Messiah and Savior

Jesus of Nazareth, also known as Jesus Christ, is central to Christian theology and is recognized as the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament. His role as the Savior is foundational, as He is believed to have fulfilled the prophecies concerning the coming of a Redeemer. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is identified as the one who "will save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). This role is further emphasized in John 3:16, where it is stated, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Son of God

Jesus is acknowledged as the Son of God, a title that signifies His divine nature and unique relationship with God the Father. This is affirmed at His baptism, where a voice from heaven declares, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17). The Gospel of John further elaborates on this relationship, stating, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1), identifying Jesus as the eternal Word made flesh.

Prophet, Priest, and King

Jesus fulfills the Old Testament offices of prophet, priest, and king. As a prophet, He proclaimed the Kingdom of God and called for repentance, as seen in Mark 1:15: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel" . As a priest, Jesus serves as the mediator between God and humanity, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for sin. Hebrews 4:14 describes Him as "a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God" . As a king, He is the sovereign ruler, a role acknowledged in Revelation 19:16, which states, "On His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: King of kings and Lord of lords" .

Teacher and Rabbi

Jesus is often referred to as a teacher or rabbi, a role He embraced throughout His ministry. He taught with authority, often using parables to convey deep spiritual truths. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus provides ethical teachings that have been foundational for Christian moral thought (Matthew 5-7). His teachings emphasized love, forgiveness, and the pursuit of righteousness.

Redeemer and Atonement

Central to Jesus' role is His work of redemption and atonement. Christians believe that through His death on the cross and subsequent resurrection, Jesus atoned for the sins of humanity, reconciling them to God. Romans 5:8-9 states, "But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Therefore, since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through Him!" .

Resurrected Lord

The resurrection of Jesus is a cornerstone of Christian faith, affirming His victory over sin and death. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this in 1 Corinthians 15:17, "And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins" . The resurrection is seen as the guarantee of eternal life for believers and the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep (1 Corinthians 15:20).

Intercessor and Advocate

Post-resurrection, Jesus is believed to have ascended to heaven, where He continues His role as intercessor and advocate for believers. Romans 8:34 states, "Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us" . This ongoing intercession is a source of comfort and assurance for Christians, affirming that Jesus is actively involved in their spiritual lives.

The Second Coming

The role of Jesus also encompasses His promised return, known as the Second Coming. This future event is anticipated as a time when Jesus will return in glory to judge the living and the dead, establish His eternal kingdom, and bring about the final consummation of God's redemptive plan. 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" .