Who's Jesus, and What's Christianity

To someone who has never read the Bible, never heard of Christianity, and is involved in idolatry, I would begin by explaining the concept of the One True God, Yahweh, who created everything. He is the eternal and all-powerful Being who made the universe, the earth, and every living creature, including humanity. He is not like other gods or spirits that people might worship—He is above all creation, unchanging, and perfectly holy.

In this context, Jesus Christ is central to God's plan for humanity’s salvation.

Here's how I would introduce and explain His significance:

1. The Problem of Sin

Human beings, created in God's image, were designed to live in a relationship with Him. However, this relationship was broken due to sin—wrongdoing, disobedience, and rebellion against God's perfect nature. Sin isn’t just limited to outward actions; it is a deeper problem of the human heart, separating humanity from God. Every culture recognizes wrongdoing in some form, whether through bad behavior, evil thoughts, or a sense of guilt and shame.

2. The Need for Salvation

Because of sin, humanity stands in need of rescue—a salvation that no human effort, ritual, sacrifice, or devotion to other gods or spirits can achieve. These practices, while often earnest, fail to bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity. God is perfectly just and cannot tolerate sin, yet He is also merciful and desires reconciliation with His creation.

3. God’s Love and the Coming of Jesus

In His infinite love, God sent Jesus Christ, His only Son, into the world. Jesus is not merely another religious teacher or enlightened being; He is God Himself in human form (John 1:14). Unlike gods or goddesses who demand human sacrifices or works, Jesus came to offer Himself as the ultimate sacrifice. He lived a perfect life, teaching about God’s kingdom, healing the sick, casting out demons, and demonstrating God’s compassion.

4. Jesus’ Sacrificial Death and Resurrection

The core of Jesus' mission was His death on the cross. He willingly gave His life to pay the penalty for human sin (Romans 5:8). Unlike the sacrifices made to idols, which are ongoing and never-ending, Jesus’ sacrifice was once and for all (Hebrews 10:10). His death was the ultimate act of love, providing a way for people to be forgiven, cleansed, and reconciled to God.

But Jesus' story doesn’t end with His death. He rose from the dead three days later, conquering sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). This resurrection proves that He has power over life and death, making Him the only One capable of granting eternal life to those who believe in Him.

5. Salvation Through Faith in Jesus

Salvation is not earned by works, sacrifices, or rituals but is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is received by faith in Jesus—believing that He is God’s Son, that He died for our sins, and that He rose again to give us new life. By turning away from sin (repentance) and trusting in Jesus alone, a person becomes a child of God, free from the power of sin and idol worship (Acts 4:12).

6. The Call to Turn from Idols

Unlike other gods, who demand endless devotion and offer no assurance of salvation, Jesus offers a personal relationship with God that is based on love, not fear. Idolatry is not just the physical worship of statues or images; it includes anything that takes God’s rightful place in a person's heart (1 Corinthians 10:14). Jesus invites people to turn away from these deceptions and find the one true God through Him (John 14:6).

7. Jesus, the Only Way to God

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). This declaration is unique. It doesn’t mean that God doesn’t care about people of other beliefs; rather, it means that He has provided the one, definitive way to be saved through Jesus. Jesus is the bridge between a holy God and sinful humanity.

8. The Invitation to All

No matter a person’s background, beliefs, or past actions, Jesus’ invitation is open to all. His message is one of forgiveness, transformation, and hope. He offers deliverance from the emptiness and bondage of idolatry, promising a fulfilling and eternal relationship with God through Him (John 3:16).

Summary

In essence, Jesus Christ is the manifestation of God's love and mercy to humanity. He is the only path to salvation, providing a way out of sin’s bondage and a genuine relationship with the Creator. For someone engaged in idol worship, Jesus stands as a stark contrast to other gods—He is a living, loving Savior who seeks to redeem and restore, not merely demand or deceive.

In following Jesus, one embraces truth, freedom from sin, and eternal life with God, the Creator of all.