What is the meaning of Christ?

Definition and Etymology

“Christ” is derived from the Greek word “Χριστός” (Christos), meaning “Anointed One.” In Hebrew, an equivalent term is “Mashiach” (Messiah). Throughout Scripture, this title indicates the One set apart and consecrated for a unique divine purpose. From the earliest accounts of the Hebrew Scriptures, there is an expectation of a Deliverer who would rescue humanity from its moral and spiritual plight (cf. Genesis 3:15). This title, therefore, denotes a royal figure, chosen by God to fulfill the promises of redemption and restoration.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible references this Anointed One through various prophecies and titles. In the Old Testament, we see promises of a future king who will sit on David’s throne (2 Samuel 7:12–13) and bring peace, justice, and salvation. In the New Testament, Jesus of Nazareth is consistently identified as the Christ (Matthew 16:16).

Central to understanding the meaning of Christ is the concept of a divine mission. Scripture speaks of this mission as reconciling humanity to God. Romans 5:8 states, “But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This sacrificial dimension connects “Christ” directly to the plan of redemption, emphasizing His role in bridging the gap between a holy God and fallen humanity.

Messianic Prophecies

Numerous Old Testament passages point to an Anointed One who would bear the sins of many (Isaiah 53:4–6), be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), and come forth from the line of David (Jeremiah 23:5–6). Notably, the Dead Sea Scrolls (discovered in the mid-20th century near Qumran) contain significant portions of the Book of Isaiah, including the suffering servant imagery in Isaiah 53, providing tangible archaeological evidence that these Messianic prophecies predate the life of Jesus.

When Jesus reads from Isaiah in the synagogue, Luke 4:18–21 records that He applies the prophecy of the Anointed One to Himself, concluding with “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” This direct claim at the onset of His public ministry sets the framework for understanding Him as the Christ long anticipated by the Old Testament prophets.

Fulfillment in the New Testament

From the birth narratives in the Gospels (Luke 2:10–11) to the detailed accounts of His ministry, death, and resurrection, the New Testament writers repeatedly affirm that Jesus is the promised Messiah. For instance, the Apostle Paul states in 1 Corinthians 15:3–4: “For I delivered to you, as of first importance, what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”

The Gospels were composed within a relatively short time after the events of Jesus’ life, and the earliest records of His resurrection are found in the letters of Paul (1 Corinthians 15:3–8), attested by multiple eyewitnesses. Moreover, the consistent testimony of His resurrection points to Jesus truly being the long-awaited One who conquers death and offers eternal life.

Nature and Person of Christ

Christ embodies the fullness of deity, a truth reflected throughout Scripture. John 1:1 proclaims, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Likewise, Colossians 2:9 states, “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form.” This dual nature of being fully God and fully man enables Him to mediate between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).

His divine attributes—eternality, authority to forgive sins, and power over nature—are consistently portrayed in the New Testament. Simultaneously, His humanity is unmistakably displayed by His birth, His experiences of hunger and fatigue, and His suffering and death on the cross (Matthew 4:2; John 19:30).

The Significance of the Resurrection

Central to understanding “the meaning of Christ” is the significance of His resurrection. According to 1 Corinthians 15:14, “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is worthless, and so is your faith.” The resurrection is not merely an event in the life of Jesus; it is the cornerstone that validates everything He claimed about Himself as Savior and Lord.

Outside the Bible, historians such as Josephus (late 1st century) and Tacitus (early 2nd century) reference Jesus and early Christian belief in His resurrection. Their accounts, while not affirming faith, provide historical context, showing that even secular observers recognized the emergence of a movement completely centered on the claim that Jesus was indeed the risen Christ. The transformation of the disciples—who moved from fear to bold proclamation, even under threat of death—further underscores the resurrection’s foundational role.

Historic and Archaeological Evidence

Manuscript evidence, such as the nearly complete copies of the New Testament (e.g., the Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus, dating to the 4th century), demonstrates early and faithful transmission of Scriptures that declare Jesus is Christ. Archaeological findings, including sites in Bethlehem, Nazareth, and Jerusalem, continue to align with biblical narratives, underscoring their historical reliability.

Additionally, geological and historical considerations from studies of regions like the Middle East show no contradiction with the biblical timeline, particularly when interpreted from a viewpoint that dates creation within a more recent timeframe. From genealogical records in Genesis to external chronologies, many hold that the scriptural account, which points to a younger earth, is consistent with the specific genealogies leading to Christ (cf. Luke 3:23–38).

Practical Implications for Believers

The meaning of Christ is inseparably tied to redemption and relationship. Because He is the Anointed Savior, those who believe in Him receive forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:7) and are granted the promise of eternal life (John 3:16). Scripture teaches that trusting in this Christ transforms lives (2 Corinthians 5:17), leading to a renewed mind, moral transformation, and a deeper purpose that aims to glorify God.

Faith in Christ also guides daily living, inspiring service to others and a commitment to reflecting His love in the world (Galatians 5:22–23). Because the central objective of life is to honor and obey God, acknowledging Christ’s lordship becomes the chief focus, influencing decision-making, relationships, and worship.

Conclusion

In summary, to inquire “What is the meaning of Christ?” is to explore the core of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. This title affirms that the long-awaited Messiah has come in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, fulfilling ages of prophetic expectation, embodying divine authority, and offering reconciliation through His sacrifice and resurrection. The robust historical and archaeological evidence, preserved manuscript tradition, and countless testimonies of lives changed all bear witness to the reality that He is indeed the Christ—the Anointed One—who invites every individual to receive salvation and live to the glory of God.