Character of Christ as Revealed in Scripture

The character of Christ, as revealed in Scripture, is multifaceted, encompassing both divine and human attributes, and serving as the ultimate standard for holiness ^[2]. Scripture presents Jesus as "altogether lovely" (Song of Solomon 5:16) and defines his character through a series of virtues and actions ^[1].

Central to Christ's character is his holiness and righteousness. He is described as holy (Luke 1:35; Acts 4:27; Revelation 3:7), righteous (Isaiah 53:11; Hebrews 1:9), and just (Zechariah 9:9; John 5:30; Acts 22:14) ^[1]. This holiness is not merely an absence of sin, but an active purity. He is called "guileless" (Isaiah 53:9; 1 Peter 2:22), "sinless" (John 8:46; 2 Corinthians 5:21), "spotless" (1 Peter 1:19), "innocent" (Matthew 27:4), and "harmless" (Hebrews 7:26) ^[1]. John Gill notes that Christ was "manifested... to take away our sins," highlighting his sinless nature as essential to his redemptive work ^[11]. The author of Hebrews refers to Jesus as "the author and perfecter of faith" who endured the cross, emphasizing his steadfastness and moral perfection ^[7]. This sinless character is foundational to his role as a perfect sacrifice and mediator ^[1].

Christ's obedience and devotion to God the Father are also prominent features of his character. He is depicted as obedient to God (Psalm 40:8; John 4:34; 15:10) and zealous in his Father's work (Luke 2:49; John 2:17; 8:29) ^[1]. This devotion serves as an example for believers, who are called to similar devotedness grounded in God's mercies and goodness ^[5].

Beyond his moral perfection, Christ's character is marked by profound humility and compassion. He is described as meek (Isaiah 53:7; Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 11:29) and lowly in heart (Matthew 11:29) ^[1]. His merciful nature is also noted ^[1]. These qualities are often contrasted with worldly power and pride, presenting a model of servant leadership.

The New Testament further elaborates on Christ's character by highlighting his faithfulness and truthfulness. He is called "faithful" (Isaiah 11:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:24) and "true" (John 1:14; 7:18; 1 John 5:20) ^[1]. The book of Revelation identifies him as "the faithful witness" ^{[6, 8]}. This faithfulness extends to his role as the "firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth" ^[6].

The divine nature of Christ is inextricably linked to his character. He is presented as God (John 1:1-5; Philippians 2:6, 9-10), the Son of God (Matthew 3:17; Hebrews 1:6, 8), and one with the Father (John 10:30, 38) ^[3]. He is the "image of God" (Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3) and the Creator (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:2) ^[3]. The Transfiguration, where Jesus' appearance was transformed, revealed his "inner, divine nature, previously veiled," giving a glimpse of his glory ^[13]. This divine excellence underpins his authority and the efficacy of his work ^[3].

The character of Christ is not merely an abstract theological concept but a practical standard for Christian living. Believers are called to have the "character of Christ" as their standard ^[2]. This involves conforming to his image (Romans 8:29) and walking as he walked (1 John 2:6; Philippians 2:5) ^[2]. The gospel itself is presented as the "way of holiness" ^[2]. Matthew Henry, commenting on Revelation, describes Christ as "at the head of his faithful adherents and attendants," emphasizing his leadership and the church's perseverance through his presence ^[9].

The love of Christ is another defining characteristic. He is the one "who loves us, and washed us from our sins by his blood" ^{[6, 8]}. This love serves as a powerful motive for believers' love towards him (2 Corinthians 5:14) ^[4]. This love is manifested in seeking him, obeying him, ministering to him, preferring him above all others, and taking up the cross for him ^[4].

The character of Christ is also understood in his various roles: as Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 8:6), Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15-16; Acts 3:22), Priest (Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 4:15), King (Isaiah 6:1-5; John 12:41), Judge (Matthew 16:27; 25:31, 33), and Shepherd (Isaiah 40:10-11; John 10:11) ^[3]. Each of these roles reflects and expresses aspects of his unique character, demonstrating his comprehensive authority and care.

The impact of Christ's character is transformative. Believers are called to believe that "Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God," which is an article of faith of the greatest importance ^[14]. This belief is not merely intellectual assent but leads to a profound internal witness, where the Christian "hath in his own heart a testimony for Jesus Christ" ^[10]. This internal witness includes a deep awareness of one's own sin and need for a Savior, and a recognition of what Christ has done for the soul ^[10]. The manifestation of Christ's character through the Word of God can reveal the "secrets of his heart" to an individual, leading to self-awareness and conviction ^[12].

Sources

Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Christ, Character Of — Altogether lovely -- Song 5:16. Holy -- Lu 1:35; Ac 4:27; Re 3:7. Righteous -- Isa 53:11; Heb 1:9. Good -- Mt 19:16. Faithful -- Isa 11:5; 1Th 5:24. True -- Joh 1:14; 7:18; 1Jo 5:20. Just -- Zec 9:9; Joh 5:30; Ac 22:14. Guileless -- Isa 53:9; 1Pe 2:22. Sinless -- Joh 8:46; 2Co 5:21. Spotless -- 1Pe 1:19. Innocent -- Mt 27:4. Harmless -- Heb 7:26. Resisting temptation -- Mt 4:1-10. Obedient to God the Father -- Ps 40:8; Joh 4:34; 15:10. Zealous -- Lu 2:49; Joh 2:17; 8:29. Meek -- Isa 53:7; Zec 9:9; Mt 11:29. Lowly in heart -- Mt 11:29. Merciful ”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Holiness — Commanded -- Le 11:45; 20:7; Eph 5:8; Col 3:12; Ro 12:1. Christ Desires for his people. -- Joh 17:17. Effects, in his people. -- Eph 5:25-27. An example of. -- Heb 7:26; 1Pe 2:21,22. The character of God, the standard of -- Le 19:2; 1Pe 1:15,16; Eph 5:1. The character of Christ, the standard of -- Ro 8:29; 1Jo 2:6; Php 2:5. The gospel the way of -- Isa 35:8. Necessary to God's worship -- Ps 24:3,4. None shall see God without -- Eph 5:5; Heb 12:14. Saints Elected to. -- Ro 8:29; Eph 1:4. Called to. -- 1Th 4:7; 2Ti 1:9. New created in. -- Eph 4:24. Possess. ”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Excellency and Glory of Christ, The — As God -- Joh 1:1-5; Php 2:6,9,10. As the Son of God -- Mt 3:17; Heb 1:6,8. As one with the Father -- Joh 10:30,38. As the First-born -- Col 1:15,18. As the First-begotten -- Heb 1:6. As Lord of lords, &c -- Re 17:14. As the image of God -- Col 1:15; Heb 1:3. As creator -- Joh 1:3; Col 1:16; Heb 1:2. As the Blessed of God -- Ps 45:2. As Mediator -- 1Ti 2:5; Heb 8:6. As Prophet -- De 18:15,16; Ac 3:22. As Priest -- Ps 110:4; Heb 4:15. As King -- Isa 6:1-5; Joh 12:41. As Judge -- Mt 16:27; 25:31,33. As Shepherd -- Isa 40:10,11; Joh”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Love to Christ — Exhibited by God -- Mt 17:5; Joh 5:20. Exhibited by saints -- 1Pe 1:8. His personal excellence is deserving of -- Song 5:9-16. His love to us a motive to -- 2Co 5:14. Manifested in Seeking him. -- Song 3:2. Obeying him. -- Joh 14:15,21,23. Ministering to him. -- Mt 27:55; 25:40. Preferring him to all others. -- Mt 10:37. Taking up the cross for Him. -- Mt 10:38. A characteristic of saints -- Song 1:4. An evidence of adoption -- Joh 8:42. Should be Sincere. -- Eph 6:24. With the soul. -- Song 1:7. In proportion to our mercies. -- Lu 7:47. Supreme. -- ”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Devotedness to God — A characteristic of saints -- Job 23:12. Christ, an example of -- Joh 4:34; 17:4. Grounded upon The mercies of God. -- Ro 12:1. The goodness of God. -- 1Sa 12:24. The call of God. -- 1Th 2:12. The death of Christ. -- 2Co 5:15. Our creation. -- Ps 86:9. Our preservation. -- Isa 46:4. Our redemption. -- 1Co 6:19,20. Should be With our spirit. -- 1Co 6:20; 1Pe 4:6. With our bodies. -- Ro 12:1; 1Co 6:20. With our members. -- Ro 6:12,13; 1Pe 4:2. With our substance. -- Ex 22:29; Pr 3:9. Unreserved. -- Mt 6:24; Lu 14:33. Abounding. -- 1Th 4:1. Persever”
Revelation “and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us, and washed us from our sins by his blood; -- Revelation 1:5”
Hebrews “looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. -- Hebrews 12:2”
Revelation of John “Revelation of John 1:5 (BSB) — and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and has released us from our sins by His blood,”
Revelation (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Revelation 14:1: Here we have one of the most pleasing sights that can be viewed in this world - the Lord Jesus Christ at the head of his faithful adherents and attendants. Here observe, 1. How Christ appears: as a Lamb standing upon mount Zion. Mount Zion is the gospel church. Christ is with his church and in the midst of her in all her troubles, and therefore she is not consumed. It is his presence that secures her perseverance; he appears as a Lamb, a true Lamb, the Lamb of God. A counterfeit lamb is mentioned as rising out of the earth in the last chapter, which was really”
1 John (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 John 5:10: In those words we may observe, I. The privilege and stability of the real Christian: He that believeth on the Son of God, hath been prevailed with unfeignedly to cleave to him for salvation, hath the witness in himself, Jo1 5:10. He hath not only the outward evidence that others have, but he hath in his own heart a testimony for Jesus Christ. He can allege what Christ and the truth of Christ have done for his soul and what he has seen and found in him. As, 1. He has deeply seen his sin, and guilt, and misery, and his abundant need of such a Saviour. 2. He has seen”
1 John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 John 3:5: And ye know that he was manifested,.... This is a truth of the Gospel the saints were well instructed in and acquainted with; that Jesus Christ, the Word and Son of God, who is here meant, who was with the Father, and lay in his bosom from all eternity, was in the fulness of time made manifest in the flesh, or human nature, by assuming it into union with his divine person; in which he came and dwelt among men, and became visible to them: the end of which manifestation was, to take away our sins; as the antitype of the scape goat, making reconciliation and satisfactio”
1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 14:25: And thus--omitted in the oldest manuscripts and versions. secrets of his heart made manifest--He sees his own inner character opened out by the sword of the Spirit (Heb 4:12; Jam 1:23), the word of God, in the hand of him who prophesieth. Compare the same effect produced on Nebuchadnezzar (Dan 2:30 and end of Dan 2:47). No argument is stronger for the truth of religion than its manifestation of men to themselves in their true character. Hence hearers even now often think the preacher must have aimed his sermon particularly at them. and so--”
Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 17:2: 17:2 Jesus’ appearance was transformed: Jesus’ inner, divine nature, previously veiled, was now disclosed so that the three caught a glimpse of his glory (see Exod 34:29-35; Ps 104:2; 2 Cor 3:12-18; Rev 1:16). Jesus’ followers will one day share in this glory (Matt 13:43).”
John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on John 20:31: But these are written,..... The several ends of recording what is written in this book, in proof of Christ's resurrection, are as follow: one is, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; that Jesus, who was diminutively called Jesus, the son of Mary, the son of Joseph, the carpenter's son, Jesus of Nazareth, and of Galilee, was the Christ, or true Messiah; which signifies anointed, and takes in all his offices of prophet, priest, and King, to which he was anointed; and is an article of faith of the greatest importance; and is to be believed thr”

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