Who Is Jesus Christ?

In response to the Jehovah’s witnesses’ article “Who Is Jesus Christ?”, this article presents a series of sample conversations. These dialogues aim to provide Catholic answers, using the Bible, skillful Q&A, and analogies, to the claims made by Jehovah’s witnesses. The conversations highlight how Catholics can respond according to the teachings of the Church.

Conversation 1: The Nature of Jesus

JW Claim: “Jesus was the first creation of God and lived as a spirit before being born on Earth.”

Catholic Response:

Catholic: “That’s an interesting perspective. However, John 1:1 states, ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.’ How do you interpret this in light of Jesus being a creation?”

JW: “We believe it means Jesus was a divine creation, a separate entity from God.”

Catholic: “But if Jesus was with God in the beginning and was God, doesn’t it imply eternal existence, not creation? Just like the sun and its light cannot be separated or the sun exist before its light, Jesus’ existence with God speaks of an eternal relationship, not a created one.”

Conversation 2: The Purpose of Jesus’ Coming

JW Claim: “Jesus came to Earth primarily to teach about God and to be a ransom for humanity.”

Catholic Response:

Catholic: “Certainly, teaching was part of His mission. But John 3:16 says, ‘For God so loved the world, as to give his only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in him, may not perish, but may have life everlasting.’ Doesn’t this suggest His main purpose was to offer salvation?”

JW: “Yes, but as a ransom.”

Catholic: “True, but as a ransom that only God Himself could provide. Like a king who takes the place of a captive soldier to free him, Jesus’ divine nature made His sacrifice sufficient to redeem all humanity.”

Conversation 3: The Need for a Ransom

JW Claim: “Because of Adam’s sin, death entered the world, necessitating a ransom.”

Catholic Response:

Catholic: “Romans 5:19 says, ‘For as by the disobedience of one man, many were made sinners: so also by the obedience of one, many shall be made just.’ Would you agree that this implies a restoration more profound than a mere transaction?”

JW: “It seems to suggest that, yes.”

Catholic: “Think of it like a bridge. Sin created a chasm between God and humanity. Jesus, being both God and man, was the only one who could bridge this gap, not just pay a debt.”

Review and Teachings of the Church:

These conversations elucidate the following key teachings of the Church, supported by Scripture:

1. The Eternal Nature of Jesus:

   • Jesus is eternally begotten, not created (John 1:1).
   • His divinity and eternal existence are affirmed, contrary to the idea of being a creation (Philippians 2:6).

2. The Salvific Purpose of Jesus’ Mission:

   • Jesus’ primary purpose was to offer salvation, not just to teach or provide a ransom (John 3:16).
   • His divine nature made His sacrifice sufficient for the redemption of all humanity (1 Timothy 2:5-6).

3. The Redemptive Act of Jesus’ Sacrifice:

   • Jesus’ death is viewed as a profound act of divine love and grace, restoring the broken relationship between God and humanity (Romans 5:19).
   • This restoration is likened to a bridge over the chasm created by sin, a metaphor highlighting the transformative nature of Jesus’ sacrifice.

Through these dialogues, Catholics can effectively communicate the depth and richness of the Church’s teachings on Jesus Christ, fostering understanding and respect for differing viewpoints.