Greek: Christos

Vine’s: “anointed, translates, in the Sept. [Greek translation of OT], the word Messiah…”

Thayer’s: “anointed…1. Of the Messiah…”

Christ is really not a proper name, though we commonly use it that way. Rather, it is a description or even a title, if you will. It simply means anointed, but as with many other terms in common use during Bible times, the Holy Spirit takes it and gives it a special use and/or meaning.

The idea of being anointed applied to prophets, priests, and kings in Old Testament times. These were men specifically chosen by God to serve Him and His people. The anointing with oil was a symbolic act used to indicate God’s decision.

Jesus is The Anointed One (Acts 4:27).

He is Prophet, Priest, and King. He is God’s Prophet in a similar manner to Moses (Acts 3:22, 23). He is the deliverer of God’s people and the giver of God’s law, the gospel.

He is the High Priest of all Christians (Heb. 3:1). He leads us in our spiritual lives and personally offered the once-and-for-all sin offering; Himself on the cross (Heb. 9:28).

Jesus is the King of kings (1 Tim. 6:15). He sits on His throne in heaven ruling over His kingdom until the end of time (Heb. 1:3; 1 Cor. 15:24).

Jesus was specifically chosen by God for these things before time began. He was anointed with the Holy Spirit, not to be endued with power, but as a sign that He was the Savior (Acts 10:38). This is how John knew who Jesus was (Jn. 1:29-34).

Since Jesus is the Anointed One of God, it is our duty to follow Him. If we reject the Messiah, we reject the One who sent Him. Therefore, let us respect and receive the Christ.