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Who is Jesus Christ? Why does he matter to you?

Christian Basics / By

Jesus Christ is the man whose life began the belief that is known as Christianity. Jesus was born in the year 1 AD in Bethlehem. He became a carpenter until approximately age thirty when he began his ministry. He traveled through Galilee and other areas of the Middle East, spreading his message of the love and expectations of God, the Father.

Who is Jesus? Why does he matter? Who is a believer? What does being christened mean? Christianity basics are here for you!

The Life of Jesus

The life of Jesus and his teachings are recorded in the Bible, notably in the Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. There is no dispute among historians that Jesus was an actual person – here is a non-religious biography. Christians believe he is actually the Son of God, fully human and fully divine, conceived by a virgin named Mary. But even historians who don’t believe he’s divine admit that he was special. Some refer to him as a prophet. Many acknowledge his special gifts, like curing sick people, and miracles, such as bringing the dead back to life.

Jesus gathered a group of twelve followers (known as the Apostles) to help him spread his message. He taught about everlasting life after death and God’s expectations for his people, although many of his teachings were not fully understood until after his death.

Jesus’ Ministry Led to His Death

Jesus became more popular and drew large crowds of people who wanted to be healed or hear him speak. He instructed people to love one another and live according to God’s commandments. Jesus began calling out hypocrites which incited the local leaders who then turned the people against him. He was brought to trial and ultimately condemned to death by Pontius Pilate.

Jesus was tortured, then hung on a cross to die, in a death known as crucifixion. After his death, he was taken down from the cross and laid in an empty tomb that was sealed with a large rock. Guards remained outside the tomb to ensure Jesus’s supporters wouldn’t enter the tomb. But three days after his death, the tomb was found to be empty. Jesus then appeared to his apostles and others, not as a ghost, but in the flesh, showing them he had risen from the dead. He then rose (ascended) into heaven.

Jesus’ Death Was the Ultimate Sacrifice

Through his death, Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of all humans. Our sins are forgiven. If we choose to believe in him, we will share in the glory of eternal life with God.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NIV

Who is a believer

Believers are Christians. They believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that his death paid the price for their salvation and everlasting life in heaven.

What does being christened mean

Being christened (or baptized) is a symbolic cleansing and welcoming of a believer into God’s family. Adults who are christened acknowledge their acceptance of Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Babies who are christened are offered into God’s family by their parents or another representative. Adults who were baptized as babies can renew the sacred event (known as a sacrament) on their own as an adult, if they choose.

Water is a symbolic cleansing used in baptism. Practices vary from church to church but can involve pouring a small amount over the head or full body submersion.

The Christian Foundation

Jesus Christ is at the foundation of Christianity. Christians believe He is the Son of God. We become part of His holy family through a sacrament called Baptism or Christening.

A prayer to Jesus

You don’t have to be a believer to talk to Jesus. Start now with this simple prayer:

Dear Jesus, Many people believe you’re the Son of God and that you died for my sins so I can spend eternity in heaven. But I’m not sure what I believe. I want to know you. I want to trust you. Please give me signs that you’re here with me and that you care who I am. Help me be watchful for signs from you and let my ears and my heart hear your voice. Show me the way to you. Lead me. Amen.

Jumpstart your prayer life with these 10 Short Prayers to Help You Connect with God. You can guide your prayers with the ACTS Prayer Model Printable.

What are you most interested to know about Christianity? What is your greatest struggle in your belief? Let me know in the comments or send me an email!

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