What ‘Christ’ Means
What does ‘Christ’ Really Mean? – It is essential that one believe that Jesus is the Christ. It is imperative to our salvation. One cannot be saved if they do not believe in the Christ. The word Christ (Messiah) means to be anointed or rubbed with oil. In the Bible, there are three primary officers who were anointed: Prophet, Priest and King. Jesus is the fulfillment of these three offices. Jesus is the Prophet in that He is the Word of God (the Bible). The Spirit of Jesus Christ wrote the Bible through men. Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of the High Priest in that He offered His blood once forever for His people. He is the only way to salvation. Jesus Christ is also the King in that He must be followed and obeyed. If one does not believe that 1) Jesus Christ is, in essence, the Bible, 2) Jesus Christ is the Priest, which is the only way to salvation, and 3) that Jesus Christ must be obeyed, then that person is not saved. All three offices of Jesus Christ must be believed. An antichrist is a person that does not believe that Jesus is the Christ (i.e., the Prophet, Priest and King). In other words, the three most basic believes to be saved is that Jesus is found in the entire Bible and the Bible speaks of Him and He inspired it. Also, they must believe that He is the only way to salvation and finally that He is the LORD of Lords, and KING of Kings. Click on video link below or continue reading to learn the ‘Doctrine of Christ’.
The Importance of the Doctrine of Christ
What is the Doctrine of Christ?
Priest – Jesus is the only High Priest
King – Jesus Christ is Sovereign
Introduction
Almost everyone in the world has heard of Jesus. Most believe that he was a real person. Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and others recognize him. So, what is the significance of Jesus being called the ‘Christ’? Also, to understand what an ‘antichrist’ is, one must first understand the doctrine of Christ.
‘Christ’ is not Jesus’ last name. It is a title. Unfortunately, many do not really understand what ’Christ’ refers to even though the term is used extensively in the New Testament. We do know that throughout the Bible, people were often named to portray a symbolic meaning. For example, the name Moses means to ‘draw out’ or ‘rescue’. Therefore, Moses received his name (Ex 2:10) since he was ‘drawn out’ of the basket that was floating in the river. The names of the 12 sons of Israel were all named for symbolic meaning (see Genesis 30). Similarly, Jesus was so named for a symbolic meaning that he will save His people:
- And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. (Mat 1:21)
The name ‘Jesus’ is based on the Hebrew name Joshua, which literally means Jehovah (Yahweh) sets free. However, the term ‘Christ’ is not a name, rather it is a description of Jesus’ work.
What Christ Literally Means
The word Christ in the Greek language of the New Testament (Gr. Christos) and the Hebrew language of the Old Testament (Heb: mashach) literally means to be ‘rubbed with oil’ or ‘anointed’. Therefore, Jesus is the anointed one. The word for anointed in the Hebrew is often transliterated as the ‘Messiah’. Therefore, Jesus is the Messiah (i.e., Christ or anointed one). In the Old Testament, the 3 types of people that were anointed with oil were prophets, priests and kings. The Christ (Messiah
In the Old Testament, the words for Messiah occur approximately 125 times. In the New Testament, the Greek words for Christ (Gr. Christos) / Christian (Gr: Christianos) / anointed (Gr: chrio) / anointing (Gr: chrisma) all have the similar meaning of being anointed. These words (Christ, Christians, anointed) are used approximately 570 times in the New Testament. The New Testament contains approximately 8000 total verses. Therefore, the words relating to Christ, Christians, anointed are used once in every 14 verses, or so. The vast majority of these occurrences are the term ‘Christ’. Therefore, we see that the doctrine of the ‘Christ’ is, of course, a very important topic in the Bible.
The Importance of the Doctrine of Christ
We must be sure that we understand the doctrine of ‘Christ’. The Bible tells us that the doctrine of Christ is a basic building block in order to develop our spiritual lives:
- Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. Heb 6:1-2
We see in Heb 6:1 that the doctrine of Christ is actually a ‘principle’ (gr: arche) or source of further spiritual truth. Even further, we find that if one does not abide in the ‘doctrine of Christ’, then are not really saved:
- Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 2 John 1:9
- Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. 1 John 5:1
- And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 1 Jn 4:3
In these verses, we see the importance of the doctrine of Christ. We see that to be saved, we must abide in this doctrine. A Christian is one who believes that Jesus is the Christ to be saved. Many believe in Jesus, but that does not mean they are saved (e.g., Mat 7:21-23, James 2:19-20, etc.). They must be given the faith to believe (Eph 2:8-10, Phil 1:29, John 6:44, etc.) that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah) –
What is the Doctrine of Christ?
To fully understand the doctrine of Christ, it is appropriate to consider the approximately 700 occurrences of the words for Christ / Christian / anointed in the Old and New Testaments that related to Christ / Messiah. Below is a brief summary of the significance of these words:
New Testament:
In the occurrences of the word ‘Christ’ in the New Testament, the title Christ is usually used in conjunction with ‘Jesus’. However, from most occurrences, we cannot immediately gain any additional information on what the function of Christ is.
However, we do find the following:
- Lk 4:18 – Jesus was anointed to preach the Gospel to the poor.
- Acts 4:27 – Jesus, the Holy Child was anointed
- Acts 10:38 – Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit
- 2 Cor 1:21 – Christians are anointed by God
- Heb 1:9 (quote of Psalm 45:7) – God has anointed Jesus with the oil of gladness
- 1 John 2:20, 27 – Christians have an anointing from the Holy One and know all things due to the anointing by which they are taught
In the above verses, we find a close affinity between the term anointing and oil. The oil is a symbol for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
It is also important to note that Jesus was the Prophet, but we will need to analyze the Old Testament to understand that prophets, priests and kings were anointed:
- …Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. (Lk 24:19-20)
- Nevertheless I must walk to day, and tomorrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem. (Lk 13:33)
Old Testament:
It is in the Old Testament that we find more information on the function of the Messiah (Christ). First, it is important that the Messiah was talked about in the Old Testament. References to the coming Messiah can be seen in the following verses: Dan 9:24, 25, 26, Hab 3:13, Ps 2:2, 20:6, 84:9, 89:38, 51, 84:9, 1 Sam 2:35. For Example:
- Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. (Psa 2:1-3)
- Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. (Act 4:25-26)
When we study the Old Testament verses that refer to those who were anointed we find that there were three Old Testament functions that involved anointing: Prophet, Priest and King. In fact, most of the occurrences of the references to ‘anointing’ involve these three offices. There are some references to the anointing of the various vessels of the tabernacle, alter and the vessels of worship, but these can likely be related to the fact that Christians are typified by vessels and Christians are anointed (Lev 8:10-12, Num 7:1, 10, 84, 88, Ex 29:22, 36, 30:26, 40:9-11, Amos 6:6). The following verses are offered for the reader to further study the three offices of the Messiah (anointed offices):
Prophets:
- Elisha – 1 Ki 19:15-16
- Prophets – Ps 105:15
- Jesus foreshadowed as the Prophet – Deut 18:15-20, Acts 3:22-23, 7:37
Priests:
- High Priests – Ex 40:13, 28:41, 29:7, 21, 30:30, Lev 6:20, 7:35-36, 8:2, 8:12, 8:30, 21:10, Num 35:25
- Jesus foreshadowed as a Priest – Heb 2:17, 4:14, 5:10, 6:20
- Priests – Ex 40:15, 28:41, 30:30, Lev 4:3, 5, 16, 7:35-36, 8:2, 8:30, 16:22, 32, Num 3:3
Kings:
- Saul – 1 Sam 9:16, 10:1, 15:1, 17, 24: 5-6, 10, 26:9, 11, 16, 23, 2 Sam 1;14, 16
- David – 1 Sam 16;3, 12-13, 2 Sam 2:4, 7, 3:39, 5:3, 17, 12:7, 19:21, 22:51, 23:1, 1 Chr 11;3, 14:8
- Solomon – 1 Ki 1:34, 39, 45, 5:1, 1 Chr 29:22, 2 Chr 6:42
- Jehu – 2 Ki 9:3, 6, 2 Chr 22:7
- Joash – 2 Ki 11:12, 2 Chr 23:11
- Jehoahaz – 2 Ki 23:30
- Cyrus – Is 45:1
- Jesus foreshadowed in Old Testament as King – Ps 18:50, 45:6-7, 89:20, 132:10, 11, 17, Is 61:1, 2 Sam 22:51
- Other references to kings – 1 Sam 2:10, 1 Ki 19:15-16, Jud 9:8, 15
The Messiah (Jesus) spoken of by Moses:
- The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken…I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. (Deu 18:15, 18-19)
- For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. (Acts 3:22-23, see also Acts 7:37)
The prophets spoke in the OT as inspired by the Spirit of Christ:
Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. (1 Pe 1:10-12)
We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. (2 Pe 1:19-21)
Jesus’ Work as the Christ:
Prophet
As the Prophet (Acts 3:22-23, Lk 24:19, Lk 13:33), Jesus Christ is the Word of God:
- In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (John 1:1,14)
Jesus told us that His words are spirit and they are life:
- It is the spirit that quickens; the flesh profits nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. (John 6:63)
To believe Jesus is the Christ is to believe the Jesus is the Prophet, the Word of God (the Bible). Salvation comes through the Word of God, by which God’s people are saved and made holy:
- So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Rom 10:17)
- As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby (1 Pe 2:2)
- …when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually works also in you that believe. (1 Th 2:13)
- Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. (John 17:17)
Priest – Jesus is the only High Priest
As the Priest, Jesus Christ is the Intercessor for His people with God the Father
Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. (Heb 2:17, see also Heb 4:14, 5:10)
Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. (Heb 6:19-20)
Priest – Jesus is the only High Priest
It is by His sacrificial blood that we receive salvation and become reconciled with God:
And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. (Heb 9:22)
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest enters into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Heb 9:24-28)
Priest – Jesus is the only High Priest
Jesus is the only way to salvation:
Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (Joh 14:6)
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Act 4:12)
Who is a liar but he that denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denies the Father and the Son. (1Jn 2:22)
To believe Jesus is the Christ is to believe that He is the only way to salvation.
King – Jesus Christ is Sovereign
- And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. (Rev 19:16)
- Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil 2:9-11)
- But unto the Son he says, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom. (Heb 1:8)
King – Jesus Christ Sovereign over Salvation:
According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue (2Pe 1:3)
As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (Joh 17:2-3)
King – Obedience to God’s Word:
- That thou keep this commandment without spot, without rebuke, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords. (1Ti 6:14-15)
- Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name? And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness. (Mat 7:21-23)
- See also 1 John 2:28-29, 3:4-10, 1 Cor 6:9-11, Eph 5:3-5, Gal 5:19-21, etc.
- And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that says, I know him, and keeps not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (1Jn 2:3-4, see also 1 John 2:28-29, 3:4-10, 1 Cor 6:9-11, Eph 5:3-5, Gal 5:19-21, etc.)
Obedience summarized:
- Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Mat 22:37-40)
To believe Jesus is the Christ is to earnestly desire to obey Him (Bible).
Summary
In numerous places in the Bible, Jesus is referred to as the Christ. The doctrine of ‘Christ’ points to the threefold ministry of Christ: Prophet, Priest and King.
Prophet:
- The Word of God is Jesus
- One must recognize the divine source of the Bible
Priest:
- Jesus is the only way to salvation
- It is only by the faith of Christ that one can be saved from the wrath of God
King:
- Evidence of a true Christian will be obedience to Jesus Christ (i.e., the Bible) which includes loving God and His people. The proof of whether one is really a true believer of Christ (i.e., saved) is that this person will abide in the doctrine of Christ (2 John 1:9, 1 John 5:1). The saved person will be believe that Jesus is the Word of God and that the Bible is god-breathed by the spirit of Christ and that the Bible points to the work of Christ throughout. The saved person will believe that Jesus is the Priest in that he alone brings the sacrifice of atonement in Himself for salvation. There is no other name given under heaven by which we can be saved. Finally, Jesus is the Heavenly King. He is our Sovereign, to whom we will obey and follow.
Application of the Doctrine of Christ:
- Belief that Jesus is the Christ is crucial evidence for being a true Christian (1 John 5:1, see also 5:13)
- Those that do not ‘confess’ Jesus Christ are an ‘antichrist’ – 1 John 4:3
- Confessing (Greek word ‘homologia’ means ‘same word’ – see also 1 Tim 6:3-5)
Broad is the way to destruction, narrow is the way to life:
- Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in because straight is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it. Mat 7:13-14