The historical truthfulness of Jesus Christ's incarnation two thousand years ago

Religion

The truth of the existence of Jesus Christ can be best be proven using a combination of historical, prophetic, and personal sources. Combining these three approaches is the best way to understand Jesus Christ. Taken together, these three perspectives offer the most complete picture of Jesus and His impact. According to the History World Web site, the four gospels provide the bulk of evidence regarding the life of Jesus of Nazareth. As the extra-Biblical sources from the Greco-Roman tradition substantiate the credibility of the gospel sources, these texts can be considered part of the historical canon. For example, historians know that the Apostles like Paul were human beings who knew and loved Jesus Christ. The apostles were mentioned in historical texts other than the Old Testament. Moreover, archaeological evidence also helps historians piece together the life and times of Jesus Christ. When the archaeological record corroborates textual data, historians can verify names, dates, and other contextual facts surrounding the life of Jesus Chris. From a historical perspective alone, it is not necessary to consult prophetic sources or personal testimony. However, prophetic sources and personal testimony are crucial to understanding why Jesus Christ had such a tremendous impact on human history.

The Old Testament contains a plethora of prophetic messages that foretold the coming of the messiah. These prophetic messages detail the circumstances under which the messiah would come, so that by the time Jesus was born it was clear that He was the prophet referred to in the Old Testament writings. For example, in Isaiah 9:6 it was written: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." Moreover, the messiah was predicted to arrive from the town of Bethlehem: "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting," (Micah 5:2). The messiah, or "anointed one" is referred to also in the book of Psalms: "Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows," (Psalm 45:6-7). These and many other Old Testament references illustrate the importance of the messiah for the Israelites, and the role that the messiah would play as a spiritual leader.