The God-Man: Understanding Who Jesus Really Is
When it comes to Christianity, everything begins and ends with Jesus. The study of who He is—known as Christology—isn’t some deep theological hobby reserved for professors or pastors. It’s for everyone who calls themselves a follower of Christ. Because if we get Jesus wrong, we get everything else wrong.
This article unpacks the identity and work of Jesus Christ in simple terms, showing why understanding Him is essential to faith and life.
Jesus Christ: The Bridge Between Heaven and Earth
The word “Christ” isn’t a last name; it’s a title. It comes from the Greek Christos, meaning “Anointed One,” which translates the Hebrew word Messiah. Both point to God’s chosen Savior—the one promised for centuries.
Jesus came to be our Mediator—the only bridge between a perfect God and sinful humanity. Think of a mediator like someone restoring a broken connection between two sides that could never meet on their own. That’s what Jesus does. Because He is both God and man, He stands in the gap for us.
He declared it clearly in John 14:6 (ESV):
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
That’s not arrogance—it’s truth. There is no other way to God because no one else could do what Jesus did.
The Person of Christ: Fully God and Fully Man
Here’s the greatest mystery of all: Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully human. He’s not half of each—He is 100% both. This is what Christians mean when they talk about the Incarnation: God the Son taking on human flesh.
Jesus Is Fully God
Before there was time, before creation existed, Jesus already was. John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
He’s not a reflection of God or a lesser being—He is God Himself.
The Bible also says that “by Him all things were created” (Colossians 1:16–17). Jesus wasn’t just present at creation; He was the Creator. Every star that burns and every heartbeat that beats exists because He sustains it.
Jesus Is Fully Human
At the same time, Jesus became fully human. John 1:14 says, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” He was born of the Virgin Mary, lived as a man, and experienced every emotion and hardship we do—hunger, weariness, grief, and even temptation. Yet He never sinned.
Because He lived as one of us, He understands our weaknesses and struggles. The book of Hebrews 4:15 reminds us that Jesus can sympathize with our pain because He experienced it firsthand.
The Divine Mystery
How can one person be both God and man? We can’t fully explain it—but we can believe it. This truth is the foundation of salvation:
As a man, Jesus could represent us before God.
As God, His sacrifice was powerful enough to save the world.
Without both natures, there would be no salvation. That’s why this doctrine matters so deeply.
The Work of Christ: Prophet, Priest, and King
Jesus didn’t come just to inspire us—He came to rescue us. The Bible describes His mission through three roles: Prophet, Priest, and King.
1. Prophet – Revealing God’s Truth
Jesus didn’t simply bring a message from God—He is the message. Everything He said and did showed us exactly what God is like. Through His words and actions, He revealed the heart of the Father.
2. Priest – Reconciling Us to God
As our Priest, Jesus offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin. He bore God’s wrath, satisfied divine justice, and opened the way for forgiveness. Even now, He intercedes for believers, praying on our behalf.
3. King – Ruling with Power and Love
Jesus reigns as the rightful King of all creation. He governs His people, protects them from evil, and will one day return to set everything right. His kingdom is both now (in our hearts) and not yet (when He comes again).
These three offices—Prophet, Priest, and King—show that Jesus is everything we need: truth, forgiveness, and hope.
From Humility to Glory
The life of Christ can be summed up in two stages: humiliation and exaltation.
His Humiliation
Jesus willingly left the glory of heaven to take on human flesh. He lived humbly, obeyed God perfectly, suffered injustice, and died on the cross for our sins. From the cradle to the cross, He walked the path of humility.
His Exaltation
But that’s not where the story ends. On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead. He ascended to heaven and now reigns at God’s right hand, ruling with authority over all things. One day, He will return to judge the living and the dead and make all things new.
As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:3–4:
“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day.”
Why Doctrine Matters
Some people hear the word “doctrine” and think of dry theology or church debates. But good doctrine isn’t about arguments—it’s about truth that changes your life.
If you only see Jesus as a good teacher, you’ll admire His wisdom. But if you see Him as your Savior and God, you’ll surrender your life to Him.
Sound doctrine isn’t about collecting facts—it’s about knowing the real Jesus. The more you know Him, the more your life begins to reflect His truth, grace, and power.
Jesus said in John 17:3 (ESV),
“This is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
Knowing Christ isn’t about memorizing theology—it’s about transformation. It’s about peace with God, joy in your heart, and hope that never fades.
In Summary
Jesus is fully God and fully man.
He is the Mediator between heaven and earth.
He fulfills the roles of Prophet, Priest, and King.
His humility and glory define the path of salvation.
Knowing Him truly is the key to knowing life itself.
Reflection
What does it mean to you that Jesus is both fully God and fully man?
Take a moment today to thank Him for bridging the gap between heaven and earth—and for giving His life so that you could know God personally.
