Biblical Christology and the Nature of Christ in the New Testament E-BOOK

Christology, the study of the nature and work of Jesus Christ, is one of the central pillars of Christian theology. It concerns the identity of Jesus—who He is—and His mission—what He has done. The study of Christology has shaped and continues to shape Christian doctrine and practice, influencing how believers understand salvation, the nature of God, and the Church's role in the world. Its roots lie deep in the New Testament, but its full development occurred through centuries of theological reflection and debate. To understand Christology, we must first recognize that it is inseparable from the Bible, especially the New Testament, where Christ's nature is most fully revealed.

The New Testament does not present a systematic theological treatise on the nature of Christ; rather, it reveals Christ's identity through a series of events, sayings, and reflections by those who followed Him. The Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—depict Christ's life, teachings, death, and resurrection, all of which collectively contribute to our understanding of who He is. But it was the apostolic writings in the early Church that began to reflect more deeply on His nature, as they were compelled by the events of His life and their theological significance. The Apostles, including Peter, John, Paul, and others, developed and articulated a robust understanding of Jesus' identity in response to heretical teachings, persecution, and the need to safeguard the Church's message about salvation.