgiveness.
Jesus said at the Last Supper: Matthew 26:28 – “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” The apostle Peter explains: 1 Peter 1:18–19 – Believers were redeemed not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ. Paul writes: Ephesians 1:7 – “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins.” The cross therefore represents God’s serious response to sin and God’s great love toward sinners. Romans 5:8 -“God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
10. Jesus’ Death Was Voluntary
Jesus was not simply a helpless victim of circumstances. Before His arrest, Jesus knew what was going to happen and accepted the Father’s will. In Gethsemane, He prayed: Luke 22:42 – “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Jesus also explained that He voluntarily gave His life: John 10:18 – “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.” Therefore, the cross was not a failure of Jesus’ mission. According to the Christian understanding of Scripture, the cross was central to His mission.
11. The Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus was crucified at a place called Golgotha. The Gospel accounts describe His crucifixion in Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, and John 19. Jesus was crucified between criminals. While on the cross, He prayed for those who were crucifying Him: Luke 23:34 – “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Jesus eventually died. Luke 23:46 – “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Then He died. The Roman centurion who witnessed these events recognized something extraordinary: Mark 15:39 — “Surely he was the Son of God!”
12. Jesus Was Buried
After Jesus died, Joseph of Arimathea requested His body and placed it in a tomb. Matthew 27:59–60 -Joseph took Jesus’ body, wrapped it in clean linen, and placed it in his own new tomb. A large stone was placed at the entrance. According to Matthew, guards were also placed at the tomb: Matthew 27:62–66 – The tomb was secured and guarded. This detail is important because the resurrection proclamation was not that Jesus merely disappeared. The Gospel accounts present Him as having truly died, been buried, and subsequently risen.
13. Jesus Christ Rose from the Dead
The resurrection is one of the central foundations of Christianity. On the first day of the week, women went to the tomb and found that the stone had been moved. Matthew 28:5–6 – The angel said, “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” Luke records: Luke 24:6–7 – “He is not here; he has risen!” Jesus then appeared to His disciples. Luke 24:36–39 – Jesus appeared among them and told them to look at Him and recognize that He was truly present. Paul emphasizes the importance of the resurrection: 1 Corinthians 15:17 – “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” Therefore, Christianity is not based only on the teaching or death of Jesus. It is fundamentally based on the proclamation that Jesus Christ died, was buried, and rose again.
14. Why Was Jesus Resurrected?
The resurrection demonstrated that death could not defeat Christ. Paul writes: Romans 6:9 – “Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has mastery over him.” The resurrection also confirms Jesus’ identity and validates His message. Romans 1:4 -Jesus was declared to be the Son of God in power by His resurrection from the dead. Furthermore, Christ’s resurrection gives believers hope of resurrection and eternal life. 1 Corinthians 15:20 – “Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
15. Jesus Appeared to His Followers After His Resurrection
After His resurrection, Jesus did not immediately disappear from the earth. He appeared to His disciples and others. Paul provides a summary: 1 Corinthians 15:5–8– Christ appeared to Peter, then to the Twelve, then to many other believers, and finally to Paul. Jesus also spent time teaching His disciples about God’s Kingdom. Acts 1:3 – Jesus appeared to the apostles over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. The resurrection therefore involved continued interaction between the risen Jesus and His followers.
16. Why Did Jesus Go to Heaven?
After His resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven. Before His ascension, He told His disciples: John 14:2–3 – “I am going there to prepare a place for you… I will come back and take you to be with me.” Jesus then commissioned His disciples: Matthew 28:18–20 – He commanded them to make disciples of all nations, baptize them, and teach them to obey His commands. Then Jesus ascended: Acts 1:9 – “He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.” The ascension means that the risen Christ returned to the Father’s presence in heaven.
17. What Is Jesus Doing in Heaven?
The Bible teaches that Jesus is not inactive in heaven. He is exalted at the right hand of God. Mark 16:19 – After speaking with His disciples, Jesus was taken up into heaven and sat at God’s right hand. Jesus also intercedes for believers. Romans 8:34 – Christ Jesus died, was raised, and is at the right hand of God, “and is also interceding for us.” Hebrews says: Hebrews 7:25 – Jesus is able to save completely those who come to God through Him because He always lives to intercede for them. The New Testament therefore presents Jesus as the risen Lord, exalted King, High Priest, and advocate/intercessor for His people.
18. Jesus Promised to Come Again
Jesus did not teach that His ascension was the end of His relationship with humanity. He promised to return. John 14:3 -“I will come back and take you to be with me.” At the ascension, angels told the disciples: Acts 1:11 – “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Therefore, Christians believe in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
19. How Will Jesus Come Again?
The New Testament describes Christ’s return as a future, glorious event. Jesus said: Matthew 24:30 – People will see “the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.” Paul writes: 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17 – The Lord will descend from heaven, the dead in Christ will rise, and believers will be gathered to be with Him. Revelation describes Christ’s coming in glory: Revelation 19:11–16 – Christ is portrayed as the victorious King and Lord. The Bible also emphasizes that the exact timing of Christ’s return is not known by human beings. Matthew 24:36 – “About that day or hour no one knows.” Therefore, Christians are called not to predict a particular date but to remain faithful and spiritually prepared.
20. What Will Happen When Christ Returns?
The New Testament connects Christ’s return with judgment, resurrection, and the final establishment of God’s purposes. Jesus taught: Matthew 25:31–32 – When the Son of Man comes in His glory, the nations will be gathered before Him and He will judge. Paul says: 2 Corinthians 5:10 – “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.” The Bible also teaches the ultimate defeat of death and evil. 1 Corinthians 15:25–26 – Christ will reign until all His enemies are placed under His feet, and “the last enemy to be destroyed is death.” Revelation ultimately describes God’s renewed creation: Revelation 21:1–4 – God will dwell with His people, and death, mourning, crying, and pain will no longer exist.
21. Why Is It Necessary to Accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour?
Accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour is central to the Christian faith. According to the Bible, it is necessary because humanity is separated from God by sin, and Jesus Christ is God’s provision for forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life.
1. Because all people have sinned
The Bible teaches that every human being has sinned and fallen short of God’s standard. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23. Sin separates people from God and cannot be overcome simply through good works.
2. Because sin leads to death
The consequence of sin is spiritual death and separation from God. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23. The good news is that God offers eternal life as a gift through Jesus Christ.
3. Because Jesus is the way to God
Jesus did not merely teach people about God; He claimed to be the way to the Father. “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6. Christian faith therefore teaches that reconciliation with God comes through Jesus Christ.
4. Because Jesus died for our sins and rose again
Jesus gave His life for humanity and was raised from the dead. His death provides the basis for forgiveness and reconciliation with God. “Christ died for our sins… he was buried, and he was raised on the third day.” -1 Corinthians 15:3-4. 5. Because salvation is received through faith in Christ. The Bible emphasizes that salvation is not something we earn by our own achievements. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith… it is the gift of God.” -Ephesians 2:8. We respond to God’s grace by placing our faith in Jesus Christ.
6. Because Jesus offers forgiveness and a new life
Accepting Christ is not merely agreeing with certain beliefs. It involves turning to God, trusting Christ, and beginning a new life under His lordship. “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
7. Because Jesus is Lord
Christianity calls people not only to accept Jesus as Saviour, but also to recognize Him as Lord—the one to whom our lives belong. Romans 10:9 says: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus