Why Is Jesus Christ Central to the Christian Religion?

Although Jesus’ exact date of birth is not explicitly documented in the Bible, it is thought to have occurred between 6 B.C. and 2 B.C. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, a town in Judea. According to Luke 3:23, Jesus began his ministry when he was approximately 30 years old. He soon developed a group of devoted followers known as the Twelve Disciples who traveled with him to various towns and helped him share his religious message.

Christians believe “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life” (John 3:16). The Bible states that God sent Jesus to earth because all humans sin and the “wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Christians believe Jesus was crucified to pay the price of death on behalf of Christians, and without this payment, they would not be able to have eternal life, or admittance into heaven. Christians consider Jesus’ crucifixion a priceless and undeserved gift from God.

Christians do believe Jesus is the son the God but also that Jesus and God are one (John 10:30). This was an extraordinary claim that many living during Jesus’ lifetime, including religious leaders and government officials, found unbelievable and even blasphemous (Mark 14:61 and Luke 22:66-71). Followers of the faith believe that Jesus was resurrected from the dead. Today, Christians continue to celebrate this event at Easter, which according to BBC, is “at the heart of Christianity.”

The New Testament frequently discusses Jesus’ future return. Christians believe Jesus will come for his followers to take them to heaven so they can be “with the Lord forever” (First Thessalonians 4:17). The Bible additionally states that Jesus will also return to destroy Satan and all evil. Although many people fear the possibility of the end of the world, many Christians look forward to it and consider it a day of redemption and deliverance. Although there are various speculations within the Christian community as to when this day will occur, many Christians believe they must help convert others prior to Jesus’ return.