Christians believe Jesus was following the teachings of God for a complex set of reasons rooted in their understanding of scripture, tradition, and personal experience. Here's a breakdown of the key arguments:
* Jesus' own words and actions: Christians believe Jesus explicitly claimed to be acting in accordance with God's will. He often referred to God as "Father" and said he came to do the Father's will (John 6:38). His teachings, such as the Sermon on the Mount, are seen as expansions and fulfillments of the Old Testament Law, emphasizing love, forgiveness, and righteousness, which are understood as core attributes of God.
* Old Testament Prophecies: Christians interpret numerous Old Testament prophecies as pointing towards Jesus as the Messiah, a figure sent by God to redeem Israel and the world. They believe Jesus fulfilled these prophecies in his life, death, and resurrection, demonstrating his divine mission. Examples include prophecies about the Messiah being born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), performing miracles (Isaiah 35:5-6), and suffering for the sins of others (Isaiah 53).
* Miracles: The Gospels recount numerous miracles performed by Jesus, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, and calming storms. Christians believe these miracles were acts of divine power, demonstrating Jesus' authority and confirming his claim to be the Son of God.
* Resurrection: The central tenet of Christian belief is the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Christians believe this event is proof of Jesus' divinity and victory over sin and death. They see it as God's ultimate affirmation of Jesus' life, teachings, and sacrifice.
* The Holy Spirit: Christians believe that after Jesus ascended to heaven, he sent the Holy Spirit to empower his followers. The Holy Spirit is believed to guide believers, reveal truth, and enable them to live according to God's will.
* Biblical Authority: The Bible, comprising the Old and New Testaments, is considered by Christians to be the inspired word of God. They believe it provides a reliable account of God's interactions with humanity, including the life and teachings of Jesus. They interpret the Bible through prayer, study, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and it forms the foundation of their faith.
* Personal Experience: Many Christians have personal experiences of God's presence and power in their lives, often attributed to their faith in Jesus. These experiences can include answered prayers, a sense of peace and purpose, and transformation of character. They see these experiences as further evidence of Jesus' authenticity and connection to God.
It's important to note that these beliefs are based on faith and interpretation of religious texts, which are not universally accepted.