Jesus Christ: incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension

Luke’s Gospel describes an angel telling Mary that she will have a child through the power of the Holy Spirit: ‘the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God’ (Luke 1:35). Christians believe that Jesus’ birth to the Virgin Mary was miraculous. John’s Gospel expresses the incarnation differently: ‘The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us’ (John 1:14). Here, ‘the Word’ refers to God the Son, who entered human life.

Fully human and fully divine

Catholic, Orthodox and most Protestant Christians believe that Jesus was fully human and fully divine. These are not two halves: Jesus had a complete human nature as well as a divine nature. The Nicene Creed, a statement of Christian belief, affirms that he was incarnate through the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became human.

The Gospels give concrete examples of both natures. Jesus felt hunger, grief and suffering. ‘Jesus wept’ (John 11:35) describes his response to the grief surrounding Lazarus’ death. Christians see his miracles and authority to forgive sins as signs of his divine power: when healing a paralysed man, Jesus declared, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven’ (Mark 2:5).

The incarnation matters because Christians believe God entered human experience out of love. Jesus’ suffering helps believers relate to him, while his life and teachings provide an example to follow. His coming also begins the work of salvation: saving people from sin and its consequences and restoring their relationship with God.

Crucifixion: suffering and sacrifice

Before his death, Jesus shared a Passover meal with his disciples in Jerusalem, known as the Last Supper. He was then crucified: put to death on a cross.

Christians understand this as a real, painful human death. It demonstrates that Jesus shared human suffering rather than merely appearing to be human. His death therefore connects directly to belief in the incarnation.

Christians also believe that Jesus’ death was a sacrifice for humanity’s sins. Sin means wrongdoing against God; Jesus, although sinless, suffered for others. His crucifixion makes forgiveness and a restored relationship with God possible. This gives the cross a meaning beyond suffering: it represents God’s love and the possibility of salvation. John 3:17 describes God sending his Son ‘to save the world through him’.

Resurrection: life overcoming death

Christians believe that Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion. Mark’s Gospel records the announcement at his tomb: ‘He has risen! He is not here’ (Mark 16:6). The Gospels also describe appearances to his followers after his resurrection.

For Christians, the resurrection confirms Jesus’ divine identity and the authority of his teachings. It shows that death did not defeat him and gives believers hope that death will not be the end for them either. Jesus declares, ‘I am the resurrection and the life’ and promises that whoever believes in him will live even though they die (John 11:25).

Most Christians understand the resurrection as a real bodily event. Luke records the risen Jesus inviting his followers to touch him, explaining that he has ‘flesh and bones’ (Luke 24:39). Some Christians interpret it non-literally instead: Jesus remained alive through his followers’ faith, memory and continuing work. For them, the Church can be understood metaphorically as his risen ‘body’.

Ascension: returning to heaven

The ascension is Jesus’ return to heaven after his resurrection. The accounts describe his disciples witnessing his departure and being entrusted with continuing his work through preaching the Gospel and building the Church.

The ascension marks the end of Jesus’ bodily presence with his followers on earth, not another death. It affirms his heavenly authority and leaves his followers responsible for carrying on his mission. The Anglican Thirty-nine Articles express the belief that Christ ascended into heaven and will return to judge humanity.

These events belong together: in the incarnation, God the Son enters human life; in the crucifixion, Jesus suffers and dies; in the resurrection, he overcomes death; and in the ascension, he returns to heaven.

Crucifixion

• Jesus’ death on a cross shows real human suffering.
• Christians understand it as a sacrifice for sin, making forgiveness and reconciliation with God possible.

Resurrection

• Jesus rises from death on the third day.
• Confirms his divine identity and gives hope of life after death.
• Most Christians believe in bodily resurrection; some interpret it symbolically through his followers’ continuing faith and work.
• Support: ‘He has risen!’ — Mark 16:6.

Ascension

• Jesus returns to heaven after his resurrection.
• Affirms his heavenly authority; his followers continue his mission.
• Christians believe he will return to judge humanity.