Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: The title "Lord Jesus Christ" encapsulates the identity and mission of Jesus as understood within Christian theology. "Lord" signifies His divine authority, "Jesus" is His given name, and "Christ" denotes His role as the Messiah. This entry explores the biblical and theological dimensions of Jesus Christ, drawing from the Berean Standard Bible for scriptural references. Divine Nature and Pre-existence: The divinity of Jesus is a cornerstone of Christian belief. John 1:1-3 affirms His pre-existence and divine nature: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made." This passage identifies Jesus as the eternal Word, co-existent with God and active in creation. Incarnation: The incarnation, the act of God becoming flesh, is central to understanding Jesus' mission. John 1:14 states, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." This event marks the moment when Jesus took on human form, fully God and fully man, to dwell among humanity. Messiah and Savior: Jesus is recognized as the promised Messiah, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. In Matthew 16:16 , Peter declares, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." This acknowledgment of Jesus as the Christ (Messiah) underscores His role as the anointed one sent to redeem humanity. His mission is further clarified in Luke 19:10 : "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." Death and Resurrection: The death and resurrection of Jesus are pivotal events in Christian theology. Jesus' sacrificial death is seen as atonement for sin, as described in 1 Peter 2:24 : "He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His stripes you are healed." His resurrection is a testament to His victory over death and sin, as proclaimed in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 : "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures." Ascension and Lordship: Following His resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven, where He reigns as Lord. Acts 1:9-11 describes this event: "After He had said this, they watched as He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. They were looking intently into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 'Men of Galilee,' they said, 'why do you stand here looking into the sky? 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.'" His ascension signifies His exaltation and ongoing intercession for believers. Return and Final Judgment: The New Testament affirms the future return of Jesus Christ, a key aspect of eschatological hope. Revelation 22:12 records Jesus' promise: "Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to what he has done." His return will usher in the final judgment and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. Conclusion: The title "Lord Jesus Christ" reflects the profound theological truths about Jesus' identity, mission, and future return. As Lord, He possesses divine authority; as Jesus, He is the incarnate Savior; and as Christ, He is the anointed Messiah. These aspects form the foundation of Christian faith and hope. |