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Nature and Identity of Jesus: Who He Is and Why It Matters
The Nature and Identity of Jesus stands at the heart of the Christian faith. Scripture reveals Him as the eternal Son who became human without ceasing to be God. His deity, humanity, and sinless life help us understand His saving work.
This Study moves from the broad question of who Jesus is to His two natures, eternal existence, earthly life, and purpose in becoming human. Begin with the overview, then explore the questions that need more attention.
Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Matthew 16:16 (WEB)
Understanding Nature and Identity of Jesus
Jesus is not half God and half human. He is one Person with a complete divine nature and a complete human nature. His human life was real: He experienced hunger, grief, temptation, and suffering, yet never sinned.
These truths belong together. The Son reveals the Father and represents us through His humanity. His identity explains why His life, death, and resurrection are central to salvation.
Choose Where to Begin
- Begin with the broad question. Who Is Jesus According to the Bible? This overview provides a foundation for the rest of the Study.
- Understand His two natures. Is Jesus Fully God and Fully Man? Explore why both His deity and humanity matter.
- Look beyond Bethlehem. Is Jesus Eternal? Consider the difference between His human birth and His eternal existence.
- Examine His sinless life. Was Jesus Sinless? Read what Scripture says about His holiness and temptation.
- Connect identity with salvation. Why Did Jesus Become Human? Explore the purpose of the incarnation and His mission to save.
FAQs
The Nature and Identity of Jesus reveals that He is both fully God and fully man. He is not partly one or the other. He is completely both at the same time.
“For in him all the fullness of deity dwells bodily.”
Colossians 2:9
“The Word became flesh, and lived among us.”
John 1:14
This means Jesus is God who came into the world as a man. He shows us exactly who God is and how God works in the world.
If we misunderstand who Jesus is, we will misunderstand the gospel. Everything about faith depends on knowing Him correctly.
- His identity reveals God’s character
- His nature makes salvation possible
- His authority calls for a response
“He who has seen me has seen the Father.”
John 14:9
Knowing the Nature and Identity of Jesus helps us trust Him, follow Him, and understand God’s plan.
This is a mystery, but the Bible clearly teaches both truths. Jesus took on human nature without giving up His divine nature.
“Therefore, since the children have shared in flesh and blood, he also himself in the same way partook of the same.”
Hebrews 2:14
“I and the Father are one.”
John 10:30
Jesus lived as a real human while still being fully God. This is central to the Nature and Identity of Jesus.
Jesus is the clearest picture of God we have. Through Him, we see God’s love, truth, justice, and mercy.
“He is the image of the invisible God.”
Colossians 1:15
When we look at Jesus—His actions, words, and compassion—we see what God is like.
The Nature and Identity of Jesus explains why only He can save. Humanity was separated from God because of sin, but God provided a way through Jesus Christ.
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
1 Timothy 2:5
Because Jesus is fully man, He can represent us. Because He is fully God, His sacrifice has the power to save.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”
John 3:16
The Nature and Identity of Jesus shows that salvation is not earned—it is given through Him. Our response is to believe and receive what He has done.
Jesus is far more than a teacher. While He taught truth, He also claimed authority that only God has.
“Every knee should bow… and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”
Philippians 2:10–11
A teacher can give advice. Jesus gives life, forgives sin, and rules as Lord.
Understanding who Jesus is leads to a personal response. The Bible calls people to trust Him, follow Him, and live a new life in Him.
- Believe in Him
- Turn from sin
- Follow His teaching
- Grow in faith
“But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name.”
John 1:12
The Nature and Identity of Jesus is not just something to study—it is something to respond to with faith.
Respond to the Savior Scripture Reveals
Start with Who Is Jesus According to the Bible?.
Read the starting Article, then consider how Christ's identity shapes your understanding of the Gospel. His humanity was real, His life was sinless, and His death and resurrection provide the basis for trusting Him. Bring your questions to Scripture and ask what it calls you to believe and do.
Return to the Who Is Jesus Christ Topic when you are ready to explore another aspect of His identity and work.
