📖 Teolojia ya Kimfumo — Sehemu ya 3: Fundisho la Kristo (Kristolojia)📖 Systematic Theology — Unit 3: The Doctrine of Christ (Christology)

Tunaposema juu ya Yesu Kristo, tunazungumza hasa juu ya Yesu wa kihistoria—nafsi yake na kazi yake. Nafsi ya Yesu inahusu Yeye ni nani; kazi ya Yesu inahusu yale aliyoyafanya katika historia. Pamoja, mambo haya mawili ndiyo msingi wa Kristolojia, yaani somo la Yesu Kristo.When we speak about Jesus Christ, we are speaking primarily about the historical Jesus—His person and His work. The person of Jesus concerns who He is; the work of Jesus concerns what He has done in history. Together, these form the foundation of Christology, the study of Jesus Christ.

Hata jina la Yesu lina maana ya kina. Neno "Yesu" lina maana ya "wokovu," na linahusiana na majina Yeshua na Yoshua. Cheo "Kristo" si jina tu bali ni wadhifa unaomaanisha "Masihi" au "Mtiwa Mafuta." Ndani yake, tumaini la muda mrefu la wanadamu limetimizwa. Kile ambacho watu walikitafuta kwa vizazi vingi kimepatikana katika Yesu Kristo.The name of Jesus itself carries deep meaning. The word "Jesus" means "salvation," and it is related to the names Jeshua and Joshua. The title "Christ" is not merely a name but a designation meaning "Messiah" or "Anointed One." In Him, the long-awaited hope of humanity is fulfilled. What men had been searching for across generations is found in Jesus Christ.

Utimilifu wa Wakati na Maandalizi ya Kuja kwa KristoThe Fullness of Time and the Preparation for Christ

Wagalatia 4:4 inatangaza kwamba "hata ilipowadia utimilifu wa wakati, Mungu alimtuma Mwanawe." Maneno haya yanaonyesha kwamba kuja kwake Yesu Kristo hakukutokea kwa bahati mbaya. Kulitukia katika wakati ulio sahihi kabisa katika historia, kulingana na mpango kamili wa Mungu. Kila kitu kilikuwa kimetayarishwa mapema.Galatians 4:4 declares that "when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son." This statement reveals that the coming of Jesus Christ was not accidental. It occurred at precisely the right moment in history according to the perfect plan of God. Everything had been prepared in advance.

Wagiriki walikuwa tayari wametoa utamaduni unaounganisha na lugha ya wote. Kigiriki kilizungumzwa kwa wingi katika ulimwengu wote uliojulikana, na hivyo ujumbe wa Kristo uliweza kufikishwa wazi katika mataifa yote. Injili ilipohubiriwa baadaye, iliweza kuenea haraka kwa sababu watu tayari walikuwa na lugha moja ya pamoja.The Greeks had already provided a unifying culture and a universal language. Greek was widely spoken throughout the known world, allowing the message of Christ to be communicated clearly across nations. When the gospel was later preached, it could move quickly because people already shared a common language.

Warumi walichangia utulivu wa kisiasa na miundombinu. Walijenga barabara zilizounganisha miji na mikoa, na kufanya safari ziwezekane kwa kiwango ambacho hakijawahi kuonekana. Walianzisha mifumo ya mawasiliano na kudumisha amani iliyoruhusu watu kusafiri bila tishio la kila mara. Hali hizi ziliwawezesha mitume na wamisionari wa kwanza kusafiri kwa uhuru na kueneza injili.The Romans contributed political stability and infrastructure. They built roads that connected cities and regions, making travel possible on an unprecedented scale. They established systems of communication and maintained a peace that allowed movement without constant threat. These conditions made it possible for the apostles and early missionaries to travel freely and spread the gospel.

Wayahudi walitoa maandalizi ya kiroho na ya kimaadili. Walihifadhi ujuzi wa Mungu mmoja wa kweli na kushika sheria kali ya maadili. Masinagogi yao yalikuwa yametawanyika duniani kote, na kuwa vituo vya mafundisho na ibada. Watu wengi wa Mataifa walivutwa na imani yao na wakajulikana kama "wanaomcha Mungu." Ingawa hawakuwa wamegeuka kikamilifu, walikuwa tayari kupokea ujumbe wa Kristo.The Jewish people provided the spiritual and moral preparation. They preserved the knowledge of the one true God and upheld a strict moral law. Their synagogues were scattered throughout the world, creating centers of teaching and worship. Many Gentiles were drawn to their faith and became known as "God-fearers." Though they had not fully converted, they were prepared to receive the message of Christ.

Kwa njia hii, Mungu aliuandaa ulimwengu kiutamaduni, kisiasa na kiroho. Kristo alipokuja, jukwaa lilikuwa tayari. Wakati huo haukuwa wa kufaa tu—ulikuwa kamilifu kimungu.In this way, God prepared the world culturally, politically, and spiritually. When Christ came, the stage had been set. The timing was not merely appropriate—it was divinely perfect.

Ubinadamu na Uungu wa KristoThe Humanity and Divinity of Christ

Tunapoitafakari nafsi ya Yesu Kristo, tunakutana na mojawapo ya kweli za ndani kabisa za imani ya Kikristo: Yeye ni mwanadamu kamili na pia Mungu kamili.When we consider the person of Jesus Christ, we encounter one of the most profound truths of the Christian faith: He is both fully human and fully divine.

Kama mwanadamu, Yesu alipitia hali halisi kamili ya maisha ya kibinadamu. Alivuja damu, alilia, na alikufa. Alichoka na alijua udhaifu wa mwili. Aliishi ndani ya mipaka halisi ya maisha ya mwanadamu. Uzoefu huu haukuwa mwonekano tu—ulikuwa maonyesho halisi ya ubinadamu wake.As a man, Jesus experienced the full reality of human life. He bled, He wept, and He died. He grew tired and knew physical weakness. He lived within the genuine limitations of human existence. These experiences were not appearances—they were real expressions of His humanity.

Hata hivyo, wakati huo huo, Yesu ni Mungu kamili. Alifanya miujiza, akionyesha mamlaka juu ya maumbile, magonjwa, na kifo. Alitembea juu ya bahari. Aliponya wagonjwa na kufufua wafu. Alitumia nguvu ambayo ni ya Mungu peke yake.Yet at the same time, Jesus is fully God. He performed miracles, demonstrating authority over nature, disease, and death. He walked upon the sea. He healed the sick and raised the dead. He exercised power that belongs to God alone.

Mafundisho yake pia yalifunua asili yake ya kimungu. Hakusema kama waandishi au marabi, akitegemea mapokeo. Badala yake, alisema kwa mamlaka ya moja kwa moja. Wale waliomsikia walitambua kwamba maneno yake yalikuwa na uzito usiofanana na mwalimu mwingine yeyote.His teaching further revealed His divine nature. He did not speak as the scribes or rabbis, relying on tradition. Instead, He spoke with direct authority. Those who heard Him recognized that His words carried a weight unlike any other teacher.

Katika Yesu Kristo, nia ya Kristo ni nia ya Mungu iliyofunuliwa kwa wanadamu. Kumwona Yeye ni kumwona Baba. Kumsikia Yeye ni kusikia sauti ya Mungu. Ndani yake, Mungu amejijulisha kwa njia ambayo wanadamu wanaweza kuielewa.In Jesus Christ, the mind of Christ is the mind of God revealed to humanity. To see Him is to see the Father. To hear Him is to hear the voice of God. In Him, God has made Himself known in a way humanity can understand.

Logos: Daraja Kati ya Fikra za Kiyahudi na za KigirikiThe Logos: Bridging Jewish and Greek Thought

Jibu la Kikristo kwa swali "Yesu ni nani?" limebaki lilelile kwa karne nyingi: Yeye ni Mungu aliyefanyika mwanadamu na kuishi kati yetu. Injili ya Yohana inalieleza hili waziwazi inaposema, "Neno alifanyika mwili, akakaa kwetu." Katika kauli hiyo moja, siri ya Kristo inafunuliwa—Mungu akiingia katika historia ya wanadamu.The Christian answer to the question "Who is Jesus?" has remained consistent through the centuries: He is God who became man and lived among us. The Gospel of John expresses this clearly when it says, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us." In that single statement, the mystery of Christ is revealed—God entering human history.

Kweli hii haikuwa rahisi kila wakati kuifikisha, hasa katika mipaka ya kitamaduni. Miongoni mwa Wayahudi, ilikuwa jambo la kawaida kumtaja Yesu kama Masihi, Mwana wa Daudi, au Mwana wa Mungu. Hizi zilikuwa kategoria zinazojulikana, zilizokita mizizi katika Maandiko yao na matarajio yao. Lakini injili ilipoingia katika ulimwengu wa Kigiriki, mbinu tofauti ilihitajika.This truth was not always easy to communicate, especially across cultural boundaries. Among the Jews, it was natural to speak of Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of David, or the Son of God. These were familiar categories rooted in their Scriptures and expectations. But when the gospel moved into the Greek-speaking world, a different approach was needed.

Yohana anatoa daraja hilo kwa kumwita Yesu "Neno la Mungu." Kwa akili ya Kigiriki, dhana ya "Neno" (Logos) ilibeba maana nzito ya kifalsafa. Wagiriki waliona mpangilio katika ulimwengu na wakatafuta kuelewa kanuni iliyo nyuma yake. Waliuliza ni nini kinachoshikilia nyota mahali pake, ni nini kinachotawala majira, na ni nini kinachompa mwanadamu akili. Jibu lao lilikuwa Logos—kanuni ya kimantiki iliyoupangilia ulimwengu.John provides that bridge by calling Jesus "the Word of God." To the Greek mind, the concept of the "Word" (Logos) carried deep philosophical meaning. The Greeks observed order in the universe and sought to understand the principle behind it. They asked what held the stars in place, what governed the seasons, and what gave reason to humanity. Their answer was the Logos—the rational principle that ordered the cosmos.

Yohana anaichukua dhana hiyo na kutangaza jambo la kimapinduzi: Logos si kanuni ya kidhahania bali ni nafsi. Neno la Mungu amefanyika mwili. Katika Yesu, mpangilio wa kimantiki wa ulimwengu unafunuliwa kuwa wa kibinafsi, wa uhusiano, na unaoweza kujulikana.John takes that concept and declares something revolutionary: the Logos is not an abstract principle but a person. The Word of God has become flesh. In Jesus, the rational order of the universe is revealed as personal, relational, and knowable.

Hili linaongoza kwenye uelewa wa ndani wa Mungu. Neno lina kazi kuu mbili: linawasilisha na linaonyesha fikra. Ikiwa Yesu ni Neno la Mungu, basi Mungu anawasiliana na wanadamu kupitia Yeye. Wakati huo huo, Yesu ndiye kielelezo cha nia na asili ya Mungu mwenyewe. Ili kujua Mungu yukoje, ni lazima kumtazama Yesu. Kama Yeye mwenyewe alivyotangaza, "Mkiwa mmeniona mimi, mmemwona Baba."This leads to a profound understanding of God. A word serves two primary functions: it communicates and it expresses thought. If Jesus is the Word of God, then God is communicating with humanity through Him. At the same time, Jesus is the expression of the very mind and nature of God. To know what God is like, one must look at Jesus. As He Himself declared, "If you have seen Me, you have seen the Father."

Kile Kristo Anachofunua Kuhusu MunguWhat Christ Reveals About God

Kuja kwake Yesu Kristo kunafunua kweli muhimu kuhusu asili ya Mungu. Kwanza, tunajifunza kwamba Mungu anawajali wanadamu. Kabla ya Kristo, falsafa nyingi zilimchora Mungu kuwa mbali, asiyeweza kujulikana, au asiyejali. Wengine waliamini kwamba Mungu yuko juu ya uelewa wa mwanadamu; wengine walidhani hajali mateso ya wanadamu. Bado wengine walimfikiria Mungu kuwa mkali, asiye na huruma, au hata adui. Lakini katika Yesu Kristo, picha hiyo imevunjwa. Mungu si mbali—Yeye yu karibu. Anaingia katika uzoefu wa mwanadamu, akishiriki mateso, majaribu, na huzuni. Kufanyika mwili kunafunua kwamba upendo wa Mungu si wa nadharia bali ni wa kibinafsi.The coming of Jesus Christ reveals essential truths about the nature of God. First, we learn that God cares for humanity. Before Christ, many philosophies portrayed God as distant, unknowable, or indifferent. Some believed God was beyond human understanding; others thought He was unconcerned with human suffering. Still others imagined the divine as harsh, merciless, or even hostile. But in Jesus Christ, that picture is shattered. God is not distant—He is near. He enters into human experience, sharing in suffering, temptation, and sorrow. The incarnation reveals that God's love is not theoretical but personal.

Pili, tunajifunza kwamba Mungu hufanya kazi kwa wakati wake mwenyewe. Kristo alikuja katika "utimilifu wa wakati" (Wagalatia 4:4). Mungu aliiandaa historia—lugha ya Kigiriki, dini ya Kiyahudi, na barabara za Kirumi—kwa ajili ya wakati huu. Hakuna kitu kinachotokea kwa bahati katika mpango wa Mungu.Second, we learn that God works in His own time. Christ came in the "fullness of time" (Galatians 4:4). God prepared history—the Greek language, Jewish religion, and Roman roads—for this moment. Nothing is accidental in God's plan.

Tatu, tunajifunza kwamba Mungu hutimiza ahadi zake. Yesu alitimiza unabii mahususi wa Agano la Kale, kama vile kuzaliwa Bethlehemu (Mika 5:2) na kuzaliwa na bikira (Isaya 7:14). Karne nyingi kabla ya msalaba, Zaburi 22 ilitabiri mateso ya Masihi kwa undani wa kushangaza — mikono na miguu iliyotobolewa, kura zilizopigwa kwa mavazi yake, na kilio, "Mungu wangu, Mungu wangu, mbona umeniacha?" — yote yalitimizwa Kalvari. Uaminifu wa Mungu unaonyeshwa katika nafsi ya Kristo.Third, we learn that God keeps His promises. Jesus fulfilled the specific prophecies of the Old Testament, such as being born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) and being born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14). Centuries before the cross, Psalm 22 foretold the Messiah's suffering in startling detail — pierced hands and feet, lots cast for His garments, and the cry, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" — all fulfilled at Calvary. The faithfulness of God is demonstrated in the person of Christ.

Kazi ya Yesu KristoThe Work of Jesus Christ

Kuwepo Kabla na Uumbaji: Yesu alikuwepo kabla ya kuzaliwa kwake Bethlehemu (Yohana 8:58). Yeye ndiye Wakala wa Uumbaji; vitu vyote vilifanyika kwa yeye (Yohana 1:3) na kwa ajili yake (Wakolosai 1:16).The Pre-existence and Creation: Jesus existed before His birth in Bethlehem (John 8:58). He was the Agent of Creation; all things were made through Him (John 1:3) and for Him (Colossians 1:16).

Kuzaliwa na Bikira: Yesu alichukuliwa mimba kimungu kwa Roho Mtakatifu (Luka 1:35). Kutimia huku kwa unabii (Mathayo 1:23) kulihakikisha kwamba Yeye ni "Mungu-Mtu," si mwanadamu wa kawaida tu.The Virgin Birth: Jesus was divinely conceived by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35). This fulfillment of prophecy (Matthew 1:23) ensured that He was the "God-Man," not merely an ordinary human.

Majaribu (Vita Jangwani): Yesu alipelekwa jangwani ili ajaribiwe (Mathayo 4:1). Alitumia Maandiko kumshinda Shetani. Kuhusu mkate, alikataa kuacha la kiroho kwa ajili ya la kimwili, akisema, "Mtu hataishi kwa mkate tu" (Mathayo 4:4). Kuhusu kilele cha hekalu, alikataa kumjaribu Mungu kuhusu ulinzi wake kwa ajili ya tamaa binafsi (Mathayo 4:7). Kuhusu falme, alikataa kumwabudu Shetani ili apate nguvu mara moja, akitangaza, "Mwabudu Bwana, Mungu wako, umtumikie yeye peke yake" (Mathayo 4:10).The Temptations (The Battle in the Desert): Jesus was driven into the desert to be tested (Matthew 4:1). He used Scripture to defeat Satan. Regarding bread, He refused to abandon the spiritual for the physical, stating, "Man shall not live by bread alone" (Matthew 4:4). Regarding the pinnacle, He refused to test God's protection for personal ambition (Matthew 4:7). Regarding the kingdoms, He refused to worship Satan for instant power, declaring, "Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only" (Matthew 4:10).

Kutokuwa na Dhambi: Chaguo la Kweli: Yesu alijaribiwa kwa kila njia, lakini alibaki bila dhambi (Waebrania 4:15). Ushuhuda wa Maandiko unaonyesha kwamba hakutenda dhambi, wala hila haikuonekana kinywani mwake (1 Petro 2:22). Ili utii wake uwe na maana, ilibidi uwe chaguo (Waebrania 5:8). Ushindi wake juu ya majaribu unafanya kuungana kwake nasi katika mapambano yetu kuwa halisi.Sinlessness: The Real Choice: Jesus was tempted in every way, yet remained without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Scriptural evidence shows He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth (1 Peter 2:22). For His obedience to be meaningful, it had to be a choice (Hebrews 5:8). His victory over temptation makes His identification with our struggles real.

Adamu wa Mwisho: Paulo anamwita Yesu "Adamu wa mwisho" (1 Wakorintho 15:45) na anaendeleza ulinganifu huo katika Warumi 5: kwa mtu mmoja, Adamu, kutotii kulileta mauti kwa wote; kwa Mtu mmoja, Kristo, utii huleta haki na uzima kwa wote walio ndani yake. Pale Adamu wa kwanza alipoanguka, Adamu wa mwisho alisimama. Utii wake usio na dhambi, kwa hiyo, si wa kibinafsi tu; unabadilisha uharibifu wa Adamu wa kwanza na kuwa msingi wa uzima kwa watu wake.The Last Adam: Paul calls Jesus "the last Adam" (1 Corinthians 15:45) and develops the parallel in Romans 5: through one man, Adam, disobedience brought death to all; through one Man, Christ, obedience brings righteousness and life to all who are in Him. Where the first Adam fell, the last Adam stood. His sinless obedience is therefore not merely personal; it reverses the ruin of the first Adam and becomes the ground of life for His people.

Mateso: Kuteswa na KifoThe Passion: Suffering and Death

Kuteswa: Yesu aliteswa kwa niaba yetu, yaani alichukua mahali petu (Isaya 53:5). Yeye ndiye "Mwana-Kondoo wa Mungu" aichukuaye dhambi ya ulimwengu (Yohana 1:29). Msalabani, alikataa divai iliyochanganywa na dawa ya kulevya (Marko 15:23), akichagua kukabili uzito kamili wa upatanisho akiwa na akili timamu.The Suffering: Jesus suffered vicariously, meaning He took our place (Isaiah 53:5). He was the "Lamb of God" who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). On the cross, He refused the drugged wine (Mark 15:23), choosing to face the full weight of the atonement with a clear mind.

Ufufuo: Ufufuo ni uthibitisho wa madai ya Kristo (Warumi 1:4). Siku ya kwanza ya juma, jiwe lilikuwa limeviringishwa na kaburi lilikuwa tupu (Luka 24:1-6). Ushahidi wenye nguvu wa ufufuo ni kwamba hata wale waliokuwa wapinzani au wenye shaka waliamini walipomwona Yesu aliyefufuka. Tomaso mwenye shaka alidai uthibitisho wa kimwili lakini alipaza sauti, "Bwana wangu na Mungu wangu!" alipomwona Yesu (Yohana 20:24-28). Sauli wa Tarso, mtesi mkali wa kanisa, aligeuzwa kuwa Mtume Paulo baada ya kukutana na Kristo aliyefufuka njiani kwenda Dameski (Matendo 9:1-6). Yakobo, ndugu wa Yesu wa kambo ambaye hakumwamini wakati wa huduma yake (Yohana 7:5), alikuwa nguzo ya kanisa baada ya kutokewa na Yesu baada ya ufufuo (1 Wakorintho 15:7).The Resurrection: The Resurrection is the vindication of Christ's claims (Romans 1:4). On the first day of the week, the stone was rolled away and the tomb was empty (Luke 24:1-6). A powerful evidence for the resurrection is that even those who were antagonistic or doubtful believed when they saw the resurrected Jesus. Thomas the doubter demanded physical proof but cried out, "My Lord and my God!" when he saw Jesus (John 20:24-28). Saul of Tarsus, an active persecutor of the church, was transformed into the Apostle Paul after meeting the risen Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-6). James, the half-brother of Jesus who did not believe in Him during His ministry (John 7:5), became a pillar of the church after a post-resurrection appearance (1 Corinthians 15:7).

Nadharia za Uongo Kuhusu Ufufuo: Nadharia ya Kuzimia inadai kwamba alizimia tu, lakini mkuki ubavuni mwake ulitoa damu na maji (Yohana 19:34). Nadharia ya Roho inadai kwamba ni mzimu tu uliotokea, lakini Yesu aliwaalika waguse mwili wake na mifupa yake (Luka 24:39). Nadharia ya Maono inadai kwamba ilikuwa njozi ya kuwaza, lakini alitokea kwa watu zaidi ya 500 kwa wakati mmoja (1 Wakorintho 15:6). Nadharia ya Kosa inadai kwamba walikwenda kwenye kaburi lisilo sahihi, lakini wale wanawake walikuwa wameona kwa uangalifu mahali alipozikwa (Luka 23:55). Nadharia ya Udanganyifu inadai kwamba wanafunzi waliiba mwili, lakini watu wenye hofu hawafi kwa ajili ya uongo wanaoujua kuwa ni hila (Mathayo 28:11-15).False Theories of the Resurrection: The Swoon Theory claims He fainted, but the spear in His side produced blood and water (John 19:34). The Spirit Theory claims only a ghost appeared, but Jesus invited them to touch His flesh and bones (Luke 24:39). The Vision Theory claims it was a hallucination, but He appeared to over 500 people at once (1 Corinthians 15:6). The Mistake Theory claims they went to the wrong tomb, but the women had carefully noted the location of the burial (Luke 23:55). The Fraud Theory claims the disciples stole the body, but frightened men do not die for a lie they know is a hoax (Matthew 28:11-15).

Kupaa na Kuja Mara ya PiliThe Ascension and Second Coming

Kwa Nini Yesu Alipaa: Alipaa ili atusemee kama Mwombezi na Mwakilishi wetu mkono wa kuume wa Mungu (Warumi 8:34; Waebrania 7:25). Alipaa ili amtume Roho Mtakatifu, akiahidi kwamba ilikuwa kwa faida yetu yeye kuondoka ili Msaidizi aje (Yohana 16:7). Alipaa ili atupe tumaini, akitutayarishia makao (Yohana 14:2-3).Why Jesus Ascended: He ascended to speak for us as our Advocate and Intercessor at the right hand of God (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25). He ascended to send the Holy Spirit, promising that it was for our good that He went away so the Counselor would come (John 16:7). He ascended to give us hope, preparing a place for us (John 14:2-3).

Kuja Mara ya Pili (Parousia): Yesu atarudi kwa namna ileile alivyoondoka (Matendo 1:11). Kurudi huku kutaleta hukumu juu ya wasiomcha Mungu (2 Wathesalonike 2:8) na kuanzishwa kwa mwisho kwa ufalme wake (Ufunuo 21:1-5). Wakati wa kuwasili huku haujulikani na yeyote isipokuwa Baba (Mathayo 24:36).The Second Coming (The Parousia): Jesus will return in the same way He left (Acts 1:11). This return will bring judgment to the ungodly (2 Thessalonians 2:8) and the final establishment of His kingdom (Revelation 21:1-5). The time of this arrival remains unknown to all but the Father (Matthew 24:36).

Muhtasari wa MwishoFinal Summary

Fundisho la Yesu Kristo linatufundisha kwamba Mungu aliingia katika historia ya wanadamu katika nafsi ya Mwanawe. Yesu ni Mungu kamili na mwanadamu kamili—Mpatanishi pekee mwenye sifa kati ya Mungu na wanadamu. Aliishi maisha yasiyo na dhambi, alikufa kifo cha kuchukua mahali petu, alifufuka kimwili kutoka kaburini, alipaa kwa Baba, na atarudi kama Mfalme. Kwa sababu ya Yeye ni nani na yale aliyoyafanya, wokovu unapatikana kwa wote wanaoamini. Kumjua Kristo ni kumjua Mungu. Kumwamini Kristo ni kupokea uzima wa milele.The Doctrine of Jesus Christ teaches us that God entered human history in the person of His Son. Jesus is fully God and fully man—the only qualified Mediator between God and humanity. He lived a sinless life, died a substitutionary death, rose bodily from the grave, ascended to the Father, and will return as King. Because of who He is and what He has done, salvation is available to all who believe. To know Christ is to know God. To trust Christ is to receive eternal life.