Q & A Catechism > The Creed – Part 2: How Can We Sum Up Our Belief in Jesus Christ?

Q: How can we sum up our belief in Jesus Christ?

A: “The name Jesus means ‘God saves.’ The child born of the Virgin Mary is called Jesus, ‘for he will save his people from their sins’ (Mt 1:21): ‘There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved’ (Acts 4:12).

The title ‘Christ’ means ‘Anointed One’ (Messiah). Jesus is the Christ, for ‘God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power’ (Acts 10:38). He was the one ‘who is to come’ (Lk 7:19), the object of ‘the hope of Israel’ (Acts 28:20).

The title ‘Son of God’ signifies the unique and eternal relationship of Jesus Christ to God his Father: he is the only Son of the Father (Jn 1:14, 18; 3:16, 18); he is God himself (Jn 1:1). To be a Christian, one must believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Acts 8:37; 1 Jn 2:23).

The title ‘Lord’ indicates divine sovereignty. To confess or invoke Jesus as Lord is to believe in his divinity. ‘No one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except by the Holy Spirit'” (1 Cor 12:3).

Source: Catechism #s 452 – 455

for Reflection…

Q1: Who or what has challenged your faith in Jesus Christ?

Q2: Was there a moment(s) in your life that Jesus increased your faith? If so, how?

“This Creed is the spiritual seal, our heart’s meditation and an ever-present guardian; it is, unquestionably, the treasure of our soul” – St. Ambrose (Catechism 197)