Who Is Jesus?

Who Is Jesus?

Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God who became man for our salvation.

He is not merely a prophet, teacher, moral example, or religious founder.

Jesus is true God and true man: one Divine Person with both a divine nature and a human nature.

“Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God.” — Matthew 16:16

The Eternal Son of God

Jesus did not begin to exist at Bethlehem.

Before His birth in time, He existed eternally as the Son of God.

The Gospel of John calls Him the Word, who was with God and who is God.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” — John 1:1

True God

Jesus is fully divine.

He shares the same divine nature as the Father and the Holy Ghost.

He forgives sins, gives eternal life, receives worship, reveals the Father, and has authority over creation, life, death, and judgment.

Because Jesus is God, He can truly save.

True Man

Jesus also truly became human.

He was conceived by the Holy Ghost and born of the Virgin Mary.

He had a real human body, human soul, human mind, and human will.

He experienced hunger, thirst, sorrow, suffering, temptation, and death, yet He never sinned.

One Person, Two Natures

Jesus Christ is one Divine Person with two natures: divine and human.

He is not half God and half man.

He is fully God and fully man.

This mystery is called the union of the two natures in the one Person of Christ.

The Son Became Man

The Son of God became man in the mystery of the Incarnation.

He did not cease to be God when He became man.

Rather, He took on human nature to redeem humanity from sin and death.

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” — John 1:14

Jesus the Savior

Jesus came to save humanity.

Through His life, Passion, death, Resurrection, and Ascension, He reconciles us to the Father and opens the way to eternal life.

Salvation is not simply learning better behavior.

Salvation is being rescued from sin and brought into communion with God through Christ.

Jesus Reveals the Father

In Jesus, God reveals Himself fully.

To know Jesus is to know the Father.

Christ shows us God’s mercy, holiness, justice, compassion, and love.

“He that seeth me seeth the Father also.” — John 14:9

Jesus Christ Is Lord

Christians confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

This means He possesses divine authority and reigns over all creation.

His Lordship is not limited to church or prayer.

Every part of life is meant to be brought under His truth, mercy, and love.

Common Misunderstandings

Jesus Is Not Merely a Good Teacher

Jesus taught with divine authority and revealed Himself as the Son of God.

Jesus Is Not a Created Being

The Son is eternally begotten of the Father, not made.

Jesus Is Not Half God and Half Man

He is fully God and fully man.

Jesus Is Not One Savior Among Many

Jesus Christ is the one Savior of the world.

Why This Matters

Everything in Christianity depends on who Jesus is.

If Jesus is only a teacher, His death is only a tragedy.

But if Jesus is the Son of God made man, then His Cross is the sacrifice that saves the world, and His Resurrection is the victory over death.

Key Truths About Jesus

• Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God.
• Jesus is true God and true man.
• Jesus is one Divine Person with two natures.
• Jesus was conceived by the Holy Ghost and born of the Virgin Mary.
• Jesus reveals the Father.
• Jesus suffered and died for our sins.
• Jesus rose from the dead.
• Jesus is Lord and Savior of the world.

What Does This Mean For Me?

Jesus Christ is not only someone to study.

He is the living Lord who calls you to know Him, trust Him, follow Him, and receive the salvation He offers.

To understand Jesus is to begin understanding the heart of the Catholic faith.

Explore Jesus Christ

Continue Learning

Now that you understand who Jesus is, the next doctrine is: Incarnation

Learn how the eternal Son of God became man for our salvation.