Is Christ Jesus’ last name?
Here's the answer:
Christ is not Jesus’ last name. In fact, we can say it before Jesus’ name too! Christ is a word we use to describe who Jesus is.
Christ is a title for Jesus that means “Messiah.” Messiah is one of the names for Jesus, and it means that He is the Deliverer or the Savior. God’s people, the Jews, waited a long time for a Messiah. They thought the Messiah would come to save them from the people who ruled over them. But Jesus came to earth to deliver everyone who would believe in Him from their sins. When Jesus was on Earth, many people didn’t understand who He was. But Jesus’ disciple Peter knew that Jesus is the Christ. When Jesus asked Peter "Who do you think I am?" Peter answered: "You are the Messiah [the Christ]. You are the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16).
In order to save us from our sin, Jesus Christ had to die. He died on a cross to take the punishment for our sin, and then He defeated death by rising from the dead three days later. Now, everyone who believes in Him can be delivered from their sin.
When we call Jesus "Christ," we’re saying that He is the Messiah who has saved us, and that He is God. We use his title as a way to honor Jesus for all He is and all He has done.
Bible Truth
"The woman said, 'I know that Messiah is coming.' Messiah means Christ. 'When he comes, he will explain everything to us.' Then Jesus said, 'The one you’re talking about is the one speaking to you. I am he'" (John 4:25–26).
"So God lifted him up to the highest place. God gave him the name that is above every name. When the name of Jesus is spoken, everyone will kneel down to worship him....Everyone’s mouth will say that Jesus Christ is Lord. And God the Father will receive the glory" (Philippians 2:9–11).
