Who is Jesus Christ? · Exploring Christianity
Who Is Jesus Christ—and What Does It Mean to Follow Him?
Meet the Savior at the center of the Christian faith, understand the good news, and discover a thoughtful place to begin.
Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God who became human, died for our sins, and rose bodily from the dead. Following Him means turning from sin, trusting Him as Savior and Lord, and learning to live in obedience to Him by God’s grace.
Who is Jesus Christ? You may know His name without knowing what Christians mean when they call Him Savior. Perhaps you admire His teaching, wonder whether God welcomes you, or feel unsure where to start with the Bible.
You are welcome to ask those questions. Christianity centers on a person, Jesus, and on what He has done. To understand the invitation to follow Him, begin with the picture of Jesus given in Scripture.
Who is Jesus Christ?
Jesus is fully God and fully human. John introduces Him as the eternal Word who was with God and was God. He then explains that this same Word became human and lived among us (John 1:1-14).
“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us”
John 1:14, excerpt · NASB 1995
This is what Christians mean by the incarnation: the eternal Son truly took on human nature without ceasing to be God. He experienced human life, suffering, and temptation, yet remained without sin (Hebrews 4:15). His humanity was real, and His divine identity was not something He earned.
Calling Jesus the Son of God does not mean that God created Him. Christians believe in one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Son is distinct from the Father and eternally shares the divine nature. This is the understanding expressed in our statement of faith.
Christ is a title meaning “Anointed One,” corresponding to “Messiah.” It identifies Jesus as God’s promised King. His authority reaches beyond offering useful advice: He calls people to trust Him, receive forgiveness, and belong to Him.
Why did Jesus die and rise again?
The Bible describes a problem deeper than a lack of information or willpower. We are made in God’s image, yet we have sinned against Him. Sin includes our actions, words, desires, and refusal to give God His rightful place. None of us can claim a flawless record before Him (Genesis 1:27; Romans 3:23).
God’s holiness means that sin matters. His love means that He has not left us without hope. Jesus willingly gave His life for sinners. At the cross, He bore our sins so that we could be brought to God (1 Peter 2:24; 3:18).
Paul summarizes the gospel—the good news—as Christ’s death for our sins, His burial, and His resurrection on the third day. He also names people and groups to whom the risen Jesus appeared (1 Corinthians 15:3-8).
The resurrection is central to Christian faith. Christians proclaim that Jesus rose bodily, defeated death, and lives as Lord. Paul even says that without Christ’s resurrection, faith would be futile and people would remain in their sins (1 Corinthians 15:17). Our hope rests on the living Savior, not on our ability to become impressive religious people.
How do we receive salvation?
Salvation is God’s gift, received through faith in Jesus Christ. Grace means God’s undeserved favor. Faith means relying on Christ and what He has done, rather than treating personal goodness as the basis of acceptance with God.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith”
Ephesians 2:8, excerpt · NASB 1995
Read Ephesians 2:8-10 as a whole. Paul rules out boasting in our works, then explains that believers are created in Christ for good works. Obedience grows out of salvation; it does not purchase it.
Jesus calls people to repent and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15). Repentance means turning from sin toward God. It includes agreeing with Him about our wrongdoing and turning away from self-rule. Faith and repentance belong together as we come to Christ.
You do not have to repair every part of your life before approaching Him. Come honestly, acknowledging your need and entrusting yourself to Jesus. Romans 10-9-13 connects faith in the risen Christ with confessing Him as Lord and calling on Him for salvation.
What does following Jesus mean in everyday life?
A disciple is a learner and follower. In Luke 9:23, Jesus calls His disciples to deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow Him. This is a serious call to place His authority above our own preferences, even when obedience costs us something.
Following Jesus does not promise an easy life or instant freedom from every struggle. It means belonging to Him through those struggles and depending on His Spirit as He changes us.
Listen to Him through Scripture
Read the Bible to learn who Jesus is and what He teaches. Begin with one of the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. Notice what the passage actually says before asking how it applies to your circumstances.
Speak honestly with God
Prayer is a way to express trust, gratitude, confession, and need. You can bring ordinary concerns and difficult questions to God. You do not need impressive language to begin.
Practice love and obedience
Jesus commands His followers to love one another (John 13:34–35). That can mean admitting you were wrong, speaking truthfully, serving someone without seeking praise, or refusing to repay cruelty with cruelty. Growth is often seen in these ordinary decisions.
Grow with other Christians
Seek a local church that teaches Scripture faithfully, proclaims Jesus Christ, and practices accountable, loving care. Baptism and life with other believers are part of Christian discipleship (Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 2:41–42). Online articles can support your learning, but they cannot provide all the relationships and care of a church community.
Return to grace when you fail
Christians still need to confess sin and receive forgiveness (1 John 1:8–9). When you fail, acknowledge it, seek to make things right, and return to Christ. The goal is growing faithfulness through dependence on Him.
A simple place to begin today
Set aside a few quiet minutes. You do not need to understand everything before opening the Bible.
- Read John 1:1–18. What does it tell you about Jesus’ identity?
- Read John 3:1–21. What does Jesus say about new life, faith, and God’s love?
- Read Luke 15:11–32. What does the returning son’s story show about repentance and the father’s welcome?
- Read Luke 23–24. What happens at the cross, and what do the disciples encounter after Jesus’ death?
- Read Ephesians 2:1–10. What is God’s gift, and what kind of life grows from it?
Ask God to help you understand. Write down one question and discuss it with a mature Christian or a trustworthy pastor.
For reflection: Am I relying on my own goodness to make me right with God, or am I trusting what Jesus has done? What would taking His teaching seriously change in my next decision?
Common questions about Jesus
Is Jesus only a good teacher?
Jesus is a good teacher, but the New Testament presents Him as much more: the eternal Son who became human, died for sinners, and rose again. His teaching must be understood alongside His identity and saving work.
Do I need to be a better person before becoming a Christian?
You come to Christ because you need His mercy. Salvation is received by grace through faith, not earned by improving yourself first. God then works in believers to produce a changed life (Ephesians 2:8–10).
Can I bring doubts and questions?
Yes. Honest questions deserve careful attention. Read the Gospel accounts, identify what you find difficult, and seek thoughtful answers. Having questions is an invitation to investigate; it need not keep you from seeking Jesus.
Does saying a particular prayer save me?
No set of words works like a formula. Prayer can express genuine repentance and trust, but salvation rests on Jesus Christ. Speak honestly to Him about your sin, your need for forgiveness, and your desire to follow Him.
Your next step toward knowing Jesus
The question “Who is Jesus Christ?” leads to a personal response. If He is the risen Lord, His invitation deserves more than passing interest. Open a Gospel, consider His words, and bring your questions into the light.
If you already follow Jesus, return to the grace that first brought you to Him. Let your gratitude become patient love, honest repentance, and practical obedience today.