What does 'Christ' mean?

The term "Christ" is central to Christian theology and carries profound significance in understanding the identity and mission of Jesus. Derived from the Greek word "Christos," which translates to "anointed one," it is the equivalent of the Hebrew term "Mashiach" or "Messiah." To comprehend the full depth of this title, we must explore its Old Testament roots, its application to Jesus in the New Testament, and its theological implications for believers.

In the Old Testament, the concept of anointing was deeply embedded in the religious and cultural practices of Israel. Anointing with oil was a symbolic act that consecrated someone or something for a specific, divine purpose. Priests were anointed to serve in the temple (Exodus 28:41), kings were anointed to rule over Israel (1 Samuel 10:1), and even prophets were occasionally anointed to signify their divine appointment (1 Kings 19:16). The act of anointing signified that the individual was set apart by God and endowed with His Spirit to fulfill their God-given role.

The anticipation of a coming "Anointed One" or Messiah is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament. Prophecies in books like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel speak of a future figure who would deliver Israel, establish justice, and bring about an everlasting kingdom. Isaiah 61:1, for instance, declares, "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners." This passage encapsulates the messianic hope that someone anointed by God would come to fulfill these divine promises.

When we turn to the New Testament, we see the title "Christ" applied explicitly to Jesus of Nazareth. The Gospels present Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament messianic prophecies. In Matthew 16:16, Peter famously declares, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." This confession acknowledges Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the anointed one sent by God. Jesus Himself affirms this identity in Luke 4:18-21, where He reads from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue and declares, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing," directly linking His mission to the messianic prophecy of Isaiah 61.

The title "Christ" not only identifies Jesus as the Messiah but also encapsulates His threefold office as Prophet, Priest, and King. As the ultimate Prophet, Jesus reveals God's will and truth to humanity. Hebrews 1:1-2 states, "In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son." Jesus, as the Word made flesh (John 1:14), is the definitive revelation of God.

In His role as Priest, Jesus serves as the mediator between God and humanity. The book of Hebrews elaborates on this, describing Jesus as our high priest who offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 9:11-14). Unlike the priests of the Old Testament who had to offer sacrifices repeatedly, Jesus' sacrifice is once and for all, providing eternal redemption for those who believe in Him.

As King, Jesus fulfills the promise of an everlasting kingdom. His kingship is not of this world, as He tells Pilate in John 18:36, but it is a reign of justice, peace, and righteousness that transcends earthly powers. Revelation 19:16 depicts Jesus as the "King of kings and Lord of lords," emphasizing His ultimate authority and sovereign rule.

The theological implications of Jesus being the Christ are vast and transformative for believers. First and foremost, it means that Jesus is the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. From the fall of humanity in Genesis to the promise of a new creation in Revelation, the Bible tells a cohesive story of God's plan to redeem and restore His creation through the Messiah. Jesus, as the Christ, is the linchpin of this divine narrative. His life, death, and resurrection are the pivotal events that accomplish God's purposes.

Furthermore, recognizing Jesus as the Christ calls for a response of faith and allegiance. To acknowledge Jesus as the Christ is to accept Him as Lord and Savior. It means trusting in His atoning work on the cross, submitting to His authority, and following His teachings. This is not merely an intellectual assent but a transformative commitment that reorients one's life around the person and mission of Jesus.

The title "Christ" also underscores the communal and cosmic dimensions of Jesus' work. As the Christ, Jesus is not just a personal savior but the head of the church, His body (Colossians 1:18). Believers are united in Him, forming a new community that transcends ethnic, social, and cultural barriers. Ephesians 2:14-16 speaks of Jesus breaking down the dividing wall of hostility and creating one new humanity, reconciling all people to God and to each other.

Moreover, Jesus as the Christ has eschatological significance. His first coming inaugurated the kingdom of God, but its fullness awaits His return. Christians live in the "already but not yet" tension, experiencing the blessings of the kingdom now while anticipating its complete realization in the future. This hope shapes Christian life and mission, motivating believers to live faithfully and to participate in God's redemptive work in the world.

In summary, the term "Christ" is rich with meaning and significance. It identifies Jesus as the anointed one, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and the one who embodies the offices of Prophet, Priest, and King. It signifies His role in God's redemptive plan, calls for a response of faith and allegiance, and highlights the communal, cosmic, and eschatological dimensions of His work. Understanding Jesus as the Christ is foundational to Christian faith and shapes the identity, mission, and hope of believers.