What We Believe
Jesus Christ: Son of God, Savior, and King
“These have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that by believing you may have life in His name.”
John 20:31 (NASB)
The central question of the New Testament is the question Jesus asked His disciples: “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15). The apostles did not present Jesus merely as a moral teacher, religious reformer, or inspiring example. They proclaimed Him as the Christ, the Son of God, the crucified and risen Savior, the reigning Lord, and the King to whom every person must answer. Our understanding of Jesus must come from their inspired testimony rather than later creeds, popular culture, or personal imagination.
The Eternal Son Who Became Flesh
John opens his Gospel by identifying Jesus as the Word who was with God and was God. All things came into being through Him, and the Word became flesh and lived among us (John 1:1–3, 14). Jesus did not begin to exist at Bethlehem. The eternal Son entered human history, taking a genuine human nature while remaining who He eternally is.
His birth fulfilled God’s promises, but His identity was displayed throughout His ministry. He forgave sins (Mark 2:5–12), exercised authority over nature (Mark 4:39–41), received worship (Matthew 14:33), and declared that seeing Him was seeing the Father (John 14:9). The miracles were not entertainment. They were signs confirming who He is and authenticating the message He brought from the Father.
The Sinless Savior
Humanity’s greatest problem is sin. All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23), and the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). We cannot remove our guilt through good intentions, religious activity, or moral improvement. We need a Savior who is able to bear sin’s penalty without being guilty Himself.
Jesus is that Savior. He was tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). First Peter 2:24 says He bore our sins in His body on the cross. His death was voluntary and sacrificial, not an accident or defeat. The gospel Paul received and preached is that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). His resurrection is God’s victory over sin and death and the foundation of Christian hope.
Lord and Reigning King
After His resurrection, Jesus declared that all authority in heaven and on earth had been given to Him (Matthew 28:18). Peter announced on Pentecost that God had made the crucified Jesus “both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). Jesus now reigns at God’s right hand, and He must reign until every enemy is placed beneath His feet (1 Corinthians 15:25). His kingdom is present wherever people submit to His rule.
Calling Jesus “Lord” is more than using a respectful title. Jesus asked why people called Him Lord but did not do what He said (Luke 6:46). He has authority over belief, worship, conduct, relationships, the church, and our entire lives. Human councils cannot revise His teaching, and religious traditions cannot compete with His word. Colossians 3:17 directs believers to do everything in the name—that is, by the authority—of the Lord Jesus.
The Only Way to the Father
Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). The apostles likewise taught that salvation is found in no one else (Acts 4:12). These statements are exclusive, but they are not cruel. The invitation of Christ is offered to all nations because all people share the same need.
The proper response is obedient faith. People must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of sin (Acts 17:30), confess Him (Romans 10:9–10), and be baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:26–27). Baptism does not earn salvation; it is the trusting response Christ commanded, uniting believers with His death and resurrection (Romans 6:3–4). Those who belong to Him then follow Him faithfully.
What This Means for Us
Jesus is not simply one part of Christian life; He is its center. Because He is the Son of God, we believe His testimony. Because He is Savior, we depend on His sacrifice rather than our goodness. Because He is risen, we face death with hope. Because He is King, we surrender every area of life to His authority.
Each of us must answer Jesus’ question personally: “Who do you say that I am?” A biblical answer requires more than words. It calls us to trust Him, obey His gospel, become part of His body, worship according to His teaching, and reflect His character daily. The New Testament points us to Jesus so that, believing and obeying Him, we may have life in His name.