Jesuism refers to the teachings and way of life exemplified by Jesus Christ in the New Testament. At its core, Jesuism encompasses beliefs about God, salvation, ethics, and living a Christ-centered life. Here is an overview of some of the key components of Jesuism:
God
In Jesuism, God is understood as one eternal being existing in three persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. This is known as the Trinity. God is characterized by attributes such as love, holiness, justice, goodness, and grace. He is the creator and sustainer of the universe.
Jesus Christ is believed to be the incarnation of God – fully divine and fully human. As stated in John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Jesus came to reveal God to humanity and redeem people from sin through his sacrificial death and resurrection.
The Holy Spirit is the ongoing presence of God in the lives of believers, guiding, empowering, and transforming them. The Holy Spirit convicts people of sin and enables them to live godly lives.
Humanity and Sin
In Jesuism, humanity is created in the image of God but has fallen into sin and rebellion. This was initiated by Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). As a result, human relationships with God, others, creation and even themselves have been broken. People are inclined toward evil and unable to save themselves through good works. As Romans 3:23 states, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Sin separates people from God and leads to spiritual death.
Salvation through Christ
The central message of Jesuism is salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus’ death on the cross paid the penalty for human sin, while his resurrection defeated death and evil. When a person repents of their sins and puts their faith in Christ, they receive forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and eternal life. Salvation is by God’s grace alone, not by human effort.
As Ephesians 2:8-9 expresses, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” When someone becomes a Christian, they enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Kingdom of God
In his teachings, Jesus spoke frequently of the Kingdom of God or Kingdom of Heaven. This refers to God’s reign and the community of believers living under God’s authority. The Kingdom is both a present reality and a future hope. It has arrived through Jesus but has not yet come in fullness. Believers are called to pray for and work towards advancing God’s Kingdom on earth through acts of service, justice, love and sharing the gospel. But the full manifestation of God’s Kingdom awaits Christ’s second coming.
Biblical Ethics
Jesuism promotes ethics and values based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Key ethical principles include:
– Love God and love your neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39)
– The Golden Rule – Do unto others as you would have them do unto you (Matthew 7:12)
– Bless and pray for your enemies (Matthew 5:44)
– Be merciful and forgiving (Matthew 6:14-15)
– Care for the poor and marginalized (Matthew 25:31-46)
– Be truthful and honest (Matthew 5:37)
– Practice humility and servitude (Mark 10:43-45)
– Reject immorality and impurity (Galatians 5:19-21)
– Pursue spiritual virtues like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)
Following Jesus
At the heart of Jesuism is following Jesus’ way of life and example. This involves denying self, taking up one’s cross, and obeying Christ’s commandments (Mark 8:34-38). Believers are called to imitate Jesus’ humility, integrity, selflessness, courage, compassion, devotion to God’s will, and service to others.
Key aspects of following Jesus include:
– Studying Jesus’ teachings and obeying them
– Prayer, worship and communion with God
– Loving and serving other Christians
– Making disciples by sharing the gospel
– Using one’s gifts and abilities for God’s glory
– Trusting in God’s faithfulness and provision
– Persevering through trials and suffering with hope and joy
The ultimate aim is for believers to become progressively more Christlike in character, virtues and behavior as they walk with Jesus daily. As 1 John 2:6 states, “Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.”
Afterlife and Eternity
Based on Jesus’ teachings, Jesuism maintains that every person will be resurrected to face final judgment by God. Those who have put their faith in Christ will receive eternal life in God’s presence, while those who have rejected Christ will be separated from God for eternity.
For believers, after death they will enter an intermediate state of Paradise or being with Christ (Luke 23:43, Philippians 1:23). At Christ’s second coming, they will be resurrected and their souls reunited with imperishable, glorified bodies (1 Corinthians 15). They will inhabit the new heavens and new earth to dwell with God forever (Revelation 21:1-5).
Unbelievers will be resurrected to face God’s judgment and be condemned to eternal punishment (Revelation 20:11-15). This eternal separation from God is often described as hell.
The hope of Jesuism is eternal life in God’s Kingdom for those who trust in Christ. As Jesus proclaimed in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Church and Sacraments
In Jesuism, the Church consists of all believers united to Christ and each other. It is described as the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). Local churches are communities of believers who gather for worship, discipleship, fellowship and service. Jesuism recognizes two sacraments established by Christ:
Baptism – The once-for-all, public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ and entrance into the Church (Matthew 28:19-20). It signifies dying and rising with Christ, cleansing from sin, and commitment to follow Jesus.
Communion (Also called Eucharist or Lord’s Supper) – An ongoing remembrance of Christ’s sacrificial death and celebration of believers’ unity with Him and each other (Luke 22:19-20). The bread and wine represent Jesus’ body and blood given for salvation.
Second Coming
Jesuism affirms the future, visible, personal return of Jesus Christ. He will come to fully establish God’s Kingdom, judge the world, defeat evil forever, and usher in the resurrection and new creation (Matthew 24:29-31, Acts 1:11, Revelation 1:7).
Believers are called to live in readiness for Christ’s return, which is certain but its timing unknown. This is a source of hope and encouragement for followers of Christ (Titus 2:11-14).
Jesuism in Summary
In summary, Jesuism refers to the core teachings, values, beliefs, and way of life centered around Jesus Christ as presented in the Bible. It encompasses views on God, humanity, sin, salvation, ethics, the Church, and eternity. At its heart is faith in the gospel message – that Jesus’ incarnation, sacrificial death for sins, and resurrection offers reconciliation with God and new life to all who repent and believe. Jesuism shapes how followers of Jesus are called to live in devotion to Christ and in service to others as they await Christ’s return.
