The Messiah, Savior, and Future King
Introduction
No figure in human history has influenced the world more profoundly than Jesus Christ. Entire civilizations measure time by His life. Billions claim to follow His teachings. Yet despite His global impact, there remains deep confusion about who He truly is.
Was Jesus merely a moral teacher? A prophet? A revolutionary? Or something far greater?
The Bible presents Jesus Christ as the central figure in God’s plan for humanity. From the opening pages of Scripture to the final chapters of Revelation, the story of redemption revolves around the Messiah whom God sent into the world.
Understanding the doctrine of Jesus Christ is essential because everything about salvation, the future Kingdom of God, and humanity’s hope depends on who He is and what He accomplished.
This article explores what the Bible reveals about Jesus Christ—His identity, His mission, His sacrifice, and His future role as King of the coming Kingdom.
The Pre-Existence of Christ
The Bible reveals that Jesus Christ did not begin His existence in Bethlehem. Long before His human birth, He existed with God the Father.
The Gospel of John opens with a profound statement:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
—John 1:1
The “Word” described here later became flesh and lived among humanity.
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”
—John 1:14
This passage reveals that Jesus existed as a divine Being prior to His human life. He shared glory with the Father before the creation of the world.
Jesus Himself acknowledged this when He prayed:
“And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.”
—John 17:5
The New Testament repeatedly affirms that Christ participated in creation.
“For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth.”
—Colossians 1:16
Before coming to earth, Jesus existed as the divine Word, working together with the Father in the creation and sustaining of the universe.
The Incarnation: God Becoming Human
The incarnation refers to the moment when the eternal Word entered human history as a man.
Jesus was conceived by the power of God and born of a human mother, Mary.
“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus.”
—Luke 1:31
Though divine in origin, Jesus lived a fully human life. He experienced hunger, fatigue, sorrow, and temptation just as other humans do.
Hebrews explains:
“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
—Hebrews 4:15
Jesus lived the perfect life humanity failed to live. Unlike every other human being, He never sinned.
His sinless life qualified Him to become the perfect sacrifice for humanity’s sins.
Jesus Christ as the Promised Messiah
The coming of Jesus fulfilled numerous prophecies written centuries before His birth.
The Old Testament foretold the arrival of a Messiah who would redeem Israel and ultimately rule the world.
Among the many prophecies fulfilled by Christ are:
• Born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14)
• Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2)
• A descendant of King David (2 Samuel 7:12–13)
• A suffering servant who would bear the sins of humanity (Isaiah 53)
Isaiah wrote centuries before Christ’s birth:
“He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.”
—Isaiah 53:5
Jesus fulfilled these prophecies through His life, ministry, suffering, and death.
Because of this, the New Testament repeatedly identifies Him as the long-awaited Messiah.
The Sacrifice of Christ for Sin
Humanity’s greatest problem is sin. As discussed in the previous article on The Doctrine of Sin and God’s Law, sin separates humanity from God and brings the penalty of death.
The mission of Jesus Christ was to provide the solution to this problem.
John the Baptist introduced Jesus with these words:
“Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
—John 1:29
Jesus willingly offered His life as the sacrifice for humanity.
The apostle Paul explains:
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
—Romans 5:8
Through His death, Jesus paid the penalty that sin demands.
His sacrifice opened the door for forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and the possibility of eternal life.
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
The story of Christ does not end with His crucifixion.
Three days after His death, Jesus was raised from the dead.
The resurrection stands at the center of the Christian message. Without it, the gospel would have no power.
Paul wrote:
“If Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.”
—1 Corinthians 15:17
The resurrection demonstrated several critical truths:
• Jesus truly was the Son of God
• His sacrifice was accepted by God
• Death does not have the final word
• Humanity has the hope of resurrection
Christ’s resurrection also serves as the model for the future resurrection of believers.
“But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
—1 Corinthians 15:20
Christ as High Priest
After His resurrection and ascension to heaven, Jesus now serves as humanity’s High Priest.
Hebrews explains that Christ intercedes before the Father on behalf of believers.
“Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”
—Hebrews 7:25
Unlike the temporary priesthood of the Old Testament, Christ’s priesthood is permanent and perfect.
Through Him, believers have direct access to God.
The Future Return of Jesus Christ
The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ will return to the earth at the end of the present age.
His first coming focused on redemption. His second coming will focus on rulership.
When Christ returns, He will establish the Kingdom of God on earth.
Revelation describes this future moment:
“The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.”
—Revelation 11:15
At His return, Christ will:
• Defeat evil powers
• Establish righteous government
• Resurrect the faithful
• Restore the earth
This future Kingdom represents the fulfillment of God’s plan for humanity.
Why the Doctrine of Christ Matters
Understanding who Jesus Christ truly is changes how we view the entire Bible.
He is not merely a teacher of moral principles. He is the living center of God’s plan for humanity.
Through Him:
• sins can be forgiven
• humanity can be reconciled with God
• eternal life becomes possible
• the Kingdom of God will be established on earth
Jesus Himself declared:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
—John 14:6
Because of this, every person must ultimately decide how they will respond to Him.
Conclusion
The doctrine of Jesus Christ lies at the heart of the Christian faith.
The Bible reveals Him as:
• the pre-existent Word of God
• the promised Messiah
• the perfect sacrifice for sin
• the resurrected Savior
• the High Priest who intercedes for humanity
• the future King who will rule the world
From creation to the coming Kingdom of God, the entire story of Scripture points to Jesus Christ.
To understand Him is to understand the heart of God’s plan for humanity.
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The Doctrine of Salvation – How God Redeems Humanity Through Christ