Why Is Jesus Called Christ?
Jesus Christ is one of the most well-known figures in history. He is the central figure of Christianity, and his life and teachings have had a profound impact on the world. But why is he called Christ?
The Meaning of "Christ"
The word "Christ" comes from the Greek word "Χριστός" (Christos), which means "anointed one." In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "mashiach" was used to refer to the anointed priests, prophets, and kings of Israel. When Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, the Holy Spirit descended upon him in the form of a dove, and a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17). This event marked Jesus as the anointed one, the Messiah, who had come to fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament.
Why Jesus Is Called Christ
There are several reasons why Jesus is called Christ:
- He was anointed by God. As mentioned above, Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit at his baptism. This anointing signified that he was chosen by God to be the Messiah, the Savior of the world.
- He fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament. The Old Testament contains many prophecies about the Messiah, including his birth, his life, his death, and his resurrection. Jesus fulfilled all of these prophecies, proving that he was the one who had been promised.
- He is the head of the church. The church is the body of Christ, and Jesus is its head. He is the one who leads and guides the church, and he is the one who gives it life and power.
The Significance of the Name "Christ"
The name "Christ" is not just a title; it is a statement of who Jesus is. He is the anointed one, the Messiah, the Savior of the world. He is the one who has come to redeem us from our sins and to give us eternal life. When we call Jesus "Christ," we are acknowledging his divine authority and his role as our Savior.
