We’re in a good place whenever we honestly ask, “Is the Jesus of history the Christ of Faith?” Let’s look at both today. Study the links and decide for yourself. Holy Spirit will help you. He is drawing you here already.
Whenever we reach the point Thomas did when he saw Jesus on the cross but refused to believe He rose again until he saw the nail prints in His hands and the spear wound in His side, we're in a good place. Thomas was saying, “Unless the Jesus of history is the Christ of faith, I won’t believe”. And Jesus met him and showed him His hands and side.
Who was the Jesus of history?
He only did what he saw the Father do (John 6:38) and he only said what he heard the Father speak (John 12:49-50). Jesus was led by compassion (Matthew 14:14). He healed the sick (Mark 1:41) and honoured His mother (John 2:1-11, John 19:25-27) Forgiving Sinners (Luke 7:36-50), Jesus demonstrates compassion by forgiving a sinful woman who anoints his feet with oil, emphasizing mercy and grace over judgment.
Jesus is considered the most remarkable figure in history, central to our civilization. The timeline divides into 'BC' before him and 'AD' after him. He forgave sins, spoke of judging the world, and emphasized the importance of one's response to him in this life. C. S. Lewis argued that based on Jesus' claims, he couldn't be just a great moral teacher but must be either the Son of God, insane, or evil.
Regarding his character, even non-Christians often see Jesus as the epitome of selflessness. Dostoevsky described him as incomparable and perfect, with teachings considered the purest and best ever spoken. C. S. Lewis concluded that Jesus couldn't have been insane or evil, leading him to accept Jesus as God.
The evidence for Jesus' physical resurrection is strong, with over 500 eyewitnesses seeing him after his supposed death. The transformation of the disciples and the rapid growth of the Christian church are attributed to this event. The resurrection is seen as the living truth by many, with Lord Darling highlighting the overwhelming evidence supporting it.
Who is the Christ of Faith?
Jesus' purpose in coming was to sacrifice himself for humanity, described as giving his life as a ransom for many. His death on the cross, one of the cruelest forms of execution, is depicted vividly. Jesus' sacrifice is believed to be an act of love to free humanity from sin, with the word 'ransom' symbolizing his payment to set us free from bondage.
Jesus' death is seen as an act of love, where he bore the sins of humanity out of compassion. This act of sacrifice is described as a ransom paid by his blood on the cross to liberate all who believe in him.
Jesus lived (Flavius Josephus "Antiquities of the Jews," Book 18, Chapter 3, Paragraph 3). And He died (Tacitus "Annals," Book 15, Chapter 44). He rose again ( Pliny the Younger's Epistles, Book 10, Letter 96). His first followers all died because of what they said happen - that they saw the risen Lord. Who dies for a good person? Link to Why do we know Jesus Rose From the Dead
More Videos, Podcasts, and Blog Posts on Jesus
Who is Jesus? - Theology
- Why did Jesus call himself the Son of man instead of the Son of God? https://revtrev.com/live-loved/why-did-jesus-call-himself-the-son-of-man-instead-of-the-son-of-god/
- How can God consist of three gods? https://revtrev.com/live-light/how-can-god-consist-of-three-gods/
- The Nicene Creed with Scripture References https://revtrev.com/living-light/the-nicene-creed-with-scripture-references/
- Why do Christians believe Jesus is God? https://revtrev.com/live-light/why-do-christians-believe-jesus-is-god/
- Did Jesus really claim to be God? https://revtrev.com/live-light/did-jesus-claim-to-be-god/
- Why does the empty tomb matter? https://revtrev.com/living-light/why-does-the-empty-tomb-matter/
- How to know and experience our Triune God today - Why the trinity is so essential https://revtrev.com/living-light/trinity-essential/
- Why Jesus not salvation is the Greatest Gift to us https://revtrev.com/live-loved/jesus-not-salvation-greatest-gift-us/
What difference does Jesus mean to me?
- 7 Reasons Why I Know that Jesus Rose From the Dead https://revtrev.com/living-light/7-reasons-why-i-know-that-jesus-rose-from-the-dead/
- How to Abide in Christ in the day-to-day of Everyday https://revtrev.com/living-light/how-to-abide-in-christ-in-the-day-to-day-of-everyday/
- Do you know the rhythms of Jesus? https://revtrev.com/manifesto/understand-rhythm-jesus/
- YIELD to Jesus as Lord https://revtrev.com/livecasts/yield-to-jesus-as-lord/
- Do you follow the path and pattern of Jesus? https://revtrev.com/manifesto/learn-path-and-pattern-of-jesus-today/
- Can my weary soul rejoice again? https://revtrev.com/livecasts/can-my-weary-soul-rejoice-again/
- Why good works matter even more today https://revtrev.com/living-light/why-good-works-matter-even-more-today/
- Will you RISK for real community? https://revtrev.com/livecasts/will-you-risk-for-real-community/
- 7 tips to have conversations that open the door to Christ https://revtrev.com/podcast/podcast-7-tips-to-have-conversations-that-open-the-door-to-christ/
- I look for opportunity to Share Jesus and His Love https://revtrev.com/livecasts/negativity-fast-reflection-day-10-i-look-for-opportunity-to-share-jesus-and-his-love/
- What’s to BLAME when you don’t seek the Lord? https://revtrev.com/living-light/whats-to-blame-when-you-dont-seek-the-lord/
- Love Like Jesus - Part 1 https://revtrev.com/podcast/love-like-jesus-part-1/
- Love Like Jesus - Part 2 https://revtrev.com/podcast/love-like-jesus-part-2/
- 17 reasons to seek the Lord https://revtrev.com/living-light/17-reasons-to-seek-the-lord/
- 7 Reasons Gratitude Benefits You https://revtrev.com/live-light-academy/7-reasons-gratitude-benefits-you/
- How to understand and enjoy the gifts God has for you Today https://revtrev.com/message/how-to-understand-and-enjoy-the-gifts-god-has-for-you-today/