Jesus Christ
What do we believe about Jesus?
Our Belief
There is only one name under heaven by which we can be brought into relationship with God: the name ‘Jesus Christ.’ It is only through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, as our representative and substitute, that the guilt, penalty, and power of sin can be removed. In that death, God demonstrates his love to us most perfectly and establishes his victory over Satan and all his foes. The work of the Holy Spirit is necessary to make the death of Jesus effective in an individual’s life. The Spirit enables the sinner to repent and put their faith in Jesus Christ, so that salvation is entirely of God’s grace and not of human merit or works. Although now we enjoy the blessing of union with Christ and secure relationship with God, we await the final consummation of our hope with the return of Christ, the resurrection of our bodies and life with him eternally.
Distinctive Areas
Incarnation and Sinless Life
Jesus was not created. Jesus Christ was God and is God. John 1:1 Approximately 2,000 years ago, Jesus Christ stepped into time and was incarnated. Incarnation means He humbled himself and was born as a baby. We remember this event a Christmas. Jesus chose to be born of the virgin Mary in Bethlehem to fulfill the Old Testement prophecies of the coming Messiah through the line of David. While of earth, Jesus did not cease to be God, but rather took on the confines of human flesh.
Throughout His life on earth, Jesus was tested with real temptations on many occasions. Yet, He did not subcumb to sin. Instead, Jesus both modelled perfect reliance on the Father. Jesus did not come to condemn the world, but He came to seek and save the lost. Jesus was qualified to to defeat sin as He alone was the only man who has never been stained by sin.
100% God and 100% Man
The combination of Jesus 100% godhood and 100% manhood is called the Hypostatic Union. While 200% is hard for our finite minds to comprehend, it speaks to the supernatural claims He made about himself. His own disciples took time to reconcile how the rebellious Jewish leader they were following could simultaneously be the Son of God. But as Jesus progressively revealed himself as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, their eyes were opened and they rejoiced. Luke 24:13-31
Death and Resurrection
In approximately 30AD, Jesus was unjustly accused of insurrection and sentenced to death on a cross. While the Jews leaders saw Jesus as a threat to their religious system and demanded his crucifixion, the reality is that Jesus death was because of the sin of each of us. In his death, Jesus accepted all the guilt and paid the price for all the past, present and future sins of all humankind. We remember this event on Good Friday.
But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while,
now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death,
so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
Hebrews 2:9
If Jesus death was the end, Christians would be of all people, most miserable. We would be following just another religious leader who inspired others and then died. But Jesus did not remain dead. On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead. Jesus’ resurrection body was seen by over 500 witnesses. He ate food, spooked the Romans, and sparked history’s greatest transformation. Today’s calendar is split into B.C. Before Christ and A.D. Anno Domini – Year of our Lord. We remember this event every Easter.
Jesus, resurrection means that death is defeated and that we too will one day rise with a resurrection body. No longer does the curse of the Fall hold power over us. While Christian’s don’t seek death, we don’t fear death. Today, Jesus has returned to the Father and is preparing an eternal home for us in heaven. He has promised to return to take us to be with him and our fellow believers in heaven.
Ruling as King
With the defeat of death, Jesus proved His kingship over all things. Ironically, Pilate’s mocking title of ‘King of the Jews’, was both confirmed and expanded on when the gospel was sent to the gentiles. In dying and rising from the dead, Jesus fulfilled Genesis 3:15 and crushed Satan’s head. At the cross, Satan experienced a death blow and he is desparately flailing as his worldly kingdom slips from his grasp.
Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them!
But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you!
He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.”
Revelation 12:12
Today Jesus continues to grow His Kingdom, not through national conquest or military force, but by reconciling hearts and minds to the Father through His substitionary death on the cross. Since Jesus, resurrection, billions of people workdwide have placed their faith in Jesus. As His followers, we proclaim His Lordship and Kingdom with confidence that the ulimate victory has already been won. We pray and seek to see more people join God’s kingdom.
Returning as Judge
At some point in the future, Jesus will physically return to earth as a Judge. On this day, Jesus will bring complete justice to a world that is full on injustice. Those who have placed their faith in Jesus atonement, will stand forgiven, clothed in Jesus’ righteouness. This will be the completion of our salvation and the ultimate rescue.
Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.
There is more than enough room in my Father’s home.
If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?
When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.
John 14:1-3
However, those who have ignored Him, will face the consequences of the forgiveness they have rejected. Jesus return will not occur a moment too soon or a moment too late. Because God is just and holy, God will not allow sin to go unpunished. Jesus return will be an awesome and terrible day.