Jesus and the Gospel
Who is Jesus?
Jesus once asked His followers, “Who do you say I am?” That question still matters today, because how we answer it shapes how we see life, ourselves, and the world. No one in history has had a greater impact than Jesus of Nazareth.
While often referred to as Jesus Christ, the word “Christ” is not Jesus’ last name, but a title meaning Messiah, Savior, and King. Many in His day expected the Messiah to defeat their political enemies, but Jesus came to bring a deeper kind of rescue.
Historically, there is strong evidence that Jesus was a real person. Both the New Testament—written by eyewitnesses—and non-Christian historians like Tacitus and Josephus confirm that Jesus lived, taught, gained followers, and was crucified under the Roman governor Pontius Pilate.
But Jesus didn’t just exist—He made bold claims about who He is. In the Gospel of John, He described Himself as the bread of life, the light of the world, the good shepherd, the resurrection and the life, and the way to God. These statements point to His authority to satisfy our deepest needs, guide us, save us, and give eternal life.
Most importantly, Jesus claimed equality with God. When He said, “Before Abraham was, I am,” He used the same name God used to reveal Himself to Moses, making a clear statement about His divine identity. This is why Christians believe that Jesus is not just a teacher, but the Son of God—fully God and fully man.
Jesus came not to overthrow an earthly empire, but to rescue people from sin and its consequences. He lived a perfect, sinless life—something no one else has done. Then He died on a cross as a sacrifice for sin, taking the punishment we deserve. Three days later, He rose from the dead, proving His power over sin and death.
Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus made a way for people to be forgiven, restored to a relationship with God, and given new purpose and eternal hope. He understands our suffering, cares for us, and has the power to overcome the brokenness of this world.
Jesus also promised that one day He will return to judge evil and make all things new. Those who follow Him will live with Him forever, free from death and suffering.
So the question remains: Who is Jesus?
He is the Son of God and the Savior of the world—the one who came to rescue us from sin, bring us back to God, and give us eternal life.
And just as He asked His first followers, He asks each of us today:
Who do you say He is?
What is the Gospel?
The Gospel is “good news of great joy for all people!”
In a world full of bad news and misplaced hopes, the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only sure and lasting hope—one that makes a difference both for today and for eternity.
The good news declares that God has given us real answers to the biggest questions we have about life:
Why am I here?
Where did I come from?
What is wrong with this world and what is wrong with me?
Why is there so much pain and suffering?
Who can fix what is broken? Who can heal my brokenness?
Where can I find lasting hope, joy, and peace?
The Bible is one unified story, with one hope-filled message, centered on one person: Jesus Christ, the only Son of God and Savior of the world. God gave us His Word to reveal His glory and goodness to His creation and to show us that true life, joy, peace, and purpose are only found in knowing and following Jesus.
At its heart, the Gospel is all about Jesus Christ—what He has done to rescue sinners, restore what is broken, and bring us back to a relationship with God.
Below are the 4 major Acts of God’s Redemptive Story:
1. Creation
God created the world good and made humans in His image to know Him, love Him, and rule under His authority. Humanity was made for worship, relationship, purpose, and joy in God. (Genesis 1:1, 26-31)
2. Fall
Humanity rebelled against God through sin. This brought brokenness into everything—our hearts, relationships, society, and creation itself. Sin separates us from God and leads to death. (Genesis 3)
3. Redemption
God did not abandon us. He sent Jesus Christ, who lived a sinless life, died on the cross to pay for our sins, and rose again. Through faith in Jesus, we are forgiven, reconciled to God, and given new life. (Romans 3:23-24, 6:23, 10:10-13; Ephesians 1:7)
4. Restoration
Jesus will return to fully renew all things. God will restore creation, defeat sin and death forever, and dwell with His people. Those who trust Christ will live eternally in His Kingdom in perfect peace and joy. (John 14:3; Romans 8:21; 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17; Hebrews 9:28)
The gospel is good news because it is about what God has done for us, not what we can do for Him. God sent His only Son in love to live the perfect life we couldn't live, to die the death we deserved on the cross, as a substitute for our sin, and rose victoriously from the grave 3 days later proving His deity and power to forgive sin and grant eternal life. The gospel is not good advice for being a good person, or a way to become religious. The gospel literally restores us to the relationship with God that we were created for and long for in the depth of our being.
Through the gospel, we are fully loved and accepted by God, forgiven of all our sin, faults, and failures, and guaranteed an eternal inheritance with all who call upon Jesus for salvation.