Who is Jesus?
Jesus of Nazareth, recognized as the Christ (the Messiah), is the cornerstone of Christian belief. According to the Gospels, Jesus is the Son of God, fully divine and fully human, who lived a sinless life and offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for humanity’s sins. His life and teachings have been studied and revered by theologians, historians, and scholars for centuries. Early Church Fathers like Origen and Athanasius articulated the profound mystery of the Incarnation, where God took on human flesh to reconcile the world to Himself.
John 3:16 captures the essence of this divine mission: “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, one of the most cited in Christian history, encapsulates the heart of the Gospel message.
Jesus declared in John 14:6: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This claim has been central to Christian theology since the early ecumenical councils, where Church leaders affirmed that Jesus is the exclusive path to salvation and the revelation of divine truth.
Why You Need Jesus
The need for salvation through Jesus is a core tenet of Christian doctrine, rooted in the understanding of human nature and sin. The Apostle Paul explains in Romans 3:23 that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” This concept of original sin, first articulated by early theologians like St. Augustine, underscores the universal need for redemption.
Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is seen as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, such as those found in Isaiah 53, where the suffering servant is portrayed as bearing the sins of many. The theological concept of atonement, developed by scholars like Anselm of Canterbury in the Middle Ages, teaches that Jesus’ death satisfied the justice of God, making reconciliation with God possible.
"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." – Romans 5:8
This profound act of love invites you into a relationship where, through faith in Jesus, you become a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 proclaims, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This verse reflects the transformative power of Christ’s work in the life of a believer, a theme echoed throughout Christian history.
How to Begin a Relationship with Jesus
Beginning a relationship with Jesus is a step that has been celebrated by believers across the centuries. The process, grounded in Scripture, has been affirmed by church leaders from the earliest days of Christianity to the present.
- Acknowledge Your Need for a Savior:
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23
The recognition of sin and the need for salvation is the first step, as outlined by Christian thinkers like John Calvin, who emphasized human depravity and the necessity of divine grace. - Believe in Jesus:
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9
This declaration of faith has been a defining mark of Christianity since the Apostolic Age, with early Christians professing Jesus as Lord even under threat of persecution. - Confess Your Faith:
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” – Romans 10:13
Confession of faith, followed by baptism, has been a sacramental act of initiation into the Christian community since the days of the early church, as described by St. Cyril of Jerusalem in his catechetical lectures.
Pray This Prayer:
"Lord Jesus, I recognize that I am a sinner in need of Your grace. I believe that You died for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. I invite You into my heart. Please forgive me, guide me, and help me to follow You all the days of my life. Thank You for saving me. Amen."