- 1Is Jesus God?Yes. The New Testament calls Jesus God in plain words, shows him doing what only God does, and records him receiving the worship that belongs to God alone. That is why the church at Nicaea confessed him as very God of very God, of one substance with the Father, and why Chalcedon confessed him as truly God and truly man in one person.
- 2Did Jesus claim to be God?Yes, though usually in the language of his own Scriptures rather than in a slogan. He took God's own name, I AM, onto his lips, claimed oneness with the Father, forgave sins, and accepted worship. His hearers understood the claims clearly enough: the charge they brought against him, again and again, was blasphemy.
- 3Why did Jesus have to die?Because sin is real, God is holy, and forgiveness is not the same as pretending. Isaiah said the Servant would be pierced for our transgressions and bear our iniquities. Paul says God proved his love in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. The cross is where God's justice and God's love meet without either one being set aside.
- 4Was Jesus born of a virgin?Yes, according to the Gospels and the prophecy they quote. Isaiah promised a sign: the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son called Immanuel, God with us. Matthew records that Mary was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit before she and Joseph came together, and the church has confessed it ever since in both its great creeds.
- 5Did Jesus rise from the dead?Answered in 30 seconds, 3 minutes and a deep dive.
Where these lead
The questions these answers open onto, in the neighbouring categories.
What is the Trinity?God & the TrinityWas Jesus a real person?Bible People & HistoryWhat is the gospel?Salvation & the GospelHow can I be saved?Salvation & the GospelWho was Moses?Bible People & History
Review status: in-theological-review. Every Contend page passes a human theological review against the Statement of Faith before it is published as approved teaching. This section is in that queue.