Who Is Jesus? The Heart of the Apostles’ Creed

We’re continuing our series on the Apostles’ Creed, a summary of the core beliefs of Christianity. It’s important to remember that the Creed itself isn’t Scripture—it’s not authoritative in the way the Bible is—but it is a trustworthy, time-tested framework that points us to the truths found in God’s Word. Christians have been reciting this Creed for over 1,800 years, and for good reason: it draws a clear line around the essentials of the faith.

One of the most radical declarations in the Creed is this:
"I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord."
That short statement carries an enormous weight—and not just theological weight, but cultural and personal as well. It’s not uncommon to hear people say things like, “I just want Jesus, not all the religion or theology.” But even that desire brings us face-to-face with deep theological claims, because the name “Jesus,” the title “Christ,” and the claim “Son of God” are packed with meaning.

Why the Name of Jesus Offends
Believing in God as the Creator? That’s something most cultures can get behind. But believing in Jesus Christ as God’s Son? That offends. It draws a line in the sand. Why? Because Jesus isn’t just a good moral teacher. He makes claims about himself that force us to either accept Him as God or reject Him entirely.

C.S. Lewis put it famously: Jesus is either a liar, a lunatic, or He is who He said He is—the Son of God. If He lied about being God, then He can’t be a good moral teacher. If He thought He was God but wasn’t, He was delusional. And if He was telling the truth? Then we’re looking at God in the flesh.

This is why the Apostles’ Creed places Jesus at the center. It’s all about Him.
The Creed begins with God the Father, and it ends with the Holy Spirit and the Church, but the heart of it—the majority—is about Jesus.

Jesus: The Word Made Flesh
The Gospel of John opens with stunning words:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)

And just a few verses later:
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” (John 1:14)
Jesus is that Word. He is eternal. He was not created. He has always existed as the Son of God, fully divine and fully human. Colossians 1 tells us that all things were created through Him, and Philippians 2 reminds us that Jesus existed in the form of God even before taking on human flesh.

So how is Jesus both God and the Son of God? Welcome to the doctrine of the Trinity—one of the most beautiful and mysterious truths in Christianity. We believe in one God who exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Not three gods, but one God in three persons. It’s hard to grasp, and no analogy perfectly explains it. Still, think of water: it can be liquid, solid, or vapor, yet it's always H₂O. In a similar way, God is one essence, yet exists as Father, Son, and Spirit.

The Witness of Scripture and the Disciples
Some argue that early Christians didn’t believe Jesus was God, that this idea developed over time. But the Gospels tell a different story. In Matthew 14, after Jesus walks on water and calms the storm, the disciples fall down and worship Him, declaring, “Truly, you are the Son of God.” In Jewish culture, worship was reserved for God alone—this was no small gesture.

John’s Gospel especially emphasizes Jesus’ divinity. At one point, Jesus says, “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58), directly claiming the divine name God gave to Moses in Exodus. The disciples understood: Jesus wasn’t just a prophet or teacher—He was (and is) God Himself.

Christ the Messiah
The Creed says we believe in Jesus Christ—but “Christ” isn’t a last name. It’s a title, meaning “Messiah” or “Anointed One.” The Hebrew word is Mashiach, the Greek is Christos. Let’s say it together: Christos. Jesus is the long-awaited Savior of Israel, fulfilling centuries of prophecy. But He didn’t come just for Israel—He came for the world.
John the Baptist proclaimed Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Scripture tells us over and over: Jesus came to save us. 1 John 4:14-15 says it clearly:

“The Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.”
That’s the good news of the Gospel. We are broken and sinful, and we cannot save ourselves. But Jesus, the perfect Son of God, came to rescue us. Through His death and resurrection, He offers forgiveness and eternal life.

Jesus Christ, Our Lord
The final part of this Creed statement is personal:
"Our Lord."

Jesus isn’t just the Lord. He’s our Lord. Not only the Savior of the world but the King of our lives. To confess Jesus as Lord means to surrender to Him—to follow Him, to obey Him, to trust Him in all things. It’s not about religion for religion’s sake. It’s about a relationship with the living God who came near, who died in our place, and who reigns even now.

So the question is: Who is Jesus to you?
He isn’t just a figure of history or a good example to follow. He is God in the flesh, the Messiah, our Savior, our Lord. And believing that changes everything.