At St Swithun’s we’re all about Jesus. We can reliably know about Jesus Christ, a real person who lived in Judea and Galilee early in the first century, through the bible. Of course, there are many other historical documents that tell us about him, but the four ‘gospel’ biographies in the bible give the clearest picture and are our standard of belief. Our Christian faith is built on the conviction that God has acted decisively in history through Jesus, bringing forgiveness, hope, and eternal life.

God’s Kingdom Has Come

Jesus announced that in his coming, the kingdom of God had drawn near. This kingdom is not simply a place, but God’s rule breaking into a broken world—restoring, healing, and reconciling. In his teaching and actions, Jesus displayed the character of this kingdom: he healed the sick, welcomed outcasts, forgave sins, and challenged hypocrisy. He revealed God’s holiness and compassion in perfect harmony.

Who Is Jesus?

Jesus was more than a wise teacher or moral reformer. He claimed unique authority: to forgive sins, to interpret God’s law, and to reveal the Father himself. He called people not merely to follow his teaching but to follow him. These claims confront us with a decision: was he deceived, deceptive, or truly the Son of God?

The Problem of Sin

Central to Jesus’ mission was addressing humanity’s deepest problem: ”sin”. Sin is not only individual wrongdoing but a posture of the heart—living in rebellion against God, preferring our own rule to his. The result is alienation from God, fractured relationships, and death itself. A holy and just God cannot ignore sin; it demands judgment. Yet the God of Scripture is also merciful, desiring that none should perish but that all should turn and live.

The Cross of Jesus Christ

The climax of Jesus’ mission was his death on the cross. Far from being an unfortunate end, it was the very purpose for which he came. The Bible describes the cross as a substitution: “Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God” (1 Pet 3:18). On the cross, Jesus bore the penalty we deserve, satisfying God’s justice while demonstrating his love. The cross is therefore both a display of divine grace and the only ground for forgiveness.

The Resurrection Hope

On the third day, Jesus rose bodily from the grave. This ‘resurrection’ is God the Father’s vindication of his Son—proof that his claims were true and his sacrifice effective. It proclaims victory over sin, Satan, and death. For those who trust him, it is the guarantee of eternal life and the promise of a renewed creation where God will dwell with his people forever.

A Response

This message is not simply information to be admired but good news to be received. God calls all people everywhere to repent—to turn from self-rule—and to trust Jesus as Lord and Saviour. This is not earned by good works but is received by faith alone, grounded in God’s grace and kindness towards us. Those who belong to Jesus Christ are forgiven, reconciled to God, indwelt by the Spirit, and made part of his people, the church.