The title "Christ of God" is a profound designation that encapsulates the divine mission and identity of Jesus as the anointed one sent by God. This title is deeply rooted in the messianic expectations of the Old Testament and is fulfilled in the New Testament through the life and work of Jesus Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The term "Christ" is derived from the Greek word "Christos," meaning "anointed one," which corresponds to the Hebrew "Mashiach" or "Messiah." The title "Christ of God" emphasizes Jesus' divine appointment and mission. In Luke 9:20, Jesus asks His disciples, "But who do you say I am?" Peter responds, "The Christ of God." This confession acknowledges Jesus as the one chosen and sent by God to fulfill the promises made to Israel.

Messianic Expectation

The Old Testament is replete with prophecies concerning the coming Messiah, who would be anointed by God to deliver His people. Isaiah 61:1 speaks of the Spirit of the Lord being upon the anointed one, a passage Jesus applies to Himself in Luke 4:18-21. The expectation was for a deliverer who would establish God's kingdom and bring salvation.

Fulfillment in Jesus

Jesus' life and ministry are the fulfillment of these messianic prophecies. As the "Christ of God," He embodies the roles of prophet, priest, and king. He is the ultimate prophet who reveals God's will, the high priest who offers Himself as a sacrifice for sin, and the king who reigns over God's kingdom. His anointing is not with oil, as was customary for kings and priests, but with the Holy Spirit, signifying divine approval and empowerment (Matthew 3:16-17).

Recognition and Rejection

Throughout the Gospels, various individuals and groups recognize Jesus as the Christ of God. Peter's confession in Luke 9:20 is a pivotal moment of recognition. However, this acknowledgment is not universal. Many religious leaders and others reject Jesus' claim to be the Christ, leading to His crucifixion. Despite this, His resurrection affirms His identity and mission as the Christ of God, as declared in Acts 2:36: "Therefore let all Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."

Theological Significance

The title "Christ of God" underscores the divine origin and authority of Jesus' mission. It affirms that Jesus is not merely a human teacher or prophet but the divinely appointed Savior. This title also highlights the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, showing that Jesus is the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. As the Christ of God, Jesus is central to the Christian faith, the one through whom believers receive salvation and eternal life.

Implications for Believers

For believers, acknowledging Jesus as the Christ of God is foundational to faith. It involves recognizing His authority, submitting to His lordship, and participating in His mission. This title calls Christians to live in the reality of the kingdom He inaugurated and to proclaim the good news of His salvation to the world.Luke 9:20
He said to them, But whom say you that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Names and Titles of Christ. From Several Scriptures.
... 6,6,6,6,8,8 The names and titles of Christ. From several scriptures. With cheerful
voice I sing. The titles of my Lord,. And borrow all the names. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 148 the names and.htm

The Names and Titles of Christ. From Several Scriptures.
... From several scriptures. LM The names and titles of Christ. From several scriptures.
['Tis from the treasures of his word. I borrow titles for my Lord; ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 147 the names and.htm

On the Various Names and Titles
... V. On the Various Names and Titles. ... And the same: you are dead and your life
is hidden with Christ in God. [Mat.8:22; Apoc.14:13; Col.3:3]. ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/v on the various names.htm

The Title "Word" is to be Interpreted by the Same Method as the ...
... Though there is a countless number of names which can ... remember them, they declare
that these titles are not ... title Logos (Word), and repeat that Christ alone is ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/23 the title word is.htm

The Names and Titles of Christ, from Several Scriptures.
... Hymns. Book 1. Hymn 1:147. The names and titles of Christ, from several scriptures.
1 ['Tis from the treasures of his word I borrow titles for my Lord? ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 0 14375 the names and.htm

The Son of God Incarnate; Or, the Titles and the Kingdom of Christ ...
... The Son of God incarnate; or, The titles and the kingdom of Christ, Isa. ... d Son is
born, Behold th' expected Child appear; What shall his names or titles be? ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 1 13 the son of.htm

That Worthy Name.
... Only Christ can give joy and comfort, peace and rest to the hearts of those ... Just
for a few moments think of some of the familiar titles and names of that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/that worthy name.htm

He Produces Testimonies to the Same Doctrine from the Apostle Paul ...
... hesitate to slander God from His own titles; and so ... first might claim as His all
the names which followed ... might imagine that in what followed Christ was spoken ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter iv he produces testimonies.htm

More Particularly, in what Respect Christ is Called the Truth.
... He is the Truth in this regard, that he fully answers all the titles and names which
he ... As he was called Christ, so was he anointed with the Spirit without ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xi more particularly in.htm

The Names Son of God and Son of Man.
... Both of the names which he applied to himself"Son of God ... (further illustrated in
Christ's last words ... not among the more usual or best known titles of Messiah ...
/.../section 58 the names son.htm

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