The Second Article of the Apostles’ Creed is central to our confession in more ways than one. Without a confession of faith “in Jesus Christ,” we would have no confession at all. It is through him alone that we can be sure that we know God. If you are uncertain what constitutes Christianity, here is the short answer: “Christianity is Christ” (Michael Reeves, Rejoicing in Christ). Jesus himself said in prayer to his Father, “this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3). Jesus Christ is the key to the Creed, the key to the Bible, the key to the whole cosmos. It’s for good reason that he is the universal answer to all the Sunday School questions!
Jesus Christ is the One who was and who is and who is to come; the Chosen One; the Promised One; the Radiant One, distinguished among multitudes; the only One who is truly good; the One who reveals; the One who seeks and saves; the One who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Jesus Christ is purely innocent, yet not naïve or impressionable; absolutely dependable, yet not predictable or controllable. In his person he holds together humility and authority, mercy and justice. By being who he is, Jesus Christ has restored humanity to right relationship with God. Hearing his words, witnessing his actions, perceiving his heart, knowing him, trusting him, delighting in him: this is the great privilege of our salvation. “To pronounce the name of Jesus Christ means to acknowledge that we are cared for, that we are not lost” (Karl Barth, Dogmatics in Outline).
Can you say that you “know” Jesus Christ, personally? How do you feel about him? What do you think of him? When you describe or define Christianity for your friends, is it more about your life or his? Can you talk about “the most important things in life” without relating them to Jesus Christ? What do you think about the idea that heaven is heaven precisely because it is where Jesus Christ is?
