The Meaning and Significance of the Christ: Anointed King and Savior Jesus

The Meaning and Significance of 'Christ': A Title That Reveals a Mission, Not Just a Name

While you often hear the phrase “Jesus Christ” both inside and outside the church, many misunderstand ‘Christ’ as Jesus’ last name. However, in the Bible, Christ is not a surname but a title. This word is a crucial confession that reveals who Jesus truly is and what salvation God has accomplished through Him.

First, ‘Christ’ comes from the Greek Christos, which is equivalent to the Hebrew ‘Messiah’. Both mean “The Anointed One.” In the Old Testament, anointing was a sign of being specially set apart by God. Kings were anointed, priests were anointed, and prophets were sometimes anointed as well. Therefore, the title ‘Christ’ carries the mission of kingship, priesthood, and prophecy.

The Bible has long awaited this anointed one. Daniel 9:25 mentions “the anointed one, a prince,” and Psalm 2:2 speaks of “against the Lord and His anointed.” When we reach the New Testament, it becomes clear that this waiting is fulfilled in Jesus. Andrew tells Simon, “We have found the Messiah,” and explains, “which is translated Messiah, the Christ” (John 1:41). Likewise, in Matthew 16:16, Peter confesses, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Therefore, the term ‘Christ’ is not merely a respectful title but a declaration of faith that Jesus is the promised Savior.

This designation is significant because Jesus completes all the expectations of the Old Testament. As the true King, Jesus rules His people with righteousness and truth. Unlike worldly rulers, He triumphed not through violence or coercion but through the cross and resurrection. As the true priest, He stands before God on behalf of His people and, as Hebrews teaches, offered Himself as a once-for-all sacrifice. And as the true prophet, He perfectly revealed God's will. As we continue reading the Bible, we increasingly see how the threads of kingship, priesthood, and prophecy, once seemingly scattered, come together perfectly in Jesus Christ.

Historically, the church has been unwavering in this confession. The early church held onto the truth that Jesus was not merely a wise teacher but was the true God and the true Man, the Christ. Acts 2:36 proclaims, “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” This does not mean Jesus was not the Christ from the beginning but that God publicly revealed His identity as Lord and Christ. Following this, the church clarified their statements against heresies that diminished Jesus’ divinity or denied His humanity. Therefore, Jesus is rightly confessed not only as the sent Christ of God but also as the true God, consubstantial with the Father. Such historical affirmations did not create new doctrine but clarified and emphasized what the Bible already testified.

So, what does ‘Christ’ mean for today’s believers? First, it teaches us that our hope does not rest in people or institutions. The one who fundamentally saves us is not a good counselor or moral teacher but our Savior. Second, it reveals that our problem of sin cannot be solved by our efforts alone. The Bible teaches that no one can be righteous by works, and justification comes only through faith in Christ. Therefore, we rely solely on Jesus’ death and resurrection. Third, it calls us to consider who truly rules our lives. Confessing Jesus as the Christ is not just asking for help only when needed but a declaration of obedience to live under His Lordship.

This confession is practical even in daily life. When your heart is shaken, the truth that “Jesus is the Christ” remains a greater standard than circumstances. Whether under guilt or trying to prove yourself through zeal, the same truth holds. Jesus has already accomplished the salvation we need. Thus, faith is not a self-salvation project but a way to receive and enjoy the completed salvation through trust. Beginning each day with 오늘의 말씀 and meditating on that day’s Scripture often turns the confession ‘Christ’ from an abstract doctrine into a truth that sustains us.

Furthermore, the term ‘Christian’ inherently carries the meaning of belonging to Christ. Knowing Christ is more than just acquiring information; it flows into a life conforming to Him. Gentleness, truthfulness, holiness, love, repentance, and obedience are not conditions to become like Christ but fruits that naturally appear in those who belong to Christ. The goal is not merely understanding the terminology but living under His name. When unfamiliar expressions seem difficult, practicing 묵상이라는 by slowly attaching meaning to each word is helpful. To see how the promises of the Messiah in the Old Testament are fulfilled in reading both Testaments is also encouraged; see 성경 통독이 중요한 이유.

Finally, a key verse to remember is Peter’s confession: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Also, John 20:31 explains the purpose of this Gospel: “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” Even today, this confession remains the centerpiece of the church and the firm rock that reestablishes wavering hearts. We must not only call Jesus by His familiar name but also believe and follow Him as the true King and Savior, the Christ. The clearer this confession becomes, the more the Bible’s central message shines, and our lives gain greater clarity and purpose.