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The ABCs

of the Identity of Jesus

ARTICLE: 13 MINUTES

Who do you think Jesus is? Some say he was merely a good man, or a prophet, or a spirit-filled teacher.

But it really isn’t our opinion about Jesus that matters. Rather, it is God’s opinion revealed in the Bible that should be our authority when answering that question. And answering this question is perhaps the most important question anyone will have to answer.

The following attributes of Jesus Christ as taught in the Bible prove that Jesus is more than just a prophet or a spirit-filled man. He is God himself, who became a human like us in order to save us from our sin so that we could be reconciled to God.

We’ve ordered these 26 attributes like we’ve done with other articles on Bibles.net—but with a bonus! As we put together these attributes of Jesus, we couldn’t help but think of music that praises Jesus for these things. So, with each attribute we have listed a song, and we’ve compiled them into a playlist for you on Spotify.

Here are the ABCs of Jesus’ identity. When you are done reading this article, you’ll have a good grasp of how the Bible portrays Jesus, from beginning to end.

Jump to a Certain Letter:

Jesus Is Almighty

Jesus possessed a power that no mere mortal could possess. He demonstrated that power over demons, nature, and even death. In this way, he showed himself to possess the same power and authority of God himself. That is why Jesus is called Lord.

And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” (Matthew 8:25-27 ESV)

Song: “The Lord Almighty Reigns” by The Worship Initiative feat. Hayden Browning

Jesus Is Brother

In becoming a human, the eternal Son of God identified with us. He took on flesh and bones and entered the very circumstances that we live in. Jesus’ favorite self-designation was the “Son of Man,” signifying his willingness to identify with us as our true brother (Hebrews 2:11).

Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. (Hebrews 2:17 ESV)

Song: “Closer Than a Brother” by Josh Garrels

Jesus Is Creator

The Bible teaches that Jesus is the Creator of the cosmos (John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-3). As such, anything that is said about God can rightly be applied to Jesus the Son of God.

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:16-17 ESV)

Song: “Creator” by Phil Wickham

Jesus Is Divine

As the Son of God, Jesus shares all the divine attributes that his heavenly Father possesses. He identifies with the Father in nature (John 10:30), in authority (Matthew 28:18), and in purpose (John 5:19). Jesus shares the very nature of God (Hebrews 1:3).

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:1, 14 ESV)

Song: “Love Divine, All Love Excelling” by Jeremy Moore

Jesus Is Empathetic

Jesus knows what it means to feel weak, hungry, and tired. He also knows what it means to be tempted to turn from God’s will (Matthew 4:1-11). Yet, Jesus never sinned (1 Peter 2:22). Still, Jesus empathizes with us when we are tempted, and he is someone we can go to when we feel overwhelmed with life because he loves us (John 15:9).

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15 ESV)

Song: “The Son of Suffering” by The Worship Initiative feat. Aaron Williams and Davy Flowers

Jesus Is Faithful

To be faithful means to do what you say you are going to do. It implies integrity and reliability, qualities that we see in Jesus’ life and ministry. Biblically speaking, it also means being true to God and his will. As God’s Son, Jesus has faithfully done all that the Father required of him (Hebrews 3:6), and he will accomplish all he has promised he will do, especially in overcoming sin and evil in the lives of those who trust in him (2 Thessalonians 3:3).

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23 ESV)

Song: “He’s Always Been Faithful” by Sara Groves

Jesus Is Gracious

The Bible often describes God as gracious (e.g., Nehemiah 9:31), which means that he deals with us mercifully, even giving us gifts, rather than treating us as our sins deserve. Similarly, Jesus shares this attribute with his heavenly Father.

For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. (John 1:16 ESV)

Song: “Grace Greater Than Our Sin” by Tommee Profitt and Isaac Mather

Jesus Is Our High Priest

In the Old Testament, the high priest was responsible for representing a holy God to sinful people, and conversely, for standing in the place of those sinful people before God. Jesus perfectly performs this dual role. Because he is fully divine, Jesus can fully accomplish God’s perfect will and thus reveals God to us. Because he is human like us, except without sin, Jesus can stand as our representative before a holy God.

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. (Hebrews 4:14 ESV)

Song: “Before the Throne of God Above” by Shane & Shane

Jesus Is the Image of God

The New Testament Greek word for “image” is where we get the English word “icon.” It means an exact representation. When we look at Jesus, we see the exact representation of God (John 14:9). Thus, Jesus can make the Father perfectly known to us (John 1:18).

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. (Colossians 1:15 ESV)

Song: “All Things Together” by Andrew Peterson

Jesus Is the Judge

Because God is our Creator, he has the right to require certain standards of us. When we fall short of those standards, he rightly judges us. The Bible teaches that Jesus, as God’s Son, has taken that position of Judge over the living and the dead (2 Timothy 4:1). The Father has granted this position of authority to his Son (John 5:22).

And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. (Acts 10:42 ESV)

Song: “Judge of All the Earth” by Shai Linne and Sovereign Grace Kids

Jesus Is King of Kings

A king represents authority and power. By definition, he possesses a kingdom. The Bible teaches that Jesus is the long-awaited king in David’s line (2 Samuel 7:16; Matthew 1:1). But, as Jesus said, his kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). It is a heavenly kingdom, one that rules and ultimately judges all earthly kingdoms.

I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords. (1 Timothy 6:13-15 ESV)

Song: “All Hail King Jesus” by The Worship Initiative feat. Dinah Wright

Jesus Is Light

The New Testament uses the image of light to speak of things that are pure and praiseworthy, as opposed to the darkness where evil lurks. When Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12 NIV), he was speaking not only of things that are godly, but also of light as signifying life. God gives this life-giving light to all who believe in his Son Jesus (2 Corinthian 4:6), for Jesus himself comes to dwell in those who trust him by his Spirit (John 14:23).

In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:4-5 NIV)

Song: “Light of the World” by We The Kingdom

Jesus Is Messiah

The Old Testament promised that someone would come from the Israelite people who would redeem God’s people from their sins (Isaiah 53:4-6). Dozens of prophecies about this coming “Anointed One” (Hebrew: Messiah) were fulfilled in Jesus the “Christ” (this is the Greek equivalent of Anointed One). Jesus is the Messiah who will “save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21 NIV).

The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.” (John 4:25-26 ESV)

Song: “Behold” by Phil Wickham feat. Annie Wilson

Jesus Is the “Name Above All Names”

There can only be one name that is above every other name. In possessing the name above all names, Jesus is worshiped by all creation, an honor granted to him and God alone.

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11 ESV)

Song: “Name Above All Names” by Charity Gayle

Jesus Is Omega (and the Alpha!)

Similar to this list about Jesus’ identity, the “alpha and omega” signifies the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. It is a poetic way of speaking about God’s eternal nature (Revelation 1:8), and it is used to speak equally about Jesus’ nature (Revelation 22:13). Jesus is the first and the last; put another way, everything in creation begins and ends with him.

He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.” (Revelation 21:6 NIV)

Song: “Words We’ll Sing Forever” by Steph Schlueter

Jesus Is Peace

Ever since Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3), enmity has existed between God and mankind. Jesus came to do away with this hostility. But he also came to bring peace between fellow humans (Ephesians 2:14). This is why Jesus is called the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 ESV). Jesus promises peace to all those who follow him.

[Jesus speaking] “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV)

Song: “My Peace” by Maranatha! Praise Band

Jesus Is the Quickening Spirit

A “quickening spirit” is something that gives life to something else. The King James Version of the Bible, using older English, selects this word to describe Jesus. Because Jesus is “the living one” (Revelation 1:17-18 ESV), he can give life—as only God can give—to all who trust in him.

And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. (1 Corinthians 15:45 KJV)

Song: “Living Hope” by Phil Wickham

Jesus Is Righteous

Righteousness is a biblical concept that signifies sinlessness, uprightness, and the ability to stand before a holy God. As sinners, we do not have righteousness ourselves, but Jesus takes our sins upon himself and grants us his righteousness instead as a gift (2 Corinthians 5:21). Because of Christ’s Spirit living in us, we who follow Christ can also live righteous lives by his power (Romans 8:4).

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. (1 John 2:1 NIV)

Song: “All Sufficient Merit” by The Worship Initiative

Jesus Is Salvation

We call Jesus the Savior because that describes what he came to do, to “seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10 NIV). The Bible teaches that because we are sinners, we stand condemned before a holy God. We need someone to stand in our place and save us from God’s eternal wrath. Jesus came to do that. By taking God’s eternal wrath upon himself, this implies that Jesus is also an eternal Being.

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12 ESV)

Song: “Thank You Jesus for the Blood” by Charity Gayle

Jesus Is Truth

When we say something is true, we imply that there is a standard against which it is measured. But Jesus doesn’t simply say he is true. Rather, he says he is the truth. Jesus is the standard against which all truths will be judged.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 NIV)

Song: “Voice of Truth” by Casting Crowns

Jesus Is Unchanging

God is immutable—the fancy theological word for unchanging (Malachi 3:6). This makes sense, for God is a perfect Being and change implies imperfection. The eternal Son of God is also unchanging, and yet he became a man—Jesus Christ—2,000 years ago to bring life to those who fell into sin.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8 NIV)

Song: “You Never Change” by Sovereign Grace Music

Jesus Is Victorious

Because we turned from God in our sins, we gave our allegiance to the devil and were punished by God with death—spiritual death now, physical death at the end of life, and eternal hell after we die. We were held captive by sin and the devil (Ephesians 2:1-3; Romans 6:16). God did not leave us in this condemned state, but he sent his Son Jesus “do battle” for us against sin, death, and the devil. Jesus triumphed through his sacrificial death on the cross (Colossians 2:15), winning a victory for all who trust in him. Jesus has conquered sin through his death (Romans 8:3), conquered death through his resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:54-56), and through both has defeated the devil (Hebrews 2:14).

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57 NIV)

Song: “Every Victory” by Danny Gokey feat. Danny Gokey

Jesus Is Worthy

To say that Jesus is worthy means that Jesus, who has perfectly obeyed God the Father, and who through his death and resurrection has defeated sin and the devil, deserves our praise, honor, obedience, and adoration.

In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” (Revelation 5:12-13 NIV)

Song: “Is He Worthy?” by Andrew Peterson

Jesus Is eXalted

To be exalted is to be elevated in dignity, position, and power. This God the Father did to Jesus, who as a man lived a life of perfect obedience to God. As one who is “holy, blameless, pure,” Jesus has been exalted “above the heavens” (Hebrews 7:26 NIV). As Savior, Jesus has been exalted to the position of supreme authority, to God’s “own right hand” (Acts 2:33 NIV).

God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. (Acts 5:31 NIV)

Song: “He Is Exalted” by Shane & Shane

Jesus Is Yahweh

Yahweh is the special name that God shared with Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14-15), translates into English as “I AM.” It is a name that God and God alone possesses. Yet, in the New Testament, Jesus takes this name for himself (e.g., John 8:23-25; 58), and New Testament authors also attribute it to him (e.g., Acts 2:25; Philippians 2:10-11), revealing that he truly is the God of the Old Testament in the flesh.

Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” (John 8:58 ESV)

Song: “At Your Name” by Phil Wickham

Jesus Is Zion’s Cornerstone

A cornerstone was the chief stone laid down for ancient buildings, giving the rest of the building its form and character. The prophet Isaiah prophesied that God would send someone who would bring salvation to God’s people, who is likened to a cornerstone that creates a “sure foundation” (Isaiah 28:16 NIV). The apostle Paul proclaimed that all who trust in this stone “will not be put to shame” (Romans 9:33 ESV), and the apostle Peter confirmed that Jesus is this predicted cornerstone.

For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” (1 Peter 2:6 ESV)

Song: “Cornerstone” by Kutless

Jesus Is God Incarnate

When considered together, the above 26 attributes of Jesus paint a clear picture about his identity. Jesus is the pre-existent Son of God who became a human in Jesus Christ about 2,000 years ago. He lived a sinless life and then laid down that life, that those who trust in him might be saved from sin and brought into a loving relationship with God. He is rightly called Creator, Savior, Master, and Lord.

Do you know this Jesus? Have you put your faith and hope and trust in him?

Publisher

Natasha Kuligin

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Who Is Jesus?

Jesus is the most important person in the whole Bible. He's the most important person ever to walk this earth. He's the most important person for you to know. He's the King our world needs, the Hero all our stories reveal we long for, and the Savior we desperately need.